Best Day Trips from Turin

Turin is one of the biggest and wealthiest Italian cities. Well-known as one of the economic engines of the country, Turin also offers a historic center that is well worth exploring, along with some of the best museums in the city.

But while there's lots to explore in Turin itself, part of what makes the city so special is its location in the foothills of the Italian Alps in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. This is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and it's also a place that's absolutely packed with Roman ruins, royal palaces, gorgeous lakes, and endless miles of wilderness for nature lovers.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Turin, and you'll be in an ideal position to try out some of the best day trips Turin. Because while the city has a lot to offer by itself, it would be a shame to miss some of these incredible destinations while you're in the area.

How to get out of Turin

Italy's train network is one of the best in the world. Reliable, modern, and affordable, it's the perfect way to get around the country. That's especially true in northern Italy and even more true in Turin. As the industrial heart of the city, Turin is extremely well served by local, regional, and long-distance trains, and there are tons of train stations you can reach easily from Turin's Porta Nuova station. Plus, the city has a great public transportation network, and you can read more about that in our guide on how to get around Turin.

Of course, there's more than one way to take a day trip from Turin. After all, the city is famous for automobile brands like Fiat and Lancia. Driving in the city may not be the most relaxing way to spend time on your vacation, but it does make for an easy day trip. Plus, some of the locations on this list can only be reached by car, so if you want to get off the beaten path, you may have to rent a car to get away from the crowds.

From Turin to Sacra di San Michele

This incredible abbey is one of the most famous sights in all of Italy, and it's just an hour away from Turin by car. The Sacra di San Michele is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, and it sits atop a mountain with sweeping views of the valley below.

Sacra di San Michele was founded in the 11th century, and it's been a place of pilgrimage ever since. Today, you can explore the Abbey's beautiful interior, learn about its fascinating history, and take in the incredible views from the mountaintop.

Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are more than 1,000 steps to climb to reach Sacra di San Michele!

How to get to Sacra di San Michele

Because the monastery is in a fairly remote location, the best way to get there is by renting a car and driving yourself. Alternatively, you could take a tour bus that will bring you there conveniently. Either way, the Abbey is less than an hour's drive from Turin city center.

From Turin to Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Italy. Just a two-hour drive away from Turin by car, this gorgeous lake is surrounded by mountains, and it's a perfect place to enjoy some of the best scenery in the country.

There are plenty of things to do on Lake Maggiore, from taking a boat tour to visiting one of the many beautiful islands in the lake. Or, if you're looking for something more active, you can go hiking or biking in the nearby mountains.

No matter what you want to do, Lake Maggiore is a great place to spend a day away from Turin.

How to get to Lake Maggiore

It's just over a two-hour drive from Turin to Lake Maggiore. Public transit here is patchy, so driving is the easiest and quickest way to get to the lake.

From Turin to the Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Just a few hours away from Turin by car, this stretch of coastline is home to dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and charming towns.

The Italian Riviera is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, and there are plenty of hiking trails and bike paths to explore. Or, if you're looking to relax, you can sunbathe on one of the many beaches or take a boat ride along the coast.

From Turin, you can reach Savona in under two hours, and from there, the whole of the Ligurian coast is accessible. This is a truly stunning part of the world, so you should definitely take the chance to explore here to enjoy one of the best day trips in the region. However, to really make the most out of it, a day trip may not be enough, and you might find yourself wanting to stay at least a night or two in this breathtaking place.

How to get to the Italian Riviera

Savona can be reached by direct train from Porta Nuova in just over two hours. From there, trains and buses can take you along the coast to lots of charming seaside towns.

From Turin to Alba

Alba is a small town in the Piedmont region of Italy, and it's just an hour away from Turin by car. This charming town is best known for its truffles, and it's the perfect place to enjoy some of the best cuisine in the country.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Alba is also home to some beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. The main square, Piazza del Duomo, is a must-see, and the nearby hills offer incredible views of the town and surrounding countryside.

If you're looking for a day trip that combines great food with beautiful scenery, Alba is the perfect place to visit. Just be sure to save room for dessert – Alba is also famous for its hazelnut gelato!

How to get to Alba

Alba is about an hour and a half from Turin by train or just under an hour by car. However, the hassle of finding a place to park may make the train a better and more relaxing option.

From Turin to Lake Orta

Lake Orta is a beautiful lake in the Piedmont region of Italy, and it's just a short drive from Turin. This lake is much less crowded than some of the other lakes in the area, so it's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

There are plenty of things to do on Lake Orta, from taking a boat tour to visiting one of the many small islands in the lake. Or, if you're looking for something more active, you can go hiking or biking in the nearby mountains.

How to get to Lake Orta

It is possible to take a train from Turin to Lake Orta, thanks to the train station at Pettenasco. However, the journey takes around three hours, whereas driving only takes an hour and a half. Plus, having a car at the lake makes it easy to explore the area.

From Turin to Asti

Asti is a small city in the Piedmont region of Italy, and it's just an hour away from Turin by car. This city is best known for its sparkling wine, and it's the perfect place to enjoy some of the best wine in the country.

In addition to its wine offerings, Asti is also home to some beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. The main square, Piazza Cattedrale, is always worth a visit for its people-watching and amazing views.

Asti also has some fabulous museums, particularly the Palazzo Mazzetti, with its opulent Baroque rooms packed full of historical, archaeological, and artistic treasures from the region. This is a fantastic day trip for lovers of wine and of history and one of the best day trips from Turin if you want to learn more about the area as a whole.

How to get to Asti

This is another time when the train is actually faster than the car. Driving from Turin to Asti will take you around an hour, but the train can make the same journey in a little over 30 minutes.

From Turin to Susa Valley

This valley is home to some of the best skiing in the country, so it's a great place to visit if you're looking for a day trip that combines great food with beautiful scenery.

In addition to its ski resorts, the Susa Valley is also home to some stunning scenery. The nearby mountains offer incredible views of the valley and surrounding countryside, and the valley itself is full of beautiful parks and gardens.

There are also plenty of things to do in the Susa Valley, from visiting the Roman ruins at Susa to taking a cable car up to the top of Mount Cenis. This is a great day trip for anyone into history and nature and one of the best day trips from Turin if you want to get away from the city.

How to get to the Susa Valley

Only an hour by train or 45 minutes by car from Turin, this popular day trip is one of the most accessible in the area.

From Turin to Milan

Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region of Italy, and it's just an hour away from Turin by train. This city is best known for its fashion, design, and food.

In addition to its many shops and restaurants, Milan is also home to some beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. The main square, Piazza del Duomo, is a must-see, and the nearby hills offer incredible views of the city and surrounding countryside.

There are also plenty of things to do in Milan, from visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Duomo to taking a walking tour of the city. This is a great day trip for lovers of fashion and food and a great excuse to see one of Italy's top cities. Whether you're interested in nightlife, fashion, food, or history, Milan delivers in a big way.

How to get to Milan

It takes around two hours to get from Turin to Milan by car. That's assuming no traffic, which there will be. Realistically, you don't want to drive in Milan, so the better option is to take the train. The journey from Turin to Milan only takes an hour by rail and will drop you right in the center of this bustling city.

From Turin to Aosta

If you're looking to explore the relics of the Roman Empire in northern Italy, Aosta is the place to go. Located at the foot of the Alps close to the French border, this town is famous for its incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins, including the imposing city wall and the theater.

In addition to its Roman ruins, Aosta is also home to some beautiful architecture and stunning scenery. The main square, Piazza della Repubblica, must be on your itinerary for its charming buildings, lovely patios, and great people-watching.

There are also plenty of things to do in Aosta, from visiting the Roman ruins to taking a cable car up to the top of one of the nearby peaks. This is a great day trip for lovers of history and nature and one of the best day trips from Turin if you want to learn more about the Roman Empire.

How to get to Aosta

You can reach Aosta with a train journey of a little over two hours, or by car in an hour and a half.

From Turin to Venaria Reale

This day trip from Turin takes you to the stunning Royal Palace once owned by Italy's ruling Savoy family. The perfect day trip for history buffs, the Venaria Reale is full of beautiful rooms, paintings, and sculptures.

In addition to its many rooms and artifacts, the Venaria Reale is also home to some stunning scenery. The nearby mountains offer incredible views of the palace and surrounding countryside, and the palace itself is full of beautiful parks and gardens.

How to get to Venaria Reale

Located on the outskirts of Turin itself, this is an easy place to reach. You can drive to Venaria Reale in about 20 minutes or take the number 11 bus to reach the palace in around 40 minutes.

Conclusion

Turin itself has more than enough to keep you occupied on a short stay, and you could easily spend days occupying yourself without leaving the city center. However, with so many fascinating places to explore in Piedmont, it would be a shame not to take advantage of some of these day trips to explore an often underrated region of Italy.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Turin, and you can take advantage of some of the fascinating locations in this region. Whether you want to step back in time at Sacra di San Michele, explore the gorgeous Ligurian coast, or do some luxury shopping and dining in Milan, these day trips from Turin can give you everything you need for a memorable Italian vacation.