A 9 Day Piedmont Italy Itinerary: Turin, Alba, and the Langhe

Meredith Peters
Jan 30, 2022
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Piedmont is the ideal region for travelers who want to focus on world-class food and wine without the crowds found in Italy's more famous cities. This Piedmont Italy itinerary is a look at how you can experience the region by staying in two primary locations, Turin and Alba, rather than spending your entire trip checking in and out of hotels.

Vineyards in Langhe Piedmont Italy with rolling hills and wine production landscape — The Langhe is known for producing some of Italy’s most respected wines

The Flow of the Trip

This itinerary is built around three specific areas so you can explore the surrounding countryside without the hectic schedule.

Turin: A grand, historic city known for its wide plazas, the Shroud of Turin, and some of the best cafe culture in Italy.
Alba: A medieval town that serves as the gateway to the prestigious Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions.
Milan: Used as your arrival and departure point to give you the best flight options and a smooth start to the trip.

Turin Italy cityscape with Mole Antonelliana and Alps in the background — Turin offers a completely different side of Italy, rich in history and culture

Day 1: Arrival in Turin

After landing in Milan, a private transfer will take you west to Turin. The city has a distinct look that sets it apart from the rest of Italy. It is famous for its eighteen kilometers of beautiful, covered walkways (porticos) and grand, open squares that feel more like Paris than Rome.

Day 2: City Landmarks and the Shroud of Turin

Spend the day with a local guide to see the city's most significant sites. You can visit the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist to see the Shroud of Turin and spend time in the historic Royal Plazas. It is a great way to see the architectural side of the city before you head into the rolling hills of the wine country.

Panoramic view of Alba Italy with red rooftops and surrounding countryside in Piedmont — Alba makes an ideal base for exploring Piedmont’s food and wine region

Days 3: Alba and the Langhe Wine Region

On Day 3, you will head south to Alba. This will be your home base for the next several nights. Staying in Alba is a strategic choice; you are minutes away from the best vineyards, but you still have excellent restaurants and local shops within walking distance of your hotel for the evenings.

Day 4: Barolo and Barbaresco Wineries

These two areas produce the "King and Queen" of Italian wines. Visiting wineries here is a much more intimate experience than in other regions. You are often tasting in small, family-run cellars where the focus is entirely on the history of the estate and the specific characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape.

Day 5: The History of Alba

Alba is a walkable, red-brick town famous for its medieval towers and as the global center for the white truffle trade. A walking tour helps you find the best local markets and understand the town's deep culinary roots.

Truffle hunting in Piedmont Italy with trained dogs searching forest floor in the Langhe region — Truffle hunting in Piedmont is one of the most unique ways to experience the region

Day 6: Truffle Hunting in the Woods

This is a hands-on morning spent with a local truffle hunter and their highly trained dog. You will see firsthand how they find these truffles in the wild and learn why they are such a vital part of the local culture.

Day 7: A Day to Explore at Your Own Pace

This day is left open so you can choose an activity that fits your specific interests:

Option A: A private cooking class at a local estate to learn regional pasta-making.
Option B: Visiting additional small-production wineries in the nearby hills.
Option C: Exploring the nearby hilltop villages like La Morra or Neive.
Option D: A relaxed day enjoying the wine bars and boutiques in Alba.

Milan Duomo cathedral exterior in Piazza del Duomo with detailed Gothic architecture — The Duomo in Milan is a perfect way to wrap up your time in northern Italy

Day 8: Return to Milan

You will head back to Milan for your final night. To make the most of your time, you can include a private afternoon tour of the Duomo (the cathedral) and the highlights of the city center.

Day 9: Departure

A private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.

What Sets This Itinerary Apart

This itinerary is ideal because it is a realistic way to see the region. You are staying in central locations that allow you to see the best of Piedmont without feeling like you are constantly in transit.

Fewer Hotel Changes: By staying in Turin and Alba, you actually have time to settle in and get to know the area.
Private Logistics: Every transfer is handled by a professional driver so you don't have to worry about navigating narrow country roads or train schedules.
Flexibility: You have a mix of scheduled private tours and open time to explore on your own.

At a Glance: The Schedule

Day 1: Arrive in Milan, private transfer to Turin
Day 2: Turin city tour and the Shroud of Turin
Day 3: Transfer to Alba
Day 4: Barolo and Barbaresco winery visits
Day 5: Alba walking tour
Day 6: Private truffle hunting experience
Day 7: Free day in the Langhe hills
Day 8: Transfer to Milan, afternoon city tour
Day 9: Departure from Milan

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Piedmont?

If this Piedmont Italy itinerary sounds like your style of travel, I can help you tailor it into a custom journey. In a region where the right hotel location and the quality of your excursions can make or break the flow of your trip, having a professional plan in place makes a significant difference. If you want to arrive in Italy feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed, let's talk about your next trip. Learn more about my Signature Services and schedule your complimentary consultation here: https://www.travelwithmeredith.com/signature-services