Piedmont ranks #1 in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions to Visit for 2019
Is Piedmont the #1 region in the world to visit in 2019? Lonely Planet seems to think so. In their annually published Best-in-Travel list for 2019, they placed Piedmont at the top beating out Australia’s red centre, Normandy, France and northern Peru, to name just a few from the top 10. Key to Piedmont’s selection was its diversity of travel highlights between royal palaces, world-class wines & food, stunning natural scenery and unique cultural events.
Of their top 5 reasons to visit, I can honestly say that I have done 4 and although I have been to Alba and eaten truffles, hunting them out in the woods with a dog is probably not my best idea of fun! A nice, warm bicerin at one of Turin’s classic cafés would suit me better in the autumn months.
What do you think? Are these your top 5 reasons to visit Piedmont in 2019? Feel free to add thoughts on this list or add your own top 5 list in the comments section.
Lonely Planet’s Top 5 reasons to visit Piedmont
- Piedmont’s capital is the beautiful city of Turin. Its central square is lined with museums, theatres and cafes. Palazzo Madama (Madam Palace) hosted the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy. Nearby Venaria Reale (Palace of Venaria) is one of the largest former royal residences in the world. This UNESCO-listed baroque palace was built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for the Savoy family. It now hosts exhibitions and concerts.
- Barolo has long been hailed as the “wine of kings” and you can taste the region’s aromatic wines at the source. Wander the vineyards and see how the wine is produced.
- Lago d’Orta (Lake Orta) has a dramatic setting, backed by Monte Mottarone (Mottarone mountain). Explore the medieval village of Orta San Giulio and see the enchanting Isola San Giulio (San Giulio Island) from the lake’s forested banks.
- Alba is known all over the world for its delicious white truffles. Hunting for these prized fungi (mushrooms) is half the fun, so visit during the harvest season from October to December.
- Ivrea’s Battle of the Oranges is Italy’s largest food fight. It’s a reenactment of a rebellion in the 12th century. Hundreds of thousands of oranges are thrown during combat which takes place every year in the run-up to Shrove Tuesday.
The beauty of Piedmont is its diversity, so whether you’re exploring its baroque palaces, vineyards or lakes you’ll find a reason to love it.
Lonely Planet
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