Valsesia, Italy
- Varaktighet: 7 Dagar
- Plats: Valsesia
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival + frazioni
Arrive* in Alagna.
Enjoy an al fresco lunch of local artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and wine in the garden of our Baita (weather permitting)
Walk: Frazioni d’Alagna. We'll take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and tour the quaint hamlets that surround the village.
Distance: 4.14 km or 2.6 miles
Elevation: 220 m or 240 yards
Time: 2 hours (with stops)
Group dinner at a favourite local restaurant.
*Airport transfers can be arranged from Milan's Malpensa or Linate airports
Day 2 Valley of the Larches
We do a little local shopping for a picnic lunch before easing into the trip with a hike into the lush Val Vogna, a lateral valley of Valsesia, and a favourite of Italian Queen Margherita of the House of Savoie. We’ll walk through alpine meadows and Walser frazioni to the centuries-old stone bridge used by Napolean's invading armies. On the way back we'll stop at our favourite café for an afternoon cocktail and miacce (crepes).
Hike Distance: 9.4 km or 5.8 miles
Elevation: 381 m or 417 yards
Time: 5-6 hours (with stops)
Group dinner at a favourite local restaurant.
Day 3 Monte Rosa up Close
We follow the Sesia River, which runs the length of the valley, up to Alpe Fondecco (2050m), to our family’s mountain hut, and singular views of the Monte Rosa. We then head to a nearby rifugio run by a local shepherd, for a hearty late lunch overlooking a spectacular glacier pasture and waterfall.
Hike Distance: 6.4 km or 4 miles
Elevation: 576 m or 630 yards
Time: 4 hours
Free night
Day 4 Heaven Among the Walser
We spend the day exploring a beautiful hanging valley and gem of the Valsesia. We'll give you a tour of the family's centuries-old Baita and sit down to a hearty meal at the local rifugio. We'll walk through some of the best examples of historic Walser hamlets and visit our family's stone huts in the high alpine. If we’re lucky, a local shepherd will treat us to some freshly made butter and ricotta.
Hike Distance: 9.5 km or 5.9 miles
Elevation: 569 m or 622 yards (almost entirely in the first kilometre)
Time: 5-6 hours
Free night
Day 5 Village visit + gelato
Today we take a break from hiking, with a free day. Depending on weather, we travel down the valley to the medieval town of Varallo, and the famed 15th-century Sacro Monte overlooking the Val Sesia (and home to the best gelato in Italy). Or we take a gondola to 3,000 metres for spectacular views of the Monte Rosa massif before dropping down into neighbouring Val d'Aosta and the French-infused town of Gressoney, the summer home of the House of Savoie. Either way, take the day to relax, wander through cobblestone streets, shop and hit a few historic highlights.
Group dinner/Free night
Day 6 The Panoramic Hike
**We end on a high note with a hike that brings it all together with panoramic views of multiple valleys and the Monte Rosa as a spectacular backdrop.
Hike Distance: 7.10 km or 4.4 miles
Elevation: 460 metres or 503 yards
Time: 4 hours
**An additional segment can be added to this hike for those looking for an extra challenge.
Group dinner at a favourite local restaurant in Alagna
Day 7 Free Morning & Departure
Take your time with a leisurely morning before departing for your next adventure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodation
- All breakfasts, all lunches (rifugios + picnics) except on Free Day, snacks (chocolate)
- 2 dinners (welcome and end of trip dinner)
- Local certified guide who is an expert on the region and history
- Village excursion transfers, tickets and entrance fees
Not included: Alcohol, 4 dinners, gratuities, *airport transfer
*Getting There
Alagna Valsesia is 2 hours drive by car from Milan. We recommend flying into Milan's Malpensa airport. karibu can arrange a round-trip shuttle transfer to and from Malpensa, with pick-up arranged for the morning of Day 1 of the tour. The round-trip cost is estimated at €60-€100 pp round trip, depending on shuttle occupancy. If you are driving, we will send you the hotel address details in a follow up email.*Medical travel insurance is required to participate in our Programs. Your insurance plan should include full medical coverage, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation.
