About This Walk
This beginner-friendly pilgrimage invites you to step away from the modern rush and meander along wooded paths, ancient fortified hamlets, and pristine alpine meadows.
Difficulty level : 2
The route is quite easy due to low differences in height even if on gravel roads. This trip is perfect for both beginners and more experienced walkers: it’s a surprising and fascinating and yet very approachable walk. The last day includes a more challenging climb that can be skipped with public transportation.
Discover Piedmont’s Hidden Path: The Oropa Way
Experience the heart of Northern Italy on a journey through the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. This enriching four-day pilgrimage takes you from the plains of Santhià to the breathtaking Oropa Sanctuary—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most significant spiritual landmarks.
Throughout your trek, the Sanctuary’s majestic dome serves as a constant North Star, guiding you through a landscape that evolves with every step. You will traverse the Serra Morenica, Europe’s most remarkable morainic amphitheatre, before ascending toward the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Biellese Alps.
Why Choose This Camino?
- Diverse Landscapes: Wander through vast meadows, ancient ricetto (fortified) villages, and historic walled communities.
- A Beginner-Friendly Trek: Perfect for those new to walking holidays, this route features gentle ascents from the Po Valley into the foothills of the Alps.
- Cultural Heritage: Discover the mystical aura of the Marian sanctuaries of Graglia and Oropa—true bastions of tranquillity and awe.
- Short & Impactful: At just four days, it is the ideal length for a rejuvenating escape that surprises even the most seasoned travellers.
Day 1: Arrival in Santhià
Your journey begins in Santhià, easily accessible by train from Turin or Milan. Start your adventure by stepping onto a segment of the Via Francigena, Italy’s most ancient pilgrimage route. As you head towards the morainic amphitheatre of Ivrea, be sure to stop in Cavaglià to sample a “Bacio di dama”—a traditional rum-flavoured biscuit—or the delicate local canestrelli.
Day 2: Santhià to Roppolo
Today’s walk concludes in the shadow of the majestic Roppolo Castle. After checking in, visit the fortress for a breathtaking panoramic view over Lake Viverone. If you time your visit for sunset, you’ll witness a stunning natural mosaic as the sky and lake melt into shades of vibrant orange and pink.
Day 3: Roppolo to Sala Biellese
Prepare for a day of complete immersion in nature as you traverse the Serra d’Ivrea, Europe’s most impressive morainic massif. Along the way, explore the ricetto of Viverone—a fortified medieval hamlet designed as a historical hideout.
The path continues through the village of Zimone, where you can visit the peaceful Bose Monastery, and onto Magnano. Here, you can discover an ancient mill and pick up local delicacies before ending your day in the quiet village of Sala Biellese.
Day 4: Sala Biellese to Graglia Sanctuary
Trek through the timeless forests of the Serra Morenica, passing expansive meadows and centuries-old farmhouses. As you approach Donato, the horizon opens up to reveal the snow-capped, jagged peaks of the Biellese Alps. Your destination is the Sanctuary of Graglia, a site of immense spiritual energy and serenity nestled at the foot of Mount Mombarone.
Day 5: Graglia Sanctuary to Oropa
The final leg of your pilgrimage takes you along the slopes of Mombarone, featuring small adventures like crossing shallow fords and ascending panoramic ridges. After passing through the historic heart of Sordevolo, you will wander through lush pastures with sweeping views over the Val Padana.
The trail follows the historic tramway route that once connected Biella to your final destination: the Oropa Sanctuary. This UNESCO-listed site is one of the most revered Marian sanctuaries in the world and provides a magnificent conclusion to your trek.
Day 6: Departure from Oropa
Enjoy a final breakfast at the sanctuary before your journey concludes. If you wish to linger longer in this beautiful region, extra nights can be pre-booked in Biella or other Italian destinations.
Included:
- 5 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities. Selected 3* hotels/B&B are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns.
- Luggage transfer is included in your package.
- Trip documents: App, Digital detailed route notes and maps, Pilgrim passport
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included:
- Airport transfers
- Lunches & Dinners not specifically mentioned
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Tourist taxes
- Travel Insurance
Optional Extras:
- Single Room Supplement(s)
- Solo Traveller Supplement
- Additional nights
- Shipment of trip docs to the first accommodation
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Day 1: Arrival in Santhià
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Day 2: Walk from Santhià to Roppolo
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Day 3: Walk from Roppolo to Sala Biellese
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Day 4: Walk from Sala Biellese to Graglia Sanctuary
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Day 5: Walk from Graglia Sanctuary to Oropa Sanctuary
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Day 6: Departure from Oropa
- 5 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities.
- Selected 3* hotels/B&B are used in the larger towns, while in the villages and countryside we use cozy, friendly agriturismo (farms) and inns.