Turin Underground Tunnels Tour: Is it Worth it? Review

So, you’re thinking about going on the Turin Underground Tunnels tour? That’s very cool! I actually just went on it myself and I thought I could provide a good review to give you an idea of just what you might be in for. Turin, known too as a city full of fancy architecture and just, like, awesome coffee, actually has some seriously neat stuff going on below the surface. This tour takes you way down into the tunnels and crypts that have sat quietly beneath the town for many, many years. It’s totally a unique way of taking in some local history and it gives you a view of the city that’s really quite different from seeing it all from the surface, if that makes sense. Anyway, come along as I tell you all about my walk into the depths of Turin. This should give you a pretty solid idea about whether or not it might be just your thing!

Booking and Starting Out

Okay, so getting a spot on the tour wasn’t too bad. You’ll want to make sure to book in advance because they do sell out, particularly during the tourist season, of course. I made my reservation online through the tourism office’s web page, and everything seemed quite user-friendly and reasonably simple. You get a confirmation sent right to your email address, too. On the day of, locating the meeting point was pretty easy. It was, as a matter of fact, near one of the main squares, Piazza San Carlo, which means, you know, you can grab a cappuccino or a tasty little something while you wait, or at least that is something that you could do if you get there ahead of schedule. I’d say that you’re supposed to get there maybe about fifteen minutes early so that you can check in and meet your guide, too. Our guide, his name was Marco, appeared to be very energetic and he obviously liked telling everyone all about the stuff hidden underneath Turin.

What You Will See

Right, so what did we actually see? Very good question. This part of the tour usually includes visits to a handful of distinct subterranean spots, with, arguably, each holding its own bit of intrigue and background. To begin with, we went to some ancient crypts. Think very aged brickwork and, kinda, dimly lit chambers that really just reek with what’s happened during many years that went by. Marco told a few stories about the individuals who have been buried there, a little of the history surrounding that era, so this actually made the place feel far more alive, if that can be imagined, than just a plain, old underground tomb. Then, so we investigated what were clearly, once, royal vaults located under Palazzo Madama. These locations are pretty impressive; this might be because you gain a real feeling for what lengths the royals went to secure their wealth and holdings. There are these sturdy doors and thick walls all around; one imagines it might be awfully difficult to get past them. Last, maybe, we did spend a bit of time traversing segments of the city’s old water system. Can you believe this dates clear back to Roman days? It is kind of amazing thinking of how those engineers back then created such a complex underground setup. It’s really, clearly, quite an eye-opening trip, in a way.

The Guide Makes a Big Difference

You know, I really think the thing that makes or breaks tours like this is certainly just how solid the guide seems to be. And, honestly, Marco truly made the excursion quite great. His excitement for Turin’s background was clearly obvious, and he did a super job of relaying what’s taken place there, and kinda making it fun and simple for just about everyone, even my friend who I drug along with me, who isn’t much into history. He also was happy to respond to questions and appeared to really be listening to just what everyone had to say. It really just seemed like he went above and beyond just reciting what’s written in a script, you realize? He would drop in little asides, so he made it personal and fascinating for just about everyone involved. Should you go on the Turin Underground Tunnels tour, I would cross your fingers for having him there.

Comfort and What to Wear

Ok, now this is rather key: what should you wear? Seriously, you might want to consider layering because the temperatures below ground are often cooler than what you would get above ground. I’d say grab a light jacket; you might, that way, be prepared regardless of what’s in store, weather-wise. Now, good walking footwear is also essential. I suggest wearing shoes which you feel you can walk around in for several hours, and not get foot pain from. Some of the paths can be quite slippery or uneven, just to be aware of. And definitely avoid high heels. Keep it casual. Additionally, many passages lack light, so you’ll just be following along after the tour leader; however, so you may want to have a small flashlight just in case, to assist you in seeing where you’re stepping. It can’t hurt to bring a bottle of drinking water either, particularly during the summer, as things can get pretty stuffy, just like any enclosed place.

Photo Taking Considerations

One other detail that might be useful to know regarding taking photographs, there may very well be some areas in which taking photographs aren’t permitted, but mostly, you could photograph pretty much anything else that you saw. Now, considering the lighting can be quite spotty below the surface, ensure that you have a camera or smartphone that handles lower lighting scenarios pretty effectively. And also, keep in mind that using a flash can drastically alter the scene and remove any real atmosphere which you may otherwise want to capture, and be irritating for others close to you. I might advise playing around with any options you may have beforehand. It’s a bit of a bummer that you might not capture the location with what you believe is a great picture, because the nature of low-lighting environments might make picture taking challenging. Though in my opinion, getting immersed in the atmosphere without worrying a lot about snapping pictures might, to be honest, be a superior move.

Time Needed and Physical Requirements

Concerning how long it can all take and what form you need to be in, the tour typically lasts about three hours. It may be wise to prepare to be standing and moving throughout a significant part of that timeframe. The excursions sometimes involve climbing stairs and walking across somewhat rough surfaces, so you might need a fair bit of fitness and mobility for the tour. That is only fair to know going in. When you’ve got any kind of mobility concerns or any kind of health conditions, perhaps, that you worry may become worse through activity, it could, as a matter of fact, be wise to consult with your doctor before you sign up for the trip. The goal here is to enjoy exploring, not feel worn down or stressed in the duration.

Was the Turin Underground Tunnels Tour Worth Doing?

Well, was it worthwhile? After considering the sights, what was explained and the whole experience in general, personally I’d say absolutely, yes. The Turin Underground Tunnels tour presents an exciting way to see a very distinct area of this interesting place. It seemed quite different from the more commonplace tourist spots and it had a bit of what’s seldom seen. Getting a glance at the crypts that are below the ground and the old vaults, as well as thinking over how the old Romans created those ancient waterworks, all of it made for one powerful experience, if that’s believable. Sure, I reckon that some areas could potentially do with enhanced lighting and, maybe, further information readily available. All the same, these minor details hardly affect what is definitely, quite an awesome peek into Turin’s background. And also, at a fair price, you’ll discover a world right beneath the surface!