Al Cambio

You can search the world, but you'll find few regions (including the Chianti) which have dedicated their landscape as thoroughly to vineyards as Le Langhe. In central Piedmont, halfway between Turin and Milan, just an hour from Malpensa Airport and the Ligurian seacoast, this tiny region is little more than an endless series of gently rolling hills blanketed with a lush multi-colored patchwork of vigne. Savvy winelovers come here annually to spend leisurely days roaming from one cantina to the next, visiting the ancient wine museums and sampling the world-class products of these tiny plots: Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Moscato d'Asti and more. You'd be very surprised to learn how many of the world's most renowned vintages are made with grapes grown almost entirely in Le Langhe: French champagne is only one of them.

Even if you are not a wine connoisseur, this region has plenty to offer. To begin with, it is the global headquarters of the prized white truffle, which grows abundantly (if highly clandestinely!) under the local oak trees. In October and November each town has its festival, generally culminating in free tastings of delicacies and a spectacular auction of the world's most expensive food. The entire regional cuisine, based on a fanciful use of fresh vegetables, high-quality meats and delicate sauces, is often considered to be Italy's finest. You can sample it in dozens of restaurants - from the simplest local hangout to renowned (and expensive) culinary luminaries - scattered throughout the countryside or in the charming medieval towns that invariably hover at the foot of a forboding castle. Many of the latter can be visited, by the way, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of feudal northern Italy.

If you are lucky enough to plan for a more extended stay, we suggest you include a day in Turin. Known abroad mostly as the home of the mysterious Shroud, it is a pleasant provincial capital that still displays the grandeur of its stint as home to the Savoys, Italy's only royal dynasty.You can visit several beautiful palazzi as well as the best Egyptian museum outside of Egypt and one of Europe's most stunning municipal parks. Or zip down the autostrada to Genoa and Portofino for a day at the seaside and some authentic pesto alla genovese. Slightly over an hour away are the foothills of the Alps, studded with more vineyards and a host of little towns whose inhabitants offer a warm welcome to the rare tourist smart enough to venture this far. Finally, to add some glamorous international flair to your week, tool over to Monte Carlo for a try at the baccarat table. It's just two hours away.

Among the prettiest towns in this region is Acqui Terme, beloved of the ancient Romans for its healing warm waters. At the moment the Old Town is undergoing a breathtaking restoration, and entire blocks have been returned to their original state. The quiet cobbled streets lined with pristine medieval stone houses all lead past the colorful outdoor market to a wonderful piazza where a circle of pastel-colored homes surrounds an elaborate fountain shrouded in steam. Locals come here to dip their aching hands in the soothing stream of water. We suggest you also treat yourself to a thermal mud facial or massage in the nearby beauty spa.

Your home away from home for all these explorations is Al Cambio, a small country residence tucked amongst the vineyards between Acqui and Nizza Monferrato. Opened in September, 2000, the burnt-umber building offers four guest rooms with private bath and several mini-apartments which feature a living room with single sleep sofa and dining for four, a kitchen unit hidden behind a smart antique wardrobe, a separate double bedroom and bathroom. Some of the apartments have their own table and chairs in the garden as well. All rooms and apartments feature beautiful antique furnishings, terracotta floors, double-glazed windows, satellite TV, air-conditioning and superb heating, mini-bar, thick terrycloth towels and towel warmers, hair dryers and toiletry sets. For 8 Euro/person, a delicious buffet breakfast is served in the garden in warmer months, and a light buffet lunch can be enjoyed next to the panoramic heated swimming pool.

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These exclusive low 2008 rates are valid only for In Italy Online guests!

Nightly Rates for 2008 (per room or apartment) Two-Night Minimum
Includes taxes, services & breakfast
	Low Season: Jan. 1-June 13 Sept. 20-Dec. 31	High Season: June 14-Sept. 19
Single Room	68.00 EURO	80.00 EURO
Double Room	108.50 EURO	118.00 EURO
Apartment (2-4 people)	136.50 EURO	151.00 EURO

Weekly Rates for 2008 (per apartment)
Includes taxes & services
	Low Season: Jan. 1-June 13 Sept. 20-Dec. 31	High Season: June 14-Sept. 19
Apartment (2-4 people)	565.00 EURO	734.50 EURO

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Baby cribs are available free of charge by reservation only.
Breakfast is included in daily prices and available for weekly prices at 8 Euro/person/day.
Daily cleaning of the apartments is available for 12 Euro/day; if you stay more than one week, a weekly cleaning is included in the price.

A small local train passes in the valley below the residence. Although it is barely audible it could disturb very light sleepers who prefer to keep the windows open.
The nearest restaurants and shops are in Fontanile, about a 5-minute drive away.
Very little English is spoken by your hosts.
There is no elevator, so please tell us if you need to be on the ground floor.

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Please note that you need a car to stay here.

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