Classic Walks of Gran Paradiso
8 Days & 7 Nights 5 Read 1 reviews- Walking tour exploring the Aosta Valley and Gran Paradiso National Park
- Hike classic walks in the Alps’ best kept secret valleys
- Immerse yourself in the mountaineering culture of Pont and Cogne
- Spot ibex and listen to the whistles of marmots
- Indulge in typical Italian mountain fare; polenta, sausage, fontina cheese and pizza
What To Expect
Tour Style:
Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.
Activity:
Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour
This trip is suitable for:
Families, Multi-Generational, First Timers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- National Parks & Trails
- Mountains
Inspiration:
- New
- Classic
Activity Level & Terrain
This tour is rated moderate. Distances vary from 9– 20km, and the ascent/descent is considerable, usually between 600-800m each day. Walks can be shortened simply by turning back when you have had enough, but to get the most from this tour you should be in good physical shape. The terrain is alpine, and paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, gravel tracks, boulder strewn-paths and faint, narrow grassy trails. There are sections of easy scrambling, and on the hike to Alpe Money there are very short sections with rope/footholds to help over some tricky terrain, although there is no exposure. There are a couple of easy river crossings.
Navigation
All of the walks are way-marked to varying degrees, some walks better than others. We provide you with turn-by-turn instructions for each walk, maps and access to our GPS smartphone navigation app, so you will have no problem finding your way.
Accommodations
7 nights accommodation in 3* hotels is included in your trip. Hotels are hand-picked and offer a warm welcome to walkers. There is the chance to upgrade to a 4* hotel in Cogne, if you feel like treating yourself. You will find an example of the accommodation we normally use below. If these accommodations are not available we will use a hotel of a similar of better standard than those described. The Hotel Gran Paradiso is the only hotel in Pont.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is not available to solo walkers due to the nature of the terrain. Single rooms and double rooms for single occupancy are available should someone in your party wish to have their own room, again a supplement is payable.
Meals
7 breakfasts and 3 dinners (in Pont) are included. Breakfast is always buffet-style with various options available. Italians are fans of sweet breakfasts with bread, jams, pastries, cakes, yoghurt and muesli available. Usually there are also local meats and cheeses, eggs and fruit on offer.Dinners are included in Pont and you can expect hearty Italian and Valdotain specialities. Expect the full Italian experience with antipasto, primo, secondi and dolci courses. 2nd and 3rd courses are chosen in the morning at breakfast
- 7 nights accommodation in 3* hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- 3 dinners (in Pont)
- Transfer from Aosta to Pont (Day 1) and from Pont to Cogne (Day 4)
- Detailed information pack, route notes, maps, GPS tracks and access to the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Aosta and from Cogne
- 4 dinners and all lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Upgrade to 4* Hotel in Cogne
- Supplement for day 1 transfer from Courmayeur instead of Aosta
When To Go
You can start your Gran Paradiso adventure on any day between the start of July until mid-September. The busiest time of the season is the month of August when almost all of France/Italy take their holidays! June/July are ideal if you wish to catch the wildflowers in full bloom and September is usually very quiet and calm.At the beginning of the season, there may be snow remaining on some sections of the path, however, this will not normally require any specialist equipment.
Getting to the Start
By Air: Fly into Turin (Torino) Airport from where you can take a local bus, train or taxi to Turin centre. From here, take a bus or train to Aosta (total journey time 3-4 hours). From Aosta, you will be picked up and taken to Pont (about 1 hour drive).If required, we can arrange an extra night in Aosta for you.
Alternatively, you could fly into Geneva Airport. From Geneva, take a shuttle to Chamonix (can be booked through a company such as Mountain Dropoffs) From Chamonix, take a bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur.
From here you will be picked up and taken to Pont (about 1 hour drive). If you would like to be picked up in Courmayeur instead of Aosta, there is a supplement payable. Please ask us for more information.
If required, we can arrange an extra night in Chamonix/Courmayeur for you.
Getting from the End
Leaving Cogne, to return to Turin airport, you must travel via Aosta. We can arrange a taxi transfer for you, or you can take a local bus (approx. 1 hour). Check www.svap.it for more information. Buses run every couple of hours throughout the day. From Aosta, there are regular buses to Turin. Check www.savda.it for more information.
Luggage Transfer
Bag transfer is not required for this tour. You will take your luggage with you on transfers from Aosta-Pont and from Pont-Cogne.
General Information
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
Travel Insurance
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Aosta (or Courmayeur) and transfer to Pont Day 2 The King’s Path 7 miles / 14 km Day 3 At the Foot of Gran Paradiso 12.5 miles / 20 km Day 4 Transfer to Cogne, day at leisure Day 5 Lillaz Waterfalls Walk 5.5 miles / 9 km Day 6 Walk to Alpe Money 8.5 miles / 14 km Day 7 Walk to Lago di Loie or to Lago di Lauson 8.5 miles / 14 km Day 8 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
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