Cuneo Itinerary 10 Days: A Piedmontese Alpine Adventure (2026)

Arrive in Cuneo and settle into your accommodation. Begin your exploration in the heart of the city at the magnificent Piazza Galimberti, the city's grand central square. This vast, elegant space is lined with arcaded walkways and is the perfect introduction to Cuneo's stately architecture. From here, wander down Via Roma, the main artery of the Centro Storico (Old Town), a charming street that showcases the city's medieval past. The arcades that flank the street are a defining feature of Cuneo, offering shelter from the elements and housing a delightful mix of historic shops, modern boutiques, and inviting cafes. Take your time to browse the shops, perhaps stopping for a traditional Bicerin, a layered coffee and chocolate drink, at a historic cafe like Pasticceria Arione. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the old town's labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden courtyards and picturesque corners. Visit the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Bosco, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, and admire its ornate interior. As evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Piedmontese aperitivo at a local bar before indulging in a delicious dinner. For an authentic taste of the region, seek out a restaurant serving local specialties like 'agnolotti del plin' (small, pinched pasta) or 'brasato al Barolo' (braised beef in Barolo wine). A great option is the Osteria della Chiocciola, known for its commitment to the Slow Food movement and its use of high-quality local ingredients.

Dedicate your morning to exploring Cuneo's cultural treasures. Start at the Museo Civico di Cuneo, housed in the monumental complex of San Francesco. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and art of the region, with collections ranging from archaeological finds to contemporary art. Don't miss the section dedicated to the local ethnography, which provides a glimpse into the traditional life of the Alpine valleys. Afterward, visit the nearby Museo Casa Galimberti, the former home of the heroic anti-fascist figure Duccio Galimberti. The house-museum preserves the original furnishings and atmosphere of the early 20th century, offering a poignant look into a significant period of Italian history. In the afternoon, escape the city bustle and enjoy the natural beauty of the Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura. This vast river park, easily accessible from the city center, offers a network of walking and cycling paths along the banks of the Gesso and Stura rivers. Rent a bike or take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the fresh air and the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The park is a popular spot for locals and a great place to relax and unwind. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Santuario Madonna degli Angeli, a beautiful church perched on a hill overlooking the city. The panoramic views from the sanctuary are breathtaking, especially at dusk. For dinner, consider trying a pizzeria for a more casual meal. Pizzeria Scugnizzo is a local favorite, known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Today, take a day trip to the enchanting town of Saluzzo, the former capital of a powerful medieval marquisate. Just a short train or bus ride from Cuneo, Saluzzo is a beautifully preserved hill town with a rich history and a captivating atmosphere. Start your exploration in the upper town, the historic heart of Saluzzo, and wander through its narrow, winding streets. The undisputed highlight is the Castiglia, the imposing castle of the Marquises of Saluzzo. This formidable fortress, which dominates the skyline, now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the marquisate and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After visiting the Castiglia, make your way to the Casa Cavassa, a magnificent Renaissance palace that is now the city's civic museum. The museum's collection includes beautiful frescoes, antique furniture, and a fascinating series of paintings depicting the labors of Hercules. In the afternoon, descend to the lower town and explore the elegant Corso Italia, the main shopping street. Here you'll find a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to traditional food stores. Before heading back to Cuneo, be sure to visit the Cattedrale di Saluzzo, a fine example of late Gothic architecture. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a traditional trattoria in Saluzzo. Trattoria i Quat Taulin is a great choice, known for its authentic local cuisine and its cozy atmosphere.

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the world's most prestigious wine regions, the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rent a car or join a guided tour from Cuneo to immerse yourself in the rolling hills covered in vineyards that produce the renowned Barolo wine. Your first stop should be the town of Barolo itself, where you can visit the Castello Falletti, which houses the WiMu (Wine Museum). This innovative museum offers an interactive and sensory journey into the world of wine. After the museum, take a stroll through the charming streets of Barolo and visit one of the many enotecas (wine shops) for a tasting. In the afternoon, drive to the nearby village of La Morra, perched on a hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Langhe vineyards. From the Belvedere di La Morra, you can see for miles on a clear day, a patchwork of vineyards, castles, and villages. La Morra is also home to the Cappella del Barolo (also known as the Brunate Chapel), a vibrantly colored, never-consecrated chapel painted by artists Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett. It's a unique and photogenic spot. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a traditional osteria in the heart of the Langhe. Osteria More e Macine in La Morra is a popular choice, offering a great selection of local wines and delicious food. Before heading back to Cuneo, consider visiting a local winery for a tour and tasting. The Commendatore G.B. Burlotto winery is a historic and highly respected producer in the region.

Today, you'll step into the world of the Savoy royal family with a visit to the magnificent Castello di Racconigi, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Located a short train ride from Cuneo, this was one of the favorite residences of the House of Savoy. The castle is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture, and its lavishly decorated interiors offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Italian monarchy. Take a guided tour of the royal apartments to admire the intricate stucco work, the beautiful frescoes, and the original furnishings. The castle also houses a fascinating collection of royal portraits and historical artifacts. After touring the castle, spend the afternoon exploring the vast and beautiful park that surrounds it. The park is a masterpiece of landscape design, with a mix of formal Italian gardens, romantic English-style gardens, and a large lake. You can rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the park's many paths and trails. Don't miss the Margaria, a picturesque neo-Gothic farmstead within the park, and the serre reali, the royal greenhouses. The park is also home to a colony of storks, which you can often see nesting in the trees. For lunch, you can have a picnic in the park or enjoy a meal at one of the cafes near the castle. Before returning to Cuneo, take a stroll through the charming town of Racconigi.

Today, you'll venture into the heart of the Cottian Alps to discover the pristine beauty of the Valle Maira. This remote and unspoiled valley is known for its stunning landscapes, its rich Occitan culture, and its network of ancient hiking trails. Rent a car for the day to explore the valley at your own pace. The drive itself is spectacular, with winding roads that offer breathtaking views at every turn. Your first stop should be the village of Dronero, the gateway to the valley, with its picturesque devil's bridge and charming old town. As you drive deeper into the valley, you'll pass through a series of idyllic villages, each with its own unique character. Stop in San Damiano Macra to admire the traditional stone houses and the beautiful parish church. Continue on to Chiappera, at the head of the valley, a stunning hamlet set against a backdrop of dramatic rock formations. From here, you can take a short hike to the Sorgenti del Maira (the source of the Maira river) or to the impressive Rocca la Meja. For lunch, enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional locanda in the valley. The Locanda Mistral in Ponte Maira is a great choice, known for its authentic Occitan cuisine and its warm hospitality. In the afternoon, visit the Museo della Canapa e del Lavoro Femminile in Prazzo, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of hemp cultivation and the role of women in the valley's economy. Before heading back to Cuneo, take a moment to simply soak in the peace and tranquility of this magical place.

Today's excursion takes you to two of the most impressive sights in the Cuneo province. Start your day with a visit to the Santuario di Vicoforte, a monumental basilica famous for its magnificent elliptical dome, the largest of its kind in the world. The interior of the dome is covered in a breathtaking fresco, a masterpiece of Baroque art. For a truly unique experience, take the 'Magnificat' tour, which allows you to climb up into the dome and walk along the balconies, offering an up-close view of the frescoes and a thrilling perspective of the basilica below. The tour is a fascinating journey through the history and construction of this architectural marvel. In the afternoon, head to the nearby town of Mondovì, a charming hilltop town divided into two parts: the lower town, Breo, and the upper town, Piazza. Take the funicular up to Piazza, the historic heart of Mondovì, and wander through its medieval streets. Admire the beautiful Piazza Maggiore, the main square, and visit the Cattedrale di San Donato and the Chiesa della Missione, with its stunning illusionistic frescoes by Andrea Pozzo. Mondovì is also a center for hot-air ballooning, and if you're lucky, you might see some balloons taking off or landing. For lunch, enjoy a meal at a trattoria in Mondovì Piazza. The Trattoria La Borsarella is a local favorite, known for its traditional Piedmontese cuisine and its panoramic views. Before heading back to Cuneo, take a stroll through the lively streets of Breo and browse the shops.

Today, you'll discover a place of peace and spiritual beauty in the Valle Pesio, one of the most enchanting valleys in the Maritime Alps. Your main destination is the Certosa di Pesio, a magnificent Carthusian monastery founded in the 12th century. The monastery is set in a serene and picturesque location, surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains. Take a guided tour of the complex to learn about its rich history and the daily life of the Carthusian monks. Admire the beautiful cloister, the church, and the other monastic buildings. The Certosa is still an active religious community, so be sure to respect the rules and the atmosphere of silence. After visiting the Certosa, spend the afternoon exploring the Parco Naturale del Marguareis, the natural park that surrounds the monastery. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails for all levels of fitness. You can take a gentle walk along the river or a more challenging hike up to one of the mountain huts. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, and you might be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife, such as chamois, ibex, or golden eagles. For lunch, you can have a picnic in the park or enjoy a meal at the restaurant near the Certosa. Before heading back to Cuneo, make a stop at the Grotte di Bossea, one of the most beautiful and important show caves in Italy. The caves are a spectacular succession of chambers, tunnels, and underground lakes, adorned with a wealth of stalactites and stalagmites.

Embark on a day trip to the sophisticated town of Alba, the unofficial capital of the Langhe region and a world-renowned center for gastronomy. Famous for its precious white truffles and its medieval towers, Alba offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence. Begin your exploration in the heart of the town, the Piazza Risorgimento, where you can admire the impressive Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. From here, wander through the elegant Via Vittorio Emanuele II, the town's main shopping street, lined with designer boutiques, historic cafes, and shops selling local delicacies. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the local torrone (nougat) and other hazelnut-based treats. Alba is often called the 'City of a Hundred Towers,' and while not all of them remain, you can still see several impressive examples of these medieval status symbols. Climb one of the remaining towers for a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding vineyards. In the afternoon, delve into the world of the white truffle with a visit to a local truffle shop or, if you're visiting in the autumn, the famous International Alba White Truffle Fair. For a truly unique experience, consider booking a truffle hunting excursion with a local 'trifolao' (truffle hunter) and his dog. For lunch, indulge in a meal at one of Alba's many excellent restaurants. The Piazza Duomo, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a world-renowned culinary destination, but there are many other more affordable options that offer delicious local cuisine. Osteria dell'Arco is a great choice for a traditional and high-quality meal.

Enjoy a final leisurely morning in Cuneo. This is the perfect opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. The arcaded Via Roma and the surrounding streets are full of shops selling local products, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to the famous Cuneesi al Rhum, delicious chocolates with a rum-filled center. The weekly market in Piazza Galimberti (on Tuesdays) is another great place to find local specialties and handicrafts. Take the time to sit at an outdoor cafe, enjoy a final cappuccino, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. Depending on your departure time, you might have time for a final stroll through the Centro Storico or a quick visit to a museum you might have missed. Before heading to the airport or train station, enjoy a final Piedmontese lunch. Choose a restaurant that you particularly enjoyed or try a new one for a last taste of the region's exquisite cuisine. As you depart from Cuneo, you'll carry with you the memories of its alpine grandeur, its rich history, and its warm hospitality.