After the Maratona Reale: Turin

The Route: Venaria Reale → Turin → Venaria Reale Logistics: A bus or train from Venaria Reale. Check the Monday timetable. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Venaria Reale ──(bus or train, check timetable)──> Turin centre ──(same route back)──> Venaria Reale

The Maratona Reale finishes at the Reggia di Venaria, a little outside Turin, and the city is the natural place for a Monday. The bus or train link needs checking, because services on a Monday after a race weekend may differ from the weekday pattern, and the last departure back matters.

October in Turin is cool, and rain is possible. The city's arcades give shelter and level ground, which suits sore legs.

The walk

The centre of Turin is laid out on a grid, and the streets are flat. A loop around Piazza Castello, the Royal Palace and the main arcaded streets is under three kilometres. Benches are easy to find in the squares. Check opening days for museums, since some close on Mondays, and book timed tickets where they are offered.

Keep the plan short. One museum and a long lunch beats a full day of sightseeing on marathon legs.

Food

Turin has a strong cafe culture, and cafes open early. Ask the hotel for a lunch recommendation, and check which restaurants are open on a Monday.

Getting back

Return to Venaria Reale by the same route. Check the last bus or train before dinner, and keep a taxi as a fallback.