Locality

The region known collectively as Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige is located in the North-West corner of Italy. To the North lie the Alps, forming a natural border wtih Austria and offering magnificent mountain scenery, picturesque alpine villages and Italy's premium national park calle the Gran Paradiso. Most mountains are snow-capped for half the year, providing a stunning backdrop to the ski resorts. To the South of the region is the Po River plain with extensive vast lowlands complete with rice fields.

Turin is one of Italy's main cities. It is full of fine monuments, museums packed with history and excellent shopping. It was the country's capital during the 1860's and later went on to become Italy's economic powerhouse together with Milan. The architecture is mainly Baroque.

History

The area benefits from a rich mix of cultural influences due to it's proximity to France, Switzerland and Austria.

In fact the Alto Adige area only became part of Italy in 1919. The Tyrol culture is very much in evidence in this area and almost 70% of the population speak German.

Attractions

Stunning works of art are to be found in Turin, including the world famous Turin Shroud.

In the Valle de'Aosta, located in lush mountain valleys with icy waterfalls, there are dozens of medieval fortresses many with rich interiors.

Food and Drink

Turin has a reputation for being one of Italy's culinary capitals. It benefits from locally grown rice which features strong in the many variety of risotto dishes on offer. Piedmont is famous for it's lake fish with pasta, delightful white truffles and "fondata" an Italy equivalent of fondue.

There are some excellent desserts to be found in the region: Turin's "San Vittorio" a mint and chocolate pudding and "spumone piemontese" a mousse based on mascarpone mixed with rum.

the Trentino-Alto Adige region has a strong central European influence with game, beans, freshwater fish from the superb lakes in the area and strudel very popular.

Italy's premium wine are is based in Piedmont with internationally recognised names such as Asti Spumante, Barbaresco, Malvasia and Barolo popular. The world famous Vermouth originated in this area. The wines on offer are mainly white with well known names such as Riesling, Terlaner and Gewurztraminer.

The region is also famous being the major producer of Italy's favourite liquer: Grappa.

Major airports in the Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige region

Turin is served by Caselle aiport, located 15km from the city.

Malpensa airport near Milan is very close to the eastern edge of Piedmont and is served by a broad range of UK flights.