Day 1

Turin
Arrival at Turin airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Turin – Pont St Martin (67km/1h) – Bard (5km)
Drive 1 hour to  Pont St Martin , the gateway to the Aosta Valley. Starting at the Roman bridge in the village we follow, on foot, the ancient route of the Roman armies past vineyards clinging to the hillsides to pick up the paved Roman road which brings you to the town of  Bard where there is the opportunity for a short walk before checking into the hotel. 

Day 2

Bard – Cervinia (60km/1h) – Chamois (20km/30min) – Bard (36km/40min)
Drive up the valley towards  Cervinia   and take a cable car and chair lift high up above the tree line. A circular walk takes us through  flower-filled pastures to the small village of  Chamois . Later in the day return and visit the dramatic  fortress at Bard , which played a crucial part in Napoleon’s advance into Italy in 1800. In the afternoon visit a small producer of the famous Lardo d'Arnad to learn about the intricate process involved in making this renowned delicacy. Overnight.

Day 3

Bard - Champorcher valley (16km/20min) – Bard 
A beautiful drive takes us to the  Champorcher valley , carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. The hike starts along the route used by Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of Italy, in the 19th century when escaping the court to go hunting in the mountains. Follow small trails climbing past beautiful lakes encircled by snow-covered peaks while enjoying  stunning views down into the valley as we descend. Return to Bard.

Day 4

Bard – Gressoney valley (30km/40min) - Bard
Today we explore the remote Gressoney valley with its fascinating Walser heritage. Climb up to and follow a trail overlooking the valley, past tiny hamlets with characteristic stone and wood houses, to a mountain refuge where we have lunch. In the afternoon descend to the valley and on to Gressoney St Jean and visit the  fairytale castle   of Queen Margherite of Savoy , Queen of Italy at the end of the 19th century.  Overnight in Bard.

Day 5

Bard – Aosta (48km/1h) – Cogne (26km/30min)
Today you leave Bard and travel up the valley to the regional capital of Aosta. Time to visit the town and see many of the important Roman monuments. In the afternoon we drive to  Cogne, the gateway to the  Grand Paradiso National Park .  Overnight in Cogne.

Day 6

Cogne – Mont Blanc 
A pretty walk takes us through the hamlets around  Cogne with panoramic views of the  Mont Blanc and  Gran Paradiso's  snow-capped mountains. Some free time and an overnight in Cogne.

Day 7

Cogne – Gimillan (5km/10min) - Cogne
Start your walk at the pretty village of  Gimillan   (1788m). Follow the river valley, passing shepherds’ huts and tiny hamlets – accessible only by foot. The peace is only disturbed by the chimes of the cow bells as they savour the lush grass of the hills. Enjoy the nature.

Day 8

Cogne – Turin (141km/2h)
Departure to Turin and transfer to the airport.

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