Cuneo Itinerary 7 Days: A Journey Through Piedmont's Alpine Heart (2026)

Arrive in Cuneo and check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's historic center, the Centro Storico. Begin your journey at the magnificent Piazza Galimberti, the largest square in Piedmont. Admire the elegant architecture of the surrounding buildings and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling public space. From there, wander down Via Roma, the city's main thoroughfare, lined with beautiful arcades that house a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take your time to browse the boutiques, sample some local delicacies, and enjoy a coffee at a traditional pasticceria. In the evening, delve into the culinary scene of Cuneo with a traditional Piedmontese dinner. Indulge in regional specialties such as 'agnolotti del plin' (small, pinched pasta), 'brasato al Barolo' (braised beef in Barolo wine), and the famous 'Cuneesi al rhum' for dessert. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, such as a Dolcetto or a Barbera, for a truly authentic experience. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets of the old town, enjoying the magical ambiance of Cuneo by night.

Today, we venture into the breathtaking landscapes of the Maritime Alps with a day trip to the Valle delle Meraviglie, or Valley of Wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 40,000 prehistoric rock carvings, dating back to the Bronze Age. The valley is a veritable open-air museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors. The journey to the valley is an adventure in itself, with winding mountain roads and stunning panoramic views. Upon arrival, embark on a guided hike to discover the most significant rock engravings. The carvings depict a variety of subjects, including animals, weapons, and human figures, and provide valuable insights into the beliefs and rituals of the people who created them. The hike will take you through pristine alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and under the watchful eye of towering peaks. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst this spectacular scenery. In the late afternoon, we will return to Cuneo, with memories of a day spent in the heart of the Alps.

Today, we delve into the royal history of the House of Savoy with a visit to the magnificent Castello di Racconigi. This former royal residence is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and is surrounded by a vast and beautiful park. Explore the opulent interiors of the castle, which are lavishly decorated with frescoes, tapestries, and antique furniture. Don't miss the impressive kitchens, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the royal court. After touring the castle, take a stroll through the park, which was designed by the famous landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who also designed the gardens of Versailles. In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby town of Bra, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. This charming town is a food lover's paradise, with a plethora of delicatessens, cheese shops, and osterias. Visit the Banca del Vino (Wine Bank), where you can admire a collection of over 100,000 bottles of the best Italian wines. Then, indulge in a cheese tasting at a local fromagerie, where you can sample the famous Bra cheese, a DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) product. For dinner, enjoy a meal at one of Bra's excellent restaurants, where you can savor the principles of the Slow Food movement firsthand.

Today is dedicated to exploring the world-renowned Langhe wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its picturesque landscapes and exceptional wines. Our first stop is the charming village of Barolo, which gives its name to one of Italy's most prestigious red wines. Visit the Castello Falletti, which houses the WiMu (Wine Museum), an innovative and interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of wine. After the museum, enjoy a wine tasting at a local cantina, where you can sample the complex and elegant flavors of Barolo. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey through the rolling hills of the Langhe, stopping at other picturesque villages such as La Morra and Monforte d'Alba. From the panoramic viewpoint of La Morra, you can admire the stunning patchwork of vineyards that covers the hillsides. In Monforte d'Alba, wander through the narrow cobblestone streets and discover the charming medieval architecture. For dinner, we will enjoy a meal at a traditional osteria in the Langhe, where you can savor the authentic flavors of the region, accompanied by another glass of exquisite local wine.

Today, we travel back in time with a visit to the enchanting medieval town of Saluzzo. This beautifully preserved town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and elegant palaces. Climb to the top of the Castiglia, the former castle of the Marquises of Saluzzo, for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Visit the Casa Cavassa, a magnificent Renaissance palace that now houses the Civic Museum. Don't miss the Church of San Giovanni, which is home to a series of beautiful frescoes. In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby Abbazia di Staffarda, one of the most important monastic complexes in Piedmont. This Cistercian abbey was founded in the 12th century and is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Explore the church, the cloister, and the other monastic buildings, and learn about the history of the Cistercian order. The abbey is also home to a farm shop where you can buy local products, including honey, jams, and liqueurs. In the evening, we will return to Cuneo for a relaxing dinner.

Today is a day of relaxation and spiritual reflection. We will start by visiting the Terme di Vinadio, a thermal spa located in the heart of the Stura Valley. The spa's hot springs have been known for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. Spend the morning relaxing in the thermal pools, enjoying a massage, or indulging in one of the spa's other wellness treatments. The spa is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we will visit the Santuario di Sant'Anna di Vinadio, the highest sanctuary in Europe. This impressive religious complex is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters and is a popular pilgrimage site. The sanctuary is a place of great peace and tranquility, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the church, the museum, and the other buildings of the complex, and learn about the history of the sanctuary. In the evening, we will return to Cuneo for a farewell dinner, where you can reminisce about your adventures in the Piedmont region.

On your final day in Cuneo, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the weekly market, which takes place every Tuesday in Piazza Galimberti. This bustling market is one of the largest in the region and is a feast for the senses. Browse the stalls selling everything from fresh produce and local cheeses to clothing and household goods. This is the perfect place to buy some souvenirs to take home with you. Enjoy a final cappuccino at a cafe on the square and watch the world go by. After the market, you will have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or to revisit any of your favorite spots in the city. In the afternoon, it will be time to say goodbye to Cuneo and transfer to the airport or train station for your departure. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through the alpine heart of Piedmont and that you will leave with a newfound appreciation for this beautiful and diverse region of Italy.