Empire to Elegance Turin Royal History and Mystery Audio Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Turin hasn’t just preserved its past – it’s woven it into the fabric of daily life. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how Roman foundations, medieval power struggles, and royal ambitions shaped this elegant northern Italian city. You’ll find out how Turin evolved from Julius Caesar’s military outpost to the sophisticated first capital of united Italy, while hearing mysterious legends that still haunt its streets. The tour starts at Porta Palatina, the impressive ancient Roman gateway built in the 1st century BCE. Along the way, you’ll discover how the House of Savoy transformed Turin into a royal capital through centuries of strategic diplomacy. You’ll stroll through elegant porticoed streets and historic galleries en route to Palazzo Madama with its contrasting medieval and baroque facades. The tour ends at the Gran Madre di Dio church across the Po River, where some believe the statue points to the hidden location of the Holy Grail.
Available options
Empire to Elegance Turin Royal History and Mystery Audio Tour
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Marvel at this remarkably preserved Roman gateway dating from the 1st century BCE, featuring massive twin towers and original stonework. Discover where Julius Caesar established the military colony of Iulia Augusta Taurinorum, experiencing the foundations of what would become modern Turin.
2
Explore this Renaissance cathedral that houses the enigmatic Shroud of Turin, Christianity's most studied and controversial relic. Walk through the sacred space where faith, science, and mystery converge in one of Italy's most important religious sites.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Pass through the magnificent former residence of the House of Savoy, showcasing opulent state apartments and royal gardens. Discover how this powerful dynasty transformed Turin into a sophisticated capital through centuries of strategic diplomacy and artistic patronage.
4
Stroll through this elegant covered shopping gallery with its Art Nouveau details and historic boutiques. Experience the atmospheric arcade where scenes from Dario Argento's horror classic "Profondo Rosso" were filmed in the 1970s.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Walk into Turin's elegant "parlour," a symmetrical baroque square flanked by twin churches and graceful arcades. Enjoy the harmonious architecture surrounding the bronze equestrian statue of Duke Emanuele Filiberto sheathing his sword after the Battle of San Quintino.
6
Marvel at this extraordinary palace featuring a medieval castle on one side and an ornate baroque facade on the other. Explore the layers of Turin's history embodied in this UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy.
7
Pass this prestigious opera house renowned for its exceptional acoustics and neoclassical architecture. Discover one of Italy's leading cultural institutions where world-class performances have graced the stage since 1740.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Admire Turin's iconic 167-meter tower that dominates the skyline and appears on Italian 2-cent euro coins. Experience the city's most recognisable landmark, originally conceived as a synagogue and now home to Italy's National Cinema Museum.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Explore the world's tallest museum housed within the soaring Mole Antonelliana, dedicated to the art and history of cinema. Discover interactive exhibits spanning film history while enjoying panoramic views of Turin and the Alps from the building's distinctive dome.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Walk by the world's second-most important Egyptian museum after Cairo, housing an extraordinary collection of ancient artefacts. Marvel at the treasures including mummies, papyri, and monumental statues that reveal 4,000 years of Nile Valley civilisation.
11
Explore Italy's most important museum dedicated to the Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement that unified the nation. Discover Turin's crucial role as the first capital of united Italy through documents, artefacts, and personal stories of the unification struggle.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This tour starts at Porta Palatina. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Turin, Piedmont & Liguria
Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont, is renowned for its refined architecture, rich history, and as the birthplace of the Italian unification. Nearby Liguria offers stunning coastal landscapes, including the famous Cinque Terre. Together, they offer a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Mole Antonelliana
Iconic symbol of Turin, now home to the National Cinema Museum.
Architecture
1-2 hours
€12
Cinque Terre
UNESCO-listed coastal villages with stunning hiking trails and beaches.
Nature
Full day
Free to explore, hiking passes available
Egyptian Museum
One of the world's most important collections of Egyptian artifacts.
Museum
2-3 hours
€17
Palazzo Reale
Former residence of the Savoy royal family, showcasing opulent interiors and historical artifacts.
Historical
1-2 hours
€12
Aquarium of Genoa
One of the largest aquariums in Europe, featuring a wide variety of marine life.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
€27
Must-Try Local Dishes
Agnolotti del Plin
Small stuffed pasta filled with meat, served with butter and sage sauce.
Dinner
Contains meat
Focaccia
Traditional Ligurian flatbread, often topped with olive oil and salt.
Snack
Vegetarian
Bagna Cauda
Warm dip made from garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, served with vegetables.
Dinner
Contains fish
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Skiing in the Alps
Spa treatments
Beach lounging
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Boat tours
Swimming in Ligurian beaches
Best Time to Visit
June to August, September to October
Perfect weather for exploring the city and coastal areas. Summer is peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals.
15-30°C (59-86°F)
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Turin and Liguria are generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Turin Airport • 16 km (10 miles) from city center
- Christoforo Colombo Airport • 9 km (5.6 miles) from Genoa city center
By train
Turin Porta Nuova, Genoa Piazza Principe
By bus
Turin Bus Station, Genoa Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and easy to use, covering key tourist spots.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Quadrilatero Romano
San Salvario
Porto Antico
Day trips
Alba
100 km (62 miles) from Turin • Half day to full day
Charming town known for its truffles, wine, and medieval architecture.
Portofino
30 km (19 miles) from Genoa • Full day
Luxurious coastal town with stunning views and high-end shopping.
Alberobello
200 km (124 miles) from Genoa • Full day
Famous for its unique trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Festivals
Turin Film Festival • Late November
Settimana Santa • Holy Week
Pro tips
- Visit the Egyptian Museum early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Take a day trip to Alba for truffle hunting and wine tasting.
- Explore the Cinque Terre villages by hiking for the best views and experiences.
- Try local specialties like agnolotti and focaccia for an authentic taste of the region.
- Use the Torino+Piemonte Card for unlimited public transport and museum access.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
