An Italian Road Trip

Wine and Truffle Road Trip in Piedmont, Italy

“Wow – This is such a beautiful, four day, Italian Road Trip to do!” Nestled in the heart of northern Italy, Piedmont is a region renowned for its exquisite wines, tantalizing truffles, and picturesque landscapes what better combination can there possibly be? You even get the richest and creamiest chocolate thrown in when you arrive in Alba)

Embarking on a four-day road trip through the ‘Langhe Valley’ of Piedmont unveils a journey of culinary delights, cultural immersion, and breath-taking vistas. From the quaint villages of La Morra and Neive to the prestigious wine appellations of Barolo and Barbaresco, each stop along the way offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of this enchanting region.

In this short Italian road trip you will drive through simply the most glorious countryside. Fruits growing in abundance – with orchards of plums and apples or hazelnuts and apricots and field after field of, meticulously tended to, vines laid out across a landscape peppered with historical villages, toped with medieval churches and towers.

It is, without a doubt, a foodies dream. Try and plan your itinerary to co-inside with market days if you can – the markets are the best way to see local life, in all its glory, pick up some amazing bargains (and some expensive treats), and take some wonderful photos. Your pocket might suffer as you purchase item after item of delectable food, wine and oils to take back to your motorhome, but the memories will be worth it!

in a car or motorhome, motorbike or bicycle, even though there are plenty of stops, we think you can probably do this trip in a long weekend – the actual driving is only an hour altogether, which gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy all the food and wine – and view the countryside.

If you wanted a longer adventure, you can add this little road trip with one that takes you down to Portofino and onto the Cinque Terre. If you have time you can hook up to the ultimate Food Valley experience in Emilia Romagna region – the King of Hams, Cheese and Vinegar!

How to Get to Piedmont, Italy

Whether you are in your motorhome or looking to hire a motorhome, campervan or car when you get here, these are the key ways to get to the Piedmont region of Italy:

Turin International Airport

The closest major airport to Piedmont is Turin Airport (TRN), also known as Turin-Caselle Airport. It offers domestic and international flights.

Turin Train
Station

Italy has an extensive rail network. From Turin you can transfer to regional trains or buses to reach your specific destination within Piedmont.

Key Trunk
Roads

Piedmont is easily accessible by road, and the highways provide efficient connections to neighboring regions and countries. Just be aware of tolls on the highways.

Our Favourite Travel Booking Companies.

These are our useful links for our ‘Go To’ travel booking apps. These are the sites that we use all the time when backpacking or need to spend a few days out of the motorhome (visiting the children or repair work on the motorhome). The Trainline we use for all our train ticket needs in the UK. Booking.com we use for all our hotel, hostel and accommodation needs worldwide (this was a life saver in India!) and finally, Viator for our excursion adventures like walking tours or more specialist activities.

Make This Adventure Your Own with our free, Four day, Road Trip planner.

Download our Handy Road Trip Planner

Use our handy ready made PDF planner to help you plan your trip. We created a 9 day planner to use to plan a 1 week trip. Simply print out more copies for each week of your travels. Capture everything you need from your start and end points to where you will stay. There is space to write all the things you want to see and more. Plenty of room for jotting down notes as you plan too.

*By downloading our planner, you give us permission to send you our newsletter. We send this approx every 6 – 8 weeks.

Best time for visiting Piedmont, Italy.

Piedmont in Spring

Spring in Piedmont brings about a bouquet of seasonal delights and outdoor activities. With temperatures gradually warming up from March to May, it’s the perfect time for leisurely walks amidst blooming gardens, vibrant vineyards, and historic towns. From wine tasting amid the blossoming vines to cultural festivals celebrating Piedmont’s rich heritage.

Piedmont in Summer

In the summer, Piedmont, Italy, comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of festivals, cultural events, and outdoor activities amidst its picturesque landscapes. From the renowned music festival at the historic Teatro Regio in Turin to the colourful Palio di Asti, where the city’s medieval streets become the stage for horse races and pageantry, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences to immerse yourself in. Beyond the festivals, summer in Piedmont offers an array of outdoor adventures, from hiking and cycling in the scenic countryside to swimming and boating in the pristine lakes of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

Piedmont in Autumn

In autumn, Piedmont, Italy, paints a breathtaking tableau of golden hues as vineyards turn to amber and forests don their vibrant fall foliage. The International White Truffle Fair in Alba, where gastronomes from around the world gather to indulge in the exquisite delicacy, is held from October till December. As the air turns crisp, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the region’s scenic trails on foot or by bike, while food lovers can embark on culinary adventures, savouring hearty dishes like agnolotti and braised meats paired with robust Barolo wines.

Piedmont in Winter

Winter transforms Piedmont, Italy, into a picturesque wonderland where snow-capped peaks and cozy villages evoke a sense of enchantment. The season is marked by festive celebrations such as the Turin Chocolate Festival, where chocolatiers from across the globe converge to showcase their delectable creations amidst the historic squares of the city. Winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes in the Alps, with ski resorts like Sestriere and Bardonecchia offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, charming Christmas markets in towns like Saluzzo and Mondovì beckon with artisanal gifts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.

Piedmont Road Trip at a glance

~ La Morra ~ Barolo ~ Grinzane Cavour ~ Alba ~ Nieve ~ Barbaresco

Our road trip in Piedmont starts with a visit to the beautiful village of La Morra. From La Morra , the road trip stops at the historically important winemaking town of Barolo before heading towards the Truffle centres of Grinzane Cavour and the city of Alba. The last leg of the journey takes you to the charming towns of Nieve and Barbaresco.

Piedmont Road Trip Itinerary

La Morra and Barolo

Our adventure begins in La Morra, a charming hilltop village boasting panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards.

let’s kick the day off by having a leisurely breakfast. If you have caught this right – there could be a local market, in the square, where you can buy fresh pastries or fruit to get your day off to a healthy start.

The rest of the day, however, will focus on the wine! Here, amidst the rolling hills adorned with Nebbiolo grape vines, visitors can indulge in the region’s most prized wine – Barolo. A visit to a local Vineyard provides insight into the winemaking process, followed by a tasting of the bold and complex Barolo wines. local wines, made from grapes grown around the village, can be bought from around 10 euros.

Wandering up the narrow lanes to the Piazza Castello, you can pop into the tourist office and get yourself a map which shows walks in the region. You can take a 15 minute walk down to the Capella del Barolo – a brightly painted church, painted by American artists in exchange for Barolo wine! What a great idea. You can also drive from here to Annunziata, where you can visit the Ratti Abbey and Wine Museum and do a taster if you wish.

Continuing our journey, we make our way to the historic town of Barolo No motorhomes are actually allowed into Barolo, but you can park up outside and enjoy a lovely walk in). The namesake of the illustrious wine, in Barolo you can find restaurants serving the wines from Capella del Barolo.

Steeped in tradition, Barolo invites exploration of its medieval castle, which houses the Barolo Wine Museum and takes you on a real journey of art, music and a captivating look at the history and heritage of the region’s winemaking. Of course you are able to do a wine tasting here and buy the wine too!

Take a meander around the town – its really small but some of the wine shops are lovely – and the wines themselves – range from £18 – £600 (that was the most expensive I saw – but I am sure they go higher!)

Grinzane Cavour and Alba

After a couple of days experiencing the local wines – it is great to be able to switch it up a little – welcome to the world of truffles! Angie adores truffles – so Grinzane Cavour and Alba are absolutely a must! (November is the best time to hit truffle markets – climate change has made the season a little later).

Venture to Grinzane Cavour, home to another iconic castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Castle of Grinzane Cavour stands as a testament to Piedmont’s rich cultural heritage. The 16th century castle, which dominates the village, plays host in November to a prestigious White Truffle auction, where individual truffles can exchange hands for the astronomical sum of £100,000.

As we make our way to Alba, known as the “Capital of the Langhe,” we are greeted by the tantalizing aroma of truffles permeating the air. Take some time to walk around the town and visit the cathedral. Alba’s bustling streets are adorned with charming cafes, gourmet shops, and bustling markets offering an array of local delicacies.

Obviously the big sale here is truffle – from oil, to cheese, ham, salami, mayonnaise – everything comes with truffle in it which you can buy on Via Vittorio Emanuele II (the main road). It has a buzzing night life, so great for drinks in the evening. Main market day is Saturday in the morning – so that’s when you really need to be here. Around 200 stalls set up from 7am till about 1pm. 60 of them are food. Save your truffle purchases until after you have visited this magnificent market!

A visit to the International White Truffle Fair (held annually in October and November) provides further opportunity to savour the prized delicacy and immerse oneself in the truffle culture that permeates the region. If you want to really push the boat out, one of the few 3 star restaurants are here in Piazza Duomo. If you are coming over in October/November/December I would definitely do a truffle foraging tour – where you can go out with the dogs to find the truffles. The best time is now November due to climate change. The Alba wine festival (Vinum) is in late April/May.

Nieve and Barbaresco

Once you are done with Alba, so to speak, our journey continues to the picturesque village of Neive, characterized by its medieval architecture and scenic vineyards. Neive offers a serene escape, where visitors can stroll along cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, fabulous reasonably priced lunch spots and charming cafes. Wine enthusiasts will delight in exploring the nearby wineries, which produce the elegant and aromatic Barbaresco wines.

If you go in May, there is a wonderfully low key, local wine festival, which we luckily stumbled across (and stumbled out of). A small financial contribution gave you a ticket, bag and wine glass, from which to choose 10 small glasses of wine, tasters really, as you walked from one vineyard offering to the next, writing down your well researched, critical thoughts on each. Ha Ha! it was such a giggle! Be aware that the party continues until 2am – right next to the carpark where we had parked for the night!

If you’re not staying the night, you can make your way to the quaint village of Barbaresco, nestled along the banks of the Tanaro River.

On our last day in Piedmont we can explore our final wine tasting village of Babaresco. Amidst the tranquil surroundings, we embark on a journey of gastronomic discovery, sampling the region’s renowned wines paired with local culinary delights. The wine here is quite beautiful – softer than the full bodied barolo. In the square of Babaresco, there is a sundial which shows the wine making process painted on the wall of a building, which will lead you to the 12th century stone tower, which has a large photographic display showing the wine makers of the region – some of them are 5th generation. Quite fascinating.

Looking back, we savour the lingering moments of our journey, indulging in a leisurely lunch of freshly baked pastries and artisanal cheeses – and one more glass of wine.

Major Hiking Trails

Piedmont offers a plethora of hiking trails that wind through its diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to majestic alpine peaks. Here are just two:

Alta Via dei Monti Liguri: Stretching from Ventimiglia on the Mediterranean coast to Bolano in Liguria, this long-distance trail crosses into Piedmont, offering stunning views of the Ligurian Alps and the Ligurian Sea. It’s perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenging trek through rugged terrain.

Sentiero Frassati: Named after the famous mountaineer Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, this trail winds through the mountains of the Susa Valley near Turin. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and passes by charming alpine villages, making it ideal for day hikes or multi-day excursions.

Camping and Motorhome Park-Ups

Whether you’re camping under the stars or parking your motorhome for a night of rest, there are plenty of options in Piedmont catering to a range of preferences, from off grid to camping sites and more. For those wishing to camp on site here are a couple of options;

Camping Smeraldo (Alba): Situated in the heart of the Langhe wine region, Camping Smeraldo provides a picturesque setting amidst vineyards and rolling hills. It’s an ideal base for wine tasting tours, exploring historic towns like Alba and Barolo, and indulging in Piedmont’s culinary delights.

Camper Area La Morra (La Morra): This motorhome park-up is located in the heart of the Langhe wine region, offering panoramic views of vineyards and hilltop villages. It provides convenient facilities for motorhomes, as well as easy access to hiking trails, wine tasting tours, and cultural attractions.

Festivals in Piedmont - Italy

Here are ten notable festivals in Piedmont, Italy:

Alba International White Truffle Fair (Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba): Held annually in Alba from October to November, this renowned fair celebrates the prized white truffle of Piedmont with tastings, exhibitions, and culinary events.

Vinum – Alba’s International Wine and Food Festival (Vinum – Fiera Internazionale del Vino e dei Prodotti Tipici di Alba): Taking place in Alba typically in April, this festival showcases Piedmont’s exceptional wines and culinary delights with tastings, workshops, and entertainment.

Palio di Asti: Dating back to the 13th century, this historic horse race is held annually in Asti in September, featuring thrilling competitions and colorful parades that celebrate the city’s medieval heritage.

Turin Chocolate Festival (CioccolaTO): Held in Turin usually in November, this festival celebrates all things chocolate, offering visitors the chance to indulge in tastings, workshops, and artistic displays made entirely of chocolate.

Biella Wool Festival (Settimana della Lana): Taking place in Biella usually in October, this festival honors Piedmont’s tradition of wool production with exhibitions, demonstrations, and workshops showcasing the region’s textile heritage.

These festivals offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Piedmont’s rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and vibrant arts scene, making them highlights of the region’s calendar year after year.

Does Piedmont deliver for a Road Trip

Absolutely! When so much of Italy is geared up completely to cater for tourism, it was refreshing to travel through an Italian landscape that retains its integrity and authenticity. As we bid farewell to this enchanting region, we carry with us memories of vineyard-dotted landscapes, aromatic truffles, and warm hospitality. As we journey back home, we carry with us a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of flavours, culture, and history that define this remarkable corner of Italy.

The Amalfi Coast Road Trip - Italy

If you have the time to continue this adventure and explore further, we have an Amalfi Coast Road Trip, which would work very well with this Piedmont Road Trip, giving you the best of both worlds in this beautiful part of Italy.

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An Italian Road Trip

Wine and Truffle Road Trip in Piedmont, Italy

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