DAY 1 - Arrival to the hotel

After your arrival to the Province of Biella, you will reach your accommodation located approximately a 10 minutes drive from Biella city center. Take a breath and enjoy your first day in Italy in this undiscovered corner of the Piedmont region; take the tram to Biella Piazza and see the gates used to seal the old city from attacks or see for yourself why Biella is one of the wool capitals of the world. OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BIELLA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 2 - The Serra Morenica and the gold of Bessa Area

Walking distance: approx. 12-13 km 

Length: approx. 4 hours walking

After BREAKFAST, you will be transferred to the SERRA MORENICA AREA (transfer time: approx. 20 minutes), the great “morainic” hill where ancient glaciers moved boulders and earth into hills that divide the Biellese from the Canavese area. This splendid area crosses rich water basins, woods, and historical testimonies. After your arrival, you will be met by our guide who will lead you through untouchable terrain, little villages, monastic communities, and ancient gold mines. First, we will visit Magnano, a small medieval village located in the centre of the morainic hill of Serra. Explore glacial lakes and flower-studded hillsides in an area filled with vegetation. We will then see the ancient village of Ricetto which was erected in 1204 as a borgo franco or “free village.” This style of architecture was designed for defence and peasant housing, and it still preserves its original almond-shaped town plan crossed by three streets (“rue”), along which are you will see typical stone buildings dotted with quintessential shops and restaurants filled with locals. The term "ricetto" derives from the Latin word "receptum" (translating to shelter or refuge), indicating a place that is defended or encircled by fortifications. This area served, as a refuge where food supplies and harvest could be protected from hostile invasions during turbulent times. We continue our itinerary to the Monastery of Bose, just a few steps from the Church of San Secondo, the most beautiful example of Romanesque art in the Biellese area. "Last paddy fields, century-old trees, an abandoned open-pit gold mine, then a descent dotted with castles and shrines. (...) Up there, isolated in the heart of a valley, an archipelago of small houses and a chimney that smokes. The monastery.” This is how Paolo Rumiz describes Bose in his book "Gerusalemme Perduta.” Bose is considered one of the most important monastic communities in Europe, bringing together men and women from different Christian churches including Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. Founded and animated by Prior Enzo Bianchi, the community has been active since 1965 and currently comprises about 80 members of seven different nationalities, almost all of them secular, in the pure tradition of primitive monastic life. The community is dedicated to different activities, including research, deepening, and disclosure of the contents of the Bible; patristics and liturgy; agriculture; beekeeping; carpentry; ceramics; typography; embroidery; and work in the food sector (such as making biscuits, jams, herbal teas). Lunch will be a packed lunch. After lunch, our itinerary proceeds along the trek toward the Natural Reserve of the Bessa, “a lunar landscape in which huge heaps of stones of various sizes are lined up like dunes in a desert. Stretches of vegetation and often impenetrable bushes separate one heap from the next.”—This perhaps-unappealing description is your first sight when you enter the nature Reserve of the Bessa, which was established in 1985. Exploited by the Romans between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, they transformed the area into one of the largest open-cast gold mines in the world. This famous history has followed Bessa to present day, as it is the home of the Italian Goldpanning Championship. Someone says that still today “some people have the idea that you go and find gold like an A.T.M. machine.” At the end of the itinerary, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BIELLA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 3 - The road of the Menabrea Beer and the Burcina park

Walking distance: approx. 14 km 

Length: approx. 6 hours walking

After BREAKFAST, you will be transferred to BIELLA (transfer time: 10 minutes), the capital city of the Province of Biella. Together with our expert guide, you will visit the Home of MENABREA, the oldest active brewery in Italy dating back 170 years. We will have a tour of Casa Menabrea, which is not simply a collection of historical artefacts—old coopers’ equipment, bottles, glassware, illustrations and advertisements—but an authentic path that shows the history and the passion that the Menabrea and Thedy families have been cultivating for nearly two centuries. Learn some of their ancient techniques and the philosophy behind their brewing in this unique behind-the-scenes look at their process (and don’t forget your chance to taste their refined brews!) After the tour of Casa Menabrea, we will begin the walking itinerary along the torrente Oropa (Oropa creek), which departs close to brewery. Your expert guide will answer questions like “Why was the brewery built so close to the creek?” and “How does beer benefit from the waters of the Biella Alps?” The itinerary along the torrente Oropa brings us to the little hamlet of Favaro, where we will enjoy a packed lunch—in this charming town set in a lush valley amongst the hills. We’ll continue walking to the Natural Reserve of the BURCINA PARK, a historic garden with soft hills looking onto the expansive pre- Alps of Biella. The area’s origins date back to the first half of the 19th century, when Giovanni Piacenza (1811-1883) bought some lands in the lower part of the Southern and Western hillsides in order to plant redwoods trees (on the lake shores), cedars of the Atlas (towards the mountains), strobus pines, and many others. His son Felice (1843-1938) had been working everyday for almost 30 years to get new lands, roads and paths, and plant trees and a breathtaking valley of rhododendrons (which bloom stunningly in May). Features of the area include a small romantic lake, private and peaceful areas surrounded by forests of varying types,, a road of tulip trees, a valley of rhododendrons, and breathtaking views of mountains and plains throughout our walk. In 1850, Enzo (1892-1968), Felice's son, installed a new entrance, designed by the Florentine landscape designer Pietro Porcinai, according to his father's will. In his last 15 years, he invited the most popular European botanists to the park to continue bringing the space to life. It has not always been easy times for the park, as it was destroyed by the terrible and notorious "föhn" wine in February 1967. There has been continued interest in the park’s success, asPiedmont itself is investing more money than ever in new plantings, an apple orchard, a new office with a teaching room, a bar-restaurant, and works to put the meteoric water in a steady state—all of which we will get to see firsthand as we explore on our tour. The history and beauty of this park will keep you enchanted for our entire journey! At the end of the itinerary for the day, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BIELLA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 4 - THE RICETTO DI CANDELO, THE BARAGGE NATURAL RESERVE, AND WINE!

Walking distance: approx. 10 km,
Length: approx. 3 hours walking

After BREAKFAST, you will be met by our expert guide and transferred to the RICETTO OF CANDELO (transfer time: approx. 20 minutes), an ancient fortress which dates back to thelate Middle Age (XIII – XIV century) and built, without any feudal intervention, by the local peasants. The Ricetto is in the form of a pseudo- pentagon, taking up an expansive area of about 13,000 square meters. It is partly still in use today, and is considered a perfectly preserved remnant of history (some even say it’s the best-preserved in Europe!). Nowadays, you can still feel the real atmosphere walking its streets (or “rue”), as you can tap into the magical feelings of an ancient rustic world through the silence and peace of the space. We will proceed to walk to the heart of BARAGGE NATURAL RESERVE. This will be outside the ordinary from a typical nature walk, as Baraggia is one of the most impressive environments in the province of Biella. Featuring 5,000 acres of land, this plateau boasts wild scenery resembling the African savannah—a completely unique terrain to Italy! The vast meadows and moors dotted with sporadic trees, alternating with wooded valleys, are surrounded by a dense network of dirt roads and paths, all easily accessible on foot. During our itinerary, we will stop to visit a LOCAL WINE FARM whose main focus is to research to obtaining the maximum quality while respecting the traditions of the area. They only utilize the most natural grapes from their own production for their impressive and palatable wines. Indulge your taste buds in a tasting of the local North Piedmont wines, famous for its tannic reds and sweet whites like spumante and moscato. Lunch will be a packed lunch. Our itinerary continues through the heart of the Baragge Natural Reserve before being transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BIELLA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 5 - THE ENCHANTING OASI ZEGNA: THE ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA’S “GREEN THOUGHT”

Walking distance: approx. 8-10 km 

Length: approx. 4 hours walking

After BREAKFAST, you will be met by our expert guide and transferred to the OASI ZEGNA (transfer time: approx. 40 minutes), a freely accessible nature park covering 100 km2 in the Biella Alps. It was created in 1993 as a natural development of ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA’S “GREEN THOUGHT,” a renewed emphasis on conversation and environemntalism in his home country.” Oasi Zegna is both a natural site and a protected park capable of giving visitors an educational and unexpectedly moving experience. It is both an isolated mountain area to a nature oasis. Oasi Zegna is an outdoor laboratory for the new generations and an ideal place where families, kids, and sports lovers can do activities in contact with nature all year round and with full respect for the local ecosystems. Our first stop will be Casa Zegna, the historical archive and cultural center. It is home to an extraordinary synthesis of history and experience, but at the same time serves as a multi-purpose space that’s always active... a crucible of new ideas where tradition merges with transformation. This is an excellent stop to invigorate our minds during our journey! After the visit to Casa Zegna, we will start our walking itinerary through the enchanting Oasi Zegna, venturing through the Rhododendron Bowl, where in the 1920s, Ermenegildo Zegna decided to reclaim the hills above Trivero by planting over 500,000 conifers and hundreds of azaleas, dahlias, hydrangeas, and most importantly, rhododendrons (mainly from nurseries in Belgium). This scenographic valley was given its current look in the 1060s by the great landscape architect Pietro Porcinai, who worked in Trivero between 1959 and 1979 and more recently by architect Paolo Pejrone’s restructuring work. During the the months of May and June, this area of Oasi Zegna turns into an extraordinarily beautiful palette of color that is sure to impress! Lunch will be a packed lunch. If appropriate for the weather conditions, our itinerary continues along the Blackberry Path, the dirt track rising gently through the birches, pines, and chestnuts on the south flank of Monte Rubello, with extensive views over the plains. At the end of the itinerary, you will be transferred back to the hotel. OVERNIGHT STAY IN THE PROVINCE OF BIELLA AT 4-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, DOUBLE ROOM (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) WITH HALF-BOARD SERVICE (3-COURSE DINNER, DRINKS NOT INCLUDED).

DAY 6 - END OF THE SERVICES

BREAKFAST. End of the services. Arrivederci and we hope to see you again!

PRICE:

• on request.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• 5 nights at a 4-star hotel accommodation in the Province of Biella, double room (double occupancy), half-board service—drinks not included (Day 1-5);

• Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point of our journey, the the Serra Morenica and the Gold of Bessa Area trekking tour including your private guide, packed lunch, and private transfer to the hotel (Day 2);

• Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point of the day’s trek, the Road of the Menabrea Beer and the Burcina Park trekking tour including private guide, visit to Casa Menabrea, packed lunch, and private transfer to the hotel (Day 3);

• Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point for our day, the Ricetto di Candelo, the Baragge Natural Reserve, and the Wine trekking tour with private guide, packed lunch, visit to a local wine farm with tasting of local wines, and private transfer to the hotel (Day 4);

Private transfer from the hotel to the starting point, the Enchanting Oasi Zegna trekking tour with private guide, visit to Casa Zegna, packed lunch, and private transfer to the hotel (Day 5);

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

-Flight ticket;
-Visa;
-City tourist taxes;
-Lunch and dinners not included in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”;
-Basic medical insurance: on request;
-Tips and everything not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Period: April, May, June, July, August, September and October
• Prices have been calculated with a minimum of 2-6 pax;
• Prices have been calculate with an occupancy of two pax each room;
• The transfer service takes into consideration the following itinerary: private transfer from the hotel to the starting point and private transfer to the hotel at the end of the itinerary. Further transfer requests will be on your own;
• We recommend you bring comfortable walking/trekking shoes, comfortable walking equipment, pocket rain jacket, lightweight backpack (water resistant), sunglasses, and water (which you can buy directly on- site);

• Single and triple rooms available on request;

• We create our quotes based on the best possible options for accommodations and experiences currently available, taking into account your budget and timeframe of travel. Italy is a popular destination for travelers and the availability may change while you are making your final decision. If any of the accommodations and services listed above are no longer available, we will do out best to place them with others of the same quality; however, the itinerary presented above includes the best options currently available. We recommend reviewing the program and returning your acceptance, changes, or rejection as soon as possible;

• The order of the day trips could be changed according to the supplier’s availability;
• If some suppliers/travel experiences are not available they will replaced by others

• of the same quality;

• The travel agency is not responsible for extra costs due to delays/strikes;

• We regret to inform that this tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or

  with impaired mobility and difficulties in walking;

• We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of our control;

• Booking: advance booking is recommended;

• Cancellation Policies: please see our Terms and Conditions.

  PAYMENT:

  -30% deposit at the time of booking (non-refundable).
  -Balance 30 days prior to the departure date;
  -In case of refund, the refund costs will be charged to the customer.

  CONDITIONS & TERMS:

• In case of cancellation after the booking, the organizer will keep the amount equal to 25% of the price referred to Article. 6, paid pursuant to art. 5 and can hold an additional sum equal to 5% of the price paid, as penalty for the reimbursement of the cost of individual practice management, cost of insurance coverage required at the time of conclusion of the contract or other services already given, except, in each case, the claim of the major damage pursuant to Art. 1382, paragraph 1, of Civil Code;

• in case of withdrawal from 30 days to day of departure an amount equal to 100% of the price paid will be retained to the tourist.

• It is, however, expressly excluded - pursuant to art. 32, paragraph 2, Code of tourism - the right of withdrawal of the customer as provided for in Art. 64 and ss. Legislative Decree no. 206/2005.

SERVICES EXCLUDED:

-Flight ticket;
-Visa;
-City tourist taxes;
-Lunch and dinners not included in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”;
-Basic medical insurance: on request;
-Tips and everything not mentioned in the section “SERVICES INCLUDED”.