Tips for Turin and Alba
 

My wife and I plan to travel to the Piedmonte in early October and are interested in any advice regarding lodging, dining, and sites in and around Turin and Alba. Can anyone suggest places/things to avoid or not to miss? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

I just returned from two weeks in Northern Italy, and my best advice about Turin would be to not go there at all. I'm really not trying to sound negative, because I really wanted for Turin to be nice, but for me it wasn't. <BR> <BR>After a daytrip to Lake Maggiore, we had a few extra hours of daylight left, so I thought it might be a good idea to visit Turin before we headed back to our hotel outside of Milan. I thought at least we could visit the 'shroud' (which we knew ahead of time isn't really on exhibit, it's locked away somewhere and they have a photograph on display). The duomo was nothing special, and in my opinion the city is dingy, dirty and ugly by Italian standards. <BR> <BR>I have been to dozens of towns and cities in Northern and Central Italy. Turin is the first one that I didn't really like. <BR> <BR>Alba must be better, with the truffles, but I haven't been there. good luck

<BR>we've been to alba, 3 times, the last three years. its great stay at cascina reine. get faith willingers book on eating in norther italy. ithas all the phone&fax #'s you'll need. don't miss eating at la contea in nearby neive. read about it in www.gamberorosso.it

Last year we went to Turin to see the shroud. It was a wonderful experience. I loved Turin. We also visited the automobile museum and walked in the park across the street. We drank spumanti and ate finger sandwiches at a stand up bar. We stayed at an old palazzo (I don't remember the name). The rooms were hugh, although it was somewhat worn around the edges. I liked Turin and I enjoyed the people. Marilyn

Thanks to all for the input. I especially appreciate the book tip and the mention of Cascina Reine. <BR> <BR>We're currently planning two nights in Turin and two in Alba...but perhaps one night in Turin is long enough, and we can extend our time in and around Alba (we're planning to tour some vineyards around Barolo) or head for Asti for a night. <BR> <BR>If anyone cares to elaborate on other Piemontese experiences, I'd love to hear what you have to say. We're definitely committed to four days in the region for the sake of wine and truffles, but beyond that we remain quite open.