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Itinerary help, Northern Italy Nov 30 to Dec 8

Posted by (Bellingham, WA) on

I am traveling with my 12yoa son. We leave Nice on November 30th. We are in Milan Dec 8. I was looking at Genoa for the time in between, but I thought I would get input from the RS group. We will be traveling by train. We usually stay 5+ nights in one place, usually AirBnB. We mostly eat in and enjoy a lot of downtime.
We are not into art or history museums, but we do like car or other transport museums and aquariums (is it aquaria?). We are Atlas Obscura fans and enjoy seeing unique places and things. We enjoy strolling in areas with interesting architecture (especially modern), as well as natural areas (especially coastal areas--I don't use the word "beach" because it will be December, and I don't want folks to think I'm looking for a chance to wear my bikini). We like caves. We don't ski. I love a market of any kind--fresh food, prepared food, crafts, holiday, indoor, outdoor. I would like to take a cooking class (preferably with him, which we tried in Sarlat but not enough families signed up because it was off season). We love what we know of Italian food.
We can go to Milan earlier if folks think that city is worth seeing. I haven't given it any consideration, but it's the starting point for a scenic train journey we are taking. We generally prefer smaller cities and large towns.
All recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Posted by
11834 posts

Torino is very nice and has an amazing museum of the automobile plus a super underground/metro. One of the food capitals of Italy IMO. Genova is fine but a bit rougher. The aquarium is worthy. Maybe you can stay in Torino and day trip to Genova (although it is a 2 hour train ride between the two). You might look into cooking classes in Torino. I am confident that is a possibility. Another fun day trip would be to Alba.

Posted by
3300 posts

I just got back from visiting Torino and Alba and echo Laurel’s suggestion. Your son might also enjoy the spectacular Egyptian Museum in Torino. Alba is a wonderful town for strolling and is noted for its white truffles. Great food in both cities.

Posted by
491 posts

I decided on Turin. It looks great. We have to change trains in Genoa, so we'll stay one night there and see the aquarium. I'd love to hear more suggestions for sights and activities in and around Turin, as we will be there for a week. I will definitely look at a day trip to Alba. Other day trip suggestions?

Posted by
165 posts

I'm also looking at Turin and since you mentioned markets, here's info from Frommer's Italy:
The produce market in and around Porta Palazzo takes over the gigantic Piazza della Repubblica Mon-Fr 7am-2pm and Sat until 7;30pm.
A bustling flea market takes place in the warren of streets behind the Porta Palazzo every Saturday.
In December, a Christmas market sets out its stalls in Via Borgo Dora.

Posted by
630 posts

I also will be visiting Turin/Piedmont area for a week. I downloaded the Lonely Planet chapter on the area for $4.95. It was a great way to get a lay of the land. The more i read about Turin the more excited I am.
Any recommendations on accommodations welcome. We plan on Turin (3 nights) and Piedmont wine area (4 nights). We’ll have a car for when we leave Turin for wine country.

Posted by
3300 posts

Renee, we stayed at the Concord Hotel in Torino. Large, modern rooms, very convenient location, good breakfast. I will also recommend my favorite place on our three week trip - Agriturismo Tre Stella in the Barbaresco region. It’s in the center of wine country, only four rooms with private terraces overlooking the vineyards and hazelnut trees. Vistas to die for! It’s also a working winery with small, but good, production. Easy to visit other towns in the Piedmont and great restaurants nearby. Owners Michele and Adriana treat their guests like family.

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