The Aosta Valley, the smallest region in Italy, is dotted with the highest peaks in the Alps. It is the ideal destination for anyone who enjoys alpine life. It is a perfect place for visitors seeking outdoor experiences in nature while exploring history and traditions. It is a mountainous autonomous region in northwestern Italy. It is bordered by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, to the west, Valais, Switzerland, to the north, and by Piedmont, Italy, to the south and east. The regional capital is Aosta.
Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Gran Paradiso National Park is the jewel of Piedmont and Aosta, and one of the finest hiking destinations in Italy. The park itself covers 700 square kilometers of magnificent territory, boasting classic alpine terrain, dramatic views, and endless hiking. It’s truly a hiker’s paradise.
Join us in September and see what’s on the other side of the Matterhorn and Swiss Alps. Come back in time to a place that keeps the body moving and the spirit soaring.
Base Villages: Torgnon, Cogne and La Salle
Hotels:
– Torgnon: Hotel Zerbion
– Cogne: Hotel Sant’Orso
– La Salle: Relais Mont Blanc Hotel and Spa
Itinerary:
With this 11-night excursion you will experience hiking in the Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s first national park. Aosta Valley is known for the iconic, snow-capped peaks such as Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso, it is absolutely beautiful and remote and unspoiled. It’s southern exposure is great for fall hiking.
The area of the park is 700 sq.km. split between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions. The southwest border of the park coincides with the French-Italian state border where on the French side, the park is continued by the Vanoise National Park. Italian Gran Paradiso National Park, French Vanoise National Park, and Mont Blanc massif together constitute major part of the Graian Alps.
HIGHLIGHTS – Torgnon: Col Fenetre and Becca d’Aver, Col de Nana and Becca di Trecare
HIGHLIGHTS – Cogne: Urtier Valley and Lake Loie, Rifugio Grauson and Lake Corona Valnontey and Casolari dell’Herbetet Alpe Money
HIGHLIGHTS – La Salle: Rutor Waterfalls and Rifugio Deffeyes Mont Fortin and Col de Chavanne. Miage Lakes and Rifugio Elisabetta Courmayeur, Italy’s oldest mountain resort Rifugio Bertone and Mont de la Saxe
Guides: Shannon Harris, Navita Shyam and Cristiano Berta