Itinerary

Day 1 • Arrival
Transfer by private vehicle from Milano Malpensa International Airport to a beautiful medieval village, located at the entrance of Valle d'Aosta. The activities of the day are set up to give you a first taste of the rich history of the region. We will walk on part of the original Roman Consular Road to Gaul, and set out at the discovery of deep-rooted traditions such as the colture of vineyards and the extraordinary craftsmanship and sculptures of local artisans.

Day 2 • Val d'Ayas
Our hike today introduces us to Val d'Ayas, one of the most beautiful and pristine valleys in the Valle d'Aosta region. Covered by thick conifer forests and alpine grazing pastures, and dotted by enchanting villages, it is a serene environment framed by the splendid panorama of Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in Western Europe after Mont Blanc. We will discover the ancient Walser culture and tradition, as well as their unique architecture.

Day 3 • Medieval Castles - Gran Paradiso National Park
With an exclusive private guided tour we visit one of the most famous manors in Valle d'Aosta and a sumptuous residence in the late 15th-early 16th centuries, housing riceless frescoes. We then transfer to Gran Paradiso, the only 4000-meter peak completely in Italian territory and the first Italian National Park, founded in 1922. A short afternoon hike will take us to a perfect vantage point from which the view of the mountain is breathtaking and unparalleled.

Day 4 • Gran Paradiso National Park
A beautiful, relatively level walk takes us into an extraordinary natural environment. We will follow a river, walk among carpets of colorful wildflowers, pass a hamlet displaying the traditional architecture of the area and, finally, reach the humbling glaciated amphitheater of Gran Paradiso. Along the way, we may just be so lucky to spot the famous ibexes. In Cogne, we visit a cooperative that groups several lace artists, and admire an amazing, heartfelt local tradition.

Day 5 • Gran Paradiso National Park - Aosta
Today we explore another spectacular valley of the park, one of the more remote and less frequented, and a splendid glacial valley surrounded by a typical alpine environment. Our goal is to reach one of the mountain huts at the foot of the glaciers. And to do this, we don't need to be climbers! In fact, we just follow a well-maintained path/trail. We may have sightings of marmots, chamois and ibexes. And, if we are lucky we may also see a bearded volture. Option to do some wine tasting on our way to Aosta.

Day 6 • Valley of the Great Saint Bernard - Aosta
We explore the valley of the Grand Saint Bernard, the pass connecting Italy to Switzerland. Yes the one of the big dogs with the flask! Already a very important thoroughfare during the Roman times, the valley reached its apex as an important commercial route during medieval times. We hike on a very comfortable and relatively level path into a spectacular wilderness, through summer pastures, and surrounded by the superb panorama of the Alps. We visit an old copper mine where the Fontina cheese is placed to age before it is sold.

Day 7 • Aosta - Bard
We start with a private tour of Aosta. Built by the Romans in 25 B.C, it is known as "The Rome of the Alps" due its wealth of representative monuments of imperial Rome. In January, it hosts the famous fair of Sant'Orso, where more than a thousand regional artisans exhibit their exceptional work. Bard is the most enthralling medieval hamlet in Valle d'Aosta, squeezed between the sheer cliffs in the narrowest part of the region. Above it looms the imposing fortress, the most impressive defensive structure still in existence.

Day 8 • Departure
After breakfast, there is a group transfer to Milano Malpensa International Airport.

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