Can anyone give me some advice for travelling to Asti, then Alba and Guarene for the truffle festival?

Question

My boyfriend and I are flying from Barcelona (Girona) to Bergamo (so we can visit friends there on the way back) and taking trains to Alba, we'd like to stop in Asti for lunch. My employer is from Alba and his family has an inn/restaurant in Guarene, so we are staying there for 4 nights. So here are my specific questions:

-Is the train station in Asti very central? Does it have a baggage check? Is there a good Enoteca or something that would be open around 12:30 (Wednesday) where we could have lunch and get a nice bottle of local Moscato (easy access from train station)? Is there anything else that's a must see that could be done quite easily on this 'layover'? Is it neccessary to book our tickets from Asti to Alba in advance?

-Is the train station in Alba very central? I can't get a straight answer on whether or not there is a bus from Alba to Guarene? I've heard that a taxi would be around 15€?

-Any advice at all would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think you would enjoy Alba much better than Asti. I don't know about trains, but you can check out www.trenitalia.it for availability. The two towns are around 30km (20 miles) apart.

On Saturday and Sunday in Alba there is a truffle fair until November 5th, I believe. There is a large tent (1 euro admission) where yo can taste many of the local offerings for free suchas truffle butter, chocolates, cheeses etc. (sorry, you won't be offred free truffles). The price of truffles this year are between 200-250 euros for 100 grams.

Too bad you couldn't rent a car for a day. Near to Alba are the towns Barolo and Barbaresco which are interesting for wine lovers.

Mind you Piemonte is not as picturesque as say Tuscany, but it has its own charm. Be sure to also try the roasted chestnuts in salt. I hope this helps. Have fun!