With a backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, steeped in history and renowned for culture and prosperity, Turin and the Piemonte region is one of Italy's best kept secrets. Home of some of the finest wines in the world, much loved for its chocolate and coffee, and with a rich tradition of superb local cuisine, this historic region is a true land of contrasts. From the heights and wooded foothills of the mountains, to the sprawling rice fields criss-crossed with canals. From the pinstriped neatness of the world-famous vineyards to the swirling torrents of the mighty River Po. And from the industrial powerhouse of Turin's high-tech district to the Baroque elegance of its peaceful piazzas and boulevards. The city has a splendid heritage of monuments and palazzi, museums and galleries, including important collections of Egyptian antiquities and Cinema history. For centuries it was the seat of the Dukes of Savoy, and their influence remains in Turin's architecture - and also in its distinctive cuisine. Around Turin, there are dozens of ancient towns and villages well worth discovering. Alba is the main centre for celebrating that gastronomic jewel, the white truffle. There is a fantastic Saturday market and the Fiera del Tartufo - Festival of the Truffle - every October. The hilltop village of La Morra offers splendid views of the vineyard country responsible for the great wines of Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco and Dolcetto. The beautiful medieval town of Cherasco offers Roman remains, a 13th Century castle and some rare gastronomic treats. All in all, a Riva Break really does deliver the true flavours of this fascinating part of Italy.