We're beginning to plan a trip to Northern Italy for next April or May (2006). I'm wondering if anyone has any information on either Tortona or Villavernia, they are near Allesandria. My grandmother was born in Villavernia and my great grandmother lived most of her life in Tortona, so I would like to make a day trip to find them.

Also, if anyone has any recommendations on Bed & Breakfasts in the Asti/Alba area, they would be much appreciated. This will be my first trip to Italy, so I'll take any information I can get!

we loved a b+b near nizza monferrato.
www.cascinachristiana.com. a winery, pool, gorgeous views.

it was FABULOUS. the rooms are even better and larger than they seem on line.breakfast was o.k. the wife was awy, but i don't know what it is usually. nothing hot. upgraded continental. but it was fine.

i wrote a report about our piemonte stay if you can find it clicking on my name.
you will love the area.

going back sometime soon we hope.

I recommend Erbaluna B&B just outside of La Morra near Alba. One of the nicest B&Bs we've encountered.
The owners were very helpful in making dinner reservations for us.
The views from your balcony are beautiful.

http://www.knowital.com/piedmont/cun...armhouse1.html

we went to Barolo, just outside Alba last month, right around the time your thinking of. Wish I was there right now! I loved the B&B we stayed at http://www.gioco-delloca.it/inglese.htm
The Hostess Rafella went beyond helping us with reservations, suggestions. Barola was the favorite part of my trip!

Do you mean Villalvernia? I think so, since it's close to Tortona. It has a website in Italian: www.villalvernia.net/.

Lincasanova, thank you for your input. I tried to find your post on your Piedmont trip, but couldn't find it. I'd love to hear about it!

KT, thank you for that link, I had seen it as both Villvernia and Villalvernia, guess now I know which is correct! Very interesting to see pictures of where my nana was born! Now I hope to see it in person!

couldn't find it either. will work on that and get back to you.

we had a great time. will definitely go back.

Thank you Coskier, I checked out the website for Gioco Delloca, looks very nice.
I also checked out lincasanova's link to cascina christiana, also looks fabulous!

I've been getting some great input on this forum, so glad I found it!