Discover Turin between art and wine tastings

If you’re heading to Italy’s Piedmont region, this 2-hour walking tour in Turin offers a delightful mix of history, art, and local flavors. Led by knowledgeable guides, it’s designed for curious travelers eager to uncover the city’s lesser-known corners while enjoying a wine tasting in the heart of its historic center. What makes this experience stand out? The chance to explore unusual, off-the-beaten-path locations that most travelers miss, paired with engaging stories about the city’s past — from Roman times to today.

One thing we especially like about this tour is its intimate size — capped at just 8 travelers — which ensures a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. However, since the tour is bilingual and lasts just around two hours, those seeking a more extensive exploration might find it a bit brief. Still, for a quick yet meaningful glimpse into Turin’s secret spots and flavorful traditions, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for culture lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed, authentic taste of the city.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 8 guests, you get personalized attention and a chance to connect with your guide.
• Rich Cultural Insight: Discover lesser-known sites like Porta Palatina and Palazzo Scaglia Di Verrua with stories that bring history to life.
• Wine and History Combo: Enjoy a tasting of Piedmontese wines, including a Roman-inspired spicy wine called Granum Paradisi, crafted following ancient recipes.
• Authentic Local Vibe: Walk through the historic center, observing noble palaces and hidden corners seldom seen by travelers.
• Flexible and Practical: The tour includes a free memento (a glass and wine or shopping bag), and for those traveling with minors, soft drinks are available.
• Value for Money: At around $55, the tour provides a compact yet rich experience for lovers of art, history, and wine.

This tour is a carefully curated journey through some of Turin’s most intriguing but little-known spots. It’s an excellent way to stretch beyond the usual highlights like the Royal Palace or the Mole Antonelliana, diving into the city’s hidden stories and secret corners.

Starting Point: Piazza Corpus Domini

The adventure kicks off at a central yet charming spot, Piazza Corpus Domini. From here, your guide, Armanda Celebrano, will lead you through narrow streets and alleyways that hold centuries of stories. The small group size makes it easy to soak in details and ask questions, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere from the start.

Stop 1: Porta Palatina

The first stop is the Porta Palatina, the sole remaining gate of the Roman Castrum. This is a true highlight for history buffs. This gate isn’t just a piece of ancient architecture — it’s a window into Turin’s Roman origins. Standing beside this well-preserved structure, you’ll get insights into how the city’s foundations date back over two millennia. Reviewers appreciate how guides point out little details that often escape the eye (“the first thing we walked right past!”), making this an eye-opener for many.

Stop 2: Palazzo Scaglia Di Verrua

Next, you’ll visit a noble residence, Palazzo Scaglia Di Verrua, with its picturesque courtyard and eye-catching frescoes. This quiet spot offers a glimpse into the city’s aristocratic past, and guides tend to share stories about the palace’s inhabitants and the role of noble families in Turin’s history. Visitors often comment on the passion and knowledge of the guide, who brings these historic sites alive with engaging anecdotes.

One of the real treats of this tour is the wine tasting experience. Sitting in the archaeological park, you’ll have the chance to create and sample Granum Paradisi, a Roman spicy wine made following an ancient recipe. The guide explains how spices and wine were used across different eras, from Roman times through Medieval and Renaissance periods, adding a culinary historical layer to the tour.

For those worried about alcohol, soft drinks are available for minors or for those preferring a milder option. The tasting isn’t rushed — it’s a relaxed part of the experience, designed for appreciation and learning. The inclusion of a free memento — be it a glass, a wine task, or a shopping bag — adds to the sense of leaving with a keepsake.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this wine tasting stand out is the storytelling. The guide shares fascinating tidbits like how spices used in ancient wines reflect trade routes and cultural exchanges. Reviewers have remarked on the knowledgeable and friendly guide who responded to individual interests, making each tasting session feel personalized and informative.

Beyond the major sites, this tour aims to reveal lesser-known corners of Turin that are often overlooked. For example, one reviewer emphasized discovering “insoliti angles” (unusual angles) of the city that she had seen multiple times but never noticed. Guides are adept at pointing out these “little secrets,” often with anecdotes that make the spots more memorable.

Walking through Quadrilatero Romano, you’ll observe noble palaces with stories hidden behind their facades. The tour also touches on fascinating facts that add depth to your understanding of Turin’s evolution.

This tour is priced at just over $55 per person, which many reviewers agree is a good value considering the intimacy and depth of the experience. The two-hour duration is perfect for those with limited time but who still want a meaningful exploration of the city. The fact that it’s booked on average 58 days in advance indicates good demand among travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Starting at Piazza Corpus Domini and ending at Via Stampatori, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to include in a day’s itinerary. The small groups (max 8) enhance the experience, allowing for more personal interactions and spontaneous stories from the guide.

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Crave a more authentic and intimate look at Turin beyond the typical tourist spots
• Are interested in history, art, and local traditions
• Appreciate wine and culinary stories with a historical twist
• Want a relaxed pace with opportunities to ask questions and explore hidden corners
• Are traveling with family or friends, or even solo — as the guide is friendly and eager to connect

It might not suit those looking for a long, exhaustive tour or a guide that covers every major landmark in detail. Instead, it’s perfect for those who want a short, engaging, and informative introduction to Turin’s soul.

This art and wine tour in Turin offers a wonderful balance of historical discovery, cultural insight, and local flavors. The small group size and knowledgeable guide make it a personalized adventure into the city’s lesser-known yet fascinating spots. You’ll love the way it combines storytelling with tasting, creating a multisensory experience that enriches your understanding of Turin’s past and present.

The inclusion of unique stops like Porta Palatina and the noble palace, along with the ancient-inspired wine tasting, makes this experience stand out from more typical city tours. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist trail, especially if they’re curious about history, art, and culinary traditions.

While it’s a relatively short tour, the depth of information and authentic vibe ensure it’s a memorable part of your visit. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour will leave you with new stories, a better appreciation for Turin, and perhaps a new appreciation for Piedmontese wines.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a busy day.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Piazza Corpus Domini and concludes at Via Stampatori, both centrally located and accessible via public transport.

Is the tour suitable for children or minors?
Yes. For minors or those who prefer not to drink wine, soft drinks are available, making it family-friendly.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers the guided experience, wine tasting (or soft drinks), and a free memento, such as a glass and wine task or shopping bag.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, it might be conducted in more than one language, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, as it’s popular and often booked 58 days ahead on average, securing your spot early is advisable.

Embarking on this tour will give you a fresh perspective on Turin — blending history, art, and local flavors in a way that’s both enjoyable and genuinely insightful. Whether you’re passionate about wine, curious about history, or just looking for a unique way to experience the city, it’s an experience worth considering.