Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Nestled between Italy's Valle d'Aosta and Piemonte regions, Gran Paradiso National Park is a hidden treasure of the Graian Alps. Established in the 19th century to protect ibex, this haven for hikers and trekkers is home to Italy's only peak above 13,000 feet. With high alpine meadows, larch forests, babbling brooks and mighty waterfalls, Gran Paradiso is a true gem and a stunning crossroads between Italy and France. Enjoy challenging full days of scenic hiking with long descents that lead back to cozy hotels in traditional alpine villages.
Highlights:- Explore stunning alpine trails through Italy's first national park on this exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
- Bask in the comfort and hospitality of charming alpine inns, and refuel with hearty regional mountain fare
- Learn about ibex, mountain chamois, and wildflowers as you take in breathtaking panoramas with your expert guiding team
Important Trip Details:On this trek you will be hiking between 5 and 7 hours a day, at elevations of up to 9,300 feet. The trails are often rocky and steep, making this a challenging experience. To enjoy, you need to be in an excellent physical condition and have a similar previous experience of hiking in the mountains.
Minimum Age: 18
Daily Itinerary
MT Sobek: Alps Gran Paradiso National Park Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland
2-hour private van transfer
Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Meet your driver at the airport at 2:00 pm for your private transfer to the mountain village of Courmayeur (4,000') in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region. After checking in to your charming mountain hotel, you will have time to rest or explore the village before the evening's welcome dinner and orientation with your MT Sobek guide.
Accommodation: Hotel Berthod
(D)
Day 2 Follow Trails to Arpy Lake
40-minute private van transfer
4 hours/7.3 miles hiking with 1,850' elevation gain and loss
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to San Carlo Pass (6,440') overlooking the charming spa village of Pre-St-Didier. From the trailhead, ascend through a stunning larch forest to Croix Pass (7,860'), then follow ancient 17th-century fortifications up to the day's high point, Croix Peak. The views are simply spectacular here, spanning the southern face of the Mont Blanc massif and the towering Grandes Jorasses. Below, you'll spot the La Thuile ski resort and the Petit Saint Bernard pass leading into France. After a scenic lunch, hike down to turquoise Arpy Lake, set in a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. Return to the San Carlo Pass for a transfer to the quaint hamlet of Eaux Rousses, your cozy home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike to Rifugio Chabod
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 2,900' elevation gain and 3,100' elevation loss
Enjoy a quick transfer to the start of today's hike, which follows a trail blazed by mountaineers who summited Gran Paradiso (13,323'). The trail begins gently on switchbacks through a conifer forest, eventually rising up above the trees into open meadows of colorful wildflowers and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. After lunch at the Rifugio Chabod (9,022'), traverse along a high path that meanders over rocky terrain and alpine grassland, and beneath the moraines of the Gran Paradiso Glacier. Along the way, keep an eye out for whistling marmots, chamois, and golden eagles. Descend to the valley floor, and return to your hotel in Eaux Rousses.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike to Lake Djouan
8 hours/11.5 miles hiking with 3,615' elevation gain and loss
This morning's trailhead is just behind the hotel, leading you uphill into a shady forest along age-old terraces. Once above tree line, you'll reach the ancient royal hunting lodge of Orvielle (7,103'). Continue on towards Lake Djouan (8,254'), where you'll soak in spectacular views of the entire Gran Paradiso Range. From the Col del Mento (9,169'), continue down into Valle delle Meyes. On your descent, the terrain begins rocky and rough, but you'll soon reach grassy slopes and flats. After passing by the old farms of Meyes, the trail lazily winds down under larches to the village of Eaux Rousse (5,465') where you began your hike.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike to Fallere Alpine Meadows
45-minute private van transfer
5 hours/8.6 miles hiking with 2.530' elevation gain and loss
Today, take in the stunning views of the Grand Paradis massif from the southern side of the Aosta Valley. Start with a transfer to the enchanting hamlet of Vetan (5,800') and hike through picturesque Italian alpine pastures (8,150') beneath Mont Fallère. As you approach the rifugio and the surrounding lakes, you'll pass through an open-air museum, with unique wooden sculptures lining the trail. Pause to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views over the Aosta Valley and majestic Ruitor Glacier. Complete the loop back to Vetan and transfer to scenic town of Aymavilles, where you'll settle in for your final three nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Rendez-Vous
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike to Vittorio Sella Hut
5.5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 2,675 ' elevation gain and loss
Begin the day with a short transfer to the trailhead in the idyllic hamlet of Valnontey (5,465'). Follow a well-maintained path that first zigzags through the forest, then opens up to sweeping alpine meadows, home to playful chamois and marmots. Arriving in the dramatic Lauson Valley (8,515') and the Vittorio Sella Rifugio is an unforgettable moment. In this paradise you are likely to encounter ibex, and have the chance to see the majestic bearded vulture, a rare, protected bird being reintroduced to the park. Enjoy a refreshing lunch at the rifugio, then return to the hotel for a relaxing spa experience.
Accommodation: Hotel Rendez-Vous
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike to Lac de Loie
6 hours/8.8 miles hiking with 2,840' elevation gain and loss
After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead at Lillaz and begin your walk through a larch forest to the Bardonney Valley. This idyllic meadow could be a scene out of a fairytale with its grazing cows, mountain stream and snowcapped peaks. A short climb leads you to a postcard-perfect panorama. Continue on to Lac de Loie (7,720'), from where you can admire Mont Blanc towering high in the distance. On the way back down to the village, pass the spectacular Lillaz waterfall. Return to your comfortable hotel with time to get ready before your farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Transfer from Aymavilles & Depart from Geneva
3-hour private van transfer
After breakfast, transfer from Aymavilles to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
(B)