From Turin: Half-Day Medieval Sacra Di San Michele Tour

The Sacra di San Michele, a Romanesque abbey nestled in the Italian Alps, holds a captivating history that draws visitors from around the world. This half-day tour from Turin offers a unique opportunity to explore the abbey’s stunning architecture, including the iconic 12th-century Doorway of the Zodiac, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, this immersive journey into the medieval past is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable cultural experience. But the true allure of the Sacra di San Michele lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time, revealing the fascinating stories that have unfolded within its hallowed walls.

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Turin explores the Sacra di San Michele, a Romanesque abbey that inspired Umberto Eco’s novel ‘The Name of the Rose’.
• The tour includes stunning views of the Italian Alps and Val di Susa, as well as the opportunity to climb 243 steps to the Doorway of the Zodiac.
• Participants can explore the Staircase of the Dead and the BellAlda tower, delving into the abbey’s medieval history and architecture.
• The tour is priced at Kč1,515 per person and includes transportation by private coach and a knowledgeable live guide.
• The tour is suitable for adults aged 12-99, with children aged 11 and younger also welcome, though it may not be accessible for those with mobility issues.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Half-Day Medieval Sacra di San Michele Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the iconic abbey and its stunning natural surroundings, departing from Turin and lasting 4-5 hours.

Priced from Kč1,515 per person, this tour provides an opportunity to witness the breathtaking views of the Italian Alps and Val di Susa.

Guests can explore the Romanesque architecture, including the 12th-century Doorway of the Zodiac, and climb 243 steps to reach the marble Doorway for unique vantage points.

The tour also includes exploring the Staircase of the Dead and the BellAlda tower.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour caters to a wide range of adult travelers.

Tour Highlights

Visitors can expect to witness stunning views of the Italian Alps and Val di Susa during this half-day tour to the Sacra di San Michele.

The abbey, which inspired Umberto Eco’s renowned novel ‘The Name of the Rose’, boasts remarkable Romanesque architecture, including the impressive 12th-century Doorway of the Zodiac.

Guests will have the chance to climb 243 steps to reach the marble Doorway and enjoy unique vistas.

The tour also includes exploration of the Staircase of the Dead and the BellAlda tower.

With knowledgeable guides available in multiple languages, this experience offers an in-depth look into the history and significance of this medieval marvel.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour typically includes transportation by private coach and a live tour guide who can provide commentary in multiple languages, such as Italian, English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Entrance fees to the Sacra di San Michele are also covered. However, food and drinks are not included and must be purchased separately.

Included	Excluded
Transportation	Food
Tour Guide	Drinks
Entrance Fees	–
Multiple Languages	–
–	–

The transportation and guided aspects of this tour allow visitors to fully enjoy the medieval history and architecture of the Sacra di San Michele, while the exclusions provide flexibility for guests to explore the local cuisine and refreshments at their own pace.

Participant Information

Adults ages 12-99 can participate in this tour. Children aged 11 and younger are also welcome.

However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it involves climbing 243 steps to reach the marble Doorway.

The meeting point for the tour is Piazza Solferino, in front of the Alfieri Theatre in Turin. Participants should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a punctual departure.

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including Italian, English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of participants.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 75 reviews.

The tour guides received a 4.5 out of 5 rating, with customers highlighting their deep knowledge and engaging presentations.

The transportation was also highly praised, earning a 4.8 out of 5 rating, as was the overall organization of the tour, which scored 4.8 out of 5.

Customers were particularly impressed with the tour’s efficiency and the seamless service they received.

While some reviews suggested considering local events that could impact travel times, the majority of feedback was extremely positive, with many customers describing the breathtaking views and memorable experience.

Getting to the Meeting Point

For those starting their tour from outside Turin, the meeting point at Piazza Solferino, in front of the Alfieri Theatre, can be easily accessed by public transportation or private vehicle.

Participants are advised to arrive at the designated location 10 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled departure time. The Piazza is conveniently located in the city center, making it accessible via bus, tram, or metro.

Drivers can find nearby parking garages or street parking, though availability may be limited. Upon arrival, participants should look for the tour guide or the group gathering in front of the Alfieri Theatre.

Prompt arrival ensures a smooth start to the half-day excursion to the medieval Sacra di San Michele.

Tour Duration and Itinerary

The half-day tour takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete, offering participants the opportunity to explore the captivating Sacra di San Michele and the surrounding natural landscape. After an optional hotel pickup, the tour begins with a scenic drive from Turin to the iconic Sacra di San Michele abbey. Once there, guests will witness the stunning Romanesque architecture, including the 12th-century Doorway of the Zodiac, and climb 243 steps to reach the marble Doorway for unparalleled views. The itinerary also includes discovering the Staircase of the Dead and the BellAlda tower, providing an immersive medieval experience.

Tour Highlights	Duration
Visit Sacra di San Michele	2-3 hours
Explore Romanesque architecture	1 hour
Climb 243 steps to Doorway	30 minutes
Discover Staircase of the Dead	30 minutes

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This tour offers flexible booking and cancellation options. Customers can book the Half-Day Medieval Sacra di San Michele Tour from Kč1,515 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup from hotels is available, and participants should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

The booking process is straightforward:

• Customers can reserve their spot online or by contacting the tour operator directly.

• Payments are accepted via secure channels, ensuring a hassle-free transaction.

• In case of cancellation, customers will receive a full refund if they notify the operator at least 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Claustrophobia?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia, as it involves climbing 243 steps to reach the marble Doorway and exploring confined spaces like the Staircase of the Dead. Those with mobility concerns may also face challenges during the tour.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Sacra Di San Michele?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Sacra di San Michele, though some areas may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the staff upon arrival to understand the photography policy and any limitations within the historic site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration at the Sacra di San Michele. Customers can request an extended tour to explore the abbey and its surroundings in more depth for an additional fee.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does offer discounts for students and seniors. Customers can save up to 10% off the regular tour price by presenting valid student or senior identification at the time of booking.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?

The tour operator generally offers a set itinerary, but may be able to accommodate additional stops upon request, depending on availability and feasibility. Customers should inquire about customization options when booking to determine if modifications can be made to the standard tour.

Recap

The Sacra di San Michele tour offers visitors an immersive experience into medieval history, with stunning Romanesque architecture, breathtaking views of the Italian Alps, and knowledgeable guides.

Convenient transportation and an accessible itinerary make this tour suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable outing for participants.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural adventure, this tour is an excellent choice.

You can check if your dates are available here: