An Italian Itinerary: An Unmissable 10 Days in Piedmont
- Angie Kirwin
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is an Italian hidden gem that's often overlooked. it’s a beautifully rich blend of royal cities, UNESCO-listed vineyards, and untamed alpine valleys.
According to Lonely Planet, Piemonte is not only 'arguably Italy’s most elegant region — a purveyor of Slow Food and fine wine, regal palazzi, and atmosphere', it was also named the No. 1 region in the world to visit in 2019, because of its 'rich blend of cuisine, history, and astonishing nature'.
Want to Visit the real, authentic Italy? Here's The Perfect 10 Day Italian Itinerary
The trains around Northern Italy are great, but it's really reasonably priced to hire a car from Turin Airport, too.
Day 1–2: Turin — Art, Palaces & Culture
Begin your journey in Turin, a city of grand architecture, museums, and regal charm. Wander through Piazza Castello, marvel at the Mole Antonelliana, and explore the Egyptian Museum and Galleria Sabauda. If I'm being honest, Turin is a way better city to visit than Milan. It's small enough to walk around, less touristy than other Italian cities and has a laidback style that'll kick your holiday off on with a Dolce Vita vibe.
What to do:
See the Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum.
Wander through Piazza Castello and the Royal Palace.
Visit the GAM – Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Local tip: For evening views, stroll along the Po River or head up to Monte dei Cappuccini for a panoramic city skyline.
Day 3–4: Langhe — Vineyard Villages & Wine Heritage
Southward to the rolling hills of the Langhe. A UNESCO-listed landscape and famed for producing Barolo and Barbaresco, the wine from here is ridiculously good. And I might be biased, but I think the reds from Piemonte are the best in the world.
What to do:
Visit La Morra or Barolo village for stunning vineyard views.
Tour a family-run Barolo winery for both reds and whites! Barolo is a big, chunky wine and we love it.
Try tajarin pasta or vitello tonnato at a traditional osteria. You won't struggle to find a family-run authentic Italian restaurant in this part of the world.
Day 5: Monferrato — Barbera & Medieval Castles
Move east into Monferrato, another UNESCO wine landscape. Discover Barbera vineyards, ancient castles, and the most authentic slice of Italy that's often overlooked by tourists heading further south to Tuscany.
What to do:
Get the flavour for Barbera d’Asti at a hilltop wine cellar. Although it's the typical table wine at the restaurants around The Hideaway Apartments, don't let that fool you. It's better than the most expensive reds you'll find on a wine list anywhere else in the world.
Visit Casale Monferrato for cobbled streets and Renaissance buildings.
Explore Cocconato, the balcony of Monferrato, and soak in the views.
Days 6–10: Base Yourself at The Hideaway — Discover Val di Susa
Your base for the next 4 nights is The Hideaway Apartments in Val di Susa, our peaceful, authentic Italian village just minutes from Sauze d’Oulx and the Via Lattea ski area.
We've got you covered with all the comforts & amenities you need for a stress free stay. No sofa bed in sight. Don't worry about packing the teabags & coffee, and don't bother taking up space in the suitcase with towels. Leave the hairdryer at home.
Day 6: Arrive at The Hideaway — Borgata San Marco
What to do on arrival:
Stretch your legs with a short walk along the Franciscan Trail into the forest.
Enjoy dinner in Sauze d’Oulx or cook in your fully-equipped kitchen.
Relax in the bathtub & enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony or terrace as the sun goes down on the Chaberton mountain.
Day 7: Gran Bosco National Park — Forests & Wildlife
Explore one of Piedmont’s most biodiverse areas, just a stone's throw from The Hideaway’s front door.
What to do:
Hike or e-bike to Malafosse Alta for sweeping valley views.
Spot wildlife like 🦌 red deer, 🦊 foxes, and 🦅 golden eagles.
Picnic in an alpine meadow surrounded by wildflowers.
Day 8: Historic Exilles Village & Fort
Discover the atmospheric Forte di Exilles and charming Exilles village just a 15 mins drive. It's steeped in nearly 1000 years of history and in more recent times, for its pivotal role in defeating nazism & fascism during WWII.
What to do:
Visit the Forte di Exilles to learn about the valley’s military history.
Wander cobbled lanes lined with flower-filled balconies.
Stop at the gorgeous piazza café for a slice of torta di nocciole (hazelnut cake).
Day 9: Montgenèvre & Claviere — French-Italian Alpine Blend
A half-hour trip takes you into France’s high country, with panoramic trails, cross-border cafés, and picture-perfect Alpine vistas.
What to do:
If you've got a head for heights, go to Ponte Tibetano, the longest Tibetan bridge in Europe, and if you're more adventurous than that, do the D grade Via Ferrata at the end.
Grab a cake and coffee in Claviere, the village right on the border of France and Italy (and heavily influenced by both cultures)
Go on the Alpine rollercoaster for some silly nonsense fun.
Day 10: Sacra di San Michele — A Mountain Abbey Finale
On your return to Turin, stop by the iconic Sacra di San Michele. A spiritual and visual highlight before concluding your Piemonte adventure. You can drive up, hike up, or Via Ferrata!
What to do:
Whichever way you choose to get to the top, get yourself up to the abbey’s entrance.
Explore centuries-old frescoes and medieval halls.
Soak up your final views over the Susa Valley and Alps (until next time!)
Final Thoughts
Piedmont is a treasure trove for anyone seeking depth, flavour, and authenticity in Italy. From Turin’s splendour to vineyard trails and alpine adventures, it’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
👉 Ready for the perfect Piemonte holiday? Book your stay at The Hideaway Apartments
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