<< There are peoples who are like torches, they are meant to light the world; generally, they are not great peoples because of their number, but because they carry within themselves the truth and the future. >>         Émile Chanoux

This exclusive hiking tour takes you on a discovery of Valle d'Aosta(Aosta Valley), the smallest of the Italian regions and an extraordinary area, rich in history, culture and traditions. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Italy, and at the border with France and Switzerland, it was a strategic location during the Roman conquest of Gaul (today's France), in the first century B.C. In fact, many exceptional and unique Roman monuments can still be admired in the area. The region is almost entirely mountainous, and can proudly boast to be the home to four of the highest peaks in Italy and in Western Europe: Mont Blanc (4810 mt/15780 ft), Monte Rosa (4634 mt/15203 ft), Matterhorn (4478 mt/14691 ft) and Gran Paradiso (4061 mt/13324 ft). Needless to say, the views of these iconic giants, as well as of the Italian and Swiss Alps, are simply magnificent. Remote valleys hide unique cultures, fascinating traditions, and splendid scenery. One of the autonomous regions of Italy, Valle d'Aosta is where a 1948 statute established parity between the Italian and the French languages. We will explore Gran Paradiso, the highest peak entirely in Italian territory, but also the first Italian National Park, whose history is indissolubly linked to the protection of the ibex population. Walking and hiking along comfortable trails and paths, we will be immersed in splendid natural settings dotted by exquisite hamlets and villages displaying characteristic architecture. We will admire the extraordinary craftsmanship of the innumerable local artisan and sculptors; we will learn about the extremely rich history, the unique local customs and traditions; we will enjoy the typical gastronomy and have the opportunity to do some wine tasting. Our lunches (picnics or other) and dinners (at restaurants or at the hotels) will reflect the traditional local products and cuisine.

Our accommodations are in 3- and 4-star, family-run hotels. Most of the hotels and restaurants are recognized by Saveurs du Val d'Aoste, a mark that identifies restaurants, hotels and shops that work in total respect of the regional traditions when it comes to products, architectural and environmental context, guarantee of origin and quality.


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Itinerary Outline

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 hiking foray 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 culture and tradition of the Walser people, as well as their unique architecture.

Day 3 • Medieval Castles - Gran Paradiso National Park
Exclusive private guided tour of Verrès, one of the many outstanding medieval castles in the valley and, along with Issogne, one of the most important. It is also the most extraordinary example of monobloc fortress. The imposing staircase, the decorations of the windows, of the doors and of the monumental fireplaces are a powerful revelation of the workmanship that operated in the castle. 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, where we admire the humbling glaciated amphitheatre of the massif.

Day 6 • Valley of the Great Saint Bernard - Aosta
We explore the valley of the Great 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. Hiking on mule paths and trails, we enter a spectacular wilderness, across summer pastures, surrounded all along by the superb panorama of the Alps. We visit an old copper mine where Fontina cheese is placed to age before it is sold.

Day 7 • Aosta - Bard
We start with a private guided 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 architecture and 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.