Piedmont’s history with chocolate is one of generations of master chocolatiers, irresistible delicacies, and the splendid pastry shops and cafes for which Turin is famous.

Cocoa was introduced to Piedmont in the 16th century

Quality raw materials and great inventiveness have made Turin the European capital of chocolate making since the 16th century, when cocoa arrived in Piedmont with Duke Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy. It is said that the duke symbolically served a steaming cup of chocolate to the city to celebrate the transfer of the capital from Chambery to Turin. 

Hazelnuts and chocolate for a marriage made in heaven

In 1678 the drink went on sale to the public and the art of chocolate making conquered hearts and palates in solid and liquid form: from bars sold by the cut to specialties and drinking chocolate. Delicacies such as the Cremino, the Torinese with its three layers of chocolate, one of hazelnut chocolate paste and two of gianduja cream, and the Alpino, as well as the famous pralines and truffles. The marriage of cocoa and the Langhe hazelnut created the Gianduiotto, the famous upside-down boat-shaped delight made from gianduja paste. It was the first chocolate to be sold wrapped in gold or silver paper, and the first made during the 1865 Carnival period. 

Endless variations with meringue, rum and amaretti

During the festive season Bonet can be enjoyed throughout Piedmont. This rich soft pudding is made with cocoa, amaretti and rum.  And if you are in Cune stock up on the excellent Cuneesi al Rum, chocolates with two meringue wafers and a centre of dark chocolate and rum custard, coated with a layer of dark chocolate.

Neos is expanding its network with a new direct flight to India, destination Amritsar in the state of Punjab. From this month the Boeing 737 Max flights have Milan Malpensa departures every Wednesday.

The aim is to carry 40,000 passengers in the first year

Neos thus aims at supporting the development of new tourist and business traffic between the two countries, with the objective of reaching about 40,000 passengers in the first year of operations. The Alpitour Group's carrier's plans include the expansion of capacity, with departures also from the airports of Rome Fiumicino and Verona from next year. 

Consolidating relations between Italy, the USA and India

In addition to meeting incoming needs, by boosting arrivals from South-East Asia to Italy, the new route will be an important connection for the Milan-New York route. This means further growth for the airline, while consolidating relations between Italy, the USA and India, and paving the way for new and profitable tourist and economic collaborations.

“Neos is expanding its historic leisure business”

"With the new intercontinental flight Neos expands into the Asian market, continuing its development strategy aimed at broadening its perimeter of action alongside expanding its historic leisure business," said Carlo Stradiotti, CEO of the company.

Among the most recent additions to Neos' long-haul network are Kazakhstan and Mauritius, an expansion that goes hand in hand with the growth of the fleet, which now consists of 15 aircraft, including the latest generation B737s, B737 MAXs and 787 Dreamliners.

Maremma Safari Club, the Tuscan-based organizer of walks for groups and private parties to unexplored offbeat parts of Italy for the ultimate in luxury slow tourism, is adding a new Barolo tour next year. 

Barolo vineyards

A five-day hike through Piedmont’s fabled wine-growing region

The new luxury wine and truffle walking tour from 24 to 29 October 2023, is a five-day hike exploring the hills and vineyards of the Barolo winegrowing region in Piedmont, ending in the truffle capital of Alba. After the first night in an agriturismo in the town of Bossolasco, which is about 50 minutes from the regional capital Turin, on Day 2 walkers head into the Langhe hills. Having enjoyed a packed lunch en route there is then a van transfer or an optional afternoon walk to Monforte d’Alba and Villa Beccaris, their base for the next four nights.

An afternoon with a truffle hunter and his dog

Day 3 starts by exploring the Langhe’s vineyards and woodlands, and the afternoon is dedicated to truffle hunting with a local expert and his dog.  On Day 4 there is a visit to an award-winning Barolo producer, followed by a private wine and cheese tasting.  On Day 5 in the historic city of Alba there will be time to visit the White Truffle Fair. This new itinerary, like all the walks, includes accommodation, breakfasts, dinners and lunches and all the activities listed in the programme.  

“Private tours are personalized also around the interests of the guests”

“This is quintessential Piedmont with its singular landscapes and superb gastronomy,” says Maremma Safari Club’s founder Rudston Steward who has been walking his way into the lore of Italy for twenty years. He curates each itinerary and personally accompanies all the scheduled and private walks, which start in April and end in October. “There are no walks in August, it’s too hot and too crowded.” The programmed walks, of from three to eight days, are for a maximum of 12-14 people while the private tours are personalized around the interests of the guests.”

The nine 2023 walking safaris start in April and end in October

In 2023 the Maremma Safari Club’s nine planned luxury slow tourism departures go from the top to the toe of Italy, from the Dolomite peaks to Calabria’s beaches and also include Sicilian and Sardinian itineraries. Steward also helps guests extend their time in Italy pre or post the walks, designing customized itineraries and experiences and booking add-on nights. 

For information: https://maremmasafari.com

Fairytale snow without stress in the Dolomites is possible, stepping outside and finding yourself right on the ski runs, without transfers, without queues and without stress. This dream comes true at the Romantik Hotel Cappella in Colfosco, an exclusive 5-star hotel in the Val Badia in the Alto Adige region.

Some of the rooms and suites have private saunas

In the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area the Romantik Hotel Cappella offers a type of hospitality that goes beyond a holiday, becoming a revitalising, unforgettable experience. Splendidly inserted into a stunning mountainous landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the experience begins in the luxurious rooms and suites (from 33 to 88 sqm) with natural wood floors, picture windows and breathtaking views. Some of them also have a private sauna.

Dining on regional specialties with 400 wines to choose from

And after skiing, it's nice to take a dip in the large pool or relax in the wellness area and enjoy a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna, or a saline sauna. At dinner by candlelight you can sample the specialties of Chef Paul Mittermair, who blends international cuisine with regional specialties, and sip one of the 400 wines recommended by landlord Caro Pizzinini, who is also a sommelier.

The First Snow offers are valid from 3-24 December

To open the winter season and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the snow, without stress, the First Snow offer is available from 3 to 24 December 2022. It consists of  4 days for the price of 3, including a ski pass and 4-day equipment rental for the price of 3, with 5 skiing lessons for the price of 4. Those who want a slightly longer stay can take advantage of an 8-day stay for the price of 6, including a ski pass and 8-day equipment rental for the price of 6, with 5 skiing lessons for the price of 4. Prices start from €252 per person in half board.

Important news for the Movimënt brand of high-altitude parks: the new Movi Family Apart-Hotel, the first in the region, will open on 2 December in Alta Badia in the Dolomite mountain range. 

Properties designed around families

The Skicarosello Corvara consortium, to which Movimënt belongs, has developed the Mmh (Movimënt Hospitality) brand. The hotel represents a massive investment for a company that is specializing in family tourism, with a format designed around the needs of children and parents.

Apartments with a games room and a family sauna

The former Vallon Residence has been converted into a 3-storey complex with 33 family apartments complete with every comfort, including kitchens, a 250 sqm games room, a family sauna, a wellness area reserved for adults, a garden with a playground and much more. 

A full refrigerator on arrival

Families can relax and take advantage of organized workshops and activities. Thanks to an app developed specifically for Mmh, guests can find the refrigerator full of food as soon as they arrive. They can also order via the app from four local restaurants, discovering recipes and delicacies from an area which is famous for its gourmet cuisine.