judge

In September we will be traveling from Barolo to Milan by car. We are in no hurry, so does anyone have a recommendation about places to see or stop along the way ? Thanks.

judge

We will also be traveling from Milan to Verona. Any suggestions of routes or things to see or do along the way ?

sandi_travelnut

Do you have a good map? I would suggest you spread it out on the table and take a look at the cities along each route. Then maybe you can begin you're research with more specific cities in mind. We don't have an understanding yet how far out of the way you want to go and whether you want to spend a night or 2 along the way. Give us more specifics and we can help.

furs

From Barolo to Milan, tyhe obvious detour would be through the Monferrato hills. The Monferrato stretches just of the Langhe, where Barolo is -- roughly including Asti and Casale. Great wine country -- they don't have Barolo and Barbaresco there, but they haverignolino!!!
As for between Milan and Verona, try detouring to see Lake Iseo and Lake Garda.
Do usewww.viamichelin.com to finalize yourplans, you won't find a better itinerary planner on the web.

furs

Sorry, the great Monferrato wine's name is obviously Grignolino!!

Sampaguita

Ahem, IMO the other great "B" wine of Piedmont is Barbera, especially the Barbera d'Asti grown throughout the Monferrato and with a classical zone around Nizza Monferrato. Grignolino is an acquired taste more often grown in Monferatto North of Asti.

So many variations on route, if its a nice day, 2 that come to mind are:

1. Cut across the Langhe to Mango (get off the Asti-Alba stradale at Castagnito and follow the Neive road, turn off at Neive to Mango. Mango castle has ggod restuarant and Regional Enoteca for Moscato area. Follow road down the Belbo valley vine terraces to Santo Stephano, up to Canelli and Nizza M. and then follow the road to Allesandria and pu the autostrada there, this brings you through some incredible wine country scenery.

2. Go into the Bormida river valley (via Rodino and Borgamale) and up the Bormida to Acqui Terme, great place to stop for lunch and check out the hot spring. Then take the road to Ovada, wonderfully scenic views of the Maritime alps and S. Monferrato, pu the autostrada at Ovada and then up to Milan.

Get a good map! The information centre at Barolo castle will have some.

Sampaguita

missed the second part, I would stop off at Lake Garda on route to Varenna. BTW Michelin is good, but I think Google Maps are better for route planning in Italy.