I'm beginning to think about my next trip to Italy in the fall and am seriously considering Piedmont and western Liguria. <BR> <BR>It seems there is very little information available about these two areas. This trip is a splurge - I would appreciate any information/suggestions regarding hotels, restaurants and sights. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help... <BR> <BR>Dona

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Dona, <BR> <BR>This doesn't exactly answer your question, because I didn't spend an overnight, but the drive from Ventimiglia up over the Col du Larche (the Queyras of France) is OUTSTANDING! <BR> <BR>This is supposed to be where Hannibal crossed the Alps with his elephants. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Rex, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your input. I'm having a heck of a time finding out information on this part of Italy. I've heard the food and wine are wonderful - but I have lots of research still to do... <BR> <BR>Thanks again... <BR> <BR>Dona

Dona, I would start at Lago Orta if you <BR>have not done it before and then amble <BR>south of Turin to Asti and the Langhe <BR>area. I have some info on that area in <BR>one of my books if you want to contact <BR>me. Frommers has a " Best Loved Driving <BR>Tours" book which is good. Find Barolo <BR>and La Morra on your map--this is the <BR>heart of the scenic area. Alba has a <BR>"palio" race in Oct. with donkeys that <BR>may be fun.

Dona, <BR> <BR>I'm not that surprised. On the drive I described, I seem to recall that there were very few towns, just littie collections of houses literally pasted on the sides of mountain faces. You might want to consider just staying in Liguria (or alternatively, Torino), and just let your car be your best ally. Along the coast, San Remo and Diano Marina have lots of places to stay. In San Remo, I have stayed at the Nyala suites hotel - - not necessarily "charming" but competent, and satisfactory value - - good view, pool and restaurant. Rooms a bit small and Holiday Inn-ish. <BR> <BR>A resource that I have recently "re-discovered" is the use of the map on www.italyhotel.com (trying to learn about places to stay in the Dolomites next month). Just go hunt and peck on the map. Notice that on the western edge of Piemonte (butting up against France there are hardly any towns shown there - - with accommodations in them). I really think this is explorer's country - - and if all you bring home are the panorama memories of the driving and the views, well, no loss in that! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex

Hi Dona,
My husband and I are currently in the piedmont area near casale monferrato. The place we are staying is called Ca'S. Sebastiano in a very small village called camino. It is the most incredible find. It has beautiful apartments with one or two bedrooms. There are only a few but you can check their website. The Inn has a pool and a wellness facility. Tonight my husband and I had a wine bath with jets! Tomorrow we are going to the owners winery with the other guests for a tasting along with regional sausages, proscuito, cheeses and breads. There are incredible historical villages all over the place here! We have beeautiful views of the monferrato countryside from our windows. The owners know all the restaurants and will set you up.
I hesitate to post this as I want to be able to return without competing for reservations. Good luck on your trip
A

Hi andreak, your place in Piedmont sounds wonderful!! Isn't Piedmont beautiful? Wish I had spent more time there when we visited.

BTW, Dona's post is from 2000, but your post will be great information for anyone else wanting to visit Piedmont. Hope you can post a trip report when you get home.