Il Cammino di Oropa - 4 days

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

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

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

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