Piemonte Day Trips from Torino – My 3 Top Picks

Piedmont (Piemonte) in Northern Italy has so much to offer to travellers, and much of it is close to Turin (Torino). Here’s my 3 top Piemonte day trips from Turin!

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern Italy, Torino (Turin) is absolutely our favourite Italian city. A big attraction for us is not just the charm of the city, but its proximity to some fascinating Piemonte day-trips. While Torino boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and fabulous local cuisine, just a short day trip from the city there’s a remarkable range of adventures to experience, and it’s all gorgeous no matter the time of year. (We were travelling in the northern winter.) Here are my three top, easy-to-reach day-trip destinations that will definitely add an extra layer of excitement to your Italian getaway.

Piemonte Wine Regions

Piemonte is an utter cracker for wine lovers, with a diverse range of illustrious wine territories, each offering unique terroir and captivating flavours. These world famous vineyards offer an unforgettable journey through centuries of winemaking tradition and, no matter which area you choose, every glass you enjoy is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and unparalleled passion for viticulture.

The Langhe, renowned for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, just overflows with undulating vineyards heavily dotted with medieval villages, where Nebbiolo grapes thrive in distinctive microclimates. In this region you’ll also find Alba, home to the famous month-long White Truffle Fair which is held in late autumn/early winter each year.

Nearby, the Roero region captivates with its elegant and aromatic Arneis white wines, cultivated amidst rolling hills and hazelnut orchards. 

Further north, the Monferrato region charms wine enthusiasts with its versatile Barbera wines, characterised by their bold fruitiness and vibrant acidity, while the Gavi region in the southeast produces crisp and refreshing Cortese white wines near the Ligurian border. 

These wine-based Piedmonte day-trips are incredibly accessible – you can hire a car and drive yourself, make use of the extensive and accessible Trenitalia train system, enjoy one of the many group bus tours that run from Torino, or book yourself a private tour. 

We opted for the latter, spending a wonderful day with Amanda from Amanda’s Wine Adventures. She tailored a trip for six of us that included visits to several small family winemakers in the Barbera area, and a splendid traditional meal at a local restaurant. I can highly recommend Amanda – she went out of her way to put together a memorable visit for our family immediately after Christmas, on an Italian public holiday, at a time when many of the wineries were actually closed.

Lake Orta

Italy is famous for its stunning, romantic lakes and we spent a day enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of Lake Orta, often referred to as Italy’s hidden gem. Accessible by train or a scenic drive from Torino, this enchanting lake captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters, charming lakeside villages, and breathtaking mountain surroundings. We were there in winter, and just adored wandering through the cobbled streets of Orta San Giulio, full of charming, colourful buildings and quaint cafes.

An absolute must-do is to take a short boat ride to the historic Isola San Giulio, home to a centuries-old basilica and tranquil gardens. (The afternoon we visited, there was someone playing the magnificent pipe organ in the church!)

Lake Orta is also home to home to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a series of chapels adorned with stunning frescoes, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In summer the focus is on all things water-sport, offering swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or the option to simply relax on the lakeshore and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Getting there is simple, either under your own steam by driving, or simply catch a train from the centre of Torino.

Aosta

I’m deep into a fascination with all things Roman at the moment, so was very happy to journey back in time with a visit to the ancient Roman town of Aosta, nestled amidst the peaks of the Italian Alps.

Another of the Piemonte day-trips that is easily accessible by train or bus from Torino, Aosta boasts a rich heritage, with plenty of well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and breathtaking mountain vistas. It’s a popular spot for an amble along the cobblestone streets of the historic centre, adorned with Roman monuments, interesting little boutiques, some great restaurants and charming cafes, but the more energetic will want to venture into the surrounding valleys for outdoor adventures.

Snow bunnies will find plenty to keep them smiling, and a scenic cable car ride will take you from Aosta to Pila – a renowned ski resort in winter and a paradise for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts in summer. The more sedentary among us will be amply rewarded with stunning vistas from the outskirts of Aosta, where you can catch panoramic views of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc.

 

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, these Piemonte day-trips from Torino offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and let the beauty of northern Italy captivate your soul.

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