Walking Piedmont, Alba, Italy: May 12-13, 2019

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo

It took most of the day to travel from Belgrade, Serbia, to Alba, Italy, via taxis, planes, and finally a train ride from Turin to Alba, but we made it in good time. Alba is where our self-guided Utracks walking tour begins. Utracks booked the rooms, gave us maps and step-by-step instructions, and access to a navigation app to get us from place to place. We provide the motor power - our feet.

Our walk is called Piedmont, Land of Barolo and Barbera and the trip write up says "for true connoisseurs of mouth-watering food, truffles, and fabulous wines, the Italian region of Piedmont is a foodie's paradise." Perfect! This is what we're imagining it will be: strolling, lunching, more strolling, sipping wine, strolling to our pre-arranged hotel, fabulous dinner, repeat.

Our first full day in Alba was a Monday. That was unfortunate because most shops were closed, and our goal was to get an Italian SIM card so we would have some way of calling for help in case of emergency. Finally, an open Vodafone shop was located and we secured our SIM lifeline.

Since there wasn't much open except restaurants, gelato shops, and shops selling truffles, we strolled the quiet streets of the historic center, ate gelato, and had a fabulous dinner.

The huge Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the bell tower date back to the 12th and 13th centuries with 15th and 19th century renovations. One of the most striking features is the wooden choir built in 1512.

Tomorrow, we begin our walk from Roddi to Cortemilia and our week of connoisseurship.

Particulars:
Restaurant Osteria dell Arco