Day Trips from Turin: From Turin to the Vineyards via the Alps

Day trips from Turin are the perfect way to see more of northern Italy, from vineyard-draped hills and medieval villages to alpine towns, royal palaces, and Roman ruins. Turin makes an ideal base, with trains and short drives taking you straight into UNESCO-listed sites, charming small towns, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Along the way, you can dive into local food culture, explore castles, or join Piedmont wine tours to taste Barolo, Barbaresco, and Asti at the source. Each trip blends history, landscapes, and gastronomy, giving you a fresh perspective on Italy just outside the city.

What are the best day trips from Turin?

Visit the royal grandeur of Reggia di Venaria

For a taste of royal grandeur, make your day trip from Turin the Reggia di Venaria. Just 30 minutes from the city, this baroque palace was once a Savoy hunting lodge and is now one of Italy’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can wander through ornate halls, explore the massive formal gardens, and get a real sense of 17th-century opulence. Getting there is easy too, trains from Turin stop right at Venaria Reale station, only a short walk from the palace gates.

Wander at Sacra di San Michele

Perched high above the Susa Valley, the Sacra di San Michele is one of the most dramatic day trips from Turin. This Romanesque abbey, which inspired Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, combines history, legend, and unbeatable views of the Alps. Inside, you’ll find ancient crypts and soaring stone arches that give the place a truly mystical feel. It’s easy to reach from Turin by train to Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, followed by a short hike or bus ride up the mountain, a half-day trip that feels worlds away from the city.

Explore the vineyards of Barolo

Barolo, a picturesque village in the Barolo wine region south of Turin, is world-famous for its bold reds made from the Nebbiolo grape. It’s one of the best day trips from Turin for anyone into wine and food, with vineyards rolling in every direction and tastings around every corner. Join one of the local Barolo wine tours to dive deeper into the flavors, meet producers, and sip wines right where they’re made. Don’t miss nearby Grinzane Cavour Castle, home to the Enoteca Regionale, where you can explore more of the region’s top bottles in a historic setting.

Explore the historical charm of Susa

Just an hour west of Turin, Susa is a small town packed with Roman history and alpine charm. Highlights include the Arch of Augustus, the remains of a Roman amphitheater, and traces of the ancient aqueduct that once supplied the town. Surrounded by the green Susa Valley and framed by mountain peaks, it’s an easy day trip that combines archaeology, scenery, and a slower pace of life.

Stroll through Alba

Alba is a gastronomic hotspot, famous for its prized white truffles and as the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. Every autumn, the Alba White Truffle Festival draws food lovers from all over Europe to taste the rare Tuber magnatum. Set in the heart of the Piedmont wine region, it’s also the perfect place to pair traditional dishes with tastings at an Alba winery. Getting here from Turin is easy by car or train, making it a top foodie getaway.

For more inspiration, check out our guide on the best things to do in Alba and make the most of your visit.

Experience the heart of the Piedmont wine region

The Piedmont wine region is one of Italy’s most celebrated, home to legendary reds like Barolo and Barbaresco as well as elegant whites such as Arneis and Gavi. Rolling vineyard hills, medieval villages, and family-run cellars create a setting that feels both authentic and timeless. Travelers can join guided tastings, explore UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes, or take part in seasonal harvest festivals. From rustic farmhouses to refined Piedmont wine tours, every visit here combines tradition, flavor, and the kind of hospitality that makes this corner of Italy unforgettable.

Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Aosta

In the heart of the Alps, Aosta blends Roman history with Alpine atmosphere. The Arch of Augustus, Roman theatre, and old forum make the town feel like an open-air museum surrounded by mountains. Pair the sightseeing with a taste of local dishes and a visit to nearby Aosta Valley wineries, where cool-climate wines add another layer to the experience. With direct trains and buses from Turin, it’s one of the easiest Alpine escapes for history, food, and scenery.

Want the full list of highlights? Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Aosta that goes beyond ruins and into the real Alpine lifestyle.

Take a day trip to Lake Orta

Lake Orta is one of Italy’s most scenic lakes and a quieter escape compared to busy Lake Como. The main village, Orta San Giulio, charms with cobblestone lanes, artisan shops, and lakeside cafés perfect for a slow afternoon. Hop on a boat to Isola San Giulio, where an ancient monastery sits surrounded by the calm waters of the lake. Just two hours from Turin, this day trip blends nature, serenity, and culture in one stunning package.

Marvel at Milan and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces

A day trip to Milan from Turin takes less than an hour by high-speed train, making it one of the quickest and most rewarding escapes. You can tour the iconic Duomo, stroll the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and book ahead to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Between shopping streets and art treasures, there’s also time to enjoy a wine tasting Milan experience, which adds a delicious pause to your city adventure. Fashion, history, and food all come together here, making Milan a must on your Turin itinerary.

Want more inspiration? Dive into our guide to the best things to do in Milan and plan your perfect city day.

Good to know before day trips from Turin