Val d’Aosta and Gran Paradiso National Park – 8 Days
Alpine Meadows and the Mont Blanc Massif
Hike through flower-filled alpine meadows and enjoy spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the majestic peaks of the Italian Alps. Visit ancient castles and follow the routes of the Roman armies, medieval pilgrims and Napoleon Bonaparte. See alpine fauna in their natural habitat and enjoy the fabulous hospitality and delicious cuisine of the smallest region of Italy. For more hiking in the Italian Alps and outstanding food and wine see Jewels of Piedmont.
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What is included?
- 7 nights’ accommodation in two luxurious 4-star hotels
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides who will look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
- All meals including delicious local wines
- Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
- Dinner in a variety of superb restaurants.
- Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as little or as much of the trail as you please
- Transport to/from Turin in air-conditioned minibus
- Comprehensive pre-trip information.
- Luggage transported for you so all you need to carry is a small backpack with water etc.
 Itinerary
The tour starts and ends in Turin, the host city for the 2006 Winter Olympics. There are daily flights from the UK to Turin. The nearest intercontinental airport is Milan and we can help you to arrange transfers from there if necessary. We stay in two towns in the Aosta Valley, Bard at 350m and Cogne at 1550m. Most of the hiking is at an altitude of between 1500m and 2500m. Nevertheless it is a hiking holiday and not a climbing expedition so no technical skills whatsoever are required. Where possible we make use of chairlifts and cable cars to take us to the best areas for walking.
Sunday
Meet Turin Train Station at 11.30pm or Turin Airport 12.30pm. Drive 1 hour to Pont St Martin, the gateway to the Aosta Valley. Starting at the Roman bridge in the village we follow, on foot, the ancient route of the Roman armies past vineyards clinging to the hillsides to pick up the paved Roman road which brings us to the town of Bard. We stay in the delightful hotel Ad Gallias with spa facilities for the next 4 nights. Welcome drink and dinner in the hotel restaurant. (6km/3.8miles)
Monday
We drive up the valley towards Cervinia and take a cable car and chair lift high up above the tree line. We walk down through flower-filled pastures, stopping en route to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, to the small village of Chamois. Later in the day we visit the dramatic fortress at Bard, which played a crucial part in Napoleon’s advance into Italy in 1800, overlooking our hotel. (5km/3.2miles)
 Tuesday
Today we explore the remote Gressoney valley with its fascinating Walser heritage. We follow a trail overlooking the valley, past tiny hamlets with characteristic stone and wood houses, to a mountain refuge where we have lunch. In the afternoon we descend to the valley and visit the fairytale castle of Queen Margherite of Savoy, Queen of Italy in the early 20th century. (6km/3.8miles)
Wednesday
A beautiful drive takes us to the Champorcher valley, carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. Our hike starts along the route used by Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of Italy, in the 19th century when escaping the court to go hunting in the mountains. We follow small trails past beautiful lakes encircled by snow-covered peaks and enjoy stunning views down into the valley as we descend. (7km/4.4miles)
Thursday
 Today we leave Bard. In the morning we visit a small producer of the famous Lardo d’Arnad to learn about the intricate process involved in making this renowned delicacy. After a tasty lunch of local specialities we continue up the valley to the regional capital of Aosta. Time to visit the town and see many of the important Roman monuments. In the afternoon we drive to Cogne, the gateway to the Grand Paradiso National Park where we stay in the historic family-run Hotel Bellevue set amongst lush pastures in the heart of the village.
Friday
This morning we take a cable car above the village to 2081m. A small trail leads around Mont Seuc offering spectacular views of the village, the peak of the Gran Paradiso at 4061m and the Mont Blanc Massif in the distance. We return to the valley by cable car and are welcomed at a characteristic baita for a barbecue lunch. Opportunity to walk along the pretty Valnontey valley in the afternoon. (3km/1.9miles + 4km/2.5miles)
Saturday
We start our walk at the pretty village of Gimillan (1788m). We follow the river valley, passing shepherds’ huts and tiny hamlets – accessible only by foot. The peace is only disturbed by the chimes of the cow bells as they savour the lush grass of the hills. Picnic by a pristine mountain lake before descending once again to Gimillan. Final dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. (6.5km/4.1miles)
WalkingShortest day: 6km/3.8miles
Longest day:
There are 6 days of walking on the trip. We walk on well-graded mountain paths, woodland tracks and quiet tarmac roads. Although the distances are short there is more ascent and descent than on our other tours. The Val d’Aosta is a mountainous region and on several days we hike at an altitude of 2000m or more. Nevertheless, it is mountain walking not climbing. Where possible we make use of chairlifts and cable cars to take us to the best areas for walking. A few sections of the walk could be considered vertiginous, please contact us if you have any concerns about this. On occasion, where there is no van access en route, both members of staff will accompany the group to provide extra support and to carry the lunch for you. Sturdy walking boots, with good ankle support, are essential. Walking poles are recommended, especially on steeper sections. These can be purchased locally – although not on the first day of the tour.
Weather
In July you can expect typical spring weather, warm and sunny days but with sudden changes in temperature in the mountains and cool evenings. Temperature: Min. 14° Max. 28° Monthly Rainfall: 50mm
Date
4th – 11th July 2010
Cost
€2385 fully-inclusive
Single supplement €295
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info@hedonistichiking.com.au
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