Liguria and Piedmont - Cinque Terre, Langhe and Turin by MotorhomeCinque Terre, Langhe and Turin by Motorhome

Genoa is a port city that hides itself: behind the Porto Antico with Renzo Piano's aquarium lies a labyrinth of caruggi, alleys with focaccerias and churches, and above that, the palaces of the Strade Nuove on the UNESCO list. The motorhome parking area is located near the Fiera on the east side, with a bus to the centre. Pesto originates from here; the trofie al pesto in a trattoria in the centre is the perfect introduction.

Camogli enchants with its colorful fishermen's houses in ochre and pink, nestled around a picturesque harbor and pebble beach. From the harbor, a boat sails to the Abbazia San Fruttuoso, a tenth-century abbey in a secluded bay. Here, underwater, lies the Cristo degli Abissi. Those who wish to reach the abbey on foot can take a strenuous walk of about two hours over Monte di Portofino. The lively harbor and beach offer a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Ligurian Sea.

Portofino surprises with its compact harbour, where brightly coloured houses reflect in the water filled with gleaming yachts. The lively Piazzetta di Portofino is the heart of the village, surrounded by inviting terraces. Those who walk uphill will reach Castello Brown, a historic fort with expansive views over the Ligurian coast. Further on lies the Abbazia di Cervara, an old abbey that exudes tranquillity. This beloved village can be busy, but the atmosphere around the waterfront remains charming.

Levanto is a quiet seaside resort, a calm counterpart to the lively Cinque Terre. On the Spiaggia di Levanto, you can enjoy the sandy beach and the surfers. The old town surprises with a historic loggia, while the imposing Chiesa Sant'Andrea dominates the village's appearance. Cyclists follow the Ciclopedonale Maremonti through old railway tunnels to Bonassola and Framura. Motorhome sites are located in the valley, close to the station, a convenient starting point for those who want to explore the surroundings.

The Cinque Terre are five villages clinging to the cliffs, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, connected by train and by the Sentiero Azzurro along the coast. That path runs from Monterosso to Vernazza and Corniglia; the villages themselves require separate time, and in good weather, a boat sails along the coast. Motorhomes cannot enter the park; you stay overnight in Levanto or Deiva Marina and buy the Cinque Terre Card for train and paths.

From La Spezia, a lively naval port, you can explore the picturesque Golfo dei Poeti. Boats take you to Porto Venere, a village with narrow houses on a rocky promontory, featuring the Chiesa San Pietro and Byron's Grotto. Just off the coast are the islands of Palmaria and Tino. Across the gulf lies Lerici, with a castle and an attractive beach. In the city itself, you'll experience the lively hustle and bustle, visible at the market and in the technical maritime museum.

Finale Ligure combines the rugged beauty of limestone cliffs with the historic charm of a medieval village. Inland, you can wander through Finalborgo, a walled medieval village with narrow streets that invite exploration. Castel San Giovanni towers above the surroundings, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the picturesque Baia dei Saraceni. On the fine gravel beach, you'll experience the lively atmosphere of this versatile place.

The Langhe are the wine hills of Barolo and Barbaresco, a landscape of vineyards, hazelnut trees, and hilltop castles that is UNESCO-listed. Alba has its towers and the truffle market in October and November, Barolo Castle a wine museum, and a beautiful drive runs past La Morra, Monforte, and Neive. The motorhome pitches are located near the wine villages; many wineries allow motorhomes to stay overnight after a tasting.

Asti's vibrant character stems from medieval traditions, with the Palio as its highlight. The Gothic Cattedrale di Asti, built of red brick, stands proudly in the center. Climbing the Torre Troyana offers views over the rooftops and many historic towers. In the hills of Monferrato, you'll discover the infernot, unique sandstone wine cellars. In Piazza Alfieri, locals enjoy a glass of regional spumante in the late afternoon.

Turin is Italy's most underrated city: baroque squares and eighteen kilometres of arcades, the Egyptian Museum as the largest outside Cairo, the Mole Antonelliana with the film museum and the coffee houses where the bicerin was invented. Outside the centre are the Reggia di Venaria and the Lingotto factory with its rooftop test track. The motorhome site is located by the Po in the park, with a tram to the centre.

Lago d'Orta is an intimate Italian gem, beloved by locals and smaller than its famous neighbour. The charming town of Orta San Giulio is located on a peninsula and is car-free, allowing you to wander peacefully. From here, boats sail to Isola San Giulio, home to a basilica and a monastery. Above the lake, in the forest, lies the Sacro Monte with its series of chapels. The serene waters and green shores preserve the authentic Italian tranquility, which you can still fully experience here.

Genoa is a port city that hides itself: behind the Porto Antico with Renzo Piano's aquarium lies a labyrinth of caruggi, alleys with focaccerias and churches, and above that, the palaces of the Strade Nuove on the UNESCO list. The motorhome parking area is located near the Fiera on the east side, with a bus to the centre. Pesto originates from here; the trofie al pesto in a trattoria in the centre is the perfect introduction.