Best of Turin

Grand palaces, colonnaded squares, and magnificent cathedrals form the backdrop to Turin, the elegant capital of Italy’s Piedmont region. Set on the western bank of the Po River, Turin was once the center of the lavish House of Savoy dynasty, and the city later played a starring role in the Risorgimento (Italian unification) in the 19th century. Today its staggering royal residences house impressive museums that showcase the treasures from the past. Turin has also a bohemian edge, with art-nouveau cafes, cutting-edge galleries, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the city, there’s much to experience, including famous wine regions, hilltop villages, and unrivaled hiking and skiing in the Alps.

Fellow kimkim travelers have gained a deeper understanding of Turin’s historical and cultural wonders on private walking tours through the city. Amid the sprawling piazzas and shadow-filled back lanes, knowledgeable guides bring the past to life, as the Count of Cavour helped usher in a new era for the Italian nation. Outside of town, you can visit one of the world’s largest former royal residences at La Venaria Reale. Guided tours take you through its splendid chambers and ornamental gardens, complete with glittering fountains.