Turin

With its grand piazzas, tree-lined boulevards and snowy alpine backdrop, the elegant city of Turin is the hidden gem of Italian tourist destinations. Famed for its football team (Juventus) and the Fiat motor company, this industrial powerhouse was also the first capital city of a unified Italy from 1861 to 1865.

Today, Turin is home to a wealth of exquisite architecture ranging from Baroque to contemporary, as well as Europe’s largest open air market and an incredible food and wine scene that is too often overlooked.

Due to its relative lack of tourism, Turin’s range of accommodation is somewhat limited when compared to established city break destinations like Florence, Milan and Venice. Nevertheless, there is ample choice here for the discerning traveller. The Grand Hotel Sitea in the heart of the city delivers five star luxury, exclusive dining and impeccable service, whilst the four star Turin Palace is known for its stylish, contemporary decor and spectacular view. For those on a slightly tighter budget there are also a good number of characterful guest houses and small, family run hotels to choose from.

All Italian cities are famous for their culinary credentials and Turin is no exception. Foodies and wine lovers will find everything they wish for here, from handmade chocolates, to rare white truffles and the region’s world renowned DOCG wines. Home to the slow food movement, Turin’s restaurateurs and chefs have a collective passion for high quality ingredients, and a strong focus on preserving local cuisine and traditional cooking methods. In a culinary landscape that covers everything from casual dining to Michelin star restaurants, Carignano in the prestigious Grand Hotel Sitea is notable for its innovative tasting menu, whilst Ristorante del Cambio is famous for its exclusive chef’s table dining space and 20,000 bottle-strong wine cellar.

As capital of Piedmont - one of Italy’s premier wine-producing regions, it’s no surprise that visitors to Turin are keen to sample the local vino. Wine tours to the famous viticultural villages of Barolo and Barbaresco are a huge attraction here, and many local producers sell direct to consumers at the city’s markets. There are of course also a multitude of venues across town serving not only Piedmont’s finest, but many other Italian wines, as well as first-rate labels from abroad. These range from wine shops with tables and tasting, to atmospheric city bars, and celebrated Michelin star restaurants. So if you’re a foodie looking to discover a new destination or a wine enthusiast wanting to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most famous viticultural regions, Italy’s fourth largest city offers an elegant escape.