A region of peaks and valleys, Piedmont shares its borders with France, Switzerland and Italy's semi-autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta. In addition to sharing a border, these countries also share claim to the Alps. A portion of these slopes, known collectively as the Milky Way, house posh winter resorts and great ski hills, whose international acclaim includes a role as host of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Piedmont's capital Turin is the fourth-largest city in Italy, and was also capital of the House of Savoy from the 12th to the 19th century. The Savoys were both Italian and French, and their lands included Piedmont, part of Switzerland and a chunk of southeast France. Turin's Royal Palace, or the Palazzo Reale, contains much evidence of their aristocratic lifestyle. Visit Turin's huge FIAT factory, now a modern complex of shops, concert halls and a hotel, to see what remains of its famous rooftop racetrack. The region also produces world renowned wines, and culinary specialties include the original hot chocolate (bicerin), savory candy and delectable truffles.