Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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25 VISIT
Switzerland and Italy meet in a spectacular way in the
Alps, and we’ve picked the best hikes on both sides of
the alpine divide for our lively adventure. In Switzerland’s
Valais, known for its snowy peaks, medieval villages,
and herds of prized Herens cows, cable cars whisk us to
high ridges for panoramic hikes. We make our way into
Italy by way of the historic St. Bernard Pass, where we’ll
enjoy a walk with the famous rescue dogs, then hike
right down into Italy’s Val d’Aosta amid the gorgeous
mountain-and-glacier scenery of Gran Paradiso National
Park. Great food and wines abound on both sides of the
pass, and our overnights are in delightful alpine settings,
including the medieval Swiss hamlet
of Commeire and the lovely Italian
village of Etroubles, one of the piu belli
borghi d’Italia.
Days 1-4 Martigny, Switzerland / Val
de Bagnes / Commeire We hike among
the picturesque villages of the Val des
Bagnes and in the valley’s upper region,
one of Switzerland’s great nature reserves. One hike brings
us to the tiny hamlet of Commeire, where our hotel is in
beautifully restored ancient farm buildings. The Val des
Bagnes is prime cheese-making territory, and we’ll sample
the rustic local tomme, raclette, and goat cheeses.
Days 5-7 Champex / Grand St. Bernard Pass / Val
d’Aosta, Italy From lakeside Champex, our hike to
the Cabane d’Orny, just below the Orny Glacier, offers
breathtaking Mont Blanc views. Atop the Grand St. Bernard
Pass (8,100'), the oldest and most famous of the great
alpine crossings (traversed by Caesar and Napoleon), we
walk with the legendary St. Bernard dogs, visit the
11th century pilgrim hospice, then follow a pilgrim trail
that leads us down into Italy and the Val d’Aosta, a deep
valley tucked away in Italy’s northwestern alpine region.
Bordered by Europe’s highest peaks, the Val d’Aosta is
renowned for its castles and Roman monuments. We’ll
visit the pretty town of Aosta to see its Roman theater
and intact original Roman town gate.
Days 8-10 Val d’Aosta / Gran Paradiso National Park
We head out across the high trails of Gran Paradiso National
Park, savoring the backdrop of glaciers and craggy peaks.
For one hike, a cable car carries us up to Lago di Chamole,
where our trail has sweeping panoramas of the great peaks
of the Alps—Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Monte Rosa, and
the Matterhorn—all in one view! Our hotel in charming
Gressoney-La-Trinité, an ancient center of Walser culture, is
at the foot of magnificent Monte Rosa. Depart on Day 10.
Follow legendary trails from Switzerland to Italy, including the Val d’Aosta, with its Roman
monuments and medieval castles. PHOTO: MASSIMO RIPANI
HIGHLIGHTS
• Best alpine hikes in the Swiss Valais,
Italy’s Val d’Aosta, and Gran Paradiso
• Savor wine, cheese, and prosciutto
tastings, and the cuisines and cultures of
two alpine nations
• Charming hotels in beautiful mountain
settings, including boutique inns and
restored historic buildings
• Walk with the famed rescue dogs at the
St. Bernard Pass
DETAILS
• 10-day trip begins in Martigny,
Switzerland, and ends in Torino, Italy
• 9 nights in historic hotels and inns
• All meals included except 2 dinners
DATES
Jul 24-Aug 2, 2017
Aug 16-25
TRIP COST
$5495 (11-15 members)
$5995 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $580
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3+ 4 5 6 7
9 hiking days on moderate trails, some
steep sections, 3-7 hours a day, van
support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders
IRIS KÜRSCHNER