Venaria Royal Palace & Sacred of San Michele

The Venaria Royal Palace and Sacra di San Michele tour offers a captivating glimpse into Italy’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the former Savoy summer residence and witness the breathtaking architectural marvel atop a hillside. With an expert guide leading the way, this small-group experience promises an unforgettable adventure, delving into the intricate history and stunning aesthetics that have captivated travelers for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

Key points:

• This 7-hour tour from Turin takes visitors to the Venaria Royal Palace, a former Savoy summer residence, and the Sacra di San Michele, a fortified abbey atop a rocky hill.
• The tour includes guided visits to the Venaria Royal Palace grounds and the Sacra di San Michele, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The Venaria Royal Palace features extensive Italianate gardens and hosts historical exhibitions, while the Sacra di San Michele is known for its 12th-century sculptures and 16th-century frescoes.
• The tour is priced at $218.45 per person and is limited to a maximum of 3 participants, ensuring a personalized small-group experience.
• A snack is provided during the tour, but tickets to the Venaria Royal Palace and Sacra di San Michele are not included in the price, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women due to physical demands.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Venaria Royal Palace & Sacra di San Michele tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two historic sites within the Piedmont region of Italy.

Priced from $218.45 per person, the 7-hour tour departs from Piazza Castello in Turin.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the small group experience (max 3 people) includes visits to the Venaria Royal Palace, a Baroque summer residence modeled after Versailles, and the Sacra di San Michele, a fortified abbey atop a rocky hill.

Participants can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

Itinerary Details

According to the itinerary, the tour begins with a 20-minute car journey from Piazza Castello in Turin to the town of Venaria Reale. Once there, the group will have a break, take photos, and embark on a guided tour of the expansive Venaria Royal Palace grounds. After 2.5 hours, the group will then travel 30 minutes to the Sacra di San Michele, a fortified abbey atop a rocky hill. They’ll have a photo stop, guided tour, and 1.5 hours to explore the abbey before the 40-minute return drive to Piazza Castello.

| Travel Route | Duration |

| — | — |

| Car: Piazza Castello to Venaria Reale | 20 minutes |

| Car: Venaria Reale to Sacra di San Michele | 30 minutes |

| Car: Sacra di San Michele to Piazza Castello | 40 minutes |

Venaria Royal Palace

Venaria Royal Palace is the former summer residence of the House of Savoy, modeled after the opulent Versailles in France.

This 16th-century hunting lodge, built for Carlo Emanuele II, sits within extensive Italianate gardens.

Today, the palace hosts historical exhibitions in its basements and changing displays on its upper floors.

While the palace is closed on Mondays, visitors can explore its grandeur during guided tours, which offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Savoy dynasty.

The palace’s architectural magnificence and rich history make it a must-see attraction for those exploring the Venaria Reale region.

Sacra Di San Michele

Perched atop a rocky hill, the Sacra di San Michele is a fortified abbey that commands a striking presence. Visitors must climb 150 steps past 12th-century sculptures from the Porta dello Zodiaco to reach the interior.

Inside, 16th-century frescoes adorn the left wall, while depictions of the church’s founding grace the right. However, access is limited, as some sections are open only on weekends.

Inside, 16th-century frescoes adorn the left wall, while depictions of the church’s founding grace the right. Access, however, is limited on weekends.

Crowded conditions may further restrict visits to hour-long tours. Weather is also a consideration, with alternative tours suggested if there’s snow.

Despite these constraints, the Sacra di San Michele offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a snack provided during the experience, allowing visitors to refuel amidst the day’s activities.

However, the tickets to the Royal Palace of Venaria and the Sacra di San Michele aren’t included in the tour price.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the physical demands.

Despite these exclusions, the tour has received an overall 5/5 rating based on one review, highlighting the attentive guides and a stress-free experience for participants.

Tour Suitability

Although the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women due to the physical demands, it caters to a maximum group size of 3 people, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

The tour involves walking, climbing stairs, and exploring historic sites, which may be challenging for some visitors. It’s important to consider one’s physical abilities before booking.

The tour operator suggests alternative options for visitors if weather conditions, such as snow, make the planned activities unsafe or inaccessible.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on a single review.

The review highlights several key strengths:

1. Attentive guides who ensure a stress-free experience.

2. A well-organized itinerary that covers the Venaria Royal Palace and Sacra di San Michele without feeling rushed.

3. The tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of these two iconic Italian landmarks, making it a worthwhile investment for visitors seeking a guided experience.

While limited to a single review, this high praise suggests the tour delivers on its promises and offers a memorable encounter with these remarkable historical sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

According to the tour information, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, so it’s unlikely they would permit pets to accompany participants for safety and comfort reasons.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour involves some walking, so casual, comfortable attire is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary doesn’t seem to offer customization options. It follows a set route and schedule. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate special requests if notified in advance, though this isn’t explicitly stated in the details provided.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera or Will One Be Provided?

The tour doesn’t provide a camera, so you’ll need to bring your own. This allows you to capture the sights and moments that interest you most during the experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, according to the information provided. The tour is a set 7-hour experience, and the itinerary is subject to change. Extending the duration would need to be arranged separately with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

The Venaria Royal Palace & Sacra di San Michele tour offers a captivating exploration of Italy’s rich history and architectural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of the Venaria Royal Palace, the former summer residence of the House of Savoy, and the breathtaking Sacra di San Michele, perched atop a hill. With an expert guide, this small-group experience provides a memorable and personalized adventure, immersing participants in the cultural and historical significance of these remarkable sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: