Heart of the Italian Alps
A seven-night, self-guided walk along continuous trails, from Roman-walled Aosta to chic Courmayeur. Visit two prestigious wineries, ascend Mont Blanc on Skyway and walk through Europe's highest vineyards.
A seven-night, self-guided walk along continuous trails, from Roman-walled Aosta to chic Courmayeur. Visit two prestigious wineries, ascend Mont Blanc on Skyway and walk through Europe's highest vineyards.
Immerse yourself in the evolving scenery and culture of Italy’s highest Alpine region, from the verdant, vine-carpeted Valle Centrale, to the drama of the Mont Blanc massif.
Heart of the Italian Alps costs €1495 per person, based on two sharing. There is a €300 single-occupancy supplement. Solo travellers pay €2395.
Seven nights b&b accommodation in characteristic hotels. The selection includes an exquisitely appointed Chambres d’Hôtes in the pedestrianised area within Aosta’s Roman walls; a sommelier-owned 3-star hotel with views across vineyards to five medieval castles; and a luxurious five-star Relais with pool, jacuzzi and bar.
In terms of logistical support, we move your bags ahead of you and you can ride with us if you don’t feel like walking, or wish to shorten the day. We are on call 24/7, and we will provide a pre-trip briefing to offer advice, organise restaurant bookings and answer any questions you might have before you start.
MacNay Travel & Wine trip booklets contain detailed, annotated maps and directions which we ourselves have measured and recorded. They also include an introductory chapter about the region and the places you will visit. Information boxes bring the region to life along the way.
Hiking trails are unfrequented but clearly marked and well maintained. In places the trail is narrow and technically difficult underfoot. All walkers should come equipped with good boots and walking poles (MTW can rent poles if required). This walk has steep climbs and descents which are sustained for more than an hour. In places there are very high viewpoints. We will talk through your requirements with you at your pre-departure briefing and you can ride with us to a later/higher point if you need. The highest point of the standard trail is 1550m and the optional final day peaks at 2000m. The longest day is 23km and the shortest is 10km.
We recommend an extra night in Aosta. This fine city is replete with Neolithic, Roman and Medieval history. Inside its Roman walls the pedestrianised streets are chock-full of elegant shops, bars and restaurants. The city is very well organised for visitors. In addition, our chosen accommodation is so comfortable you’ll be reluctant to leave! That is why we recommend a second night/extra day in the city, before setting out on your walk – to better explore its many treasures.
The Valle d’Aosta is very small in terms of hectares under vine and bottles produced, but it enjoys a formidable reputation for quality and rarity. This walk takes in the central valley around Aymavilles, where Petit Rouge, Petite Arvine and other regional grapes share space with international varietals. It passes through the Enfer d’Arvier subzone, where a cauldron of high cliffs reverberates the sun’s rays, making for full-bodied, intensely flavoured, high alcohol, structured wines. At the furthest reach, we walk through Europe’s highest white wine vineyards in Morgex, where Prié Blanc is trained in the distinctive ‘Pergola Bassa’ style in the shadow of Monte Bianco/Mont Blanc. This is where the term ‘heroic viticulture’ rings very true. We visit Les Crêtes in Aymavilles and Cave Mont Blanc in their experimental winery on the Skyway cablecar station. Other visits are available by request.
Check in to your exquisitely appointed Chambre d’Hôtes inside the Roman walls. Time to relax and explore the city and some of its attractions. We will be in touch to organise your pre-trip briefing on this day.
Dinner is at a local restaurant of your choice (pay locally).
Being the shortest walk of the itinerary, today is a good warm-up.
Follow a steady climb away from the city with a short optional detour to a natural park. Pause to take a last look back at Aosta, framed by its mountains. The rolling trail then passes through orchards and vineyards.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the muesum at Castello di Aymavilles (pictured; pay locally) – and, of course, to visit the wonderful Les Crêtes winery, where you are booked in for a tasting. The tasting is included in your trip fee.
Our accommodation is a Sommelier-run three star hotel with views across vineyards to Alpine valleys and five medieval castles. The hotel has a small spa (book and pay at the desk) and a restaurant.
A half-board meal is included in your trip price – pay for wine when you check out.
Grab lunch supplies from the local shop and cross the Roman acqueduct at Pondel. From here the trail passes through a tunnel (torches at the ready!) and behind a waterfall. From a high viewpoint you can get a first glimpse of Monte Bianco/Mont Blanc.
Skirt Italy’s first and largest National Park, keeping an eye out for shy Chamois and majestic Stambecchi, before descending through pastures to a medieval town.
Your three-star hotel is conveniently located for restaurants, shops, cashpoints, etc.
This 23km walk includes long, steep climbs and descents, and high viewpoints.
Walk through the Enfer d’Arvier winemaking subzone before climbing to the top of a tall escarpment.
With a small detour to a famous viewpoint, you can enjoy a well-earned breather, while taking in the unique view of five Alpine valleys converging.
The trail continues upwards, following a fourteenth-century medieval irrigation channel for several kilometres.
A long descent leads you to a warm welcome at a five-star relais, where you can soak sore feet and limbs in the spa, jacuzzi and outdoor heated pool (included in the price).
The hotel has an exceptional restaurant, serving local dishes, and a great wine list. Otherwise, take a short walk to one of the restaurants in the pretty town of La Salle. In either case, pay locally for your evening meal.
Many visitors like to relax in the Relais, enjoying the facilities and views to Monte Bianco/Mont Blanc.
Others stroll into the local village to enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and a spot of shopping. You can also walk 2km or catch a bus to explore the pretty town of Morgex.
Today’s walk passes through mainland Europe’s highest white wine vineyards, where Prié Blanc is planted to 1100m in the distinctive ‘Pergola Bassa’ method.
After lunch, follow the foaming Dora Baltea river into the heart of chic Courmayeur (1220m), where your final accommodation, a pretty three-star hotel, awaits you.
In the evening explore the bars, shops and restaurants of Courmayeur.
An energetic optional walk summits at 2000m, before arriving at the Skyway complex. Alternatively bus or taxi from Courmayeur centre.
Your trip fee includes return tickets on this remarkable piece of engineering: a two-stage revolving cablecar which takes you to the top of Monte Bianco/Mont Blanc. Both stations have bars and restaurants.
Subject to availability, a wine tasting at the Cave Mont Blanc experimental winery – within the Skyway complex – is included in your trip fee. If this is not possible then we will organise an option for you to visit a local winery on your free day in La Salle (day five).
There is a possibility to then visit the naturally-heated baths at Pré-St.-Didier, 8.5km away. This is not included in the trip fee (approx. €55 pp) and requires a bus connection at Courmayeur. There are restaurants in Pré-St.-Didier, and the buses back to Courmayeur run until late.
Enjoy one final night in Courmayeur, before checking out and departing the following morning.
