From Turin: Biella & Oropa, Unesco, Food, Nature by Train｜Italy

Begin your journey by taking a train from Torino Porta Nuova to Santhià, where your guide will be waiting to take you to the Sanctuary of Oropa, your first stop.

Discover the Sanctuary of Oropa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled among broadleaf forests. The complex is spread over three terraced levels, with the main points of interest being the two places of worship: the Ancient Basilica and the Upper Basilica.

In the Ancient Basilica, in Baroque and Rococo style, you can admire the statue of the Black Madonna, venerated since medieval times. The more recent Upper Basilica houses the "Presepi e Diorami" collection, consisting of about 50 nativity scenes of international origin. At the level of the cloister, you can also admire the galleries of the ex-votos dedicated to the Virgin of Oropa.

In the morning, enjoy a hot drink and the Mucroncino, the typical Oropa dessert, in a bar inside the sanctuary. To conclude, a short distance from the sanctuary and immersed in the park, find the restaurant where you can taste typical dishes of the Biellese Prealps, such as Polenta Concia, Sancarlino (a pepper in bagna caoda), and Toma Maccagno.

After lunch, transfer by car with the guide to the MeBo, the Menabrea Botalla Museum for a free visit. Where two Biella delicacies are produced: the famous Birra Menabrea (different types of beers, not all of them are lager) and the Sbirro cheese, born from the collaboration between Birra Menabrea and the Caseificio Botalla, made from cow's milk, and refined with Menabrea beer, with a strong and characteristic flavour.

At the end of the visit, transfer by car with the guide to the Piazzo, a well-preserved medieval village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Walking through its cobbled streets, admire medieval-style buildings, arcades, the Church of San Giacomo (the oldest in the city), and the exteriors of Palazzi Ferrero, Lamarmora, and Gromo Losa, once the homes of wealthy local families. From the Piazzo, enjoy the panoramic view of the lower city.

At the end of the visit, transfer by car with the guide to the Santhià station to take the train to Torino Porta Nuova Station, where the guide will leave you and where the day of visit ends.