Turin & Piedmont

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Grand Hotel Sitea

  We shall stay at the 4 star Grand Hotel Sitea in the historic heart of the city, close to Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello. The hotel’s restaurant is popular with the locals – and the Piedmontese are particularly proud of their cuisine – it was in nearby Bra that the famous Slow Food movement started. During our tour there will be three dinners at selected restaurants serving regional cuisine from the towns of Cuneo, Asti and Alba.

• Day 2 - Discovering Turin

  We begin with a visit to the Galleria Sabauda with its fine art collection, and then go to the Biblioteca Reale to see the collection of the Savoy family. In the afternoon we shall visit the striking Palazzo Madama, a 15th century castle on one side, with a white marble façade facing the main square added in the 18th century. Today the palace is home to an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts.

• Day 3 - The Museum of the Risorgimento

  The Museum of the Risorgimento in Palazzo Carignano tells the story of how patriots from all over Italy came to Turin to form the movement towards unification – known as the Risorgimento or ‘resurgence’. This building was the birthplace of King Vittorio Emanuele II, who assumed the title of King of Italy in 1861, and it became the new state’s first parliament building.

• Day 4 - Le Langhe

  Travelling into the countryside we shall explore the region of Le Langhe with its romantic ruined castles, rippling low hills and vineyards which produce some of Italy’s best wines. Highlights include a visit to Alba, famous for its white truffles and a wine tasting at the Castello Barolo followed by lunch in a local restaurant.

• Day 5 - Basilica di Superga

  Today we take the funicular to the Basilica di Superga, a fine example of the work of the architect Filippo Juvarra. Built to celebrate Savoy’s victory over France in 1706, Superga with its dome and two bell towers gazes down on the city below. The private collection of Giovanni and Marella Agnelli provides a sharp contrast, in a gallery designed by Renzo Piano. The afternoon is free for shopping and independent exploration.

• Day 6 - Savoy Palace & Mole Antonelliana

  This morning we visit a Savoy palace originally used as hunting lodge, Stupinigi by Juvarra. Back in Turin, we visit one of city’s most distinctive landmarks, the soaring spire and cupola of the 19th-century Mole Antonelliana. Now it is home to the excellent Museo Nazionale del Cinema which chronicles the history of cinema and film production. There will be an opportunity to take the lift to the panoramic viewpoint for some outstanding views of Turin and the Alps.

• Day 7 - Flight to London

  We leave for the airport and our flight home.