Piedmont is the western region of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, but you may know it better as the home of Nutella, Lavazza and Fiat. The region’s capital is Turin, Italy’s first capital and most underrated city. It’s a well-preserved bastion of art, architecture, design, dining and (most importantly) aperitivo culture. Piedmont also includes the big-hitting wine regions of Barolo and Asti, and the Baroque town of Alba, famous for its truffles – proffered in everything from pizza to pasta. Hazelnuts are another regional specialty, try them in unbelievably silky gelato, biscotti (biscuits) and local artisan choc-hazelnut spreads. The appeal for ski bunnies is also strong, Turin hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2006, and is only a 2-hour drive from the popular ski resort of Courmayeur in Valle d’Aosta. For armchair skiers, the charming cobblestoned towns of Bra – where the global slow food movement began – and Saluzzo have views of the distinctive Monte Viso peak, which you may recognise as the Paramount Pictures logo.