itineraries
Piedmont Wine & Truffles
6 days — Turin, the Langhe (Barolo, Barbaresco), and Lago Maggiore.
Curatorial note
The connoisseur's Italy. Turin for the grand cafes, the Langhe for Barolo, Barbaresco, and white truffles in season, and Lago Maggiore for a quiet finish. Sophisticated, pricey, and far less crowded than Tuscany.
Lake · Piemonte
Lago Maggiore
The aristocratic of the Italian lakes — the Borromean Islands (palaces and terraced gardens), the alpine north (the Val Grande wilderness), and the mild climate. Worth a couple of days for the islands.
Wine Appellation · Piemonte
Gavi di Gavi DOCG
The most famous Piedmontese white — crisp, dry, and food-friendly. The best bottles come from vineyards within the commune of Gavi itself ('Gavi di Gavi'). Reliable and widely available.
Wine Appellation · Piemonte
Barbaresco DOCG
Barolo's more aromatic, earlier-drinking sibling, from four communes (Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, Trezzo Tinella) east of Alba. Slightly under the radar of casual wine tourists, which makes the experience quieter and the prices gentler. For serious Nebbiolo drinkers, some argue it's the more elegant expression.
Wine Appellation · Piemonte
Barolo DOCG
The king of Italian reds. Nebbiolo at its most powerful and age-worthy, from five communes (Barolo, La Morra, Serralunga d'Alba, Monforte d'Alba, Castiglione Falletto) that each give a different expression. Book tastings in advance — the best producers are small, family-run, and don't do walk-ins. Base in Alba and drive out, or stay in a village for the immersive version.
Wine Region · Piemonte
Langhe
The single best wine region in Italy to base yourself if you're serious about both wine and food. Barolo and Barbaresco are the headline, but the hazelnut groves, the white truffle fair in Alba, and the cooking of Le Langhe make it a complete trip. The landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go in autumn for the full effect.
Town · Lombardia
Milan
Milan is worth a day or two, particularly as a gateway. The Last Supper alone justifies a stop if you book it ahead. Don't expect the open-air museum feel of Florence — Milan is a working city.
Ready to plan?
Ready to turn discovery into a trip?
Italy Field Guide helps you decide where to go. When you're ready to build the actual day-by-day itinerary, take your saved places to Travel Itinerary Co — your interests go with you.
Turn your saved Italy places into a trip