Making the Most of Your Time

Turin, the first capital of unified Italy and the fourth largest city in the country, is a commercial center once overlooked on tourist itineraries. But after hosting the Winter in Olympics in 2006, and getting a further polish for the 2011 celebration of the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, Turin is on the radar. There is good cause: the museum system is second to none, gourmet restaurants abound, the nightlife is hopping, and there are an unusual number of attractions for children. If you also like the idea of an Italian city with touches of Parisian sophistication, Turin will strike your fancy.

In the mountains that surround Turin the hiking, climbing, and skiing are exceptional. On the Piedmont-Valle d'Aosta border, the Gran Paradiso National Park has beautiful trails. Farther north is Monte Bianco, which should be a priority; you can ascend by cable car, or, if you're an experienced climber, make a go of it with professional guides. You'll find extensive ski slopes in Sestriere in Piedmont and in Breuil-Cervinia on the Matterhorn. Food and wine lovers should head for the hills of the Langhe, just south of Turin, home to world-class wines and the redolent white truffles.