Turin, a city with a French flair, was once ruled by the House of Savoy for centuries. The Savoy family resided in the Palazzo Peale, and after Italy’s unification in 1861, Turin became its first capital. We chose to stay in the historic Quadrilateral Romano, the city’s ancient heart, known for its winding medieval streets and delectable restaurants. Our Airbnb, Casa Bellezia at Via Gian Francesco Bellezia 8, was charming and conveniently located.
On our arrival day, October 19, we took a train from Milan, which was a mere hour away. We strolled through the neighborhood and had lunch at Cantine Barbaroux. We indulged in gnocchi fritto with prosciutto and a local lasagna. In the afternoon, we purchased tickets for the Mole Antonelliana, a prominent building in the city. We ascended the elevator to the 275th floor, where we were greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding area. Surprisingly, the views of the Alps were impressive even on a cloudy day. After our ascent, we had an aperitivo at Caffè Mulassano on Piazza Castello and then dined at Tabui, renowned for its truffle dishes. We savored the Tamarin with white truffles and the beef cheeks with black truffles for our second course. Both dishes were absolutely delightful.
- On October 20th, we embarked on a city tour with Antonio, a local guide. He led us through Turin, stopping at the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, where the Shroud of Turin is housed. We also visited the Mole Antonelliana and explored the major piazzas. Antonio introduced us to the Bicerin, a beloved Turin coffee treat. For lunch, we dined at Barney’s, located in Palazzo Graneri della Roccia, the home of the Circolo dei Lettori. After lunch, we strolled along the Po River, taking in the scenic views. Dinner was at Ristorante Consorzio, a charming restaurant just a short walk from our Airbnb. It offered a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine, and we savored dishes like herbed meatballs, gnocchi, and beef cheeks.
- On October 21st, we began our day at the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum). We had the pleasure of joining a private 90-minute tour, which was incredibly informative and engaging. It’s worth noting that the Museo Egizio is the only museum outside of Cairo that is exclusively dedicated to Egyptian art and culture. Our guide shared an interesting anecdote, stating, “The road to Memphis and Thebes passes through Turin.” After the museum, we headed to Ballatoio bistrot for lunch. For dinner, we visited Dume, another fantastic restaurant located near our Airbnb in the Galleria Umberto I. We indulged in Tajarin with ragù and an incredible spider steak, also known as oyster steak.
- On October 22nd, we embarked on a delightful morning walk, exploring the charming Mercato Centrale, the historic Consolata, the picturesque Piazza Castello, and the serene Giardini Reali. For lunch, we indulged in a delightful meal at Trattoria da Ale, a cozy restaurant that offered delectable food and comfortable outdoor dining. We savored the exquisite porcini pasta and tender baby porchetta, which were simply a culinary delight. After lunch, we made our way to the Roman Tower at the Palazzo Madama. Although not as tall as the iconic Mole, the tower provided a breathtaking 360-degree view on a beautiful sunny day. That evening, we boarded our flight to London (Gatwick), eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventures in the city.
Restaurants – Cantine Barbaroux, Tabui, Barney’s, Ristorante Consorzio, Ballatoio, Dume, Trattoria da Ale
