Aosta

Aosta is the capital of the Aosta Valley, about 115 km (71 miles) north-west of Turin, Italy. Founded by the Romans in 25 BC as Augusta Prætoria, it is often called the Rome of the Alps and sits beneath the highest peaks of the range, including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn region. Roman remains include the Arch of Augustus, the Porta Praetoria, the Roman Theatre with its surviving facade, the forum's Criptoportico Forense and sections of the city walls. The medieval Collegiate Church of Sant'Orso and its cloister add Romanesque interest.

The trip is longer than most day trips from Turin. A Trenitalia regional train from Torino Porta Nuova takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes, with a fare around EUR 10-13 (~$11.50-15) one way, and some services require a change at Ivrea. Driving on the A5 takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Direct coach services run to Aosta, and timetables should be checked on operator sites. An early departure is advisable.

A one-day arc starts with the Roman monuments in the morning, beginning from Piazza Emile Chanoux, the heart of the old town, then the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral. Lunch is typically Valdostan: fontina cheese fondue, carbonnade, polenta concia, or the local cured meats such as lard d'Arnad, with a glass of Petite Arvine or Torrette. The afternoon can be spent at the Collegiata di Sant'Orso and its cloister, then exploring shops selling local crafts such as wooden items, or taking a cable car or bus to a nearby viewpoint if time allows.

The best season is May to October, when weather is stable and the mountains are visible. December brings the Marché Vert Noël Christmas market in the Roman Theatre area, which is atmospheric but cold. Winter visitors should be prepared for snow and early darkness. Because the return journey is long, visitors should plan to catch a train departing in the late afternoon or early evening, and confirm the last service before dining.