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Nestled along the River Po in northern Italy, the city of Torino (“Turin” to the English) is home to a mix of Italian and French influences. Architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries reflects the city’s history as home to the House of Savoy, whose territory stretched into the Savoy and Cote d’Azur regions of France. Elegant piazzas and wide boulevards characterize the city’s older areas. Today, Torino is a modern city and the home to industry giants such as Fiat. In 2006, Torino hosted the XX Olympic Winter Games. Two billion people worldwide watched 2500 athletes from 85 countries compete in venues specifically built for the event.

Torino offers over 40 museums covering such diverse topics as Egyptology and cinema as well as Opera performed at the Regio Theatre. The city’s nightlife thrives along The Murazzi, a stretch of former warehouses on the riverfront. These have been transformed into a collection of nightclubs, where dancing continues throughout the night. The Parco del Valentino offers a respite along the Po River, and features an 18th century Botanical Garden. The famous Shroud of Turin, alleged to be Christ’s burial shroud, is housed here in the Capella della Sindone.