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Visit Italy for the 20th Olympic Winter GamesCopyright © SJay10th February 2006 marks the beginning of the 20th Olympic Winter Games. The city charged with hosting the games this time around is Turin (Torino) in Northwest Italy. Within easy reach of Milan, Genoa and San Remo, Turin is just minutes away from the alpine slopes that separate the country from neighbouring France. The views of the mountains from the city are simply breathtaking, their snow-capped peaks seemingly acting as sentries guarding Turin's western front. Seven towns around Torino along with the city itself are to be the venues for the seven sports that are represented at the games. Bardonecchia close the French border will host the alpine skiing and snowboarding events. The town is approximately 90 minutes from Turin and there are 30 hotels on site. Pinerolo (curling event), Pragelato (nordic combined, cross country skiing and ski jumping events), Cesana-Pariol (bobsled and luge events), Cesana-San Sicario (biathalon event), Sauze d'Oulx (freestyle event) and Sestriere (alpine skiing event) are the other towns outside of Turin to participate. All the action at the games begins with the opening ceremony at the Torino Stadio Olympico in Turin. The figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating and short track events will also take place here, as will the closing ceremony on the 26th of February 2006.
The historic city of Turin - famous for the Turin Shroud - is a city of architectural delights, great food and 18kms of shopping arcade. Among its highlights are Rivoli Castle, in which the Museum of Contemporary Art is housed, and the Venaria Reale - an enormous Royal Palace that has been lovingly restored in recent times. Proclaimed as the capital of apéritif and of chocolate, there is plenty to keep your taste buds satisfied during your stay - especially after a hard day's shopping in the fabulous Turin arcades!
Turin airport is only 16km from the city itself and operates daily services with much of Europe's major airports. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at Turin airport or in downtown Turin through http://www.your-carhire.com Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com Return to Florence Italy Guide |
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