Images: Region Autonoma Valle d'Aosta
Paradise is the name given to this national park in northwestern Italy. Created by the Dukes of Aosta as a hunting preserve, the peaks and valleys south of the fascinating Val d’Aosta have retained much of their original character. Unspoiled tracts of mountain wilderness are today home to the largest herds of chamois and ibex. The valleys and villages, too, are quiet bastions of mountain culture - a mix of French Savoyard, Roman and Celtic influences. The highest peaks on the European continent surround this beautiful region, where absolute masterpieces of Roman architecture, religious art and medieval castles and fortresses are preserved miraculously whole.
Hiking in the Gran Paradiso offers the opportunity to explore some of western Europe’s least populated alpine terrain and to link a number of the small mountain villages of the valleys radiating to the south of the Val d’Aosta. Our trek traverses from the walled Roman city of Aosta just south of Courmayeur and the looming summit of Mont Blanc, then crosses the Valgrisenche, Val des Rhemes, Valsavarenche and Val di Cogne. Hiking days are challenging as we cross this remote region that has little by way of cable cars or other touristic infrastructure. The passes on the tour reach up to 3300 meters and some days are strenuous, suitable for experienced hikers in good condition.
Tour Highlights:
- The loftiest peaks in Europe and Italy's first national park.
- Hiking with some of Europe's largest herds of Chamoix and Ibex, the big horned mountain goats of the Alps.
- The rich artistic and cultural legacy of the Valle d’Aosta, studded with castles and fortresses and encompassing an impressive tableau of alpine history.
- Warm, inviting mountain inns replete with pine clad interiors exuding alpine charm.
Itinerary
Day 1 Independent transfer to Aosta to which there is regular train service from Milan and Torino. Overnight in a superior four star hotel in this magnificent small city.
Day 2 A short van transfer to our trailhead in the tiny hamlet of Planaval starts the day. We traverse high above the Valgrisenche beneath the Becca dell Aouille before descending to the next tiny hamlet Bonne and a highly original three star in with passionate Italian character. Tonight the impetuous proprietor Luigi will treat us to endless local jokes and stories and perhaps a musical performance not to be soon forgotten.
Day 3 Today we climb along a narrow trail across the Col Fenetre di Tei before descending to the Val di Rhemes along airy switchbacks. We'll enjoy abundant glimpses of the big horned Ibex before settling in to our quiet three star inn.
Day 4 Climb through alpages to the Passo di Entrelor with expansive views of the Gran Paradiso Massif and tomorrow’s highpoint, the Col Loson before a long and gentle descent to a short transfer to the patio of our traditional three star inn.
Day 5 Travel through a region known for its solitude, remoteness and abundant Ibex herds (4000 strong!). Overnight at a high mountain rifugio next to a small river in a beautiful alpine meadow.
Day 6 We’ll enjoy ever-increasing views of an imposing glacier before we descend to the Vallone di Valleille and then to the Val di Cogne and our splendid four star Relais & Chateaux hotel. This hotel could easily be described as one of the best hotels in the Alps. The hotel’s culinary delights alone include a Michelin-starred gourmet kitchen, a lunchtime terrace restaurant, a brasserie located on the village square, and a cheese restaurant stocked with cheese from the family’s own cellar. We’ll arrive with time to enjoy these epicurean treasures and to wander around the magnificent village of Cogne.
Day 7 Depart.
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