Although it is often overlooked by visitors to Italy, Turin has much to offer - not least of which is the fact that there are fewer tourists. Turin (called Torino in Italian) is the capital of the Piedmont region in the northwest of Italy, and widely known as an excellent place to go if you're a foodie or want to make skiing day trips.

It's also home to one of the Catholic church's most famous relics- the legendary Shroud of Turin. It was Turin that paved the way for Nutella. Turin has a beautiful city centre, is ringed by snow-capped mountains, and hosts an annual chocolate festival. The city is also home to perhaps the best museum of Egyptian artifacts anywhere outside of Egypt.

Less than an hour from Milan by train, Turin is an important business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region. The city is located mainly on the western bank of the Po River, in front of Susa Valley and surrounded by the western Alpine arch and by the Superga Hill.

The city has a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, theatres, libraries, museums and other venues. Turin is well known for its renaissance, baroque, rococo, neo-classical, and art nouveau architecture. Much of the city's public squares, castles, gardens and elegant palazzi such as Palazzo Madama, were built in the 16th to 18th century, after the capital of the Duchy of Savoy (later Kingdom of Sardinia) was moved to Turin from Chambery (now in France) as part of the urban expansion.

Travel Times by Rail:

Turin to Milan: 1 hr

Turin to Genoa: 2 hrs

Turin to Nice: 5 hrs 30 mins

Turin to Geneva: 4 hrs 30 mins

Turin to Lyon: 3 hrs 30 mins