Hiking near Turin and in Piedmont

by Charlotte
(Leeds)

Hiking in Piedmont is a fantastic way to see the region and to find out more about the local way of life.

There are so many fantastic trails that you can follow if you do want to hike in Piedmont, but there are also some extremely steep and rocky paths that are perhaps best left alone unless you are a very experienced hiker. Some of the best hikes to do in the region are outlined below.

The Monte Rosa Animal Reserve offers visitors a walk that will occupy a leisurely few hours of an afternoon in the region.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife such as eagles, deer, and beavers, and you may well be surprised how brave the animals are, a fact that will allow you to glimpse far more views of them than you may otherwise expect. Make sure you remember your camera because the animals will make great additions to your photo frame back home!

The lakes are, of course, always a popular option, and there are treks that can take a whole day solely focusing upon these lakes. Even if you only have a short amount of time in the region, it's worth dedicating a day or so to the lakes because they are truly stunning.

It's best to start out at Chialamberto and end up in Arona, with maps from local tourist centres showing you the best route in between. There are some decent accommodation options in Arona to choose from that will also provide you with a solid meal.

The woodland in the Sesia Valley is another popular option, although one that many choose to tackle by bike rather than by foot.

Wonderful Turin

by Linda Ferraro
(Ligonier Pa. USA )

We visited Turin in June. This was our second trip to Italy. After our arrival in Rome, we took a lovely four-hour train ride through beautiful country to Turin.

We were lucky enough to stay at the Grand Hotel Sitea (here are the hotel details) and agree with your glowing recommendation. The room was large, and the bed and pillows very comfortable. It really is an excellent hotel and I recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting Turin.

We loved the city, and it is, like most of the Italian cities we've visited, very easy to walk around, finding interesting sights and sounds all over.

Because of my husband's business, we were invited to tour the Lavazza coffee plant, which was a wonderful experience.

We always use private drivers in Italy, which has proven to be worth the extra expense. We went to Eataly, because we had visited the one in New York. Great food!

Back to the hotel, and after a nap, we started walking, something we do a lot of on our trips. We found the Church of the Shroud, and visited there, although the shroud was not on display at that time, and we went to Mass at another local church. One thing I've found is that churches are not in short supply in Italy!

We had great gnocchi and wine for dinner at a small out of the way restaurant, and then headed back to the hotel.

One thing we have found is, we never have trouble getting seated at restaurant because we are usually the first ones there. We like to eat early, and many places don't even open their doors until six or later!

We would recommend Turin to anyone who visits Italy. It's a great place to start your tour if the country.

Andrew's reply: I always feel so happy when I read that others have enjoyed my old hometown and found it to be as wonderful as I have always believed it to be. Glad too that the hotel didn't disappoint.

You are right about churches not being in short supply and there are some incredible churches and cathedrals in Turin.

The one that I love the most is the absolutely awesome Basilica of Superga situated on a hilltop above Turin. Not only is it an impressive cathedral but the view is unforgettable. You can see Turin stretching out into the distance below and the Alps rising up beyond that.

The trip to the Lavazza factory made me very jealous. I simply love Lavazza coffee and I've never been invited to tour the factory :-(

Lastly, thank you very much for taking the time to share your experiences. Maria (my wife) and I really do appreciate it.

Why Turin should be a must visit city on your Italian trip

by Charlotte
(Leeds)

For many outsiders, Turin is most famous for being the venue for the Italian Job movie, with the sight of three Minis storming their way through the city one of cinema’s most iconic images and one that has been seen on all our TV screens.

It won’t surprise you either that it is well behind the likes of Rome and Florence in the tourist popularity stakes.

However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t got plenty to offer. In fact, its understated reputation means it can be better to explore than some of Italy’s more overcrowded and often stifling tourist-traps.

Technology and industry remain at its heart, with the FIAT Car Company based here, but Turin is no ugly industrial duckling. A glittering array of Palaces, lush green spaces, museums, art galleries and grand boulevards are beautifully located on the banks of the river Po, with green, rolling hills in the background and the Italian Alps in the far distance.

Its proximity to France means the city differs slightly in look and feel, closer to Paris than Rome in style, which only adds to its charm.

It is also well known for being the home of the Italian Royal family, the first capital of Italy and its Cathedral the home of the mysterious holy shroud, which attracts thousands of Catholic Pilgrims when it makes rare and fleeting public appearances. The 2006 Winter Olympics were also held here, emphasizing the city’s sporting heritage.

All of what makes Italy a great country to visit is found in Turin. However, unlike a trip to Florence or Rome, you won’t feel like you have seen it all before, nor will you have to share it nose-to-nose with thousands of other holiday makers. For that reason the fourth largest city in Italy should perhaps be number one on your list.

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