Turin and the Val d'Aosta walking tour

The Val d’Aosta (the Aosta Valley) may be Italy’s smallest region, but it is also one of the most spectacular, a wedge of mountains and valleys in the north-west corner of the country.  The region shares borders with Switzerland and France and contains Europe’s four highest peaks: Mt Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso.

The Val d’Aosta offers some of Europe’s finest walking following a network of clearly marked trails. These paths traverse small valleys, link historic villages, cross high pastures and mountain passes, via waterfalls and glaciers.

With its strategic position between France, Switzerland, and Italy, the Val d’Aosta has a rich and varied history, which is reflected in its cherished traditions. Italian and French are both official languages, and this cultural diversity is reflected in the local cuisine, simple, hearty mountain fare.  The Val d’Aosta also produces some excellent cold-climate wines.

The tour highlights the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage, beginning with two days in elegant Turin; followed by three days in the Gressoney Valley at the foot of Mt Rosa; four days are in Cogne exploring Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest national park; and finally, three days in glamorous Courmayeur at the foot of Mt Blanc. Travelling in early September means we avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant autumn weather.

The walks use well-marked paths graded as Level 3 (12 to15 km with some steep climbs), and is best suited for fit walkers. They follow centuries-old trails that have linked the villages for centuries.  You'll be rewarded with views of green valleys, forests, alpine villages, glaciers, and Europe's highest peaks.  Most trails start at our accommodation, so long transfers aren't needed.

We stay in the best accommodation in the region: a mix of 4-star and 5-star hotels.  The first in Turin is a well-established hotel in the pedestrian centre of the city.  The second is a lovely alpine hotel with views up to the peak of Mt Rosa.  The third hotel, an elegant mountain lodge, has been in the same family since opening in 1925 and drips with history.  The last hotel is a charming 5-star hotel above Courmayeur with breathtaking views of Mt Blanc.  All the hotels have wellness centres and spas, and three have swimming pools.

The cuisine of the Val d’Aosta is simple and substantial, as befits a mountain region.  It shows the influence of nearby France and Switzerland: robust soups, polenta, risotto, wholesome rye breads, tasty sausages and smoked meats, fine handmade cheeses (fontina and toma are the best known) and game from the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Val d’Aosta has some of the oldest vineyards in Europe and produces some very fine wines. Wine is included with all meals.

Simon Tancred will lead the tour.  We will be joined on the walks by a qualified local mountain guide.  The founder and director of Hidden Italy walking tours, Simon has over forty years’ experience hiking and walking in Italy, including thirty years leading group tours for Hidden Italy.  ‘Great Walks’ magazine said he had the best job in the world, and hey could have a point!