Highlights:
- The wilderness of Stelvio National Park, the largest protected area in Italy- Snowshoeing and "touching the Glaciers"
- Bormio, the ancient Roman thermal baths and the typical alpine architecture.
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Bormio/S. Antonio Valfurva
Meeting with the Guide at Milan Train Station and train/bus to Bormio/St. Antonio Valfurva (3hrs)
This trip in the Rhaetian Alps, is based in a nice, family run Hotel in S. Antonio, a small alpine village next to the forest and the river. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (D)
Meeting with the Guide at Milan Train Station and train/bus to Bormio/St. Antonio Valfurva (3hrs)
This trip in the Rhaetian Alps, is based in a nice, family run Hotel in S. Antonio, a small alpine village next to the forest and the river. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (D)
Day 2: Touching the Forni Glacier (5 h walking, +600 - 600m)
Mankind has always had a fascination with ice and especially so in the earliest exploration of the Alps, where until a few decades ago the Forni Glacier was one of the largest of its kind. Unfortunately global warming struck a lethal blow drastically reducing it in size. Passing by the many pastures still used to produce milk, butter and cheese, you will be introduced step-by-step to the highest peaks of the Ortles from the Pizzo Tresero (3594m) in the Cevedale mountain range to the Punta San Matteo (3678m), both giants dominating the Forni Valley. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Mankind has always had a fascination with ice and especially so in the earliest exploration of the Alps, where until a few decades ago the Forni Glacier was one of the largest of its kind. Unfortunately global warming struck a lethal blow drastically reducing it in size. Passing by the many pastures still used to produce milk, butter and cheese, you will be introduced step-by-step to the highest peaks of the Ortles from the Pizzo Tresero (3594m) in the Cevedale mountain range to the Punta San Matteo (3678m), both giants dominating the Forni Valley. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Day 3: The forest of Val Viola and the Royal Eagle (5h walking, +600- 600m)
The pine forest of Val Viola is very well-known in the Stelvio NP. For centuries the wood of this forest has been used to build houses and mountain huts. Once the area was protected by the National Park, the cut ended. The snow in this valley is usually very abundant meaning that snowshoeing in this long valley as far as the Passo Viola, on the Italian Swiss border, is a real paradise. The Piz Dosdè (3280m) is the giant that protects our hike such as the flying of the Royal Eagle, that nests on the wall of this mountain. Wine and cheese typical of Valtellina. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
The pine forest of Val Viola is very well-known in the Stelvio NP. For centuries the wood of this forest has been used to build houses and mountain huts. Once the area was protected by the National Park, the cut ended. The snow in this valley is usually very abundant meaning that snowshoeing in this long valley as far as the Passo Viola, on the Italian Swiss border, is a real paradise. The Piz Dosdè (3280m) is the giant that protects our hike such as the flying of the Royal Eagle, that nests on the wall of this mountain. Wine and cheese typical of Valtellina. Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Day 4: Along the routes of transhumance (5h walking, +500 -500m)
Starting directly from S. Antonio we head to the historical centre of Bormio, discovering the ancient churches and frescoes. We will follow forest trails and mule tracks used by the farmers of the valley for the summer transhumance. The woods, with the trees loaded with snow, alternate with pastures where it is more than likely that you will spot foxes and deer. At the end of the hike there is the possibility to relax in the Romans Spa in "Bormio Terme". Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Starting directly from S. Antonio we head to the historical centre of Bormio, discovering the ancient churches and frescoes. We will follow forest trails and mule tracks used by the farmers of the valley for the summer transhumance. The woods, with the trees loaded with snow, alternate with pastures where it is more than likely that you will spot foxes and deer. At the end of the hike there is the possibility to relax in the Romans Spa in "Bormio Terme". Dinner and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Day 5: The heart of Stelvio NP: the Valle Zebrù (6hrs walking, +840 - 840m)
Directly from our Hotel we put the snowshoes on to begin our walk towards the Val Zebrù in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, also considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps. This, the largest National Park in Italy, contains many varieties of Alpine fauna, including the legendary bearded vulture that was on the verge of extinction until a few years ago when it was successfully reintroduced into the park. Lush forests of pine, fir and larch light up the valley in the winter, contrasting with the colours of the "dolomite" and the grand pyramid-shaped Monte Cristallo and Gran Zebrù. Last dinner all together celebrating our alpine discoveries, based on typical alpine menu and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Directly from our Hotel we put the snowshoes on to begin our walk towards the Val Zebrù in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, also considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps. This, the largest National Park in Italy, contains many varieties of Alpine fauna, including the legendary bearded vulture that was on the verge of extinction until a few years ago when it was successfully reintroduced into the park. Lush forests of pine, fir and larch light up the valley in the winter, contrasting with the colours of the "dolomite" and the grand pyramid-shaped Monte Cristallo and Gran Zebrù. Last dinner all together celebrating our alpine discoveries, based on typical alpine menu and overnight in Hotel** in S. Antonio. Meals (B, L, D)
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, bus/train to Milan Train Station (3hrs) and end of the tour.
Note: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
After breakfast, bus/train to Milan Train Station (3hrs) and end of the tour.
Note: B (Breakfast); L(lunch); D (dinner)
Accommodation :
5 nights in hotel** in S. Antonio
5 nights in hotel** in S. Antonio
Price per person 1395 €
Departures on Christmas, End of Year, Carnival and Easter 80 €Single Room Supplement 70 €
Extra night in Milan double/single room with breakfast included 65 €/90 €
Included:
5 nights' accommodation in hotel** in S. Antonio on half board basis
Wine and cheese tasting on day 3
All Lunches day 2,3,4,5
All transfer by public bus and private minibuses
Touristic Taxes
English-speaking Hiking Guide, specialist of the region
5 nights' accommodation in hotel** in S. Antonio on half board basis
Wine and cheese tasting on day 3
All Lunches day 2,3,4,5
All transfer by public bus and private minibuses
Touristic Taxes
English-speaking Hiking Guide, specialist of the region
Not included:
All beverages
Lunches on day 1 and day 6
Snowshoes, leggings, poles, ARVA, shovel and probe (€60 per person for the entire trip)
Entrance to the Thermal Bath in Bormio (discounted price from the Hotel)
Private transfer on day 1 from Milan Airport to Milan Central Station
Private transfer on day 6 from Milan Central Station to Milan Airport
All not indicated in "Included"
All beverages
Lunches on day 1 and day 6
Snowshoes, leggings, poles, ARVA, shovel and probe (€60 per person for the entire trip)
Entrance to the Thermal Bath in Bormio (discounted price from the Hotel)
Private transfer on day 1 from Milan Airport to Milan Central Station
Private transfer on day 6 from Milan Central Station to Milan Airport
All not indicated in "Included"