Turin has quiet confidence. It doesn’t rush to impress like Venice or Rome, but once you’re there, it gets under your skin. Elegant streets, mountain views, and rich history are only part of the draw. What many visitors don’t realize is how well-placed Turin is for exploring the rest of northwest Italy. From lakes to castles to Alpine villages, there’s a lot just a short ride away.

These 6-day trips from Turin showcase the best of northwest Italy—places that feel local, lived-in, and often overlooked by international tourists.

6 Day Trips from Turin That Reveal the Heart of Northwest Italy

Sacra Di San Michele – For Mountain Air and Mythic Views

Approximately 40 minutes west of Turin by car or train to Sant'Ambrogio, this abbey is situated dramatically on top of Mount Pirchiriano. It looks more like a fortress than a church, perched so high it almost seems carved out of the rock. Sacra di San Michele has stood for over a thousand years, inspiring writers and pilgrims alike.

The walk up from the village isn’t long but is fairly steep. You pass through chestnut woods before the abbey comes into full view. From the top, the Susa Valley spreads out below. On clear days, you can spot the Alps in the distance. It’s quiet, cool, and deeply peaceful.

There's a small café near the site, along with benches, if you'd like to bring something with you. If you're looking for a day trip that mixes nature and history, this one is hard to top.

Lake Orta – A Laid-Back Alternative to the Big Lakes

Lakes Como and Maggiore get most of the attention, but Orta has something they’ve lost—stillness. Just under two hours from Turin by car, Orta San Giulio is the main village on this compact lake. Its pastel-colored houses, stone alleys, and lakeside cafés have charm without the crowds.

A short boat ride takes you to the tiny island of San Giulio, where a monastery sits in quiet isolation. There’s a loop walk around the island with signs encouraging silence, and it works—you don’t hear much more than birds and the occasional splash of oars.

On the mainland, climb the hill to Sacro Monte di Orta for stunning views and chapels that tell the story of Saint Francis of Assisi. If the weather's warm, bring a towel. There are a few spots for swimming near the village that locals use.

Alba – Truffles, Towers, and Slow Living

Alba is around 90 minutes from Turin by car and sits in the heart of the Langhe. While the town is known worldwide for its white truffles, it’s not just about high-end food. There’s a rhythm here that’s all about taking your time.

The old town is full of medieval towers and shops selling local hazelnuts and cheeses. Saturdays bring a lively open-air market that sprawls through the squares and side streets. You’ll hear more Italian than English, especially outside of truffle season.

If you’re up for a short hike, nearby Barbaresco has a tower with wide views over the rolling vineyards. Rent a bike or take the slow road between villages. The landscapes here shift with the seasons but are always generous.

Aosta – Roman Ruins in the Shadow of the Alps

Aosta feels like a small Roman city dropped into Alpine surroundings. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes along the A5 motorway. Once you arrive, you'll notice how much is still standing from its Roman past—an arch, a theater, and city walls—all surprisingly intact.

But Aosta is no museum. It's a working town with a market, bakeries, and cafés full of hikers and locals. Its narrow streets mix old stones with newer shops. People head here for ski trips in winter and hiking in summer, but it's worth visiting any time of year.

You can take a cable car from the edge of town up into the mountains if you want a quick blast of altitude. Or just stay low and wander slowly between Roman stones and Alpine views.

Cuneo – Porticos, Pastries, and the Southern Alps

Cuneo is about 90 minutes from Turin by train or car and is often skipped by visitors. That's a mistake. It has one of the best-preserved historic centers in the region, with long porticoed streets made for strolling in any weather.

The main square, Piazza Galimberti, is large and open, with wide views of the surrounding peaks. Walk a few blocks, and you'll find smaller piazzas, narrow alleys, and some of the best pastry shops in Piedmont. Don't miss the "cuneesi al rhum,” a local chocolate treat with a soft center. For something lighter, try hazelnut cookies, almond cakes, or fruit tarts.

The town backs up to the mountains so that you can see snow-capped peaks even on warm days. If you want a place that's beautiful but not busy, Cuneo hits the mark.

Ivrea – A Mix of Rivers, Castles, and Olivetti History

Ivrea is less than an hour from Turin by train and offers a different slice of northwest Italy. It sits on the Dora Baltea River, with a castle overlooking the old town. But the real story here is 20th-century—this is where the Olivetti typewriter empire was born.

The company didn't just build machines. It built housing, schools, and community spaces for workers, many of which are still standing. You can see how design and work were once part of a broader idea of society. There's a small museum, but the real experience is walking around the old factory buildings and neighborhoods.

The town has a yearly carnival where oranges are thrown in a mock battle—loud, wild, and very local. Outside of that, it’s a calm place for walking along the river, exploring small shops, and watching the light change on the hills.

Conclusion

Turin isn’t just a destination—it’s a starting point. These 6-day trips from Turin showcase the best of northwest Italy with quiet lakes, alpine views, medieval towns, and deep-rooted traditions. Each place offers something different, and all are easy to reach. Whether you're after nature, food, or history, you don’t have to go far. Just step out, take your time, and enjoy the journey beyond the city.