Turin, the capital of Piedmont in northern Italy, is a city of grand boulevards, baroque palaces, Roman ruins, and traditional local cuisine. An additional attraction is the ease with which you can escape to the surrounding countryside, to explore small towns, wineries, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or gastronomy, here are some of the best day trips from Turin.
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Asti
Known as the “city of the 100 towers”, Asti is a small town with a big history. Founded by the Romans, it is known for its medieval architecture, with around a dozen of the original 125 towers still standing. It is also famous for its annual palio festival, the historic horse race that dates back to the Middle Ages. And for its food and wine: it is a centre for truffle hunting and at the heart of the Asti wine growing region.
Climb to the top of the Torre Troyana for panoramic views, and visit the Palio Museum, which is full of stories and memorabilia from the Asti horse race. Then visit the Palazzo Mazzetti, a 17th century palace that now houses a museum of art and archaeology. Don’t forget to try some local Piedmont cuisine in one of the local restaurants (if you have time for a leisurely lunch, try La Vecchia Carrozza on Via Giosuè Carducci, where I had an excellent meal).
To get to Asti take a train from Porta Nuova station. The journey time is 35 minutes. Note that some places in the town may be closed on a Monday.
Alba, UNESCO City Of Gastronomy
Alba is a paradise for food lovers. Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it is “a key player in the creation and development of the Slow Food movement”. It is also renowned as the White Truffle Capital, and is host to the internationally renowned White Truffle Fair. And it is famous for its wines and chocolate.
You could spend your whole day sampling the food and wine, and shopping for items to take home. But there is also a historic town centre with towers and churches, and several museums including the Civic Museum of Archaeology and Natural Sciences and – of course – a Truffle Museum.
Trains from Torino Lingotto station reach Alba in about 70 minutes.
Reggia Venaria
The Reggia di Venaria Reale (Palace of Venaria) is one of the most spectacular royal residences in Europe. Built in the 17th century as a hunting lodge for the ruling House of Savoy, it later expanded into a monumental palace complex. Today, after extensive restoration, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy, and a popular tourist attraction.
The palace is an easy train ride from Turin, but note that it is closed on Mondays. Read more about Visiting The Spectacular Reggia Di Venaria Reale.
Palazzina Di Caccia Di Stupinigi
Also part of the Savoy Residences World Heritage Site is the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi. Designed by Filippo Juvarra in the 18th century, this hunting lodge is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Inside, you’ll find ornate halls, frescoes, and period furniture. The Central Hall, with its soaring dome, is particularly impressive. The surrounding parkland offers peaceful walks and panoramic views.
Stupinigi is accessible by bus from Turin or by a half hour drive (13 km). To make the most of your visit you could take a guided tour round the palace (transport not included). The palace is closed on a Monday.
Ivrea
Ivrea is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as an “Industrial City of the 20th Century”. Built by the Olivetti company, who manufactured typewriters and other office equipment, it represents a visionary blend of industrial production and architecture. Explore the industrial city, with its factory and workers’ homes, then go into the Visitor Centre (closed on Mondays) to learn more.
Outside the industrial area, Ivrea has a medieval town centre dominated by a 14th century castle. The town is a stop on the long distance Via Francigena, and nearby are the Ivrea Lakes.
Trains from Porta Nuova station take around an hour.
Sacra Di San Michele
Perched dramatically on Mount Pirchiriano, the Sacra di San Michele is one of Piedmont’s most prominent landmarks. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this abbey is said to have inspired Umberto Eco’s novel The Name of the Rose. It is also on the UNESCO Tentative List, as part of the Benedictine Settlements in Medieval Italy.
Walk through the abbey gateway to climb the Great Staircase of the Dead, lined with the tombs of monks. From here you will reach the Portal of the Zodiac, with the signs of the zodiac carved into the stone, and enjoy panoramic views of the Susa Valley. Return to the ancient basilica to admire its wall paintings and explore the tiny side chapels.
Take the train from Porta Nuova to Avigliana, then bus to Sant’Ambrogio. Combined train and bus tickets are available from ticket machines at Porta Nuova. Alternatively you could take a guided tour from Turin.
Milan
Although you would need several days to explore everything that Milan has to offer, a day trip will give you a taste of this smart city, the fashion capital of Italy. Fast trains depart from Porta Susa station, and the journey takes around 50 minutes.
For some ideas of what to do when you arrive have a look at this post – 8 Of The Best Things To Do In Milan.
Wine Tours And Truffles
The Piedmont region is world-renowned for truffles and wine. Both of these are recognised by UNESCO: the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont covers the main wine growing areas, and Truffle Hunting and Extraction in Italy is listed as an example of intangible heritage. And they both offer lots of opportunities for day trips from Turin.
Wine lovers can join guided tours of the Langhe hills, visiting vineyards that produce Barolo and Barbaresco. Possibilities include Barolo Wine Tasting in the Langhe area or a longer Food and Wine Guided Tour in Canavese, but many other options are available.
Autumn is truffle season, with hunts led by local guides and dogs. You could join in a Truffle Hunting & Lunch from Turin, combining hunting with tasting. Or take the train to Alba or Asti, where you can join tastings and truffle hunts.
Organised Day Trips
There is a massive choice of organised day trips from Turin. These are ideal for exploring places that are not easy to reach by public transport, or if you want to take advantage of a knowledgeable guide to enhance your experience.
Unsurprisingly, many of these trips are based around food and wine. But other possibilities include combined day tours to Reggia di Venaria and the Stupinigi Hunting Palace, or to Reggia di Venaria and the Sacra of San Michele, allowing you to see as much as possible in a single day. Whatever you choose, booking in advance is recommended, especially during truffle season or major festivals.
