Hi, My friend and I are going to Alba for 10 days in the Fall, 2013. Can anyone tell us where to stay in the old town while we are there? Also, we would like to venture out and see other areas and sites. Day trips would be great. Thanks for your help! PS. We are wine lovers and foodies, so suggestions are most welcome!
Thanks!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
In Piemonte, I've only been to Torino. Since you'll be nearby, it's a must, as it's different in feel from other Italian cities. It also has the best desserts of any Italian city I've been in (many have great food, but desserts are not usually an Italian strength). Some of the cafes look like Scarlett O'Hara will come sweeping down the stairs at any moment - grand 19th century elegance. For lots more food suggestions, get a copy of Fred Plotkin's Italy For The Gourmet Traveler (it's big and heavy since it covers the whole country, so just rip out or copy the Piemonte section).
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
You will be very close to the "mother house" of the Slow Food movement, which was founded in the village of Bra. I'm remembering a castle there that was converted into a kind of co-op tasting room, where you could sample the products of various local vintners.
Posted by
San Carlos, CA, USA
393 posts
Hi Aleta, I hope you are going for the Medieval Costume Parade which is on the first Saturday in October. Also do not miss the Truffle Festival which runs all month. The tasting hall, where you can taste cheeses, wines, chocolates etc from Piemonte, is not to be missed. The town will be crowded but not unmanageable. The only hotel I have stayed in is the Hotel Savona. It is OK, we had a very small room, real plain. It does have a locked parking area if you will have a car with you. Mostly we stay in small hill towns at B&B's. So much better than a hotel in town. There is plenty of parking in Alba so you don't have to worry about that if you are driving. We stayed at Bricco dei Cogni in Rivalta (near La Morra) and loved it. Check out their website. As far as day trips the town of Cherasco is nice. Do not miss the Ravera Chocolate shop. Barolo is, of course, known for Barolo wine. There is a cute corkscrew museum there that is interesting. La Morra is nice and they have a wine consortium there where, on certain days, you can taste many of the wines all for 5 euro. Castiglione di Falletto has a very good restaurant called Le Torri. In Alba I have been to Osteria dell'Arco which was reasonably priced and very good, but not as good as some of the meals I have had in the smaller towns. Good luck and enjoy your trip! Wish I was going!