Turin; so grand and beautiful, while also so edgy and cool.
We first visited Turin in 2018 and were drawn back multiple times throughout the year, not only because it is a start and finish town for a couple of our tours, but because it is city with so much character and hidden talent to explore.
As the capital of Piedmont, this grand old city played a big part in Lonely Planet naming Piedmont the No.1 region to visit in 2019 out of 10 regions that they say are ‘ready to come to the fore’. We couldn’t agree more and still wonder how it has remained the secret it is given its world class food and wine, its incredible art and architecture, and most importantly, its rich and deep cycling history….with Fausto Coppi its icon.
As the guidebooks will tell you, Turin is the heart of the Kingdom of Savoy, was the first capital of Italy (before Rome took over), did host the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and is the home of Fiat, Lavazza, Cinzano and Olivetti to name a few Italian brands born out of Turin, but for us it is all of this and more. It is:
- The perfect 3 day start or finish as part of a Tour of Piedmont
- The home of aperitivo and our favourite, the Negroni
- Grand and charming with stunning architecture and beautiful open piazzas
- Home to Italian coffee culture with cool old school bars and café’s
- The perfect base from which to enjoy some amazing rides
Our rough itinerary for an amazing 3 days in Turin:
Ride
Parco Naturale della Collina di Superga
50k & 1100m
A quick little loop very close to the city but with the feel that you could be lost deep in the countryside.
Col de Lys
109k & 1700m
A beautiful loop sees you quickly out of the city heading west towards the Alps, before a 15k ascent and then a beautiful 50 plus kilometres downhill
Colle Delle Finestre
140k and 2200m
An epic day on the bike into a jaw dropping landscape. This is a ride that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Eat
Tre Galline
www.3galline.it
An institution, Traditional Piemontese food with the most amazing ravioli plin. Try their degustation menu, it’s amazing.
Scannabue
www.scannabue.it
In the happening district of San Salvario, this Parisian style bistro and also it’s casual, seafood bar next door both make for a great lunch or night out
Cioccolateria di Guido Castagna
www.guidocastagna.it/
For the most amazing gianduja chocolate your lips will ever have the pleasure of touching. Melt in your mouth goodness.
Stay
Grand Hotel Sitea
http://grandhotelsitea.it/
A fantastic hotel in the quiet centre of Torino, our personal favourite
Turin Palace Hotel
www.turinpalacehotel.com
A cool hotel with a great spa, located close to the train station
Drink
Affini
https://m.facebook.com/affinitorino/
A local Vermouth distillery bar with a style that ensures you have the best Negroni and aperitivo made from local produce, going around
An aperitivo in the piazza
In true Torino style, do yourself a favour and pick a bar on one of the grand piazza’s, order a drink and just watch the world go by.
Turin is the start and finish town for our Tour of Piedmont featuring La Fausto Coppi Gran Fondo and our Piemonte@Harvest Tour. If you join us on either of these tours, we highly recommend 2-3 days in Turin pre or post tour.
