A flight to Turin takes you to the 2006 Winter Olympic City. This Fiat-producing city is the regional capital of Piedmont and the Italian gateway to the Alps. Come to sample Turin’s delicious Piedmontese cuisine (bollito misto, gnocchi and Giandujotto chocolates) and check out Turin’s hip nightlife in the Docks Dora district.
Wander Turin’s Centro Storico to discover the grand Piazza Castello, dominated by the Palazzo Madama with its splendid monumental staircase. Drop by Turin Cathedral to see Christ’s Holy Shroud and marvel at some of the 30,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts in the Palazzo dell’Accademia dell Scienze.
Away from the crowds, explore one of Turin’s 17 parks – Parco Valentino is the largest, home to Turin’s Botanic Garden. Or experience the thrill of the glisse at Italian ski resorts Sauze d’Oulx, Claviere and Sestriere (three hours’ drive from Turin).
Locals in Turin are suitably proud of their exports – Nutella, the humble Tic-Tac and Fiat cars. Do expect locals to be wildly enthusiastic about AC Juventus football team and don’t be afraid to try winter-warming Agnolotti. This Torinese version of fresh ravioli is served with sauce from a roast.
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