|
|
Accommodations: |
Torino
|
Group Size: |
Minimum Participation 4 Passengers
|
Torino , the elegant, beautifully crowned by snow-peaked mountains, capital city of Piemonte and home of the XX Winter Olympiad is ready to welcome you.
From the very first day, with options for independent visits to the famed Museo Egizio, second in the world to Cairo, or the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Cinema Museum) housed in a famous Torino landmark, the Mole Antonelliana, or just strolling through the streets looking for the latest fashions, one gets a sense of understated elegance, a trademark of this city.
Commercial but with a touch of class, faithful to revered social customs like a mid-afternoon "bicerin", a rich mix of melted chocolate, coffee and milk, the most famous version being "n' po'd tut" that in the Piemontese dialect means a little of everything. Similarly valued, is the early evening "aperitivo" as served in the historical and beautiful sidewalk caffes that flank the elegant piazzas. "Pasticcerie", pastry shops like you have never seen before, displaying an array of fresh pastries, chocolate creations resembling works of art, and the very decadent marron glaces. "Gelaterie" offering a multitude of flavors most notable of which gianduiotti chocolate and zabajone. Shopping for the best of Italian fashions along the elegant Via Roma and the many side streets of the "centro" most notable of which, beautifully crafted leather goods and other accessories by Borbonese, a true blue-blood of the Torinese fashion world and best of all its exclusivity due to its non-availability in the US.
The remainder of our stay in Torino will find us strolling along to Piazza Castello, the heart of the city, from which we will gain access to the most important landmarks. Palazzo Reale, the residence of the last King of Italy, Palazzo Madama, the Queen Mother's residence, the Teatro Regio where operas and other cultural events take place, and the beautiful churches of San Lorenzo, Santa Cristina and San Carlo. Also on our route is Il Duomo, the Cathedral that houses the Holy Shroud, one of the most sacred and controversial religious relics.
Just across the street are the Porte Palatine, remnants of the gateway to the city dating back to the Roman era, guarded by a bronze statue of Caesar.
The city tour would not be complete without an opportunity to see it from the vantage point of Superga. We will ride on the original cog-wheel train dating back to 1934 following along a path carved out in a bygone era, climbing high on the hills surrounding Torino, revealing beautiful, unforgettable vistas of the city. After a 20 minute climb, we will reach the summit and the Basilica, a landmark conceived by the famous Italian architect Juvarra in 1731. In a subterranean mausoleum it houses the tombs of the Savoia Royal Family in surroundings of gilded stucco, displaying magnificent, monumental sculptures by the local artists of the XI and XVII centuries
For an elegant and succulent introduction to the local cuisine and the prized Piemonte wines, our lunches and dinners in Torino will be offered at some of the best and traditional restaurants.
In the evenings, there will be opportunities for a "passeggiata" through the very lively centro or the "Quadrilatero" a slightly bohemian neighborhood, filled with coffee houses, restaurants, interesting and eclectic stores reflecting the new "multiculturalism" evident throughout the city; even the church of Sant'Agostino, located in the midst of it all keeps its doors open until midnight, providing a moment of solitude and reflection to anyone that might need it.
All this within walking distance from a choice of three beautiful, centrally located hotels part of the Turin Hotels International chain.
COST OF TRIP: Available upon request, Please ask for details at: info@shopwineanddineitaly.com
