Surrounded by the Western Alpine Arch and in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Turin is one of Italy's most important cities. Located in the north west of the country, the city is a gateway to the Alps and Italy's industrial north. Famed for its arts, culture, Art Nouveau architecture and sporting heritage, visitors flock to Turin from across Europe. As the host of the 26 Winter Olympic Games, as well as being the home to both the Juventus and Torino football teams, sport really does put this city on the map. For those less interested in the city's sporting credentials, there are many castles, art galleries, piazzas and museums in the city centre to capture the imagination.
One of the biggest attractions of Turin is the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. This group of structures, based in both Turin and Piedmont (on the outskirts of the city) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiring a car in Turin is a great way to explore the mountain ranges of the Alps, with the mountain foothills barely more than an hour away by car. The city of Milan, Europe's fashion capital, is also just 80 minutes away by car. If you want to see what one of the world's most glamorous cities has to offer, why not make the short journey across to Milan?