Bard
Why visit Bard the first time?
Review by Baldassarri Giuseppe
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Bard is a charming village located in the Aosta Valley region of Italy. It is known for its medieval architecture, historical sites, and beautiful mountain scenery. To fully explore Bard and its surroundings, I would recommend planning for a 2 to 3-day itinerary. Here's a sample itinerary that includes attractions, local food and wine specialties, transportation options, and accommodation suggestions:
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your day by visiting the Bard Fortress (Forte di Bard), a prominent historical landmark. Explore the fortress, which houses museums, art exhibitions, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets of Bard. Admire the old stone buildings, charming squares, and local shops. Visit the Church of San Martino and the Ponte Romano, a Roman bridge.
- Evening: Indulge in the local cuisine of the Aosta Valley. Try traditional dishes such as fontina cheese fondue, carbonade (beef stew), and polenta. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, such as a red Nebbiolo or a white Petite Arvine.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a short drive to the nearby town of Fénis. Visit the Fénis Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress with beautiful frescoes and courtyards.
- Afternoon: Explore the stunning natural landscape of the Aosta Valley. Take a scenic drive to the nearby Gran Paradiso National Park and enjoy hiking or nature walks amidst the mountains and valleys.
- Evening: Return to Bard and dine at one of the local trattorias, where you can savor dishes like carbonada with polenta, or try some regional cured meats, such as Jambon de Bosses or Lard d'Arnad.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the Ecomuseum of the Aosta Valley, located in the nearby town of Gressan. Learn about the region's traditional crafts, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
- Afternoon: Take a short drive to the town of Saint-Vincent, known for its thermal baths and wellness centers. Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal waters or indulge in a spa treatment.
- Evening: Return to Bard for your final evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sampling more regional specialties and wines.
To get to Bard, the most convenient way is to fly to Turin Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport, both of which have good connections to international destinations. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Bard, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Turin and around 2.5 hours from Milan.
For accommodations in Bard, you can choose from a range of options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses. Consider staying in a historic building or a traditional mountain-style hotel to enhance your experience.
As always, it's recommended to check for any travel advisories or entry requirements before your trip, and to make any necessary reservations in advance. Enjoy your visit to Bard and the beautiful Aosta Valley!
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Tour of Bard and itinerary to discover the attractions and local food and wine specialties to taste, how to get there, and where to stay in Italy, How many days should the itinerary be?