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

Immerse yourself in Italian mountain life on this twin centre hiking adventure in the Aosta Valley. The Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy’s oldest, founded in 1922, this side of the Alps really is a natural paradise. Expect peaceful Alpine meadows, steep woodland trails and mountain paths with views to glaciers, snowy peaks and powerful waterfalls. Relax at the end of the walking day in your comfortable and welcoming hand-picked hotel. Start your adventure in Pont, a hamlet at the foot of the Gran Paradiso mountain. A simple place, there are many wonderful walks starting right at the hotel’s door. You will be transferred to Cogne, a pleasant contrast to Pont. This bustling town is still only a stone’s throw away from some of the best walks in the park. Enjoy a multitude of authentic Valdôtain restaurants, serving up hearty plates of creamy polenta, venison stew, fontina and tome cheese dishes, and of course, delicious pizza.

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What To Expect

This tour is perfect for those wishing to explore the Italian Alps from two different hotels. This tour is rated moderate as there is some significant ascent and descent involved due to the nature of the region. We have chosen walks no longer than 14 km in length (there is one optional extension to 20km), ideal for those who like to get up and out early, and finish your walk in time for leisurely lunch or relaxing afternoon in the sun! Fans of all things Italian will enjoy getting to know this unique region’s history, culture and tasty food.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active trip.

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

Included

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

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Aosta and from Cogne
4 dinners and all lunches
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

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.

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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

Enjoy a relaxing day off the trails. Your private taxi transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to your hotel in Cogne.

Cogne is a popular town in the Aosta valley and it is easy to see why. Typically Alpine, with Italian charm, it’s a great base for exploring nearby walks. A former mining town, it is now most famous for being the ‘capital’ of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Enjoy an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying an Aperol Spritz in the town centre.

Overnight Cogne

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel du Gran Paradis | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel du Gran Paradis is located in the heart of Cogne’s old town. A warm welcome awaits from the Gerard family at their boutique hotel. Decorated in typical Alpine style, the hotel has a small spa area. Open to guests from 16.00-20.00, it’s a great place to relax your muscles after a day of walking. Take advantage of the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

Please Note: Hotels in Italy require to see your passport upon check-in, of which they will make a copy. This is completely normal and in accordance with Italian law. Please have your passport handy when checking in.

Hotel Le Bouquet | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Le Bouquet is located on the peaceful fringes of Cogne. A short ten minute walk from the town centre, the hotel looks over the beautiful Sant’Orso meadows with views to the Gran Paradiso massif in the distance. A small and cosy hotel, a warm welcome awaits from the team and it’s the perfect base for your time in Cogne.

Hotel Sant Orso | 3 Star | Hotel

Upgrade option: Hotel Sant Orso is conveniently located in Cogne’s cobbled-street centre and is the sister-hotel of Hotel du Gran Paradis. It also benefits from views over the beautiful Sant’Orso meadows and its abundance of alpine flowers. Relax on the sun loungers in the garden with the most incredible views. Spa facilities include a heated panoramic pool, a heated mini pool with massage jets, sauna, Turkish baths, salt cave and relaxation areas.

Day 5 Lillaz Waterfalls Walk 5.5 miles / 9 km

A pleasant stroll starting directly from the centre of Cogne. Follow a shady riverside path as it gently ascends, following the glacial waters of the Torrente Grand’ Eyvia. The path soon opens up into a large Alpine meadow, before reaching the village of Lillaz. Continue to the waterfalls, and follow the short but steep path to the top for the best views. You will find tranquil spots for a break, and opportunity to dip weary feet into the refreshingly cold waters. Descend the opposite side of the waterfalls, eventually returning to Lillaz. Return to Cogne on foot, or by one of the local free summer buses.

Ascent/Descent: 160m/160m

Overnight Cogne

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel du Gran Paradis | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Le Bouquet | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Sant Orso | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 6 Walk to Alpe Money 8.5 miles / 14 km

Take a local bus from Cogne to the hamlet of Valnontey. Ascend gently through conifer wood and alongside a white water torrent. As you leave the tree-line, the path becomes more varied and adventurous, sometimes an easy mountain path, sometimes rocky and scrambling, and some very small sections with rope and footsteps to aid ascent/descent. Once you reach Alpe Money, an old pasture with a collection of abandoned huts, views of the impressive collection of peaks (the Herbetet, Roccia Viva and the Gran Paradiso), as well as the Money and Tribolazione glaciers are outstanding.

Ascent/Descent: 700m/700m

Overnight Cogne

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel du Gran Paradis | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Le Bouquet | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Sant Orso | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 7 Walk to Lago di Loie or to Lago di Lauson 8.5 miles / 14 km

Head back to the town of Lillaz by bus, from where you will once again walk past the Lillaz waterfalls to gain height and complete the Lago di Loie circuit. The objective of today’s hike is the blue-green Lake di Loie, a great picnic spot, and for the brave, a very quick swim!

Alternatively, return to the Valnontey Valley for a hike up to Rifugio Vittorio Sella (2,584m), one of the classic huts in the area. On the way, visit the Alpine Botanic Gardens, a must for any budding botanist.

Continue onto Lake di Lauson (2, 656m), a picturesque mountain lake, whose waters often reflect the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a picnic here while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife.

Walk 1 Lago di Loie: 11 km, 760m Ascent/Descent

Walk 2 Lago di Lauson: 14 km, 985m Ascent/Descent

Overnight Cogne

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel du Gran Paradis | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Le Bouquet | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Sant Orso | 3 Star | Hotel

Day 8 Onward Travel