The ancient Via Francigena, the way to Rome followed by Sigeric, the bishop of Canterbury, starts in Val D'Aosta. From the amazing alpine scenery of Gran San Bernardo Valley, through Aosta with its impressive Roman heritage such as the Augustus Arch and the theatre. The Aosta Valley is an incredible mix of vineyards, terraces and the fortress. Local cuisine and old tradition remain strong influences in the alpine community. Enjoy the first part of the long travel to Rome...
Highlights:
- The Alpine scenery of Aosta Valley, with the Mont Blanc range
- The archaeological heritage of the Valley, Aosta and all the defensive castles.
- The wine district of Chambave and the delicious alpine cuisine
Day 1: Gran San Bernardo
In 1050 San Bernardo founded the Ospizio del Gran San Bernardo at the high alpine pass to give hospitality to the passing pilgrims. This is the place where famous St Bernard rescue dogs where born. The pass at 2473m, rises in one of the most spectacular alpine scenes of all the Alps. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in S. Bernardo Pass.
Day 2: Gran S. Bernardo / Etroubles (4h30 hours hiking, +50m –1200m, 14 km)
From the pass, to the village of Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses, famous for its exquisite cured "prosciutto crudo" and its carnival with typical dances and masks. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Etroubles.
Note: the walk from Gran S. Bernard to St. Remy en Bosse, is accessible only during the months of July and August (due to weather condition and presence of snow). In case of impassability, the first night at Gran san Bernardo will be replaced with a night in Etroubles. The walk proposed on day 2 will be shorter. You'll take a bus in the morning from Etroubles to St. Remy en Bosse, then you will walk down back to Etroubles.
Day 3: Etroubles / Aosta (4 hours hiking, +130m -800m, 16km)
Etroubles is a tiny wood and stone village hosting a yearly international art exhibition, an "open museum" exhibition. The path goes through pastures and gardens, ending in Aosta. Free dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Aosta.
Day 4: Aosta / Nus (4h30 hours hiking, +250m –250m, 16 km)
"Augusta Praetoria", is one of the most impressive Roman heritage sites in Northern Italy. Positioned in a very strategic point in the direction of the Alps, was the point to host the Roman army during the conquest of the "Gallie" region. Visit the old theatre and the original roman road in the historical centre. The trail permits you to walk between old villages and churches, reaching the small hamlet of Nus. Dinner and overnight stay in Agriturismo in Nus. in Italy. Check in at your hotel, in the late afternoon we will taste a selection of the best wines of the region
Day 5: Nus / Chatillon (4 hours hiking, +250m -250m, 15km)
Today is dedicated to the total immersion into the amazing district vineyards of the "Chambave", an agricultural area devoted to the production of fine wine. On the opposite side of the valley the castle of Fenis rises up. The last step on the Roman bridge, brings you to the nice village of Chatillon. Free dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Chatillon
Day 6: Chatillon / Issogne (5h30 hours hiking, +350m -300m, 20km)
Following the sharped shape of the Monte Avic peak, you cross the old glacial plane of the Balteo Glacier. The origin of this glacier is the Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. The huge Dora Baltea river will lead you to the tiny village of Issogne. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Issogne.
Day 7:Issogne / Pont Saint-Martin (5 hours hiking, +150m -200m, 19 km)
Stepping back in time, discovering the fort of Bard, a very hard conquered strategic point naturally defended by the gorges of the river.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Pont Saint Martin.
Day 8: Pont Saint-Martin - Ivrea (7h hours hiking, +700m -800m, 26 km)
Leaving the Alps in the direction of the Big Plain. The landscape change: farms and fields. The old historical centre of Ivrea and its castle are very well preserved. In Ivrea you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena.
In 1050 San Bernardo founded the Ospizio del Gran San Bernardo at the high alpine pass to give hospitality to the passing pilgrims. This is the place where famous St Bernard rescue dogs where born. The pass at 2473m, rises in one of the most spectacular alpine scenes of all the Alps. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in S. Bernardo Pass.
Day 2: Gran S. Bernardo / Etroubles (4h30 hours hiking, +50m –1200m, 14 km)
From the pass, to the village of Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses, famous for its exquisite cured "prosciutto crudo" and its carnival with typical dances and masks. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Etroubles.
Note: the walk from Gran S. Bernard to St. Remy en Bosse, is accessible only during the months of July and August (due to weather condition and presence of snow). In case of impassability, the first night at Gran san Bernardo will be replaced with a night in Etroubles. The walk proposed on day 2 will be shorter. You'll take a bus in the morning from Etroubles to St. Remy en Bosse, then you will walk down back to Etroubles.
Day 3: Etroubles / Aosta (4 hours hiking, +130m -800m, 16km)
Etroubles is a tiny wood and stone village hosting a yearly international art exhibition, an "open museum" exhibition. The path goes through pastures and gardens, ending in Aosta. Free dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Aosta.
Day 4: Aosta / Nus (4h30 hours hiking, +250m –250m, 16 km)
"Augusta Praetoria", is one of the most impressive Roman heritage sites in Northern Italy. Positioned in a very strategic point in the direction of the Alps, was the point to host the Roman army during the conquest of the "Gallie" region. Visit the old theatre and the original roman road in the historical centre. The trail permits you to walk between old villages and churches, reaching the small hamlet of Nus. Dinner and overnight stay in Agriturismo in Nus. in Italy. Check in at your hotel, in the late afternoon we will taste a selection of the best wines of the region
Day 5: Nus / Chatillon (4 hours hiking, +250m -250m, 15km)
Today is dedicated to the total immersion into the amazing district vineyards of the "Chambave", an agricultural area devoted to the production of fine wine. On the opposite side of the valley the castle of Fenis rises up. The last step on the Roman bridge, brings you to the nice village of Chatillon. Free dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Chatillon
Day 6: Chatillon / Issogne (5h30 hours hiking, +350m -300m, 20km)
Following the sharped shape of the Monte Avic peak, you cross the old glacial plane of the Balteo Glacier. The origin of this glacier is the Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. The huge Dora Baltea river will lead you to the tiny village of Issogne. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Issogne.
Day 7:Issogne / Pont Saint-Martin (5 hours hiking, +150m -200m, 19 km)
Stepping back in time, discovering the fort of Bard, a very hard conquered strategic point naturally defended by the gorges of the river.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel in Pont Saint Martin.
Day 8: Pont Saint-Martin - Ivrea (7h hours hiking, +700m -800m, 26 km)
Leaving the Alps in the direction of the Big Plain. The landscape change: farms and fields. The old historical centre of Ivrea and its castle are very well preserved. In Ivrea you can book an extra night in hotel (option) or continue walking on the next part of Via Francigena.
Skill level: medium, 5 to 6h30 hours walking each day, well-marked large and paved paths and wooden trails. A prior hiking experience is recommended.
Accommodation: 7 nights in hotel ***/**, and B&B based on twin/triple
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Accommodation: 7 nights in hotel ***/**, and B&B based on twin/triple
Equipment: trekking shoes, wind and water proof jacket, hat and gloves, bathing suit, sun glasses and sun cream.
Included:
- 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast included- Luggage transfer from day 2 to day 8
- Dinners included as described in the program
- 24 h Phone Assistance in case of emergency
- Maps, road book and description of the tour
Not included:
- All kind of beverages and personal items- All lunches (about 5€ for each picnic lunch)
- Dinners not included in the program
- Transfer to the first accommodation in S. Bernardo Pass on day 1
- Transfer from Ivrea to airport or station day 8
- Tourist tax where required (about 2€ per day per person)
Trips Note
Destination: Aosta Valley
Travel Style: Self-guided walking holiday
Interest: Pilgrim route and local gastronomy
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Departures: May Jun Jul Aou Sep
Group size: from 1 person
Airport: Turin or Milan
