Turin: The Savoy and Fiat Eras

Turin: The Savoy and Fiat Eras

Sunday 12 May 2024

Friends of the Whitworth Summer Study Tour - ‘Turin: The Savoy and Fiat Eras’

Accompanied by Nirvana Romell

12 – 18 May, 2024

Expressions of Interest Requested

Dear Friend.

I am delighted to say that we now have dates next May for our FOW tour to Turin with Nirvana Romell. A brief description of the trip is given below. There is quite a lot of walking in the visit and at the end of the description we have given some guidelines on fitness levels. A detailed and costed itinerary will be available early in the New Year but I am now seeking expressions of interest. Numbers for the tour will be limited to 25 Friends and early booking is important, so those who will have already expressed an interest will be well placed to complete their booking.

We are proposing to base the itinerary on easyJet flights direct from Manchester to Malpensa Airport in Milan and Turin is about a 1 and ¾ hour transfer away.

Please note the journey will involve a good deal of walking and climbing stairs - with which the royal palaces and museums abound; and the use of public transport. The itinerary is designed for an average walking speed of 2.6 miles per hour (4.2km/h). Travellers should be able to walk at least one and half miles without stopping at this pace and be able to climb 2-3 flights of stairs without stopping. Daily distances are estimated at 4-5 miles (10,000 steps). The cumulative effect of daily physical and mental exertion needs to be taken into account when self-assessing one’s fitness level.

This is a final call.

If you would like to come contact Daniel Moore at Distant Horizons directly:

Tel: ‭0151 625 3425‬ or [email protected]

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Rosie Bull

[email protected]

‘Turin: The Savoy and Fiat Eras’ – A Brief Description

Nestled in the picturesque Piedmont region of northern Italy, the vibrant city of Turin blends a rich historical heritage with a dynamic contemporary atmosphere.

Turin is also renowned for its remarkable and original religious architecture. The Gothic façade of the city’s cathedral is one of the finest in Europe. The unique baroque domes of Guarino Guarini are considered the highest achievements of European structural engineering of its time. Conceived as a synagogue, the 19th century Mole Antonelliana is one of the highest unreinforced brick buildings in the world in the 19th century. Today, it is the home of the excellent National Cinema Museum and still offers breathtaking panoramic views from its towering spire. The Basilica di Superga, perched atop the Turin hills, is a stunning baroque masterpiece which houses the tombs of the House of Savoy, offering spectacular vistas of the city and the mighty river Po.

Transitioning to New Turin, discover a city that thrives on innovation and modernity. The Lingotto, once the largest car factory in the world, has been reinvented by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. Still serving as the Fiat’s administrative headquarters and featuring the legendary rooftop racetrack, the Lingotto is now a visitor destination with numerous restaurants, shops and the art gallery Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli.

Turin was the first city in Italy to collect modern art in the 19th century. It is still the top Italian destination for the modern and contemporary art, with world-class collections, galleries and temporary exhibitions. A visit to the Castello di Rivoli, a contemporary art museum housed in a historic Savoy castle with a captivation juxtaposition of contemporary works against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture.

There are many additional cultural jewels to explore and enjoy – the Royal Armory is considered one of the finest collections or weapons and armour, the Museum of the Holy Shroud or the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, Europe’s largest food market. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Quadrilatero Romano with its artisan shops and charming piazzas. Savour a bicerin, Turin's signature coffee and chocolate concoction at one of the many quaint cafes here and discover that the Torinese take the coffee and aperitif culture rather more seriously than most!

Turin's vibrant dining scene is another testament to its history and modernity. Piedmontese dishes often mix the influence of French haute cuisine with local and Ligurian country cooking. The wines – especially the reds like Barolo and Barbaresco – are praised as some of the best among the Italian vinicultural offerings. Enjoy tasting them and exploring local restaurants where culinary traditions are often reimagined with a modern twist.

Further Details:

COST TO BE CONFIRMED

Booking has now closed for this event.

Fly from Manchester airport.

Please send expressions of interest.