Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour
Awe-inspiring Landscapes of Valle d'Aosta & the Graian Alps
- Available: July, September
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
6-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Explore stunning mountain trails through Italy's first national park in eight euphoric days-an exclusive Mountain Travel Sobek adventure!
- Bask in the hospitality of comfortable, traditional and charming alpine inns, and refuel with hearty regional mountain fare
- Learn about ibex, mountain chamois, and wildflowers as you take in breathtaking alpine panoramas with your expert guiding team
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland
Day 1
Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Your MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport at 2pm and transfer you 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Follow Trails in the Valsavarenche
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to Pont, Valsavarenche (6,560') in the heart of Gran Paradiso Natural Park. From the trailhead, climb to the Croix de L'Arolley, above a pretty waterfall. From the Plan Borgnoz at 8,753 feet, your highest point, enjoy views of Becca di Montandayne, Piccolo Paradiso, and Gran Paradiso, Tresenta and Ciarforon, and beyond. After a picnic lunch, hike down to the wide Nivolet Plateau, thickly covered with flowers, to reach Pont, from which you'll transfer to the hamlet of Eaux Rousse, your home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
Activity: 5 hours/6.80 miles hiking with 2,200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Rifugio Chabod
Day 3
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
Activity: 6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Lake Djouan
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
Activity: 7 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,704' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike from Aosta to Cogne
Day 5
Rise today for a journey to Aosta, where you'll take the gondola from Pila and then the Chamole chairlift up to 7,546 feet. From there, start hiking to the Col de Tza Seche (9,251') with views of the east face of Gran Paradiso's summit (13,323') and the deep Valnontey at its feet. To the west, the Mont Blanc range encloses the Aosta Valley while to the north, the Monte Rosa range follows Italy's border with Switzerland. Hike down to Cogne (5,030') and its valley. This charming little town is the biggest resort you'll encounter during your journey across the Gran Paradiso. Your centrally located hotel features a luxurious spa and terrace with sweeping views of the Gran Paradiso range.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso
Activity: 5 hours/ 8.60 miles hiking with 2,360' elevation gain and 3,830' loss
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Chalets du Money
Day 6
Today you'll begin with a short transfer to the trailhead in the hamlet of Valnontey (5,465'). Follow a path that leads you through the wooded Valnontey Valle's and eventually to rocky terrain, before crossing several streams flowing down from the glacier. Start up a steep zig-zag path for about 2,000 feet before your traverse to the Chalets du Money. From here, the whole of the Gran Paradiso is on display. Your hike continues with sweeping views of Gran Paradiso before you, as you eventually descend into the valley again, returning through larch forests to the van, which brings you back to Cogne.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso
Activity: 6 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,460' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Lac de Loie
Day 7
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 our farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Madonnina del Gran Paradiso
Activity: 5 hours/6.20 miles hiking with 2,445' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer from Cogne & Depart from Geneva
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer from Cogne to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $3,995 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
- $3,995 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
8 to 9 guests from $4,295 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
July, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Laurent Langoisseur
Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.

Florence Simond
A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area's oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, "Flo" spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.

Beatrice Mugnier
Beatrice is a native of Chamonix, France, and has been guiding professionally in the Alps since 1989. She comes from a family of mountain climbers and her grandfather was also a professional mountain guide. Aside from being an expert hiking guide, Beatrice is also an avid climber and accomplished skier, and is a ski instructor during the winter months. She loves the mountains and will share her enthusiasm and in-depth experience with you during your trip.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. 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.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
5 hours/6.80 miles hiking with 2,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 3,700' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
7 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,704' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
5 hours/ 8.60 miles hiking with 2,360' elevation gain and 3,830' loss
Day 6
6 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,460' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
5 hours/6.20 miles hiking with 2,445' elevation gain and loss
Accommodations
Stay in simple and traditional hotels and inns, and enjoy warm alpine hospitality.
Weather
The weather in the Gran Paradiso is variable and unpredictable. Days can start out warm and sunny, and suddenly be interrupted by rain - then full sun again! At any time during the summer season, trails can be dry, or dusted with snow.
FAQs
How do I get to this trip?
There is one scheduled group transfer from and to the Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland on Days 1 and 8 included in the price of this tour.
What or where is Gran Paradiso?
The Gran Paradiso is a mountain in the Graian Alps in Italy, located between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions. It is located in Gran Paradiso National Park.
Why choose this trip over other MT Sobek trips in the Alps?
Our Gran Paradiso hiking trip is designed to be similar in daily activities as our other Alps trips, and is led by the same popular guides, but is in a more remote and less trodden area.
Can I shorten hikes, if I'm too tired to finish?
No, however you do have the option to skip days entirely if rest is preferred.
What kind of gear will I need to bring for this trip?
You will need proper high-ankle hiking boots, trekking poles, and a daypack large enough to carry your all-weather layers, water, and daytime essentials.
Similar Trips to Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour
Inspiration to Explore
Guest Reviews
"Great experience every time with some of the most knowledgeable guides in their fields. We always come home with wonderful memories of the people we meet and things we see."
Bob J.
MT Sobek Guest
"Traveling with MT Sobek is like gaining a new set of close friends that have shared an incredible experience together."
Mark N.
MT Sobek Guest