Friday – Colors and Flavors of the Biellese Mountains.
Meeting at Alpe Moncerchio.
Today the day, plans to fully immerse yourself in nature and rediscover the beauty of small things.
At Alpe Moncerchio, it all began 100 years ago…since then, traditions and customs have been handed down, arrived intact to us.
The location of the Agriturismo is in the Biellese mountains, more precisely in Bielmonte, in a fairy-tale location, where relaxing and forgetting the routine, will be very easy.
Around 10.00 am it will be possible to experience the production process that transforms milk, into butter and cheese.
An unforgettable experience, for young and old, from the moment of milking, to the processing of Maccagno, a typical cheese of the area, with which polenta concia is then prepared.
For about 2 hours, you will feel like going back in time, when everything was simple and genuine.
Lunch at the farmhouse, to savor Alpe Moncerchio’s own production.
After lunch, meet your guide, at Bocchetto Sessera, to embark on a new and magical trail that will take you to visit the Smile Forest.
Easy walk, suitable for all ages and even for those who “move” with strollers, as long as they are of a sporty type.
Along the way, you will meet, wooden books that tell beautiful fairy tales, little stone men that show us where to stop to enjoy the scents of the forest, until you reach the Hermitage of Santa Maria, an open and relaxing place where you can break the pleasant walk with an evocative stop.
The route takes about 5 km and will be an itinerary that will remain in the heart.
Adult fee euro 65.00
Child fee under 12 years of age euro 35.00
Friday – The Via Ferrata
Meet at 8:30 am at the parking lot of the Balma Ferrata, San Paolo Cervo (BI). GPS coordinates parking lot: 45°38’56.5 “N 8°00’53.9 “E
8:30 am to 9:30 am: distribution of equipment (harness, helmet, via ferrata set). In-depth explanation of progression techniques on via ferrata and brief historical excursus on the birth and spread of via ferrata.
9:30 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m:
This route is short but vertical, adventure inclination and a base of training are required.
The first part of the ferrata, takes us up to a wide grassy area, where there is an easy way back, for those who might decide to return after the first step.
The path leads back either to the parking lot or to the top of the ferrata itself, from which the trekking route can be resumed with the group. The second part of the ascent, takes about 1 hour and allows us to arrive at a small “terrace” over the Biellese, where the view repays the previous effort. From the Belvedere, there is a splendid view of the most important peaks of the Cervo Valley. Next, continue by trail to the hamlet of Driagno and walk through the unique Truna pedestrian tunnel. Then using the mule track, we set out to return
About 11:30 a.m.: End of activity at the meeting place, 15 minutes for the descent. The itinerary takes about 3 hours.
The routes take place in a mountain environment, so good physical condition and walking stamina is required as reported by the indicative schedules under Activities. To walk all of the indicated routes you need: clothing suitable for a mountain hike, hiking shoes or boots, backpack, water bottle, waterproof windbreaker, gloves, cap and warm clothing to deal with any sudden changes in weather. Such equipment is personal and cannot be provided on loan. The technical equipment that will be provided free of charge by the mountain guides is helmet, harness and via ferrata set.
Technical report of the Ferrata della Balma route: https://www.montagnabiellese.com/ferrata-della-balma/
Packed lunch.
(On site there is a kiosk where you can taste excellent local cheeses at your leisure, not included in the fee)
After lunch, at around 2 p.m. meet your guide and depart for Rosazza, a charming village in the Upper Cervo Valley.
Here you will stroll through the narrow streets of the village and discover the works (from the new cemetery to the church, from the numerous fountains to the neo-medieval style castle, the latter, however, visible only from the outside) of Federico Rosazza Pistolet, a politician and philanthropist who lived in the second half of the 19th century and commissioned numerous works in the village of his birth, in which it is possible to find symbols related to Freemasonry and occultism.
At the end we will visit the splendid House Museum of Rosazza, which, through the exhibits in its many rooms, will allow a true journey through time, highlighting the living conditions of this valley.
End of day around 5:30 p.m./6 p.m.
Adult fee euro 95.00
Child fee from 10 to 12 years old euro 45.00
Under 10 years old, the ferrata part is not recommended
Saturday – Biella Discover
9:30 a.m. approx. Meet with tour guide in Biella, near Zumaglini Gardens.
The morning will be dedicated to discovering the historic center of what in the 19th century was called the “Manchester of Italy” and since 2019 has been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City.
After a walk along the main street we will reach the diocesan complex with the Baptistery and Bell Tower from the Romanesque period and the Cathedral, completely frescoed in the Neo-Gothic period. We will be able to visit the interior of the baptismal building and admire the remains of the ancient cathedral, which preserve precious frescoes from the mid-15th century.
Thanks to an inclined elevator that replaces the 19th-century funicular, we will then arrive in the upper town, where we can still breathe in the air of the ancient medieval Borgo del Piazzo, with its arcades, stores and historic buildings. Crossing the threshold of Palazzo La Marmora, a splendid 16th-century historic mansion, we will walk through the frescoed halls of 500 years of family histories and enjoy from the panoramic terrace of the Renaissance-era garden an unforgettable view of the lower town.
At the end, walking down one of the (steep) medieval streets still cobbled we will be able to return to the pedestrian center and reach the public gardens. Transfer by own vehicle to Oropa, for lunch stop at a local restaurant, with tasting menu, drinks not included. Afternoon possibility of guided tour of the Sanctuary.
NB: the ascent by funicular is free, it will be necessary to assess with covid regulations how many people can enter at once.
The cobbled streets leading to Piazzo are quite steep, comfortable, low shoes are necessary.
Adult fee euro 35.00
Child fee under 12 years old euro 15.00
Saturday – Family Adventure.
After breakfast at the chosen facility, we will embark on a new adventure, the one of the day is called: from sheep to dress.
Meet with the guide in Valdilana at Casa Zegna at 10:00 am.
It will be a game/workshop where the children will experience an exciting tale discovering the production process that turns wool into a garment.
This program is an educational workshop, also suggested by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).
The animator welcomes the children and guides them through an engaging story to discover the production process that turns wool into a garment, from the geography of raw materials to the wool mill in Trivero, passing through the story of Ermenegildo Zegna and his family. The 500 hands needed to transform wool into a garment become a poetic tale, a moving chain circling the world.
The duration of the visit is about two hours.
Lunch is packed on site or in good weather, in the picnic area of the nearby Rhododendron Basin.
The afternoon continues with fun at Veglio Adventure Park,
a network of trails through the trees with more than 90 suspended platforms on 7 different routes, depending on difficulty and age, will keep your kids busy.
For the more daring there is also a Bungee Center with the possibility of jumping from 152 m.
steel cables, Tibetan bridges, pulleys, ropes and ladders, testing balance and concentration along with some exercise.
All routes are done while wearing PPE safety equipment, consisting of harness, ropes with carabiners, gloves and helmet.
Adult fee euro 50.00
Child fee under 12 years old euro 25.00
Saturday – The Pilgrims’ Way
Meeting at 9 a.m. with the hiking guide at the Piazza Martiri (Biella).
Hike from Biella to Oropa along the Madonna or Pilgrims’ Path, which has always been used by the people of Biella to make the pilgrimage to the Marian shrine.
After crossing the Rione Riva district, we walk up the San Giuseppe climb and then take the first section of the path, known as the “Gorgomoro,” where, skirting the Oropa stream in part, there are several points of historical interest. We then cross the hamlet of Favaro to continue along the trackbed of the old tramway that connected the main town to the Sanctuary, set in a unique and unspoiled setting at an altitude of 1,200 m.
Arrival in Oropa around 2:30/15 pm.
Trail length: 13 km approx.
Elevation gain: + 750 m
Hiking shoes, long pants, a small bottle or two of water, snacks and packed lunch are required.
Layered clothing is recommended with long pants, a shirt, wind and rain jacket, to be adjusted according to the season. The trail is hiking type, mainly on trail, poles are recommended.
Adult fee euro 45.00
Child fee under 12 years old euro 25.00
Sunday Candelo – Hike in Baraggia – Castellengo
9:30 a.m. Meet with the tour and hiking guide at the Castle Square in Candelo, in front of the walls of the medieval Ricetto, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Crossing the mighty gate tower we will be catapulted directly into the Middle Ages, discovering the centuries-old history of this fortified village, which is unique in Italy for its exceptional level of preservation. Along its cobbled streets still stand the stone and brick structures that had been built by Candelese families to protect their possessions in case of war; today some of these cells house artisan workshops while others have become museum sites and house the ecomuseum of viticulture, allowing visitors to discover the rural life of past centuries. A short distance from the Ricetto you will also be able to visit one of Candelo’s oldest houses of worship, the church of Santa Maria, which preserves valuable artistic works.
A short drive will then allow us to reach the plateau of the Baraggia Biellese Nature Reserve. Thanks to a one-and-a-half/two-hour hike on foot, we will be able to admire the peculiar geological and botanical features of this area, which, with its wide grasslands and moors, at certain times of the year turns into an African savannah!
On clear days, you can also admire the wonderful panorama of the Alpine arc, from the Monte Rosa massif to the main peaks of Biella.
NB: The walk to the Ricetto di Candelo takes place mainly on cobblestones, closed, low shoes with a good sole are necessary.
The trail in Baraggia is on dirt terrain, mostly flat or with minimal elevation changes, light hiking shoes, a small bottle of water, hat and sunscreen, mosquito spray are needed
Around lunchtime we will move to Castellengo Castle, where we will have a tasting of some typical products, also sipping some of the wines produced by the Centovigne farm.
In the early afternoon we will visit the winery’s cellars and the historic halls of the castle, which stands perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding plain. A few steps away from the castle, at the former elementary school, we will discover the collections of the Cossatese and Baragge Ecomuseum dedicated to various agricultural practices, silviculture and small crafts to better understand the rural civilization of this area of the Biella region.
Finally, we will end the afternoon by visiting the church of SS. Peter and Paul, of Romanesque origin. The building preserves inside a splendid cycle of frescoes in late Gothic style by Daniele De Bosis and workshop.
The itinerary may be subject to change, at the sole and unquestionable judgment of the Guide.
Adult fee euro 65.00
Child fee under 12 years of age euro 35.00
Sunday – The Biellese by E-bike .
After breakfast at the chosen facility, we dedicate the day to the historical places of the Biellese, equipped with E-Bike.
Meeting near Biella with the guide, we will then set off to touch some of the stops in our capital, passing through the central street of the city (via Italia), you will see the church of the trinity, dating back to 1626,
you will reach the diocesan complex with the Baptistery and Bell Tower from the Romanesque period and the Cathedral, completely frescoed in the Neo-Gothic period.
At this point we continue to the Borgo del Piazzo, it is the medieval point of the city, with its arcades, stores and historic buildings, it is about 480 meters above sea level.
This historic district, has been the set of many famous films, including Carlo Verdone’s “2 Carabinieri.”
After some cycling, a short stop to enjoy a lunch of local products.
Refreshed and rested, we set off again for the second part of the day, again by E-Bike, this time riding along the Cervo River and the old wash house in Candelo, until we glimpse the walls of the famous Ricetto, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
This medieval name, was used to identify the fortifications inside which the goods (fodder, wine, fruit, meat) of the local lord were accumulated and where, occasionally, the population itself retreated in case of attacks from outside.
It is one of the best-preserved examples of this type of structure, even this place so characteristic, was used to film scenes for movies with more historical imprint.
At the end of this easy but exciting itinerary, return and end of services.
For e-bike routes, the first part of the day involves about 8 km,
while the second about 12 km
Adult fee euro 70.00
Children under 12 years old are not included, above 12 years old fee as adult.
Sunday – The Green experience
Meet at 9:30 a.m. with hiking and tour guide in Sordevolo.
Morning along one of the paths of the Elvo Valley to reach a very special place, the Trappa di Sordevolo. A complex built in the second half of the 18th century by Gregorio Ambrosetti, a member of one of Sordevolo’s wool entrepreneur families. Through the guided tour of the ecomuseum cell of the Constructive Tradition we will be able to discover the events and secrets of this structure, built at an altitude of 1000m. Along the way we will also be able to admire the lush nature that surrounds us and the wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch at the Trappa di Sordevolo.
In the early afternoon we return along mule tracks and dirt roads to Sordevolo; then make a short drive to Pollone.
Here we will take a pleasant walk inside the “Felice Piacenza” Burcina Park Special Nature Reserve, a historic garden created from the mid-19th century, thanks to the Piacenza family, which transformed the hill into a splendid park, rich in different varieties of plants, where the rhododendrons in bloom between May/early June stand out.
The route will be along dirt roads and trails.
Trail length Sordevolo – Trappa: 8 km approx.
Elevation gain: + 300 m / – 300 m
Hiking shoes, long pants, a water bottle, any snacks are needed.
Layered clothing is recommended with long pants, a shirt, wind and rain jacket, to be adjusted according to the season. The trail is hiking type, mainly on dirt roads and mule tracks, poles are recommended.
Return to cars around 5:30/18 pm.
The itinerary may be subject to change, at the sole and unquestionable judgment of the Guide.
Adult fee euro 65.00
Child fee under 12 years old euro 35,00
