Our monthly column is back. Would you like to read our recommendations for the month ahead?

1. Cuneo
2. Potenza
3. Asti
4. Crotone
5. Cremona
6. Avellino
7. Benevento
8. Vercelli
9. Turin
10. Piacenza

Foto: CC Giovanni

1 - Cuneo

The International White Truffle Fair in Alba is an absolute must in November, but don’t forget to explore beneath the city too! On Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy a guided underground tour led by a professional archaeologist, who will take you back in time to the ancient past of Langhe’s regional capital.

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2 - Potenza

The second destination in our Top 10 celebrates Basilicata, an Italian region full of wonder and tradition, home to the province of Potenza. November is an ideal month to take a drive around the area, admiring landscapes of dense woodland, flowing waterfalls, creeks and towering mountains. Visit the Vaglio excavations, Lagopesole Castle and Venosa, famous for its certified DOC Aglianico wine and for being the birthplace of Horace. Weather permitting, take a trip to the Maratea coast: this tourist resort along the Tyrrhenian is beautiful in autumn too!

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3 - Asti

As well as stylish cities like Nizza Monferrato and Mombaruzzo, which are perfect for whiling the afternoon away, the province of Asti is also home to fabulous castles and abbeys. If you only have time for one, we recommend the Vezzolano Abbey in Albugnano. Be sure to stop and take a few photos of the hills and stunning views of protected areas, such as the Rocchetta Tanaro Nature Park and Valli Andona Special Nature Reserve. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a meal of fine local cuisine and wine from the Asti region.

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4 - Crotone

Heading south from Basilicata takes us directly to neighbouring Calabria, home to the province of Crotone. Take a tour of the region’s wineries where you can taste the famous Cirò wine, before enjoying a stroll along the seafront of Isola di Capo Rizzuto. Don’t worry, no ferries or boat trips are required! Despite its name, Isola di Capo Rizzuto isn’t an island but a town in the province of Crotone. Beaches, rocky cliffs, castles and delectable (and reasonably priced) fish restaurants await you!

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5 - Cremona

Fifth on our list of provinces for November is Cremona. In this region, we have no doubts about what to recommend: the star attraction is the Festa del Torrone, a nougat festival held from 21st to 29th November. If you’re curious about what Italians eat at Christmastime, this is the right place! The sweetest event of the year offers a rich schedule of presentations, workshops, music and show cooking. Visitors can sample unique nougat flavours as well as original and traditional recipes.

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6 - Avellino

If you choose the province of Avellino for your November break, here are three things you simply must do: visit the region’s castles, photograph the medieval town of Rocca San Felice, and explore the local hamlets. Be sure to try some typical dishes at one of the trattorias and to sample the local products, such as caciocavallo, a traditional Italian cheese.

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7 - Benevento

In the province of Benevento, the Christmassy feeling begins in November. From mid-November to the end of the month, the medieval castle of Limatoia hosts the Cadeaux al Castello event. The huge Christmas market brings together a host of artists and small producers from all over Campania. Antiques, pottery, decorations, food and wine, plus entertaining jugglers and fire-eaters, acrobats and stilt walkers. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit this recently renovated castle and start your Christmas shopping!

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Read the list for November:
1. Cuneo
2. Potenza
3. Asti
4. Crotone
5. Cremona
6. Avellino
8. Vercelli
9. Turin
10. Piacenza

8 - Vercelli

We’re back in Piedmont, but this time in the province of Vercelli - a charming, stylish and vibrant region with a wealth of hidden gems. A tour of the province’s art and history, from Vercelli to Alagna, is perfect for November. The Gattinara Hills are beautiful too, and home to several castles built along the Via Francigena.

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9 - Turin

A dream holiday in the province of Turin isn’t complete without a visit to the Venaria Reale. Although many would recommend visiting in spring when the gardens explode with colour, Venaria Reale is beautiful on a sunny day in November too, when the autumn leaves turn vibrant hues of orange, red and yellow. Explore every room and don't forget to take a photo in front of the musical fountain!

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10 - Piacenza

Last on our list of the 10 best provinces for November is... Piacenza! A trip around what some say is the world’s most beautiful valley - Val Trebbia - is definitely what we recommend. Explore the region’s fine food and wine at local farms, restaurants and wineries, many which offer tours. Piacenza also hosts an array of events dedicated to its local gastronomy, including its cured meats, pisarei (traditional bread dumplings) and chisolini, a delicious fried dough.

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