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CAMINO WALKING

type : Self-Guided level : duration : 4 days period: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec code: ITSM420

Il Cammino di Oropa - Il Cammino di Oropa

4 days, price from € 322

You will explore a wonderful, off the beaten path area of , 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 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 , 15,1 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 Lake. If you can, admire it at sunset, when the sky and water merge together creating a mosaic of orange and pink tones. Tonight, you will stay at Casa del Movimento Lento, a real nest for travellers and walkers, home of Alberto Conte and his wife Susanna. Day 2 From Roppolo to , 17,5 km Today, a complete immersion in nature awaits for you! savour the homemade breakfast prepared for you by Susanna and 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 (where you can visit the Bose Monastry) and the ancient centre of , 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.

Day 3 From Sala Biellese to Santuario di Graglia, 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.

Day 4 From Santuario di Graglia to Santuario di Oropa, 13,7 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 . 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 to the scenic Oropa Sanctuary, the final point of your walk and one of the most important marian sanctuaries in the world.

Practical info

Included

What is included · Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and camping, with breakfast · One dinner · luggage transportation from hotel to hotel . return transfer to Santhia · 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