Turin

Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region of Northern Italy and is perhaps best known as the home of the Holy Shroud.  An ideal destination, Turin city breaks offer lots to see whilst also being a great place to just simply sit and relax and soak up the unique Italian atmosphere.  Turin can also be teamed up with other Italian cities for a multi- centre city break. 

What to see…
The Holy Shroud is perhaps the main attraction for many people taking a city break to Turin. The copy (the original is not on public display) is housed in the Museum of the Shroud, located in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, in a wing of the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). The Holy Shroud is a sheet which was long believed to have been worn by Christ, was proven to be a medieval forgery in the 1980’s, but recently brought into question again. It remains one of the most puzzling and controversial artifacts in history. The Palace itself is a wonderful museum housing a collection of Chinese and Japanese vases, rich tapestries and the Royal Armoury. The huge Piazza Castello (Castle Square) is the cultural and geographical centre of Turin and takes its name from the Palazzo Madama which is at the centre. Unusual in that it has the façade of a palace from the square and the appearance of a 15th century castle from the rear, it is now the City Museum of Ancient Art and is well worth seeing during your stay. Nearby is the beautiful Piazza San Carlo with its traditional cafes and designer shops.  No city break to Turin would be complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum which houses the most renowned collection of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo and for Italian car lovers the Automobile Museum is a real treat with its display of early Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Ferraris.  However if you want to escape the city for a day why not explore the nearby Alps or partake of the region’s famous Barolo red wine during a wine tasting excursion.

Where to stay…
Whether you prefer superb value for money 3 star hotels or the luxury of a 5 star hotel we have the perfect choice.  The 3 star Hotel Genio is situated in an ideal location in the heart of the town, very close to the main railway station and a short walk to the main shopping centre. This is an excellent property for its category and in a fabulous location. Alternatively the 3 star Alexandra Hotel is located within easy walking distance of Turin's historic centre and offers a good, comfortable standard of accommodation.

What to eat…
Typical dishes from the Piedmont region include locally gathered nuts and mushrooms. Also famous for the quality of its Carru beef - the Carpaccio is superb. Try Agnolotti a local type of ravioli stuffed with beef and vegetables.

When to go…
Summers are generally hot, but due to its proximity to the mountains, Turin is cooler and greyer than the Mediterranean climate enjoyed by much of Italy and can be cold in winter.

Getting there…
We offer direct flights to Turin from 5 UK and Irish airports including Dublin, Glasgow Prestwick and Stansted, but due to the excellent domestic air and rail connections, Turin is most popular as part of a multi-centre city break. Why not combine your stay with a few days in Florence, Rome or Venice? Our expert team is on hand to assist with options and itineraries to suit you. All you need to do is call us!

Click here to see all our special offers for Turin City Breaks