Day 1: Turin – The Heart of the House of Savoy

Start your journey at Piazza Castello, the very center of Savoy rule. Your first stop is the Palazzo Madama, a striking blend of medieval fortifications and baroque elegance—an ideal introduction to the grandeur of the Savoy dynasty. Just steps away, you’ll find the Palazzo Reale, an opulent royal residence featuring the Armeria Reale, one of Europe’s most impressive collections of historical arms and armor.

For a breathtaking view over the city, ascend to the top of the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic landmark. While you’re there, take a deep dive into history at the Museo Egizio, home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Egyptian artifacts.

Day 2: Palazzo Carignano & Turin’s Hidden Gems

A short walk from Piazza Castello leads you to the Palazzo Carignano, a masterpiece of baroque architecture with a deep political legacy — this is where Italy’s first kings were born, and where the country’s unification took shape. Inside, the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano offers fascinating insights into the dramatic events that shaped modern Italy.

💡 Tip: You can easily swap this day with a trip to one of the many Savoy palaces outside the city. Turin makes for a perfect base to explore Piedmont’s royal heritage at your own pace.

Day 3 Morning

Just a short trip from Turin, Moncalieri offers a glimpse into the strategic and military side of the Savoy dynasty. The Castello di Moncalieri isn’t just another palace - it remains an active residence for the Carabinieri, Italy’s military police. Step outside and enjoy the castle’s gardens and Belvedere, where you can enjoy nice views of the landscapes surrounding Turin.

⏳ Recommended time: Half a day
💡 Insider Tip: Book a guided tour to dive deeper into the fascinating history of the Carabinieri and their connection to the castle.

🔎 Hidden Gem: A Haunted Detour
If you're in the mood for something mysterious, take a quick detour to Castello della Rotta, just outside Moncalieri. According to legend, this eerie fortress is Italy’s most haunted castle, with ghostly sightings and strange happenings reported for centuries. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, it’s a fun stop that adds the unusual to your royal road trip.

Day 3 Afternoon

Nestled in lush greenery just outside Turin, the Palazzina di Caccia Stupinigi stands as Italy’s most elegant hunting lodge—a true masterpiece of baroque extravagance. Designed by Filippo Juvarra for Vittorio Amadeo II, this architectural gem stuns with its lavish halls, grand frescoes, and mesmerizing Trompe-l’oeil paintings that bring the walls to life.

Step inside and admire the Museo di Arte e Ammobiliamento, where exquisite royal furniture and artwork from the Savoy collections transport you straight into the splendor of 18th-century aristocracy.

⏳ Recommended time: Half a day
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the "Triumph of Diana" Hall - a dazzling celebration of the hunt and one of the lodge’s most spectacular rooms.

Day 4: Summer Retreat & Royal Romance

Next, visit the Castello di Racconigi, the former summer residence of the House of Savoy. This grand palace offers a more intimate look at royal life - through its opulent apartments, exquisite furniture, and an art gallery that transports you to another era. The walls still whisper tales of lavish celebrations, royal romances, and hidden scandals that shaped history.

⏳ Recommended time: Full day
💡 Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens - one of the estate’s highlights, perfect for capturing postcard-worthy moments. Great for nature lovers and photographers.

Day 5 Morning

Today head to the Castello di Rivoli. Once a royal residence, it is now a center for contemporary art, offering a nice contrast between modern exhibitions and its baroque setting. Artists like Maurizio Cattelan and Sophie Calle have transformed the historic halls into a space where past and present merge in unexpected ways.

Beyond the art, the castle’s windows provide a fantastic view over the Piedmontese landscape.

⏳ Recommended time: 2-3 hours

P.S.: if you prefer the day more relaxed, skip this and fill the day with a visit to Venaria Reale and the Basilica Superga.

Day 4 Early Afternoon

No royal road trip through Piedmont would be complete without a visit to Venaria Reale, often called Italy’s Versailles. This grand baroque masterpiece is one of the most important and majestic palaces in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Wander through the breathtaking Galleria Grande, an architectural wonder of light and grandeur. Step inside the Cappella di Sant’Uberto, an exquisite chapel dedicated to the patron saint of hunters. Then, take your time strolling through the vast palace gardens, a beautifully restored landscape blending royal elegance with natural beauty.

⏳ Recommended time: Half a day
💡 Tip: Arrive early to soak in the palace’s beauty before the crowds, and don’t forget to explore the charming nearby town of Venaria for a relaxing post-palace break.

The Grand Finale

To crown your journey, make your way to the Basilica di Superga. Majestically perched high above the city, the basilica overlooks Turin – a spectacular place steeped in history, home to the tombs of the House of Savoy and a poignant memorial to the Gran Torino football team, which tragically perished here in a plane crash in 1949.

The view from Superga is absolutely breathtaking – a magical way to end your trip.

Recommended time: 2 hours