SloWays • Cammino di Oropa, around Biella |

You will explore a wonderful, off the beaten path area of Piedmont, on wooden paths that wind through unspoilt nature.

A short camino (just four days), between Santhia and the Oropa Sanctuary, one of the world's most important places of marian worship. You will be guided by the sight of the Sanctuary dome throughout the lenght of the itinerary, which takes you from the Serra Morenica (the most impressive european morainic amphiteater) to the Biellese Alps with its indented peaks.

Every day a different natural environment awaits for you: endless meadows, ancient ricetto villages, walled hamlets, ending with the mystic energy of the marian sanctuaries of Graglia and Oropa, places of silence and wonder.

A short and pleasant journey, ideal for people wanting to try a walking trip for the first time, however with enough variety to surprire more experienced travellers.

Cammino di Oropa has a credential (Pigrim Passport) and a Testimonium (a document that certifies the completion of the trip)

Route

Day 1: From Santhia' to Roppolo, 15 Km

Day 2: From Roppolo to Sala Biellese, 16 km

Day 3: From Sala Biellese to Santuario di Graglia, 15 km

Day 4: From Santuario di Graglia to Santuario di Oropa, 15 km

Day 1: From Santhia' to Roppolo, 15 Km

Your trip begins in Santhia (easily connected to Milan by train): at the beginning you walk on a stretch of Via Francigena, the oldest pilgrim route in Italy. You keep following it towards the morainic amphiteatre of Ivrea: you can stop in Cavaglià to taste a "Bacio di dama" biscuit (with rhum) or canestrelli.

Your destination for today is Roppolo, overlooked by an imposing castle. End your walk with a visit, with a splendid view over Viverone Lake. If you can, admire it at sunset, when the sky and water merge together creating a mosaic of orange and pink tones.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +200/-70 m

Day 2: From Roppolo to Sala Biellese, 16 km

Today, a complete immersion in nature awaits for you! after breakfast, leave for the wooden hills of Serra d'Ivrea, Europe's greatest morainic massif.

Along thee way, you will encounter a walled village: it is the ricetto of Viverone, a group of ancient houses circled by towers and walls that used to offer protection to the local community in case of danger. From there, you can catch another spectacular view on the lake.

You then climb up to the village of Zimone (where you can visit the Bose Monastry) and the ancient centre of Magnano, with its ricetto and an old mill, an excellent opportunity to buy some local specialties and learn about the history of its determined founder. You will then reach Sala Biellese, your destination.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation gain: +400/-100 m

Day 3: From Sala Biellese to Santuario di Graglia, 15 km

This walk takes you through the ancient forests of the Serra Morenica, interrupted by large meadows and old farmhouses.

Getting to Donato, the views of the Biellese Alps become more and more evocative, with an endless horizon where snowy, pristine white peaks stand out.

Todays' destination is a special one: the Sanctuary of Graglia, at the foot of Mombarone, between Piedmont and Val d'Aosta. One of Italy's most important places of marian worship, Graglia is a place full of energy, able to instill peace and serenity.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +550/-320 m

Day 4: From Santuario di Graglia to Santuario di Oropa, 15 km

Today you walk through along the side of Mombardone mountain, encountering little adventures such as shallow fords and panoramic rises, before getting to the pleasant historical centre of Sordevolo.

The final destination is close, but the images that will stay in your memory are not over yet: from here to Favaro (where the final ascent to sanctuary begins) you will encounter an endless series of woodlands, pastures, views on Val Padana.

You then follow the route of the ancient tram line that used to link Biella to the scenic Oropa Sanctuary, the final point of your walk and one of the most important marian sanctuaries in the world.

Distance: 15 km

Elevation gain: +800/-470 m

accommodation

B&B Le Lune - Roppolo

www.bblelune.eu

Camping Future is Nature - Sala Biellese

https://www.futureisnature.com/

Santuario di Graglia - Graglia

http://www.santuariodigraglia.it/index.cfm

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Luggage transfer (max. 20 kg) from one hotel to the hotel is included in the price.

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

3 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and camping with breakfast
1 dinner (in Sala Biellese
luggage transportation from hotel to hotel and return transfer to Santhià
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Pilgrim Passport
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.

Is this trip for me?

This trip is perfect for both beginners and more experienced walkers: it's a surprising and fascinating and yet very approachable walk. The last stage includes a more challenging climb that can be skipped with public transportation.

Cammino di Oropa: in Piedmont, Alps to Sanctuaries

Cammino di Oropa: in Piedmont, Alps to Sanctuaries - 4 days

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Cammino di Oropa: in Piedmont, Alps to Sanctuaries

Cammino di Oropa: in Piedmont, Alps to Sanctuaries - 4 days

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