Turin is a city in constant evolution: from Augusta Taurinorum (27 a.C.) to the capital of the Savoy Dukedom, (1563) until becoming Italy’s first capital (1861), the queen of the automobile industry (1899) and the star of the 2006 Winter Olympics. A city that is just waiting to be discovered in all of its many aspects: filled with historic evidence, acclaimed museums, works of contemporary art en plein air, cultural events, with its characteristic arcades, renowned historical meeting places, spacious parks and magic places.

The arrival of the group from Milan is scheduled at 9.30 to meet the guide and hop on the rack-tramway climbing to the Hill of Superga at an altitude of 672 m. From here, high in the hills facing the city across the River Po, a panorama of Turin is visible against a backdrop of the Alps. The line is 3.1 km long and overcomes a difference in height of 419 m with a maximum gradient of 20%. In about twenty minutes the top is reached, where the Basilica di Superga stands tall. This church by Juvarra is considered late Baroque-Classicism. The dome was completed in 1726 and resembles some elements of Michelangelo’s dome at St. Peter’s Basilica. The temple front is larger than typical proportions because the Superga is set upon this hill. It is also believed that Victor Amadeus wanted the basilica to rest on this hill as reminder of the power of the Savoy family as well as continue a line of sight to the existing castle in Rivoli. The Royal Crypt of Superga is the burial place of the Savoy family.

Basilica_di_Superga©Città di Torino

After the visit of the Crypt and the Apartment, the groups moves to the National Museum of the Mountain to enjoy a light lunch at the cafeteria of the Museum -offered by the City of Turin- before visiting the collection. The idea of creating a museum arose in 1874 among the first members of the Italian Alpine Club (C.A.I.), which was funded in the town ten years before. Today, the Museum sports a wide variety of activities on both national and international levels, seeking to be a cultural link uniting, under all the different aspects, the world’s mountain ranges. In line with this objective, many temporary exhibitions flank the permanent layout of the Museum.

Monte_dei_Cappuccini©Gaydou_Città di Torino

Afterwards, the group moves to the Royal Residence Villa della Regina, the Queen being Anne Marie d’Orléans, niece of Louis XIV of France and wife Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy, who patronised major works of refurbishment and decoration.

Villa_della_Regina©Biamino_Città di Torino

The end of the visit is in the lively piazza Vittorio Veneto where participants can enjoy some free time before leaving for Milan at 6 pm approximately.

DETAILS

Departure: 08:00 from MiCo

Return: 20:00 at MiCo

Transfer, light lunch, guided visits are offered by the City of Turin.