Arrival in Torino and check in to a hotel in the city centre. Guided tour of Torino city centre. First capital of the Kingdom of Italy, then considered one of the baroque Europeans capitals, and today capital of contemporary art.
Torino is the centre of the great Italian industry due to the cutting-edge design and planning of many great firms committed to important projects. In 2008, it became the World Design Capital. Numerous are the public art works such as sculptures, fountains and lighting. During these years, they testify the changes of the city planning, renovations of districts, and of a specific area like the passante ferroviario, ( an underground railway line of Torino), which shows works realized by Merz, Penone, and Kirkeby, sculptures realized in squares and gardens by Pomodoro, Varotsos, Stoisa, Didou, Molinari, the high-relief of Mastroianni in bronze on the gate of the Teatro Regio, and the curious Piercing on an eighteenth century palace in piazzetta Corpus Domini. Not to forget the public art of MAU, the Urban Art Museum of the picturesque old district: murals, paintings and sculptures adorn the streets of the district.
Return to the Hotel for dinner.
Breakfast in Hotel.
Guided tour of Venaria Reale. For two centuries, the structure was neglected, but then went through a monumental restoration lasted eight years. From Saturday the 13 of October The Grande Corte Regale del Piemonte, will open its doors to the public for an exhibition dedicated to Savoy. The Venaria Reale is an old district, a place nowadays rich in events, and that reminds us of historical vicissitudes it faced. The impressive Baroque Palace with its gardens, represents one of the most important art and architecture examples of the XVII and XVIII centuries. The De La Mandria Park, one of the best protected environments in Europe where numerous species of wild and tame animals live freely, houses a precious historical-architectural heritage.
Lunch in a typical trattoria in Venaria.
Transfer to Racconigi Castle. The transformation of the Castle is due to Carlo Alberto, seventh prince of Carignano, and then King of Sardegna. The young Prince, before becoming King, already owned the dwellings of his ancestors. The castle and Racconigi park used to be holiday residencies of Savoy family up to the second war world. Acquired by the state in 1980, they went through long and precised restoration works, and in 1987 was open to the public. In 1999 they became UNESCO world heritage sites.
Return to the hotel and dinner in a typical restaurant.
Breakfast in hotel and transfer to Pralormo.
The Countess Pralormo will take you on a wonderful journey to discover the true life of a Piedmontese castle. From March 29 to May 1, the park of the medieval castle of Pralormo will house an extraordinary flowering of more than 75,000 tulips and narcissuses, announcing the spring. Every year this botanical event shows a new plantation, completely renovated in variety and colour. The park of the castle, designed by the architect Xavier Jurten, also author of the most important gardens of Savoy residencies, for many years has been hosting this splendid blooming exhibition.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
End of the tour.