A Four-Day Italian Adventure:

fromsydneytosullyItaly

Exploring Turin, Genoa, and Venice

Italy is a land of rich history, captivating culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Join me as I recount my four-day solo adventure across Turin, Genoa, and Venice, packed with sightseeing, culinary delights, and memorable experiences.

Day 1: Discovering Turin

Early Morning Arrival

My journey began with an early 6 am flight from London Stansted, following a three-hour National Express coach from Birmingham. Despite the exhaustion, excitement propelled me forward as I landed in Turin at 8 am. Since check-in at Hotel Diplomatic wasn’t until 3 pm, I decided to explore the city right away.

A Taste of Italy: Breakfast and Coffee

I wandered into Caffè Torino, a charming cafe where I enjoyed a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and cornetto. The atmosphere was delightful, with locals chatting and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

Lavazza Coffee Museum

Next, I visited the Lavazza Coffee Museum. The museum delves into the rich history of Lavazza, one of Italy’s most iconic coffee brands. I indulged in a coffee tasting session that included a unique coffee ice cream served in an edible cup. The experience was a sensory delight, featuring various types of coffee, including floral-themed cold brews.

Outlet Shopping

With energy levels restored, I ventured to the Torino Outlet Village, easily accessible by train and bus. The outlet offered a plethora of high-end brands at discounted prices, making it a shopper’s paradise.

A Sweet Treat

On my way back to the hotel, I stopped at Torteria Berlicabarbis, renowned for its delectable desserts. I savored a sensational almond and frangipane torte that was nothing short of heavenly.

Dinner and Rest

For dinner, I dined at Porto di Savona, a historic restaurant serving traditional Piedmontese cuisine. I enjoyed a delightful dish of agnolotti pasta stuffed with meat, paired with a glass of Barolo wine. Satiated and tired, I returned to Hotel Diplomatic for a much-needed rest.

Budget-Friendly Attractions in Turin

  1. Piazza Castello: The main square in Turin, surrounded by historical buildings. Free to explore.
  2. Parco del Valentino: A beautiful park along the Po River. Free to enter.
  3. Mole Antonelliana: Home to the National Museum of Cinema. Entrance: €11 (discounted with Torino + Piemonte Card).
  4. Basilica di Superga: A stunning church with panoramic views. Entrance: €5.
  5. Porta Palazzo Market: Europe’s largest open-air market. Free to browse.

High Budget Attractions in Turin

  1. Museo Egizio: The Egyptian Museum, one of the largest collections outside Egypt. Entrance: €15.
  2. Museo dell’Automobile: The National Automobile Museum. Entrance: €12.
  3. Venaria Reale: A magnificent royal palace. Entrance: €25.
  4. Juventus Museum: A must-visit for football fans. Entrance: €15.
  5. Turin Eye: A tethered balloon ride offering spectacular city views. Ride: €20.

Day 2: A Day in Genoa

Journey to Genoa

The second day began with a train ride to Genoa. The journey was comfortable and scenic, offering glimpses of the beautiful Italian countryside.

Genoa Aquarium

My first stop was the Genoa Aquarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into marine life, and I particularly enjoyed the dolphin and penguin exhibits.

Exploring the City

After the aquarium, I took a leisurely walk through Genoa’s historic center. The narrow streets and colorful buildings were charming, and I found some unique souvenirs at local shops.

360 Viewing Deck

I then visited the Bigo Panoramic Lift, a 360-degree viewing deck offering stunning views of the city and the Ligurian Sea. Enjoying a coffee while overlooking the water was a serene experience.

Return to Turin

Returning to Turin, I continued exploring the city and purchased a notepad and pen from Milano Souvenir Shop. For dinner, I visited Ristorante Solferino, enjoying a rich risotto with truffles, before heading back to the hotel for the night.

Budget-Friendly Attractions in Genoa

  1. Boccadasse: A picturesque fishing village. Free to explore.
  2. Spianata Castelletto: A terrace with panoramic views. Free to visit.
  3. Via Garibaldi: A historic street lined with palaces. Free to walk through.
  4. Piazza De Ferrari: The main square of Genoa. Free to visit.
  5. Genoa Cathedral: An impressive cathedral with free entry.

High Budget Attractions in Genoa

  1. Genoa Aquarium: One of Europe’s largest aquariums. Entrance: €27.
  2. Palazzo Ducale: A historic palace with art exhibitions. Entrance: €10-€15.
  3. Galata Maritime Museum: The largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean. Entrance: €15.
  4. Rolli Palaces: Historic palaces listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tour: €12.
  5. Bigo Panoramic Lift: 360-degree viewing deck. Ride: €5.

Day 3: Exploring Venice

Morning Train to Venice

On the third day, I boarded an early 8 am train to Venice, a three-hour ride that brought me directly into the heart of this magical city.

Canal Streets and Bridges

Walking through Venice felt like stepping into a fairytale. The canal streets, arched bridges, and gondolas created a unique and enchanting atmosphere. I had lunch at Corner Pub, enjoying a hearty sandwich while watching the gondolas glide by.

Museums and Cultural Exploration

I visited several notable museums, including the Doge’s Palace, with its stunning architecture and art. The Gallerie dell’Accademia offered a deep dive into Venetian art, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection was a treasure trove of modern masterpieces.

Venetian Masks and Souvenirs

No visit to Venice is complete without exploring the Venetian masks. I visited a traditional mask-making workshop, where I learned about the history and craftsmanship behind these beautiful creations.

Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

I joined a walking tour that ended with a scenic gondola ride through Venice’s iconic waterways. The perspective from the gondola offered a new appreciation for the city’s beauty and charm.

Evening Return to Turin

After a quick dinner at KFC, I took the train back to Turin, reflecting on the day’s enchanting experiences.

Budget-Friendly Attractions in Venice

  1. Rialto Bridge: One of Venice’s most famous bridges. Free to visit.
  2. St. Mark’s Basilica: Iconic church with free entry (small fee for museum access).
  3. Campo Santa Margherita: A lively square. Free to explore.
  4. Jewish Ghetto: Historic Jewish quarter. Free to walk through.
  5. Dorsoduro District: A charming district with art galleries and shops. Free to explore.

High Budget Attractions in Venice

  1. Doge’s Palace: Historic palace. Entrance: €25.
  2. Gallerie dell’Accademia: Art museum. Entrance: €12.
  3. Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Modern art museum. Entrance: €15.Teatro La Fenice: Historic opera house. Guided tour: €11.
  4. Teatro La Fenice: Historic opera house. Guided tour: €11.
  5. Gondola Ride: Classic Venetian experience. Ride: €80-€100.

Day 4: Final Day in Turin

Morning in Turin

I started my last day with a delicious buffet breakfast at Hotel Diplomatic. Afterward, I explored more of Turin, soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

Cinema Museum and Tim Burton Exhibition

A highlight of the day was the National Museum of Cinema housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana. The Tim Burton exhibition was out of this world, showcasing his unique artistic vision through various media, including VR games and interactive displays.

Chocolate Festival

Next, I attended Turin’s famous Chocolate Festival, a paradise for chocolate lovers. The variety of chocolates, from artisanal truffles to exotic flavors, was astounding.

Café San Carlo

For a coffee break, I visited the historic Café San Carlo, known for its beautiful architecture and elegant interior. I enjoyed a croissant sandwich and a rich espresso, savoring the ambiance.

Airport Lounge Experience

Heading to the airport early, I opted to pay €20 for access to the airport lounge. The comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, and snacks provided a relaxing end to my trip before boarding my flight back to Bristol.

Conclusion

This four-day adventure across Italy was nothing short of spectacular. From the historic streets of Turin and the scenic views in Genoa to the magical canals of Venice, each day offered unique experiences and lasting memories. Traveling solo allowed me to immerse myself fully in each moment, and I highly recommend Italy for its rich culture, delicious food, and welcoming people. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, Italy has something for everyone.

Feel free to share your experiences and tips for future travelers in the comments below. Happy travels!