You'll never lack for a yummy meal in Italy, but true foodies have been flocking to Alba for centuries. Less than an hour by train from Torino, this beautiful little town offers a less touristy, more authentic alternative to the bigger cities on most Italian travel itineraries. If you choose to make it a day trip, be sure to arrive in time for lunch (and you may wish to stay for dinner, too)!
White wine and white truffles are Alba's specialities, and there is even an Order of the Knights of the Wine and Truffles of Alba, founded in 1967 to protect the heritage of the town's treats. The Fiera del Tartufo, the National Truffle Fair, was founded in 1929 and takes place annually in the fall in Alba's central square to celebrate the world's best truffles. Booths with delicious offerings from local truffle hunters are festively displayed in the square, along with festive flags, a carousel, and other culinary treats. Of course, cafes line the square, and these spots are excellent for people-watching while enjoying a bottle of the local Barolo wine.
Naturally, there is also a 12th century cathedral, with the tourist office conveniently located in the same square. From the train station, simply walk straight down the main Corso Bandiera, which becomes Corso Matteotti and leads one right to the tourist office and cathedral. The town is a delightful whirl of shop-lined curving streets, and the people are very friendly and willing to offer directions and advice.
Alba's modern-day fame is as the home of Ferrero's famous Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread. A must-have at any Italian hotel breakfast is a roll decadently lavished with Nutella, and you may wish to grab one for the train ride to Alba. In either the early morning or the late evening lights, the medieval towers of the town lend it a cinematic majesty. After a day or two in Alba, you are sure to feel as though you have visited the "real" Italy.
From Atlanta, Air France and KLM offer daily flights to Torino with one stop for around $1,000 round trip. Alternatively, you could also fly directly to Rome on Delta Airlines and take a longer, but still beautiful train ride to Torino or to Alba. Torino, home to two Winter Olympic Games, is also an exciting city worthy of a visit.
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