A Different Kind of Italy: Why Piemonte Deserves a Place on Your Itinerary
Far from the crowds of Capri and the glitter of the Amalfi Coast sits Piemonte, a region that gracefully reveals itself one of Italy’s most refined and culturally rewarding experiences.
Nestled in the country’s northwest, where the Alps meet the vineyards of the Langhe valley and the stillness of the lakes, Piemonte is a study in understated elegance. Here, heritage and hospitality go hand in hand. Historic wine estates, regal cities, and Michelin-starred kitchens coexist with artisans, truffle hunters, and family-run osterie. It is a place where authenticity is preserved, and luxury is defined not by excess, but by depth, quality, and detail.
In Search of White Gold: Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting
To visit Piemonte in the autumn is to step into one of Italy’s most storied seasons. Accompanied by a local trifolao and their loyal dog, you’ll venture into secluded woodlands in pursuit of the elusive white truffle — often referred to as white gold. These forests, passed down through generations, remain fiercely protected and reveal their treasures only to those who know them well.
After the hunt, allow yourself a moment of indulgence. Piemonte’s wines — particularly the powerful Barolo and elegant Barbaresco — are the perfect accompaniment to the region’s culinary riches. Together, truffles and wine capture the very soul of Piemonte: refined, earthy, and quietly magnificent.
Where Tradition Becomes Art: The Cuisine of Piemonte
The food of Piemonte is rooted in heritage — recipes that have been passed down through generations, always with a respect for seasonality and simplicity. Think hand-cut tajarin with butter and sage, warm bagna cauda with crisp vegetables, delicate veal tonnato and rich stews for colder days.
And yet, alongside these rustic comforts is a thriving fine dining scene. Piemonte is home to a constellation of Michelin-starred chefs who reinterpret tradition with precision and artistry. Whether dining in a remote farmhouse or a grand dining room, every meal here feels considered — a celebration of place, history, and craftsmanship.
For gastronomes, there is even more to discover: local food markets, Bra’s celebrated Cheese Festival, and Alba’s renowned International White Truffle Fair are all essential stops.
A Return to Stillness: Piemonte’s Natural Beauty
Piemonte invites you to slow down. In the serene forests of Biella, try forest bathing — a meditative walk beneath ancient trees. Along the shores of Lakes Orta and Maggiore, hike between chapels and villages, each more picturesque than the last. Or take to the hills of the Langhe on an e-bike, riding past vineyards and hazelnut groves that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is not just sightseeing — it is a balm for the senses.
Hidden Elegance: Islands, Abbeys & Timeless Villages
Some of Piemonte’s greatest treasures are also its most discreet. In the lakeside village of Orta San Giulio, winding cobbled lanes open onto flower-filled balconies and views across tranquil waters. A short boat ride brings you to Isola San Giulio, where a Benedictine abbey stands in silent splendour, surrounded by stillness and mist.
On Lake Maggiore, the extraordinary Isola Bella appears like a vision — its baroque palace and terraced gardens rising impossibly from the lake. For a truly rare experience, stay overnight in one of the island’s restored fishermen’s cottages, far from the world and entirely your own.
Torino: A City of Grace and Grandeur
Once the royal capital of the House of Savoy, Torino is a city of quiet confidence. Elegant boulevards, baroque palaces, and leafy piazzas speak of its regal past, while its world-class museums and thriving café culture reflect a distinctly modern spirit.
Here, history and innovation blend seamlessly. Sip vermouth in the place where the aperitivo was born, enjoy a Lavazza espresso in one of the city’s historic cafés, and explore its storied chocolate traditions — even Nutella traces its roots to Torino.
Often overlooked, Torino is one of Europe’s most graceful cities — cultured, refined, and undeniably compelling.
A Region to Be Savoured
Piemonte rewards those who travel with intention. It is a place where moments unfold slowly — a glass of Barolo at sunset, the quiet streets of a hilltop village, the scent of truffles in autumn air. This is Italy at its most authentic, a region that reveals its elegance not in spectacle, but in subtlety.
Ready to experience Piemonte at its most refined? The Betesh Group will curate your journey, ensuring every detail reflects the grace, depth, and beauty of this remarkable region.