PIEMONTE
TORINO - the ALPS - the LANGHE
TORINO - Royal History and Sustainabilty
The First Capital of Italy:
Known as the 'Old Lady', Torino has a rich history of over 2000 years. The 'Taurini' (Celtic tribes) were the first settlers in the area in the 3rd century BC. Then the Romans chose this strategic spot of confluence of the Po and Dora Riparia rivers as a military camp, and later founded the walls of the urban layout still visible today in the neighborhood of Quadrilatero. On the picture is the image of Porta Palatina, the most intactly preserved entry point of the ancient Roman city walls. The statue represents Julius Ceasar, the founder of the initial military settlement.
After barbarian invasions in the in the 4th century and other occupants like the Lumbards and the Franks with Charlemagne, it was the Savoy dynasty that most influenced the history of Torino since the 10th century. The city became the capital of the Savoy kingdom in the 16th century. And in 1861 the Italian Risorgimento led by Victor Emanuel II of Savoy, together with Cavour and Garibaldi, unified Italy with Torino as its capital city. On the picture is the First Parliament of Italy can be visited in the Carignano Palace.
After 4 years the capital was moved to Florence (and later Rome), and Torino developped as one of the world's industrial capitals in the early 20th century thanks to FIAT - Fabbrica Italiana di Automobili Torino. The city grew significantly, but with the changes in the automotive sector in the 1980s, it converted the areas into commercial, residential, industrial design and archeology. On the picture, the Galleria di Diana of the Reggia di Venaria, one of the Royal Residences named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was used as the venue for the Torino Tango Festival in 2019.
Conversion to a Green City and Tourist Attraction:
With bigSport events such as the Winter Olympics, the Nitto ATP Finals in the Pala Alpitour, the 2022 Women's Football Champions League Final in the Allianz Stadium, International Rowing competitions, Piemonte was awarded the title of European Region of Sport 2022. In this sense, considering also the recognition as a Unesco Creative City of Design, with numerous architectural works like Campus Einaudi, Nuvola (Lavazza headquarters), and Intesa San Paolo skyscraper in glass and steel (most ecological European skyscraper, top 10 in the world), it can be considered an example of conversion into a more sustainable economy. Tourism related activities have contributed to the valorization of Torino's narural location. The Collina, hill surrounded by woods by which it stands, the riverside (Po and Dora rivers), the 17 parks, and the 320km of tree-lined avenues, make it a great setting for walking, jogging, cycling, and open-air activities. Several rental and sharing services such as the bycicles, electric scooters and motorbikes are provided within the city. Car sharing (including electric cars from Enjoy) can also be found at the Torino airport for pick-up and drop-off, and all the way to the city center.
Host of the XX Winter Olympics:
Torino was the organizing city of the Winter Olympic Games in 2006. In this occasion, the city underwent significant works in its infrastructures, and has improved its tourist offerings. In effect, the region of Piemonte, literally meaning 'foot of the mountain', is made of a plane surrounded by the beautiful Alps. Mountain sports such as Hiking, Trekking, and Mountainbiking can be practiced in the summer, and Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snowkiting are offered in the winter.
THE ALPS - Mountain and Winter Sports
Ski, Snowboard and SnowKite:
During the 2006 Winter Olympics, Torino showcased its different areas that are naturally suitable for Skiing and Snowboarding. The Alta Val Susa, and in particular Sestriere was the spot for the Alpine Skiing and Bardonecchia (www.bardonecchiaski.com) for the Snowboarding competitions. But there are many more stations that are all connected in the Vialattea (www.vialattea.it), forming a comprensory of 400km of ski area, and 295 slopes. The Snow Park for Snowboard training is located in Souze d'Oulx.
SnowKite requires different slopes characteristics and can be practiced in La Thuile. At 2,188 m. on the Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo between Italy and France, the spot offers a spectacular view of the Mont Blanc and constant wind. Courses for beginners and advanced, as well as rental services are offered by the school on site.
Hiking, Trekking and Mountain Biking:
Apart from the Vialattea and ski areas that also offer mountain sports during the summer, the region of Piemonte has many more mountain resorts and several nature parks. Canoeing can be practiced in the Lake Candia, and the Lakes of Avigliana offer good conditions for water skiing and sailing.
Among the many natural mountain areas with beautiful highest peaks, the Gran Paradiso National Park stays the most relevant. Once a game reserved for the King, it was the first protected area created in Italy in 1922 (www.pegp.it). But less known resorts such as the Valli di Lanzo are also worth a visit, ideal to go Hiking and Trekking in the international circuit trails, or Mountain Biking in the woods. On the side picture, Giulio after riding his old mountain bike for the bike's 30th anniversary, and remake of the first climb to the top of the Val Grande di Lanzo.
THE LANGHE - World Class Eno-grastronomy
Centuries-old Tradition of Winegrowing and Winemaking:
The first signs of wine production date back to the Etruscans and Celts in the 5th century BC. Vine pollen from the area can be traced back to that time, and words with origins from these two civilizations are still used today. Thanks to its excellent wines like the Barolo and Barbaresco, the harmonious vineyard landscapes, and maintenance of the authenticity in the production processes, the Langhe has become a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014.
The area is in effect recognized as one of the most favorable for vineyards in Italy, with different range of soils and often native grape varieties. The adaptation of winegrowing and ancient art of winemaking through historical developments make the area an example of sustainability in the relationship between man and his environment and its resources.
Experiential Tours with Wine tasting, excellent food, and connection with nature:
We can offer a wide variety of experiences, which can be day-tours, weekends, or longer stays for a relaxing vacation. They can include outdoor physical activity combined with tasting of delicious natural local delicacies. These tours can be tailor-made for groups like friends or companies looking for team building activities, families for enjoying quality time together, couples for romantic stays, and individuals just to reconnect with nature and oneself in a place of beautiful harmony.