Archive for 'Piedmont'

When one thinks of the culinary scene in Italy, they tend to picture hearty pasta dishes, perfect pizza, rich glasses of wine and even richer cups of coffee but the country has also produced some of the best-loved desserts in the world that foodies – especially those with a bit of a sweet tooth – should make a point to try. Nothing can compare to the authentic version of a dish made in the country from which it comes but it is also true that everything just tastes sweeter when you are on holidays! Often cited as a traditional dish from Piedmont, you should certainly make a point to try the beloved panna cotta dessert if you have found a vacation rental in Piedmont but you’re sure to also find delicious examples all over the place if you are planning a holiday in Italy!

Years ago, as an au pair in Piedmont, I sorely disappointed my host family by telling them that I was not a coffee-drinker. They simply could not fathom this news and continuously offered me cups of coffee throughout that summer with them. Politely, I would decline and politely, the would persist in asking.

Later in the summer, on a day off for the mother of the family, the two of us took the train to Turin for the day – a truly perfect spot for a day-trip if you have found a vacation rental in Piedmont. I immediately fell in love with the large piazze, elegant buildings, wonderful museums, ancient ruins, and charming little cafes of the city. And just before we went to get our train home, I was dragged into the famous Caffè al Bicerin for one last attempt to sway me when it came to coffee by introducing me to the Bicerin.

If you are a blue cheese fan and you were thinking of booking a villa in Italy and a vacation rental in Lombardy or a holiday rental in Piedmont, in particular, then you need to make a point to try some Gorgonzola cheese. One of the world's most ancient blue-veined cheeses, it holds the prestigious DOP certification and its production is primarily concentrated in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. And, although the name Gorgonzola originates from the town of Gorgonzola near Milan, which was once thought to be the cheese's birthplace, this origin story is now a subject that is somewhat up for debate. Read on to learn more about this classic Italian cheese...

Welcome back to our new series of What to consider when planning a holiday in Italy and the continuation of our guide to the different charms and considerations that one should keep in mind when deciding on the best time of the year in which to plan a vacation in Italy. In the first part of this guide, we looked at winter for all of those who are just itching for a getaway right away or who are after some winter sun or fun on the slopes as well as the gentle charm of the warmer climes and lushness of spring. This half of the guide will introduce our readers to the most popular time for Italian vacations, summer, as well as to the wonderful selling points of autumn, just on its heels. So, if you are thinking about finally booking that trip but you are still trying to decide when to go, then read on and start planning a perfect holiday in Italy today!

Piedmont is a northern region of Italy that is made up of lush green countryside full of farmlands and vineyards, lovely valleys that are blanketed in fog early in the morning, Alpine peaks that rise overhead and boast incredible ski resorts and stunning hiking trails, and pretty towns and cities. A place of astounding natural beauty, bountiful harvests, and rich cultural heritage, it has much to offer any visitor who finds a vacation rental in Piedmont. However, one of its most particular charms is that, as a destination, it is lovely no matter when you visit. Each season, Piedmont transforms in different, wondrous ways, and there is always plenty to recommend it as a place to enjoy a holiday in Italy. But what, exactly can you expect if you end up in Piedmont during spring, summer, autumn, or winter? Well, here is our guide to each season and its unique selling points to help you plan exactly when Piedmont will be best suited to you...