 
ITALIAN HIGH ROUTE
We call this our "other side of the mountain" tour.
In seven days, we hike along the Italian side of the Pennine Alps
on the sunny side of such famous, snowy giants as the Matterhorn,
the Grand Combin and Mt. Blanc. The scenery is equally as spectacular
as that on such well known routes as the Tour du Mont Blanc
and the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, but the way is
less traveled, and the culture is Italian rather than French
and Swiss-German.
We link villages in the Italian Piemonte region and the beautiful
Val D'Aosta, from the quaint Gressoney, to the small ski resort
of Cervinia to a number of lesser known villages in the Val
D'Aosta region, including St. Rhemy, and finish beneath the
looming massif of Mt. Blanc in Courmayeur.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Travel independently by rail from Milan or
Aosta to Gressoney in Val d'Ayas. Overnight in a charming mountain
inn set alongside the picturesque walk of the Queen Margherita.
Day 2 Following a short
transfer by van to the trailhead, we'll climb
past herding settlements to a remote col with views of Mte. Rosa
then descend though the lush Val d'Ayas to the bustling resort
village of Champoluc and our beautifully appointed hotel.
Day 3 We'll transfer to St. Jacques where we follow
a centuries old trade route to a high pass with views to the
striking pyramid of Cervino, or the Matterhorn, flanked by the
jagged profile of the Grand Murailles. We descend and traverse
the famous Gran Balconata. Overnight in a first class inn in
Cervinia.
Day 4 We traverse beneath
the breathtaking Grandes Murailles and cross from gentle pastures
to a remote and rugged pass. We descend to the valley for taxi
transport to a comfortable inn.
Day 5 After a quick transfer we'll ascend from the
charming and rustic Commune di Bionaz to a pass where panoramic
vistas of the Aosta Valley and the Gran Paradiso stretch into
the distance. A scenic descent linking trails and old carriage
roads takes us into the picturesque village of Ollomont.
Day 6 From the doorstep
of our mountain retreat we climb through summer pastures to
a breathtaking col. Here the striking profile of Grand Combin
and Mont Blanc come into view. We descend to the ancient village
of St. Rhemy and our welcoming country inn.
Day 7 The final leg of our challenging tour traces
the historic Valle Del Gran San Bernardo and climbs to the wild
and remote Col Malatra before descending to the resort of Courmayeur
by a classic route offering spectacular views of Mt. Blanc and
its stunning Aiguilles. Overnight in a first class, old world
hotel with superior cuisine and an impressive selection of regional
wines.
Day 8 Depart. Guides will return participants to
the rail station for train transport to Milan or other destinations
in Europe.
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7
nights/ 8 days
$2500
$2700
pecializing
in treks and inn-to-inn hiking adventures throughout the Alps
