Holidays in Piedmont, Italy

The 'land at the foot of the mountains' is one of Italy's richest and most diverse regions, with a strong cultural identity and a fine cuisine - including truffles, hazelnuts, beef and a huge range of fruit and vegetables, washed down with local vermouth (martini & asti originates here) or barolo wine and maybe followed with a nibble on some amaretti. If you want more than just a chance to treat your palette, then Piedmont has a feast for the other senses too - its dramatic Alpine peaks, terraced hillsides, lakes and rivers create a landscape of endlessly changing vistas that can be enjoyed on foot, from the saddle of a bike or trying something more adventurous (including plenty of skiing and other winter sports). The capital, Turin, is a beautiful Baroque city of wide avenues, palaces and galleries, which invites discovery and is easy to reach by train. For some great ideas on where to stay and the best green holidays in Piedmont, have a look at the options below.