Without Tourists", with its picturesque hills and vineyards, can be an excellent alternative to its southern brother in the summer, although most of the tourists stubbornly fill the region in the winter - after all, some of the best ski resorts in Italy are located here.

Gourmets are well aware of the “taste” of Piedmont: its truffles, hazelnuts, chocolate and vintage wines such as Barberesco, Barolo and sparkling Asti. They brought fame to the region as well as the Slow Food movement that originated here, which is based on the simplest pleasures in life, where food, of course, occupies an important place.

The 2006 Olympic Games, held in the capital of Piedmont Turin and the surrounding slopes of the Milky Way resorts, also attracted international attention. Fortunately, this had almost no effect on the charming privacy and picturesqueness of this region.

Piedmont wines

Geographically, Piedmont also includes the regions of Langhe, Monferrato and the Roero hills, which are today considered the main wine-growing areas of the country.

Langhe is in the province of Cuneo, south and west of the Tanaro River, whose valley is famous for its truffles and vineyards. The Langhe hills grow grape varieties such as nebbiolo, dolcetto and barbera. Nebbiolo is traditionally used to produce the famous red wines Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition, there are the charming ancient towns of Barolo, La Morra, Monforte and Barbaresco.

Monferrato, stretching from Turin to the east to the border with the region of Alessandria, is washed by the waters of the Po River in the north and neighbors Langhe in the south. Monferrato is divided into two parts by the city of Asti, which lies in the middle. It is here that the popular Barbera d’Asti wine is produced, as well as the lesser known (but no less worthy) Fresia, Grignolino, Brachetto, Malavasia and Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato. In the fall, every Sunday, locals celebrate the ancient holiday of White Truffles, which grow at this time of year and are considered dizzyingly delicious.

The Roero Hills are located on the western bank of the Tanaro River, between Alba and Asti. The best light white wines in all of Piedmont are produced here. In addition, local honey deserves special mention (and there are even special beekeeper trails for tourists) and peaches (take the time to visit one of the local markets in late summer or autumn).

How to get to Piedmont

Piedmont is easily accessible by air - your international Airport Turin has Caselle, and Milan airports are also nearby: Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio, which serves low-cost companies. There is another airport directly in Piedmont - Levaldigi, which, however, does not receive many flights.

The area also has good rail connections to France through the Frejus Tunnel, which connects Turin with Lyon. Switzerland can be reached via Domodossola.

Although the area has good train and bus connections, the best way to explore Piedmont is by renting a car.

Search for flights to Turin (closest airport to Piedmont)

Cuisine and restaurants

The culinary masterpieces of Piedmont are truffles, chocolate and wine. The first are the world's most expensive mushrooms, which grow underground and are searched for with the help of dogs. Every year in the fall, from October 1 to November 7, an auction of white truffles is held in the city of Alba, where gourmets pay up to two thousand dollars for 1 kg of this delicacy.

A separate item of tourist expense in Piedmont is wine. Red Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as white sparkling Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are considered the best not only in the region, but throughout the country. What goes best with wine? Of course, cheese! In Piedmont these are castelmagno and gorgonzola. The first, semi-soft castelmagno, has been known since the 13th century and has a pungent taste, made from cow's milk and goes well with honey or fortified wine. Gorgonzola can be young (with a delicate taste) or aged (with piquant notes).

While vacationing in Piedmont, you should definitely try something like our “dumplings” - Agnolotti, which are served with various fillings (meat, spinach, ricotta cottage cheese). Also, no Piedmontese meal begins without antipasti piemontesi. Meat lovers will definitely enjoy Brasato al Barolo - meat on the bone, stewed in Barolo red wine.

Another traditional dish is Bollito misto alla Piemontese - an assortment of boiled meat of several varieties (sometimes their number reaches up to 7). You can also try Gnocchi di patate alla piemontese potato dumplings with cheese sauce. And finally, a hit on any table - Fritto misto: a sweetish-tasting assortment of lamb on the bone, sausages, liver, brains, Milanese cutlets, artichokes and carrots, which (attention!) are served with macaroons and apples.

Piedmont Hotels

Piedmont has a huge selection of accommodation options: from budget bed & breakfasts to luxury boutique hotels. A great place to stay in the Verbania area is Lake Maggiore. Stresa has the largest number in the region expensive hotels. You can also find campsites without any problems. And the best way to get to know the cuisine, life and way of life of the Piedmontese people is to stay on a real farm (the so-called agriturismo).

Shopping and shops

Piedmont, like any other region of Northern Italy, is famous for its outlet stores. Most of which are, of course, located near the capital - Turin. The most popular outlets in the region: Mondovicino Outlet Village, where you can find both Italian brands and international middle-class brands: Mariella Burani, Bialetti Casa, Alviero Martini, Parah, Datch, Massimo Rebecchi, Nike.

Address: Strada Vicinale Cassanio - "Cascina Viotto" - 12084 Mondovì (CN) www.mondovicino.it Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-22:00 in summer and Mon-Sun 10:00-20:00 in winter

Serravalle Designer Outlet also offers brands for medium budgets and luxury collections at reasonable prices. Here you can find: Diesel, Guess, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferré, Etro, La Perla, Cavalli, Trussardi, Furla, Prada, Armani, Gucci, Moncler, Pollini, Versace, Aspesi, Cacherel, Lacoste, Fratelli Rossetti, Timberland.

Address: Via della Moda, 1 - 15069 Serravalle Scrivia (AL) www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle

The Place - Luxury Outlet offers clothes and shoes from expensive Italian brands: Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Sergio Rossi, La Perla, Gucci, Vogart.

Address: Strada Trossi - 13876 Sandigliano (BI) www.theplaceoutlet.com Opening hours: Mon 15:00-19:00, Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00

Vicolungo Outlets is one of the largest outlets in Europe; therefore, here you can find almost any brand of clothing, shoes or household products.

Address: Casello Biandrate - Vicolungo autostrada A4 www.vicolungooutlets.com Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-20:00

Alessi offers stores with home goods.

Address: Via Privata Alessi, 6 - Crusinallo (VB) Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30-18:00

Ski resorts in Piedmont

The most popular ski areas in Piedmont are Val di Susa, which unites the resort towns of Sestriere, Cesana, Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario and Claviere (Claviere).

Some of them are included in the popular area " Milky Way”, which, together with Bardonecchia, hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2006. The resort that is usually chosen by tourists who carefully monitor the state of their wallet is Limone Piemonte.

Medical resorts and thermal baths of Piedmont

Entertainment and attractions in Piedmont

There are so many cultural and natural beauties on the territory of Piedmont that you don’t even need to look for them - they themselves will constantly “catch your eye.” From charming chapels and majestic abbeys to picturesque vineyards and ancient castles. For example, in Ivrea the Duomo Cathedral is stunning with its grandeur, in the city of Vercelli - the Church of St. Andrew. And the ancient abbey in the city of Vezzolano near Asti, according to legend, was built in 773 by Charlemagne himself. In addition, this region has a lot of national parks (for example, Gran Paradiso and Val Grande) and nature reserves, and there are also beautiful lakes Maggiore and Orta.

Cities of Piedmont

Alba is the gateway to the Langhe wine region. Founded by the Romans many centuries ago, historical Center The city still preserves the ruins of ancient fortress walls. But the main glory of the city came from its elegant wine, exotic truffles and Nutella chocolate spread, which is produced here.

Alessandria is a city 90 km from Turin, the capital of the province of the same name.

Asti is the center of wine production in Piedmont, an important cultural and shopping mall Middle Ages, known as the “city of 100 towers”, of which only 15 have survived today.

Bardonecchia is a ski resort and the “Italian gateway” to the Frejus tunnel, which connects Italy with France.

Barolo - small town south of Alba, world famous for its red wine.

Biella - another miniature original city areas where ancient crafts in the production of wool and clothing are still strong. Next to it is the 13th century fortified village of Candelo.

Bra is located midway between Cuneo and Turin, on the border of the Langhe region, next to the Tanaro River. This is one of the main centers of the so-called “Piedmontese Baroque”, as many churches and palaces from the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved here. The sconce is also the heart of the “food valley”, where the University of Gastronomic Science is located.

Cuneo is the capital of the largest province of Piedmont, one of the main centers of the Italian resistance during the Second World War.

Stresa is a charming small town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. A health and medical resort, which is famous for its climate and surrounding picturesque landscapes.

And finally, Verbania - main city on Lake Maggiore.

Piedmont is an administrative region located in the northwestern part of Italy.

Piedmont, which many call “Tuscany without tourists,” is famous for its hills and mountains (the territory of Piedmont is surrounded on three sides by the ridges of the Alpine mountains).

Neighbors of Piedmont are the well-known regions of Italy for vacationers - Lombardy and Liguria, as well as European states Switzerland and France.

Piedmont represents a winter resort region, because this is where the best in all of Italy are located.

Many celebrities often visit Piedmont, celebrating these places for their natural beauty and culinary sophistication. Truffle, chocolate, hazelnuts - the level of local cuisine is much higher than in many cities in Italy and in European countries. Piedmont's masters of the stove and knife can confidently compete with French and Swiss chefs. Also, don’t forget about the wonderful vintage wines, among which Barolo, Barberesco and Asti (fizzy wine) are most often remembered.

Looking at the above, it becomes clear that one of the highlights of Piedmont is the cuisine of the region.

Piedmont gained its popularity thanks to the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, which is the capital of Piedmont, as well as due to the nearby snow-covered slopes. It is worth noting that local authorities managed not only to prepare and hold the Olympic Games at the highest level, but at the same time preserved the pristine beauty of the nature of Piedmont.

Piedmont Hotels

You can order on our portal, prices are usually higher than the average for Italy.

Wine production in Piedmont

The Piedmont region contains the main wine-growing areas of all of Italy, these are the Langhe, Monferatto, and the Roero hills. It is worth noting that these provinces are engaged not only in winemaking, but it is thanks to it that they have become known throughout the world.

The Nebiollo Langhe grape is located in the province of Cuneo, southwest of the Tanaro (the second largest river in Piedmont). The valley is famous not only for its wonderful vineyards, which produce some of the best wine in all of Italy, but also for its magnificent truffles. Among the grape varieties that Langhe uses are Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera. Most often in Langhe wine is made from nebiollo. This grape variety produces excellent red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Don't forget about Lange's architecture. There are a huge number of ancient towns with beautiful buildings and paintings. These are Barolo, Monforte, Barbaresco and La Morra.

I would like to talk about less famous place wine production in Piedmont, which, by the way, is not inferior in level to any wine-producing city in Italy - this is Monferatto. This town, which is washed by the Po River along the northern outskirts and neighbors Lange on the southern edge, is divided into two almost equal parts. The reason for this division is a city located in Monferatto itself, called Asti. It is in this Piedmont town that the well-known Barbera di Asti wine is produced, as well as the less popular Frecia, Grinolino, Brachetto, Malavasia and, of course, Ruce di Castagnola Monferatto.


It is worth noting the holidays that are held local residents. Thus, one of the main holidays of the residents of Monferatto is the White Truffle Festival, which has been held since ancient times in the fall on Sundays. It is believed that this region has the most delicious truffle in all of Italy.

As for the Roero hills, they are located between the towns of Asti and Alba on the western bank of the Tanara River. White wine is also common here, and all varieties of white wine that are made in Roero are considered the best, if not in all of Italy, then certainly in Piedmont. For the most part, dry and semi-dry white wine is prepared here.

You should also pay attention to honey production. Since ancient times, Roero has produced one of the most delicious varieties of honey in Italy. For tourists who love honey, special trails have been laid in Roero, which are used only by beekeepers. Residents of Roero also pay a lot of attention to fruits. If Your route will pass through this wonderful place; be sure to try the local peaches, which are sold in Roero at the market in late summer - early autumn at almost every turn.

Paths to Piedmont

Piedmont is one of the few regions that can be reached by any known means of transport. Casel International Airport is located in Turin. Piedmont is also home to Levaldigi Airport, which receives a small proportion of international flights. The capital of the neighboring Lombardy region, Milan has three airports (Malpensa, Linate, Orio al Serio). to Turin on the Italy Today portal.

Concerning railway, then the entire Piedmont region has excellent rail connections to France through a tunnel called Fraius (it connects Lyon and Turin). You can also get from Piedmont to Switzerland via Domodossola.

But despite the fact that there is a very developed network of buses throughout the Piedmont region, it is worth noting that the best one can be rented in any city. There are now a lot of companies engaged in car rental, and you can find them in Piedmont good car behind low price rental

Cuisine Features in Piedmont

As mentioned earlier, truffles, wine and chocolate are considered culinary masterpieces in the Piedmont region. Information for reference: truffles are mushrooms (the most expensive in the world) that are found underground.


Most often, dogs are used to search for such mushrooms, although previously specially trained pigs were used, but the pigs ate their finds. The truffle hunting season opens at the end of September and lasts until January; usually a truffle specialist finds up to 100 grams of this delicacy per night. Every year, at the beginning of October, a truffle auction is held in Alba. The approximate cost of a kilogram of white truffles is about 2 thousand euros.

Also, don’t forget about wine. Gourmets of the “wine arts” consider Barolo, Barbaresco (red wines), Moscat di Asti and Spumante (white wines) to be masterpieces. In addition, Italians, who understand the taste of culinary products like no other, recommend drinking their wine with cheese, which is also produced in Piedmont. The two main and most delicious types of cheese most often noted in the region are Castelmagno and Gorgonzola.

The first mention of Castelmagno appeared around the 12th-13th century. This is a semi-soft cheese with a rather sharp taste, which is made from cow's milk andItalians most often consume it together with honey or fortified wine. Gorgonzola is made in two forms: with a delicate taste (young) and with a coarser and piquant taste (aged).

It is also worth trying the local Agnolotti - this is a dish that is very reminiscent of our dumplings and dumplings. In appearance, Agnolotti are very close to dumplings, but the filling is not only meat, but also cottage cheese, spinach or ricotta. Every meal, celebration or just an ordinary meeting begins only with appetizers, among which the locals highlight Piemontesi Antipasti. As for the main dishes, it is worth noting the meat dishes. Many visitors really like Brasato al Barolo - this is meat that is stewed in one of the best red wines of Piedmont - Barolo. Another traditional dish is Bollito misto alla Piemontese - a platter made from boiled meat of several varieties. During preparation, depending on the cost, you can request the use of up to seven types of meat. Well, the most striking dish on the table in Piedmont is Fritto Misto. This is an assortment of lamb on the bone, liver, brains, several types of sausages, Milanese cutlets, artichokes and carrots, which have their own special sweetish taste. But even here, not everything is simple, because locals are used to serving this amazing dish with apples or macaroons.

If we talk not only about meat dishes, then we should mention potato pancakes or Gnocci di patate alla Piemontese, which are most often served with cheese sauce.

Accommodation in Piedmont

There are incredibly many places to stay during your holiday in Piedmont. Here, first of all, it should be noted that you can find expensive boutique hotels, which are mostly located in Stres, and cheaper options such as bed and breakfast, as well as the possibility of staying at a campsite. The best place to find a place is on Lake Maggiore, which is located in the Verbania region. Also, do not forget that this part of Italy is farming. Therefore, tourists have the opportunity to spend their holidays on a farm, where they can live, or even a whole house, for a certain period of time.

Shopping and shops, shopping in Piedmont

Piedmont is no different from the rest of Italy in this regard. They also love beautiful clothes here and sell them very skillfully. A huge part of the outlet centers from all over the region are located near Turin, which is not surprising in principle. Of the most popular, it should be noted -


Mondovichino Outlet Village. In this center you will be able to find Italian and international mid-range brands at affordable prices. Among such brands, it is worth noting Nike, Mariella Burani, Alviero Martini, Datch, Parah, Bialetti Casa, Massimo Rebecchi.

Seravalle Design Outlet. It also offers discounted brands from both luxury and budget collections. Here you can find the more popular Lacoste, Versace, Diesel, Timberland, Prada, Armani, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Hess, Cavalli, Montclair, Ferre, Etro, La Perla, Pollini, Aspesi, Trussarli, Furla, Cacerel and Fratelli Rozzetti.

The Place - Luxury Outlet. Here you can find clothes and shoes produced by expensive Italian brands such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci, La Perla, Vogart, Sergio Rossi.

Vicolungo outlet is considered one of the largest outlets in all of Europe, so here you can find clothes for every taste, of any manufacturer and brand.


 Ski resorts in Piedmont

Piedmont differs from other regions of the Apennine Peninsula not only in its beautiful landscapes or extraordinary cuisine and wine, but also in its excellent ski resorts.

One of the most beautiful and popular in northern Italy among ski places The Val di Susa region, which unites five more resort towns (Sestriere, Cesena, Sous di Oulx, Sansicaria and Claviera), is considered a pilgrimage area.

These cities are part of the “Milky Way” - as the Italians dubbed this area, which in 2006 hosted the Olympic Games along with Bardonecia.

If you don't have enough Money If you want to relax in style, then you are offered a holiday in Limone, Piedmont.

Medical resorts and thermal baths of Piedmont

The Terme di Acqui is located 34 kilometers from Alessandria. Here the basis of the holiday is the healing mud and thermal waters. The Bolente Pavilion, built in 1870, is the pride of the resort. It comes from Bolente medicinal water a temperature that exceeds 70 degrees and is recommended for diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Terme di Aqui Terme di Agliano is located almost twenty kilometers from the town of Asti. It is in this area that crystal clear springs rich in minerals, known far beyond the borders of Italy, flow from the ground.

The Terme di Bognanco, which was opened at about the same time as the Terme di Acqui, has water from three great local springs, namely San Lorenzo, Ausonia and Guadenziana. They treat diseases that are associated with the liver, stomach, bile ducts, and are also recommended for the prevention and improvement of the digestive tract.

Baths of Crodo. Three springs (Valle di Oro, Liesel, Montecistella), where the temperature is from +9 to +11.5 degrees, are most often used as table water. Water from these sources heals the digestive organs and the genitourinary system.

The Baths of Garessia are located 73 kilometers from Cuneo, the source of Fonti San Bernardo is located at an altitude of 600 meters in the beautiful Fotni Park and the basin of the Tanara River. This thermal bath is considered the most ideal place for a calm and quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle.

The Lurisia Baths are a place most often visited by show business stars, politicians, multi-billionaires and aristocrats. This place, which is located approximately twenty kilometers from Cuneo, was discovered in 1940. At Lurisia Thermae you will be offered from classic wellness to Thai massage, multiple restorative treatments and much more. It is worth noting the Turkish bath, which is located in a thermal grotto, as well as mud applications and thermal baths.

Among the remaining thermal baths, it is worth noting Terma di Premium, Terma di Valdieri and Terma di Vanadio.


Local entertainment, architectural features, cultural values ​​of Piedmont

The entire Piedmont region is of cultural value, because each street has its own unusual architecture, and nature is striking in its beauty. Among the architecture, it is worth noting the ancient chapels, which can attract the attention of even the most indifferent person.
Besides this ancient castles and abbeys that look simply inimitable and never repeated. Examples of such wonderful buildings are the Duomo Cathedral, which is located in Ivrea, as well as the Temple of San Andreo in the town of Vercelli. Regarding abbeys in Piedmont, it should be noted that the oldest abbey is located in the city of Vezzolano, which is located near Asti. According to history, this abbey was built by Charlemagne in 773. In addition, it should be noted that in Piedmont there are as many as 56 National parks, as well as two magnificent lakes - Orta and Maggiore.

Cities of Piedmont

Alba. The city, which was founded by the Romans many centuries ago, has preserved the walls of the ancient fortress walls, and is today central city in winemaking. In Alba, connoisseurs of exotic dishes will have their share of pleasures, as well as the most delicious chocolate spread in the world, called Nutella.

Alessandria is the capital of the province of Alessandria and is located approximately 90 kilometers from the capital of Piedmont - Turin.

Cathedral in Asti. Asti is another winemaking center, as well as one of the most important cultural (for history buffs) and commercial (for shopping tourists) center. Also in many sources, Asti is known as “the city of a hundred towers.” Now only 15 of them have survived in Asti, the rest have been lost.

Bardonecchia is a town that leads to the Freius Tunnel, connecting Italy and France. In addition, it is also a ski resort.

Barolo is a small town that has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its excellent red wine.

Biella is a small town where ancient crafts related to the production of clothing and wool are very developed. Nearby is the fortress-village of Candelo, created approximately in the 12-13th century.

Bra is a town located between Turin and Cuneo near the Tanara River. This city is famous for the fact that a huge number of different churches have been preserved here since ancient times, as well as palaces that were created in the 17-18th century. In addition, Bra is also a center in another industry - gastronomy. It is in Bra that the University of Gastronomic Culture is located.

Cuneo is the largest city in Piedmont and is the capital of the province of Piedmont. During World War II, Cuneo was the main center of resistance.

Stresa is a small town that is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, where the main town is Verbagna. It is in this town that health and medical resorts are very common, in addition, the city has always been famous for its excellent climate and wonderful landscapes

Looking at all this beauty, both external (architecture, nature, resorts) and internal (holidays, excellent cuisine, cultural events), there is undoubtedly a desire to spend at least one day there.

Piedmont is an incredibly rich region in natural beauty and culinary delights. It so happened that I had long wanted to travel around Piedmont, but every time it didn’t work out. But I wasn’t upset, because everything has its time. And the time for my trip has finally come.

It’s especially nice that it’s beautiful here at any time of the year. Amateurs flock to Piedmont in winter winter species sports, and in summer and autumn the region is filled with connoisseurs of winemaking and cooking.

When it came time to make plans for the New Year, my choice fell on this region. There were many reasons for this. Back in 2006, when I visited Turin for the first time, I decided to definitely return here and explore the entire region by car. And now, eleven years later, I realized my plan.

Some important facts about Piedmont

  • They speak Italian here. If you don’t speak it, then English will be your salvation;

  • Delicious vintage wines are produced and drunk here;

I can compare Piedmont to a box. You take it in your hands, open it, and with a sinking heart you begin to look at the jewelry stored in it. I really hope that after reading my story you will add this point on the map to your wish list.

Short video about Piedmont

How to get there

The most convenient and quick way To be transported to Piedmont is to buy a plane ticket.

For those like me who are heading to Piedmont from Europe, train or bus will do. Communication between EU countries is very good. Therefore, you will always have plenty of options.

For avid travelers who like to create challenging itineraries, ferry service may be worth considering.


And finally, for those who do not like to adjust to a schedule public transport, the most suitable option is a car.

By plane

The capital of the Piedmont region is Turin. Therefore, many tourists begin their journey from this city.

From Moscow to Turin


Many airlines fly to Turin:

  • direct flight offers S7 Airlines. After paying about 280 EUR, in 4 hours you will find yourself at Turin airport. It is very convenient, and most importantly, precious time is not lost;
  • Turkish Airlines makes a long overnight stop in Istanbul (8-9 hours). I believe that the price of 200 EUR cannot compensate for this inconvenience. It is unlikely that you will be able to save money, since it is simply impossible to sit at the airport for 9 hours at night. You'll have to book a hotel nearby. If you add two nights in a hotel to the ticket price, it will be much more expensive than a direct flight from S7;

  • Alitalia flies with more convenient flights. A 2-3 hour transfer in Rome will not take much time away from the trip. Therefore, I think this opportunity is worth taking a closer look at.

As it becomes clear, flights with transfers cost from 200 EUR for round-trip tickets. If you buy in advance, you can also save money.

From St. Petersburg to Turin

There are no direct flights. As an alternative, I can recommend flying with Lufthansa.


The duration of the transfer in Munich on the way there will be about 8 hours during the daytime. From my own experience, I can say that during this time you can get a little familiar with Bavarian culture, try the famous white sausages and return to the airport with a sense of accomplishment. The return connection is only 2 hours. Tickets start at 300 EUR.

From the airport to the city center

It's very simple. Trains run from Caselle airport to Turin train station. Don't be afraid of electric trains in Europe, they have nothing in common with ours. It's comfortable high speed trains. The station is located right in the center of Turin, and there is also a metro station nearby.


They run every half hour from 6:45 to 21:15.

A ticket costs about 10 EUR one way, and the journey is very short (the distance is only 16 kilometers).

From Moscow to Milan

Yes, this is another one Alternative option. You can fly to Milan and then take a 2-hour bus ride to Turin station.

Direct flights are operated by Alitalia and Aeroflot:

  • travel time is three and a half hours. The issue price is on average 340 EUR. If you choose from these companies, then, of course, it is better to take Aeroflot. The flight, food and entertainment quality will be much higher than Alitalia.

More than five more companies fly with transfers:


  • Fly One makes short transfers in Chisinau. But be careful, the 40-60 minute connection is very unreliable. The slightest delay on the first flight and you won't be able to catch the next one. But the tickets are the cheapest - 230 EUR.
  • Turkish Airlines flies with a stop in Istanbul. A short connection and a price of around 270 EUR - not so bad.

From St. Petersburg to Milan

Direct flights are offered by Aeroflot and Alitalia. I will say right away that in summer ticket prices reach 700-800 EUR. This is, of course, very expensive for such a distance. The only option is to book a flight in winter or spring. Then you can catch tickets at a good price.

Alternative:

  • Lufthansa flies with a transfer of 8 hours in Munich (there) and 10 hours in Frankfurt on the way back. If you are not limited in time, then in principle you can choose this flight. Daytime connections will allow you to enter the city. In 8-10 hours you can see the city center.
  • two more companies - Fly One And Czech Airlines offer flights with stops in Chisinau and Prague. Prices for tickets with transfers range from 270-290 EUR. The sooner you buy them, the better it will be.

The choice is yours, there are a lot of flights, so it's up to you.

By train

If you are already in Europe, then I advise you to consider the train to get to Turin.


Railway connection connects the capital of Piedmont with many cities: Paris, Lyon, Milan, Zurich, Berlin, Hanover, Frankfurt am Main and others. The trains are comfortable and travel quite quickly.

For example:

Paris-Turin

  • travel time - 6 hours
  • ticket price - from 40 EUR

I’m telling you how to get to Turin, because I think you should start getting to know the region from its capital. It is very convenient that the train arrives at the railway station, which is located in the very center of the city.

By bus

It is not possible to get from Russia to Piedmont, but there are many routes within Europe.


From neighboring France, for example. A ticket to Turin will cost only 30 EUR, the travel time is about 3 hours.

For those traveling around Italy, it will be even easier. People travel to Turin from almost every city Shuttle Buses.


You fall in love with this city at first sight.

Stay a couple of days in Milan.


And don’t listen to those who say that there is nothing to do here for more than one day. I listened and ended up urgently looking for a hotel for a couple more nights.

You can indicate the place where you will pick up and leave the car: at the airport, in the city or at the company office.

Documentation

There is a lot of talk on forums about whether it is possible to drive in Italy with a Russian license. I answer the question - you can’t. You must have an international driving license.


Some companies turn a blind eye and give you a car even if you only have a Russian license. But the employees will not tell you that if your documents are checked, you will be fined 300 EUR. Their interest is to earn their money, and your fines are not their problem. Therefore, before the trip, you need to go to the traffic police and get an international driving license. This is done in one day.

Before you happily jump into your car and rush towards adventure, check for scratches and scuffs. If found, take photographs and contact the manager. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the mistakes of others.

In general, driving rules in Piedmont, as in all of Italy, are not too different from ours. But there are some nuances.

The main thing to remember is never exceed the speed limit. There are cameras installed everywhere that record every passing car. At the beginning of this year I received a fine from Italy for exceeding the limit in 2015! At first I thought it was a joke or a mistake. I called the number provided and they explained to me in broken English that everything was correct, the fine needed to be paid. Here's the story. The cameras are triggered if you drive 5 kilometers faster than the permissible limit.

Speed ​​limits:
  • in the city - 50 km/h
  • outside the city - 90 km/h
  • on the motorway - 130 km/h

Parking

If you leave your car in a paid parking lot, pay for parking at the machine and place the ticket under the windshield. Otherwise, you will come back and find a piece of paper with a fine pressed down by the wiper.

Even in Italy, many people do not take care of their cars and park close to each other. So that sometimes it is impossible to leave. The locals are not particularly upset - here it is sometimes practiced to “move” the car in front with your bumper. For an example, just look at the photo below.


This is how some Italians park their cars.

In this regard, the place to stop must be chosen carefully. It is desirable that the cars should not stand one after the other, but parallel to each other.

Piedmont - holidays with children

I believe that children will enjoy traveling around Piedmont at any time of the year. In the summer - walks around the cities, swimming in Lake Maggiore and tanning on the beach. For entertainment - riding on inflatable bananas or boats.

In winter, you can go to the mountains and put your child on skis. Children love this sport very much. All equipment and instructor lessons can be taken in each village at the ski lifts.

And clean air, fresh vegetables and fruits, active recreation will charge you with energy and health for many months.

Ski holiday

It must be said that the 2006 Olympics inspired the ski resorts of Piedmont new life. There are new trails, lifts, comfortable hotels and chalets, restaurants have opened. Overall the infrastructure has improved significantly.

You can have a great time here, even if you are not confident on your skis. Slopes of varying difficulty levels allow both professionals and beginners to enjoy skiing.

Accommodation prices vary. The most modest houses offer rooms from 110 EUR. You can choose apartments with a kitchenette, and if your budget allows, luxurious chalets with a fireplace and sauna. You can search for options at.


The most famous region for skiing is Val di Sousa. It consists of five resorts: Sauze d'Oulx, Sestriere, Cesana, Sansicario and Claviere. These are small towns, or rather mountain villages, with excellent infrastructure.

The most popular of them is Sestriere. Since the 2006 Winter Olympics, which took place on the slopes of this resort, a huge number of skiers and snowboarders come here every year. What’s especially nice is that the trails here are well lit until 10 p.m. Who loves evening skating - welcome!

Ski passes

When you arrive at the resort, you can buy a single card that allows you to use ski passes throughout the Val di Susa region. This is convenient if you don’t like to sit still and plan to stay in several towns during your vacation. There are a total of 78 ski lifts in the region, and all of them will be at your disposal.


If you spend all your time at one resort, then it is better to buy a card that only works on the ski lifts of that city. The price will be 10 percent lower than the regional price.

Cards are sold daily. That is, you buy for the number of days that you plan to ski and use the lifts an unlimited number of times. It is very comfortable.

Prices for a single card for the Val di Susa region:

1 day

  • adults - 46 EUR
  • children (up to 16 years old) - 32 EUR

3 days

  • adults - 130 EUR
  • children - 91 EUR

7 days

  • adults - 243 EUR
  • children - 170 EUR

You can purchase a card for any number of days. I listed the prices to make it clear that the more days you ride, the cheaper it gets.

Hotels are mainly located as close as possible to the slopes and ski lifts. This is done for the convenience of vacationers, so you don’t have to go anywhere. At most, you need to walk a little from the hotel.

Trails

There are about 400 kilometers of excellent trails in the region. As I already wrote above, they are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

So, feel free to hit the slopes and enjoy the grandeur of the surrounding nature.

5 must-do things in this region

To fully enjoy the beauty of the region, you need to spend at least a couple of weeks here. Regardless of what time of year you are planning a trip. My advice is to forget about the fuss, just travel around the cities of Piedmont, try local cuisine, enjoy nature and relaxation.

I present to you my list of must-dos during your trip:

  • Try all types of local wines, admiring every glass. This can be done in any restaurant or bar. But I recommend going to the winery and asking for a tasting. Usually the staff does this with great pleasure. At the same time, they will tell you about each type of wine. The only obstacle is the language barrier. But if you speak at least a little English, then the problem can be solved. And no one has canceled sign language.
  • Take a walk along Via Garibaldi in Turin under the arched vaults to the embankment of the Po River and feel like a representative of the royal family, for whom these passages were built.
  • Order a cup of scalding Bicherin.
  • Don't rush anywhere and join the slow food culture.
  • Visit Lake Maggiore.

Have a nice trip!

Anything to add?

Piedmont(literally “At the foot of the mountains”), whose name comes from the geographical location of the region, is one of the most large regions Italy: its area is more than 25,000 sq. km and is home to about 4.5 million people.
This region extends throughout almost the entire northwestern part of Italy from the foot of the Alps, which separate it from France and Switzerland, to the Apennines in the south, which act as a natural border with Liguria, and on Lake Maggiore and the Ticino River, Piedmont borders on Lombardy.
The airports of Milano Malpensa, Turin Caselle and Genoa (one of the most important ports Mediterranean Sea) - make communication with the region easily accessible.

This area, despite its glorious history and fame, tourists fell in love relatively recently. But we can assume with complete certainty that the feeling will be eternal. Because this happened not only thanks to Turin, which was glorified XX. It’s just that the word “most” has a special relationship to Piedmont: here are some of the most high mountains in Europe Gran Paradiso(4061 m) and (4637 m), the second Alpine peak after Mont Blanc. Decorates the region of Piedmont and beautiful mountainMonviso. This is also where it starts Po River, the longest river in Italy (652 km).

Nature has turned Piedmont into a paradise, beautiful at any time of the year. 150 hectares of land are carefully protected by the state. These are 56 regional parks and reserves, the world-famous parks Gran Paradiso and Val Grande, where you can take fascinating excursions to the glaciers.

The central part of the region is formed by the valley of the Po River (in its upper reaches) and the massifs of hills - Po, Po and Monferrato. The beautiful panorama is complemented by many fortresses and castles crowning the tops of hills along the banks of rivers and lakes, rising among forests and above the crossroads of ancient roads.

Piedmont is the westernmost region of Italy with beautiful and developed infrastructure entertainment. Ski resorts Piedmont is most often compared to the French Alps; they are similar in natural and climatic conditions. The first skiers descended from the slopes of Bardonecchia at the beginning of the 19th century. Piedmont offers 1,300 km of ski tracks, 53 ski bases, 300 slopes, snow parks and helf pipes for snowboard enthusiasts, ice climbing, heli-skiing, cross-country skiing and night snowshoeing.

Piedmont is also rich, for which the most favorable conditions have been created.

History of Piedmont

The name "Piedmont" was first mentioned in the 13th century. Until the 15th century, the territory of Piedmont was fragmented into many fiefs. In the 15th century, Piedmont entered Duchy of Savoy(the inseparability of Piedmont and Savoy was established). In 1720 it became the main part Sardinian kingdom with its capital in Turin. From 1802 to 14 it was part of France. From the 1820s to the 40s, one of the most economically developed regions of Italy. The bourgeoisie and the bourgeois nobility of Piedmont played a significant role in the Italian national liberation movement of the 19th century, being the leading force in the bourgeois Piedmontese Revolution of 1821, actively participating in the Revolution of 1848-1849 in Italy.

Around the Kingdom of Sardinia (in fact around Piedmont) in 1859–60 the unification of Italy took place. During the Second World War, Piedmont was occupied by Nazi troops in September 1943; it became one of the most important centers of the Resistance Movement. Liberated mainly by Resistance forces in April 1945. The high degree of concentration of industry and the working class (primarily in Turin) determined the position of Piedmont as one of the main centers of the labor and democratic movement in Italy.

Useful information for tourists about Piedmont in Italy - geographical position, tourism infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Piedmont is one of the most developed regions of Italy and the second largest territory. Located in the north-west of the country between the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines in the western part of the Po Valley. Most of Piedmont is occupied by mountains and hills, and only about a third is plains. Population: 4.3 million people. The most big cities– Turin ( administrative center), Novara, Asti, Cuneo, Vercelli, Alessandria.

The first people appeared on the territory of Piedmont back in the Neolithic era, but only with the arrival of the Romans, in the 2nd century BC, did the formation of the so-called cultural landscape. It was the Romans who built roads here and founded the first cities, since Piedmont has always been a strategically important territory - the border with Gaul (France) passed here. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was repeatedly subjected to barbarian invasions. In the 6th and 7th centuries, Piedmont was part of the Lombard kingdom, and from the end of the 8th century - the Carolingian state. Well, in the 11th century, the Savoy dynasty gained strength in Piedmont, which began to dominate these parts for several centuries.

In the 15th century, the first textile and mining manufactories began to appear in Piedmont, which became the basis for the future industrial development of the region. At the same time, rice began to be grown here, which over time turned into the most important local crop. And the 16th century was the century when art flourished in Piedmont. In 1718, Sardinia was annexed to the possessions of the Dukes of Savoy, and Piedmont became the main part of the Sardinian kingdom. In 1861, Turin was declared the capital of a united Italy - the city retained this title for five years.

The end of the 19th century was a time of rapid development of industry and agriculture in Piedmont. It was then that FIAT, the largest Italian car manufacturing concern, was created here. Today, several sectors of the economy are well developed in Piedmont - automobile manufacturing, aircraft manufacturing, instrument making, production of railway equipment, electrometallurgy, radio electronics, printing, pharmaceuticals, etc. Rice and grapes are grown in the region, cattle are raised and cheese is produced.

As for tourism, Piedmont has something to offer here too - from the point of view of architectural heritage, Turin and medieval castles areas, highest peaks The Alps are open to lovers alpine skiing, and in the summer tourists are attracted by numerous national and natural parks.

Summer lovers active rest Piedmont's numerous national and natural parks (56 in total!) attract visitors, where hiking and horseback riding tours, cycling, rock climbing and mountain biking competitions, etc. are organized. Particularly interesting in this regard National parks"Gran Paradiso" and "Val Grande".

No less popular is relaxation on the picturesque lakes of Piedmont - Lago Maggiore, Orta, Viverone, Candia, Avigliana. The town of Stresa is located on Lago Maggiore - one of the most famous local resorts with a mild climate and a number of attractions.

Medieval castles are scattered throughout Piedmont, and today they keep their secrets and mysteries - Saint Pierre, Sarre, Fenil, Issogne, Verre, etc. Unforgettable impression produce small cozy cities who have preserved the ancient way of life. For example, in Biella, the center of the wool industry, there is an International Institute of Photography, which regularly hosts interesting photographic exhibitions. Vercelli is famous for its architectural monuments from the 12th to 18th centuries, and in Asti, known as the “city of a hundred towers”, it is worth visiting the local art gallery and the remaining 15 towers of the hundred. Well, Alessandria, a major industrial center, is known as the birthplace of Umberto Eco, the most popular contemporary writer in Italy. In general, every town in Piedmont can attract tourists with some “zest”: in Ivrea it is a majestic Cathedral, in Alba there is an ancient city center with ancient Roman fortress walls, and in Bra there are churches and palaces of the 17th-18th centuries, which gave the city the glory of the center of the “Piedmontese Baroque”. The abbey in the town of Vezzolano near Asti is very interesting - according to legend, it was built in the 8th century on the orders of Charlemagne himself.

Piedmont has several thermal centers and health resorts. The Baths of Acqui (34 km from Alessandria) are famous for their mud and thermal waters, in Terme di Agliano you can find some of the richest waters in Italy, and Terme di Lurisia is a favorite vacation spot for bohemians and nobility. Other popular resorts– Termi Bognanco, Termi Crodo, Termi Garessio, Termi di Premia, Termi di Valdieri and Termi di Vinadio.