Travelling into the hinterland of Liguria will reward the traveller with unexpected surprises like the picturesque little medieval villages of Castelvecchio di Rocca and Zuccarello that lie north of Albenga resplendent in a scenery of forested hills. This is a worthy introduction to the rolling landscapes that lie in wait as you leave Liguria and enter the rich farmlands and majestic winelands of Piedmont. Stretching northwards all the way up to the Alps Piedmont remains surprisingly under the radar to UK travellers considering its reputation as the home of some of the country’s finest wines and most accomplished gastronomy. It is a region rich in contrasts bound together by a taste for tradition and prestigious wines with diverse landscapes ranging from the flat plains of the Po Valley to the mountain peaks of Monviso and Monte Rosa to the north and to the gently rolling Apennines in the south. Within this grand tableau an extraordinary history reveals itself full of medieval abbeys, dramatic castles and forts, magnificent baroque towns and pretty alpine villages. No doubt there will come a time when this fabulous and varied region will assume its premium position for UK travellers to Italy, but for now it is recommended as an add-on to Liguria as a wonderful surf and turf combination. Why not fly in through Turin and out of Genoa and this way you can combine some time exploring (and digesting) and end up wiggling your toes in the warm Mediterranean after discovering the indulgent pleasures of white truffles, the heady nose of a fine Barolo, perhaps a romantic detour to Italy’s overlooked northern Lake Orta. One of the knockout regions, the Langhe, is well-placed halfway between Turin and Genoa. The hilly area to the south and east of the river Tanaro boasts a veritable treasure trove of picturesque villages, towns and agricultural landscapes. From the gently rolling vineyards of the Langhe (Langa Bassa) in the south some of Italy’s finest and famous wines are produced, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto. Portofino - the stuff of legends White gold - truffles are gastronomic heaven! Neive village and Langhe vineyards, Unesco Site, Piedmont Lying 127kms northeast of Turin and 87 kms northwest of Milan the tranquil Lake Orta is a small, but beautifully untrammeled cousin to the larger Lakes like nearby Lake Maggiore to the east. The centrepiece and most iconic sight of the lake is the tiny Isola San Giulio, measuring a mere 275 x 140 metres. The island consists of a collection of medieval buildings focusing on the Basilica di San Giulio and the ancient convent. This imbues an almost ethereal quality upon visitors, who can access the tiny island by boat from the pretty, lakeside town of Orta San Giulio. Climb the surrounding hills for inspirational views onto this well kept secret jewel. Lake Orta - the jewel of piedmont 30
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