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

Begin your day by meeting your guide at the Torino Porta Nuova Station and boarding a car to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sanctuary of Oropa. Nestled among broadleaf forests, this sanctuary is built on three terraced levels.

Explore the two main places of worship: the Ancient Basilica, a Baroque and Rococo masterpiece housing the revered Black Madonna statue, and the Upper Basilica, home to the "Presepi e Diorami" collection, featuring around 50 nativity scenes from around the world.

At the cloister level, admire the galleries of ex-votos dedicated to the Virgin of Oropa. Enjoy a hot drink and a Mucroncino, a typical Oropa dessert, at a bar within the sanctuary. Then, head to a nearby restaurant in the park to savor traditional Prealpi Biellesi dishes, such as Polenta Concia, sancarlino and pepper in bagna caoda.

After lunch, transfer to the MeBo, the Menabrea Botalla Museum, for a self-guided 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.

Next, head to the Piazzo, a well-preserved medieval village considered one of Italy's most beautiful. Stroll along its cobbled streets, admire medieval-style palaces, arcades, the Church of San Giacomo (the oldest in the city), and the exteriors of Palazzi Ferrero, Lamarmora, and Gromo Losa, once home to wealthy local families. Enjoy panoramic views of the lower city from the Piazzo.

Finally, return to the Torino Porta Nuova Station, where your day of exploration concludes.