Turin works well as a base. The Savoy kings built a ring of palaces and hunting lodges around their capital, an abbey sits on a rock at the mouth of an Alpine valley, and the wine hills of the Langhe lie a little more than an hour to the south-east. This guide ranks the best trips by effort, so you can decide how to fill a day or half a day beyond the centre.
Easiest: Superga, in half a day
The Basilica di Superga crowns a hill above the city and is reached by the historic rack tramway from Sassi or by bus or taxi. Designed by Filippo Juvarra in the early eighteenth century, it houses the royal tombs of the House of Savoy and has a dome you can climb, and the terrace gives one of the best views of Turin and the Alps. The tramway runs on a seasonal timetable, so check before you go. On a clear day, this is the best use of a free afternoon.
Palaces: Venaria Reale
The Reggia di Venaria Reale is a vast baroque palace with galleries, a great hall by Juvarra and extensive gardens, and it is part of the UNESCO site of Savoy residences. It lies north-west of Turin, reached by bus, train or taxi, and it is large enough to fill a full day, particularly if you walk the gardens. Check the weekly closing day, and wear comfortable shoes. It is the best choice for visitors who want a sense of royal scale.
Palaces, calmer: Stupinigi
The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi is smaller, quieter and closer, at the south-western edge of the city. Its oval salon, frescoed rooms and bronze stag make a half-day visit, and the park invites a long walk. Many visitors pair it with Venaria on a Savoy-themed day, though that is a lot of palace for one day. If you have time for only one, choose Venaria for grandeur and Stupinigi for calm.
Abbey on a rock: Sacra di San Michele
About forty kilometres west of Turin, the Sacra di San Michele stands on Mount Pirchiriano at the entrance to the Susa Valley. It is the symbol of Piedmont, and its medieval staircase and carved Zodiac Portal make an unforgettable approach. The abbey is hard to reach by public transport, so a guided trip with transport included is the easiest way to see it. Wear shoes with a grip, and bring a layer, since it is windier at the top. It pairs well with Venaria or Stupinigi on a full day trip.
Vermouth at Pessione: Casa Martini
A short journey south-east of Turin, Casa Martini offers a museum of wine-making and a cellar visit with a tasting. It is a good half-day trip for food and drink lovers, and it works in any weather. Decide in advance who will drive, or take the train and a short walk.
Wine hills: the Langhe and Roero
The Langhe, south-east of Turin, are rolling vineyards and hilltop villages, home to Barolo and Barbaresco, and they are on the UNESCO World Heritage list as a wine landscape. A day trip typically combines a village such as Barolo or Alba with one or two tastings, and in autumn adds truffle season. The Langhe are best reached by guided tour or car, since public transport is sparse and tastings and driving do not mix. Visit in September to November for harvest colours and in spring for green slopes, and avoid the midsummer heat if you can.
Mountains
In winter, the Alpine valleys west of Turin offer skiing and snow walks, and in summer they offer hiking. The Susa Valley and its villages are easiest to reach by car or train, and a day out is possible if you start early. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so check conditions and carry layers.
How to combine them
A balanced two-day plan puts Venaria on the first day and the Sacra di San Michele on the second. A relaxed plan pairs Superga in the morning with a long lunch in the hills. Food lovers can combine Casa Martini with a Langhe tasting on one extended day, but leave time for the drive back. Check the weekly closing days of palaces and the season of the tramway, and book timed tickets for the busiest sites. For all of these, the city centre remains close enough to return to for dinner, which is why Turin makes such a good base.
Practical tips for all day trips
Start early, because weekend trains and buses fill up and palaces have timed entries. Check the weekly closing day of each site, carry water and snacks for the quieter places, and keep a layer in your bag for hilltops. If you are not driving, a guided trip for the abbey and the wine hills saves time and removes the need for a designated driver.
