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Canavese coast to coast. The Ogre's Way
Location: Canavese
Guide language: IT, EN
Canavese coast to coast – La via dell’Orco
#hashtag: Tour Canavese – CanaveseCoastToCoast – Canavese ExcursionsWe propose 5 days of walking, to discover the history and traditions of Canavese that follow the flow of the Orco stream, the largest watercourse in the Canavese area which over the millennia has carved out the rock and found its way. During the exploratory journey that passes through places full of wonder, you will learn about the stories, traditions, art, scents and flavors of a precious territory that descends from the mountains, crosses hills until reaching flat areas.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE “LA VIA DELL’ORCO” PATH
It was born from the idea of three modern explorers with the desire to create a path that crosses the Canavese area and allows you to know and discover the Canavese culture at 360°. From an experimental project carried out in the spring of 2024 (see https://www.labussoladibabele.com/canavese-coast-to-coast/) “this viable path was born exclusively with the certified guides of La bussola di Babele, aimed at all those who want to discover the Canavese, taking on the role of a traveller”.
The itinerary About 90 km, divided into 5 stages of approximately 15/18 km per day, starting from the Orco source (Lake Agnel, Gran Paradiso Park on the Piedmont side) up to at the meeting with the Po, in Chivasso (To).
16 municipalities crossed Ceresole Reale, Noasca, Locana, Pont Canavese, Cuorgnè, Valperga (fractions of Gallenca and Rivarotta), Salassa, Rivarolo, Ciconio, Lusigliè, Agliè (Canale di Caluso stretch), S. Giorgio Canavese, S. Giusto Canavese, Foglizzo, Montanaro, Chivasso.
Route description You will travel along mountain paths rich in history, built by King Vittorio Emanuele III of Savoy within the Gran Paradiso National Park, the oldest in Italy, established in 1922. You will enjoy breathtaking views visible from Lake Agnel (2,300m), nestled in the high peaks of the Park, and then admire the incredible engineering architecture of the dams of Lake Serrù and Lake Ceresole. The Ogre, with its waterfalls and steep slopes, will provide the musical background during the first stages of the route, and then attenuate its song as you descend towards the hilly area.
In this stretch of the route there will be traces of ancient settlements to fascinate you: it will be possible to delve deeper into the history of the Canavese area thanks to visits to cultural places of great importance – such as the Rocca di Re Arduino, the Archaeological Museum of Cuorgnè, the Ducal Castle of Agliè.
Once you reach the plain you will encounter realities linked to rural life, where you will live experiences in which the Canavese tradition still has a strong influence on modernity.
Fall, Winter, Spring
2
Groups, Couples, Singles
5D
1
6
Point to point
549m
2300 m
95km
2825
183
Asphalt, Dirt road, Single track, Mule track
Fall, Winter, Spring
5D
6
Groups, Couples, Singles
1
2
95
Point to point
Asphalt, Dirt road, Single track, Mule track
549
2825
2300
183
2
3
3
2
Accomodation: Hotel, B&B
Meals: Packed, Restaurant
- Multi-day naturalistic trekking in the Canavese area and in the Gran Paradiso Park, the oldest protected area in Italy
- know and discover the Canavese culture at 360°
- Overnight stays in B&Bs and small hotels
- With the exception of dinners which will be free, all other meals are included, and you can taste typical KM0 products
- Accompaniment by certified local guides
- Close encounters with the typical fauna of the Gran Paradiso National Park (ibex, chamois, eagles, bearded vultures, marmots, etc)
- Authentic immersion in a wild and uncontaminated place
- Possibility of customizing the tour with other activities or experiences, additional days or other extras (see dedicated section)
- We undertake to collect any waste found during the excursion
- We offer the possibility of offsetting the CO2 produced by the tour by planting trees
- As far as possible we choose eco-friendly accommodation facilities and restaurateurs who offer local, organic and KM0 products
- We try as much as possible to avoid the use of motor vehicles as much as possible
Incluso
Extra
- Airport/station transfer to and from the meeting point
- Everything not specified in ""Included""
- Extra meals and drinks not specified
- Equipment unless specified
- Trekking backpack (25/30L)
- Bottle of water
- Trekking poles
- Crampons
- Layered technical clothing ("onion" system)
- Hat or bandana
- Breathable T-shirts
- Breathable base layer
- Breathable second layer (e.g. fleece sweater)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (rubber)
- Heavy winter jacket
- Water-repellent trekking trousers
- Trekking boots (possibly waterproof)
- Gloves
PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS:
- Mask
- Hand sanitizer
- Towel
- Sheet and blanket or light sleeping bag
- Soap, shampoo, etc.
ACCESSORIES:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with adequate UV protection
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Cell phone and charger
- Head torch
- Cash (not all refuges accept credit cards)
OTHER RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:
- Thermal underwear (in cold conditions and according to personal preferences)
- First aid kit (important: adhesive plasters)
- Tick repellent
- Energy bars
- Power bank for your cell phone
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
- Identity card / Passport
If you need equipment or anything else, don't hesitate to contact us! We will take care of the rental and provide you with what you need!
Participants must be able to deal with height differences of at least +1500m and distances of approximately 15km, on various types of terrain (earthy, stony, rocky, wooded). The route may have some exposed or aided easy sections that do not require special equipment or technical skills, but are not recommended for those who suffer from severe vertigo or have unsteady pace. Upon request, the trekking program can be customized according to your skill level.
Accommodation and Meals:
To fully immerse our guests in the Alpine climate and mountain environment, our default accommodation is in Alpine huts (with single rooms where available). However, if you prefer accommodation with higher levels of comfort, do not hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made offer! We will find the most suitable solution for you! Some tours may include overnight stays in Alpine bivouacs, which offer no comforts except mattresses and blankets. They are unique experiences, but you need to be adaptable.
All dinners and breakfasts are included and available directly at the refuge or bivouac. Lunches are also included and will be packed. Other meals not mentioned in the description of the various stages are not included in the fee.
Responsible Tourism:
Traveling while respecting the environment, the places and the people who welcome us:
- Always ask before taking photos of people. - Leave no trace of your presence, do not leave waste. - Do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural environments and archaeological sites. - Always try to follow the paths, do not disturb the animals and do not damage the plants. - Don't waste water and energy, precious resources for the entire planet. - Respect the rules established by the owners of the accommodation facilities.
From Turin:
From the Torino Lingotto, Porta Nuova or Porta Susa railway stations, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Turin-Caselle airport, take the train to Torino Dora station.
At Torino Dora, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan:
From Milano Centrale station, take the train towards Torino Porta Nuova.
From Porta Nuova station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station.
At Milano Centrale, take a train to Torino Porta Nuova.
At Torino Porta Nuova, get off, change trains and take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
Get off at Rivarolo Canavese station and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
Alternatively, by bus:
From Milan Malpensa Airport, take the SADEM bus to Torino Porta Susa station.
From Porta Susa station, take the Canavesana railway line towards Rivarolo Canavese.
At Rivarolo, get off and take the bus to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Turin:
Drive towards the northern ring road of Turin, take the Caselle exit and follow the Turin-Caselle highway. Take the third exit towards Rivarolo/Parco Gran Paradiso (SS460) and follow it to Ceresole Reale.
By car from Milan:
Take the A4 motorway towards Turin, exit at Santhià towards Ivrea/Aosta (E25), and in Ivrea exit again and follow the signs for Ceresole Reale/Parco Gran Paradiso.
Contact us if you need a private transfer from Milan/Turin to Canavese or if you need further information on how to reach us.
Immersion in the oldest National Park
18 km, 1082 m difference in altitude, 6 hours of walking in total
You will reach Lake Agnel (Gran Paradiso National Park) by shuttle. The journey begins from here, immersing yourself in a vast territory where nature reigns supreme.
Program:
*times are indicative, subject to change based on the needs of the group and/or the weather.
- 7.30: COLLECTION POINT at Rivarolo Canavese station (TO)
- 9.30: Departure from Lake Agnel (option: under the Serrù to reduce the difference in altitude), route along the King's path.
- 12.30: Walker's lunch in Ceresole
- 1.30pm: Back on the road again, towards Noasca
- 4.30pm: Queen's Waterfall (optional ascent)
- 6.30pm: Accommodation in B&B + free dinner (available facilities will be suggested)
Stories and legends of the Canavese
From Locana to Pont: approximately 17 km, 400 m of positive altitude difference, 557 m of negative altitude difference, 5h30 of walking in total
A day dedicated to the stories and legends that have animated the valley. We will immerse ourselves in woods evocative of ancient stories linked to Celtic culture, and then admire Romanesque bridges set in the rock and reach the Rocca of King Arduino (King of Italy from 1002 to 1014). After a refreshing break, the last stretch to reach Pont Canavese, an ancient medieval village.
Program:
*Times are indicative, subject to change based on the needs of the group and/or the weather.
- 8.00: Departure from Locana, descend along the bridle path to the orographic right of the Orco stream.
- 12.30: Walker's lunch at Sparone
- 1.30pm: Climb towards the Rocca di Sparone, then continue the journey towards Pont Canavese.
- 5.00pm: Arrival at Pont Canavese.
- 5.30pm: Visit to the Plastic Museum (optional).
- 6.30pm: Hotel accommodation + free dinner (available facilities will be suggested).
Explorers of the past
From Pont Canavese to Rivarolo: approximately 20 km, 143 m of positive altitude difference, 290 m of negative altitude difference, 6 hours of walking in total
A day in which you will travel along ancient roads marked by the passage of wayfarers, pilgrims, merchants, points of union between the different routes connecting with Turin, Valle d'Aosta and France.
Program:
*Times are indicative, subject to change based on the needs of the group and/or the weather.
- 8.00: Departure from Pont Canavese, visit to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Doblazio.
- 9.30: Take the road that follows the flow of the Orco stream until you reach Cuorgnè.
- 11.00: Visit to the Archaeological Museum of Cuorgnè.
- 12.30: Walker's lunch in Cuorgnè
- 1.30pm: On the way again, towards Rivarolo Canavese, crossing the countryside of Gallenca and Valperga.
- 5.00pm: Hotel accommodation + free dinner (available facilities will be suggested).
Like once upon a time: from the peasant courts to the House of Savoy
From Rivarolo to San Giorgio Canavese, detouring towards Agliè: approximately 11.5 km, 47 m positive altitude difference, 79 m negative altitude difference, 4h30 of walking in total
You will travel along country roads, between cultivated fields and woods, to reach rural villages that recall the peasant life of the past. A starkly contrasting experience will follow, made up of steps immersed in the gardens and rooms of the ducal castle of Agliè. We will travel along Via Bealera alongside the most important canal built in the mid-16th century to exploit the waters of the Orco and irrigate agricultural areas otherwise not reached by waterways. Finally, we will visit the Nòssi Ràis ethnographic museum in San Giorgio Canavese.
Program:
*Times are indicative, subject to change based on the needs of the group and/or the weather.
- 8.00: Departure from Rivarolo.
- 10.30: Arrival in Cascina to discover the Canavese food and wine excellences.
- 12.00: Walker's lunch in the Cascina.
- 1.00pm: Shuttle to the Ducal Castle of Agliè.
- 1.15pm-3.15pm: Free visit to the Castle and the garden.
- 15.30: We walk along Via Bealera.
- 4.45pm: Arrival in San Giorgio and visit to the Nòssi Ràis ethnographic museum.
- 18.00: Accommodation in B&B + free dinner (available facilities will be suggested).
When the stream becomes a river
From San Giorgio Canavese to Chivasso: 17 km, 6 m positive altitude difference, 68 m negative altitude difference, 5h00 of walking in total
You reach Foglizzo by shuttle, where you can admire the ancient village and visit the Saggina Museum. Then we continue the journey along country roads, where the waters of the stream rise with their apparent calm. It will be possible to see the old mill in the woods, until reaching the meeting point where the stream transforms, flowing its waters into the largest river in Italy, the Po. For those who wish, it will be possible to take a ride on the bricel, a typical boat used in this stretch of river, for a metaphorical dive into the waters that were the protagonists of this journey for five days.
Program:
*Times are indicative, subject to change based on the needs of the group and/or the weather.
- 8.00: Departure from San Giorgio Canavese by shuttle.
- 8.30: Arrival in Foglizzo, visit to the Saggina Museum.
- 10.00: The journey starts again.
- 12.30: Packed lunch break with typical Canavese products along the stream.
- 1.30pm: Last stretch of the walk.
- 3.30pm: Arrival at the Bricel River Park (Chivasso). Optional tour on the Bricel.
- 4.30pm: End of the adventure.
Terms and conditions
- 30% deposit at the time of booking
- Balance due within 15 days of tour departure date
- Cancellation up to 60 days before departure: full refund (100%)
- Cancellation between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% refund
- Cancellation between 30 and 15 days before departure: 30% refund
- Cancellation within 15 days before departure: no refund