Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Originally Italy’s first capital, Turin (known as Torino in Italian) is an often overlooked city. A rich cultural hub situated in Northern Italy, best known for its chocolate and Fiat production. Characterised by magnificent architecture, and a royal heritage, while set against the backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped peaks, Turin is truly an enchanting city!
But did you know that it also makes for a great base from which to explore the wider region? You don’t have to travel very far beyond the city boundaries to reach beautiful destinations. From ancient ruins, culinary delights and romantic lakes! Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Turin.
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Getting around
Of course, for the most freedom when travelling, I suggest renting a car (check car rental comparison prices here). Most of the larger cities are well connected by public transport, but to reach the more rural and remote areas it’s much easier if you have your own vehicle.
Motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy, and I recommend getting a small car like a Fiat 500, as the roads can be quite narrow… that, and it’s the birthplace of the car!
Alternatively, it’s possible to reach most destinations via public transport very easily. This is also a much cheaper way to travel for those looking for a more budget-friendly trip, though it may take longer to reach destinations.
Italo and Trenitalia are the two main train companies that run in Italy, both offer decent discounts on advanced purchases. While Flixbus (a commonly used bus service to travel Europe) is the most inexpensive way to travel, but by far the slowest.
For this guide, I will give brief suggestions on how to reach each destination (predominantly by car & train), please note that these aren’t necessarily the most price-efficient but generally, are the fastest routes.
10+ Best Day Trips from Turin
Alassio
The sleepy seaside town of Alassio is situated on the coastline of Liguria and is home to one of the longest sandy beaches on the western coast. Quaint and charming, the humble fishing village offers a quieter visit, nestled between the hills and sea.
Alassio is an Italian gem with an English past, in the late 1800s, like much of the Italian Riviera, the scenic seaside town was frequented by wealthy British people trying to escape the colder temperatures of the winter months. To this day, there’s still an English Library open for business, as well as the Anglican Church of England.
There are nineteen churches in Alassio, which reflect the history of the town and its people. Whether it’s simply wandering around the crisscross of narrow cobbled lanes (which are known locally as ‘Budello’ translating to ‘intestines’) and soaking up the diverse architectural styles. Or, soaking up the sunshine on some of the only fine sanded beaches of the region, there’s a lot to love about this tranquil destination.
- By Car: The fastest route takes just over 2 hours to drive.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Porta Nuova – Alassio, this journey takes just under 3.5 hours and costs under €20 one-way.
Alba
A city that specialises in wine and white truffles, soaked in sunshine and filled with medieval treasures to be explored, offering all those who visit a truly magical Italian experience!
Alba has a charming historic centre, home to a Gothic-style cathedral with a bell tower which boasts captivating panoramic views, and a beautiful church which houses artworks from the 14th century. The archaeology museum, Federico Eusebio Museum, has a fascinating collection of artefacts which date back from prehistoric to Roman times.
Best known as the ‘culinary capital’ of the Piedmont region, Alba is a haven for food lovers! The town is the beating heart of the biodiversity and agriculture that surrounds it, a territory so unique that the UNESCO World Heritage has declared it a protected environment (the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato landscape).
Alba is most famous for the ‘Alba white truffle‘, which is mainly only found around the town. One of the most important events that take place in the city is the International Alba White Truffle Fair, which is typically held during October and November.
Thanks to its surrounding landscape, the city is also renowned for its delicious sun-kissed wines. Red wines are the most popular in the area, and what better place to sip on a glass of velvet red than in a location where you are surrounded by vineyards and terracotta-roofed houses.
And, as if there wasn’t already enough to be in love with… Alba is the birthplace of the beloved chocolate hazelnut spread, Nutella!
- By Car: The fastest route takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Lingotto – Alba, this journey typically takes 1 hour 15 minutes and costs under €8 one-way.
Aosta
The principal city of the Aosta Valley, thanks to its proximity to The Alps, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Also known for its thriving art scene and historic sights, Aosta has earned its nickname as “little Rome of the Alps” due to its sheer number of Roman ruins.
In the days of Augustus, the city was conquered by Rome and briefly named, Augusta Praetoria. During this time it was enriched with a wealth of monuments due to its strategic position close to the road Roman Via delle Gallie. Today, upon arriving at Aosta you are greeted by the Arch of Augustus, which was built between 25 and 23 B.C.
One of the most impressive monuments that remain is the Roman Theatre, however today only the southern facade (which stands 22 meters high) can be seen. There’s also the underground maze of Cripoportico Forense, the passageway’s original purpose remains a mystery to archaeologists.
Ruins aside, while in Aosta be sure to visit one of its many art galleries, displaying both traditional and contemporary art in every medium. Another thing not to miss is tasting some fontina cheese, which is a rich fruity cow’s cheese from the Alps. In Aosta, they traditionally serve it melting on risotto with truffle!
And, if time allows and you haven’t got your full historic fix from the ruins, why not tour the Aosta Valley castles that are scattered across the landscape, only further adding to this enchanting pocket of Italy!
- By Car: The fastest route takes 1.5 hours to drive.
- Public Transport: You will have to get the train (1 change) from Torino Porta Nuova – Ivrea – Aosta, on average this journey takes 2.5 hours and costs under €10 one-way.
Asti
Like much of the region, Asti is another treasure trove of gastronomic experiences! Situated along the ancient road, Via Francigena, the city’s cobbled lanes are lined with museums, galleries and magnificent architecture. And, in the autumn Asti comes to life and hosts the Festival of Festivals!
The most iconic feature of this historic city is its 12th-century tower, Torre Troyana, which boasts a height of 44 meters and has become somewhat of a symbol of Asti. Since the Middle Ages, the town has been nicknamed “the city of a hundred towers”, many of which can still be seen standing today.
Every year over the weekend of the second Sunday in September, Asti hosts one of Italy’s most unique and special events, the Festival of Festivals. Simply a celebration of life, where local wine is drunk, delicious food of the region is indulged and several other cultural activities take place.
While visiting Asti, be sure to sample a glass of their delicious sparkling wine, Asti Spumante!
- By Car: Driving here is slower than public transport, it takes 53 minutes, but the route is scenic!
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Porta Nuova – Asti, journey time takes 35 minutes and costs under €6 one-way.
Barolo Vineyards
The vineyards of Barolo are located (a minute’s drive from Alba) in the hilly area of the Langhe. Barolo is a type of red wine, produced in the Piedmont region of Italy, it is exclusively made from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The area in which this delicious velvet drink is produced has UNESCO World Heritage status.
Barolo wine is often referred to as Italy’s ‘king of wines’ and the grape from which is produced, Nebbiolo, is one of the first varieties to bud and the last to ripen. The minimum ageing requirement for Barolo wine is 3 years.
There are over 500 wineries in the Langhe, almost 300 of which produce the signature red wine. The majority of these wineries are open to the public and welcome visitors to learn in-depth about the production process, as well as sample their wine and make a purchase…or two! As you’re truly spoilt for choice, here are just a few recommendations:
- Borgogno – Of course, a mention has to go to the oldest winery in Piedmont, founded in 1761, it is particularly famous for its impressive collection of vintage wines.
- Sandrone – With 40 years of winemaking, this winery uses three different varieties of grape to produce their delicious liquid: Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. The team behind the wine is born and raised locally and has a strong conscious effort to respect the land and be sustainable.
- Elvio Cogno – Following the footsteps of master winemaker Elvio, the winery continues to produce wine unaltered from tradition, respecting the roots from which the company came from.
Something straight out of a movie, is there anything more romantic than sipping on fine wine amongst the very vineyards in which it was grown?
- By Car: You need your own mode of transportation to explore the wine region, as lots of the area is rural and remote, so there’s little to no public transport available. The fastest route from Turin to Barolo takes 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Bra
This small town is most famously known as the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and for its annual festival ‘Cheese’ (which was created by the Slow Food movement), and as its name might suggest, celebrates all things cheese, especially the quality cheeses of Italy!
Slow Food was a movement started by a university student in 1986, and the idea behind it was to protect local food, cultures and traditions. Essentially, not allowing huge companies to take the business of the local people who produce the region’s delicious goods.
Bra itself is home to an abundance of fascinating sights including, Museo del Giocattolo (a toy museum), the beautiful church Church of Sant’Andrea, of which the facade was designed by the famous Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and La Zizzola, a 19th-century villa located on a hilltop which boasts of mesmerising views overlooking the town.
Cheese festival happens every two years and typically takes place in mid-September. The festival began in 1997 and ever since has become a tradition so loved that it attracts almost 200,000 visitors. If visiting Bra during this special occasion be prepared to only eat cheese and drink wine!
- By Car: The fastest route driving takes around 50 minutes.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Lingotto – Bra, the journey time takes around 50 minutes and costs under €6 one-way.
Chieri
- By Car: The fastest route to drive takes just over 30 minutes.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Lingotto – Chieri, the journey takes just 22 minutes and costs under €3 one-way.
Ivrea
- By Car: The fastest route to drive takes 1 hour.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Porta Nuova – Ivera, on average the journey time takes 1 hour and costs under €8.
Lake Orta
You’ll likely have heard of Lake Garda or Lake Como, but have you heard of Lake Orta? One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, the lake was named “the most romantic of the Italian lakes” by the Italian Tourist Board. This hidden gem is set in the foothills of the Alps and offers a tranquil ambience.
The area is so peaceful that the piece of land which lies in the middle of the lake has been nicknamed the ‘island of silence’. The little island seen from the shore is named, Isola San Giulio, here in the 9th century a basilica was built and later, in the 1900s, a Benedictine monastery was constructed. You can take a ferry out to the island to explore.
There are several beaches situated around the lake, and thanks to the body of water being calm, it’s the perfect place to go for a dip or enjoy paddle boarding.
- By Car: The fastest route to drive takes 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Public Transport: You will have to get the train (1 change) from Torino Porta Nuova – Novara – Orta-Miasino, on average this journey takes 2-2.5 hours and costs under €10 one-way.
Milan
As one of the most beautiful, not to mention iconic, destinations in Northern Italy, Milan is a must-see when travelling through the boot-shaped country! As the second largest city in the country (after Rome) you can probably imagine it’s bustling and buzzing, meaning it’s often hard to find a moment of calm.
Home to a multitude of must-see sights such as the Duomo and the colourful Brera district, there’s also a hidden Milan that few people ever get to know about. As there’s so much to see, here are just a few top suggestions of where to go when you visit:
- Duomo di Milano – By far the most famous attraction to visit in Milan is its grand Gothic cathedral, simply stunning, one of the best views of the city can be found at the top.
- Leonardo’s Vineyard – One of the more unique things to do while visiting is see Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard, where it’s said he would take a break and soak up the sunshine here between painting his famous masterpiece The Last Supper.
- Wander around the Piazza del Duomo – Soak up Milan in all its glory as you explore the main square of the city and watch the world go by!
- Pinacoteca di Brera – Home to a huge collection of artworks, including works by acclaimed artists Bellini, Raphael, and Piero della Francesa.
- Go shopping – A shopper’s paradise! Milan is famed for its abundance of world-renowned fashion houses, designer boutiques and high-end department stores.
- Ride a vintage tram – The trams date here back to 1928 and are some of the oldest-running public transportation in the world. To explore the city, the best way is in style!
The list of things to do in Milan is endless. For more inspiration for your day trip, read our guide on how to spend on day in Milan.
- By Car: As these are two major cities, it’s much easier (and quicker) to travel via public transport. The fastest route by driving takes 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Porta Susa – Milano Centrale, the journey takes 1 hour and can cost around €10 if booked in advance.
Reggia di Venaria Reale
Take a slightly shorter day trip and step back in time to visit the Palace of Venaria, a former royal residence and gardens which is located very close to Turin itself. It is one of the residences of the Royal House of Savoy, as such it has been included on the UNESCO Heritage List since 1997.
Bold and grand, the palace was built in 1675 and stands as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The inside is elaborately decorated and furnished with beautiful paintings. The palace fell into disuse by the 18th century, and for a brief period, following the Napoleonic wars, it was used for military purposes. After this, renovations were made to the palace which led to the largest restoration project in European history.
Today, the Palace of Venaria is a major tourist attraction and exhibition space, widely regarded for its magnificent beauty and charm. A stroll around the gardens is simply stunning and will leave you feeling as though you’re starring in your own Bridgerton series!
The palace is open to the public daily but closed on Mondays. The opening times are 9:30 AM – 5 PM during weekdays and until 6:30 PM on weekends. A combined ticket for the interior and surrounding grounds costs €20 (adult admission).
- By Car: The fastest route takes 30 minutes to drive.
- Public Transport: The easiest public transport is via bus, take the number 11 bus from Garibaldi –
Stazione Venaria, this journey takes around 40 minutes (29 stops) and costs under €3.
Sacra di San Michele
Sometimes known as Saint Michael’s Abbey, this majestic religious complex is set atop Mount Pirchiriano and is filled with a mystery and charm so curious that no one quite knows the exact origins of this historic little Abbey.
Defying the laws of gravity, this impressive sacred spot is dense with spirituality and has come to be known as the symbolic Piedmontese monument. Perched on the peak of a rock almost 1,000 meters high, there are 243 steps to reach the top of the monastery. The steps are named ‘steps of the dead’ because the staircase was lined with a great number of tombs and skeletons of monks.
Not only are you welcomed by spectacular panoramic vistas of the mountainous landscape, but once you reach the monastery you can walk within walls filled with a curious history, visit the beautiful Bell’Alda tower, and see for yourself how this spiritual spot came to be.
- By Car: The fastest route takes 30 minutes to drive.
- Public Transport: You can take a direct train from Torino Porta Nuova – S. Ambrogio, the journey takes 30 minutes and costs under €10 one-way. However, it is then a 1-hour walk from the station, or you could opt to take a taxi to your destination.
Susa Roman Ruins
Similar to Aosta, the small town of Susa is nestled in a valley in the mountains near France and boasts a wealth of Roman ruins that make for an enchanting visit. Here are some of the monuments left that can be seen today:
- The Triumphal Arch of Augustus – This important monument was built at the end of the 1st century BC. You can read ancient inscriptions carved into the stone archway.
- Susa Cathedral – First built around 1100 and has since been refurbished and restored several times, this beautiful historic basilica is the seat of the Bishop of Susa and is dedicated to Saint Justus of Novalesa.
- The Roman Amphitheater – One of the remains of the 230 Roman Amphitheatres that are left!
- The Savoy Gate – The well preserved remains of a watch gate.
- Susa Aqueduct – To store the town’s water supply.
The charming town of Susa allows you to step back in time and see the remaining architectural triumphs of the Romans.
- By Car: The fastest route takes around 1 hour to drive.
- Public Transport: Take a direct train from Torino Porta Nuova – Susa, on average the journey takes just over 1 hour and costs under €6 one-way.
If you are looking for more wanderlust inspiration while staying in Turin itself, consider checking out our hidden gems & secret spots of Turin or a quick guide to the best things to do in Turin, as well as top tips to know before you go!
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Charlotte is a photographer, cat lover and an avid knitter. When she’s not curled up on the sofa with her newest knitting project (and Rico her cat!) you can find her out and about on long walks. Currently living in the magical city of Edinburgh, she looks forward to travelling and seeing more of the world!