We'll journey from London to Paris on the Eurostar. From Paris, we travel on a fast TGV train south passing Burgundy and Lyon. After Lyon, the train slows and the terrain becomes mountainous, offering breath-taking views of the Alps. Our journey takes us through Chambery and Modane before entering Italy, where the train passes Bardonecchia and Olux. We'll arrive in Turin in the late afternoon, where we stay for two nights. Enjoy free time in the evening to settle into the hotel and explore the local area.
This morning, we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Turin, exploring the history and architecture in the heart of the city. Turin boasts some of the best architecture in Italy in a stunning range of styles, including Renaissance, Rococo, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau. And dominating the skyline is the Mole Antonelliana, with a distinctive aluminium spire that appears on the Italian two-cent coin. Turin is one of Europe’s great chocolate-making cities, home to famous chocolatiers and Italian chocolate brands like Ferrero Rocher. It is known for its patisserie and chocolate shops, many of which haven't changed since the 18th century. While exploring the tree-lined boulevards and fascinating architecture, we'll enjoy some chocolate tastings and learn more about the history of chocolate making. In the afternoon, you can enjoy time exploring Turin at leisure. Boasting the largest pedestrian area in Europe, the city centre is a walker’s paradise: its arcades are beautifully decorated with coffered ceilings and impressive columns, which makes exploring the city an absolute pleasure. Turin is also home to several museums. The Museo Egizio is home to one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities, encompassing sculptures, reconstructed temples and intricate tomb paintings. There are also many scenic parks spread across the city, including Parco del Valentino, with its beautiful botanical garden. Perhaps visit the famous Lingotto, home to Fiat’s former rooftop test track, or enjoy the local food in one of the city’s many pleasant squares. And look out for Bicerin - the city’s traditional hot drink of espresso, chocolate and milk.