Italian Alps Small-Group Hiking Tour
Monte Rosa & the Pristine Alpine Valleys We Call Home
From USD $4,450/person. June & September
Alta Valsesia, Piedmont, Italy
6 nights/7 days
4-star apartment-style boutique lodge
June & Septembe
Activity Level:
3 out of 5,
Moderate to Challenging
The Italian Alps Like You’ve Never Seen Them
Discover the Alta Valsesia, a little-known corner of the Italian Alps and our family home for the past 500 years. Hike through elfin forests and magical alpine meadows where shepherds still bring their cows to summer. And there’s always a mountain rifugio with a home-cooked meal, fresh cheese and a glass of wine — or a Negroni — at the end of the trail.
Hike Beneath Monte Rosa
Experience a Living Mountain Culture
Artisanal Cheese & Rifugio Cooking
Who this is for
Friends, couples, solo travellers and families with older teens and adult children interested in beautiful hiking in a less touristy locale with a living connection to its traditional culture and way of life.
Alta Valsesia – A Different Side of the Italian Alps
Trip of a lifetime!
“Everything about this trip exceeded our expectations. The hikes were challenging and every step was rewarded with a breathtaking view. The accommodation, vistas, food, wonderful guides and fellow travelers made this an exceptional experience. This is a rare opportunity to experience a beautiful, undiscovered place.” – Lindsay B
Alagna enriches your soul!
““Outstanding trip discovering paradise on earth!!! The sound of cow bells, bubbling streams and waterfalls are some of the lasting memories from this trip and the scenery was spell binding. You feel like you are stepping back in time where nature is untouched and majestic. Honestly one of my best vacations ever and I am well travelled!” – Joy R
Hiking the Alta Valsesia
Hike ancient mountain trails to high alpine pastures filled with the sound of cowbells and framed by spectacular views of Monte Rosa. Meet local shepherds who still make artisanal cheese and butter, and savour the food and traditions of a valley we call home..
Day 1
Traditional lunch & frazioni hike
A lunch of tradional miacce crepes in the central square of Alagna, our home base for the trip. We then head out for a tour of the quaint hamlets (frazioni) surrounding the village and get our first introduction to Walser culture. Welcome dinner by the scenic Sesia River with views of village and valley.
DAY 2
Valley of the Larches Hike
We ease into the trip with a 10-km hike through the lush Val Vogna, a favourite of Italy’s Queen Margherita of the House of Savoy. We make our way through alpine meadows and some beautiful examples of Walser shepherd homes known as baita and picnic by the centuries-old ‘Napolean’ bridge. On our return home, we stop at our favourite bar for great views of the Monte Rosa and goblet-sized negronis.
DAY 3
Monte Rosa Up Close
We follow the Sesia River through elfin forests and waterfalls to a glacier-carved valley and an epic moraine where one of our family’s mountain huts perches with singular views of the Monte Rosa. Our 4-hour hike ends with a hearty lunch at a local rifugio. For those interested, we meet for dinner to try the Alagnese specialty of melted raclette cheese with potatoes.
Day 4
Shepherd Visit & Cheese Tasting
We take a break from hiking, journeying up to the high alpine pastures by gondola, where a local shepherding family will introduce us to a traditional way of life that has been practised for a thousand years. We’ll watch as the morning milk is transformed into Toma, the artisanal cheese of the high Alps, and sample freshly made cheese, ricotta and salami. After lunch at a nearby rifugio, we’ll head up to 3,000 metres by gondola for stunning views of the Monte Rosa.
DAY 5
Heaven Among the Walser
We walk straight up, about 500 metres, along centuries-old shepherd paths to a magical hanging valley right out of The Sound of Music. Our 10-km hike will wind through alpine meadows and more than a few herds of cows. We’ll stop by some family homes, and hike to a lookout with 360 (degree sign) views of the valley before tucking into another rifugio lunch.
DAY 6
Panoramic Hike
We end on a high note with a spectacular 7–12 km* hike that offers panoramic views of multiple valleys and the Monte Rosa as a spectacular backdrop. We have a picnic lunch and a farewell dinner at our favourite pizzeria.
*An additional segment can be added for those looking for an extra challenge..
Accommodations
Our guests stay in a tasteful locally owned 4-star lodging chosen for its boutique size, comfort and location. Our baita-style hotel adheres to traditional building aesthetics but with modern finishings. Rooms are ‘apartment-style,’ featuring a main bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living area, with couches that pull out into comfortable beds. Rooms sleep 1–6 and can accommodate families and friends interested in sharing a room.
Whats included
- Accommodation
- All breakfasts, all lunches (rifugios + picnics), snacks
- 2 dinners (welcome and end-of-trip dinner)
- Certified local guide who is an expert on the region
- All transfers, village excursions, tickets and entrance fees
Excluded:
- 4 dinners
- Alcohol
- Gratuities
- Airport transfer to the Valsesia
Getting There
Insurance
Medical travel insurance is required to participate in our tour. Your insurance plan should include full medical coverage, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation. Travel interruption insurance is highly recommended.
Activity Level
From The Wild Life Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the tour based?
What are the closest cities?
How do you get to Alagna?
What other nearby activities can be combined with the hiking tour?
Do I need any special equipment?
What are the hiking trails like?
What’s the weather like?
I have food allergies. Can they be accommodated?
Are there laundry facilities at the hotel?
Is this trip good for families? Is there a recommended minimum age?
What if I want to visit another part of Italy after the tour? Can you help me arrange transport?
Can you pick me up at my hotel in Milan instead of at the airport?
Where do we meet to be picked up at Milan’s Malpensa airport?
Why are 2 dinners included and four not covered in the tour price?
What options are there for dinner on free nights?
How much should I tip the guide?
Do I need trip cancellation and medical travel insurance for this trip?
What are the different options for payment?
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