Self-guided
Hiking
lvl. 3Level 2: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on a well-marked hilly path or trail.
Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.
Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.
Level 5: An average of more than 6 hours of hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, with more than 1000 meters of vertical gain (and/or distances up to 20 kilometers). Possibly sections at high altitude.
Level 6: An average of more than 7 to 8 hours of strenuous hiking per day off trail or on rugged terrain, with more than 1000 meters of vertical gain and/or distances up to 20 kilometers. Possibly sections at high altitude.
Our trip
Easy access by high-speed train (TGV) or by plane to Turin, with the option of renting a car for your road trip.
Visit Turin and San Michele Abbey.
Gaze into the clear blue waters of Lakes Chiaretto and Grande at the foot of Mt. Viso.
Admire the architecture in the villages of Val Maira.
More info >>
Escape to Italy’s Occitan Valleys. From the baroque plazas in Turin, to Val Maira’s stone-roofed hamlets, combine hiking and sightseeing to soak up the local culture. Meet in the kingdom’s capital, Turin. Enjoy spending the day strolling through kilometer after kilometer of 19th century archways; explore the city’s cultural wonders, taste the delicious local specialties such as Bicerin, coffee Turin style, or the amazing local chocolate. With your personal or rental vehicle (at the TGV train station or Turin airport) drive to Sacra di San Michele abbey, the area’s enduring witness to history from long ago, telling within its walls located on its distinct rocky outcrop the stories of centuries past. Next, hike for two days over moraines, through grassy meadows, and past clear-blue lakes (Chiaretto, Grande, and Fiorenza) in the high-alpine landscapes at the foot of Mt. Viso (3841m). Spend the last part of your trip in a “locanda” in Val Maria, as you immerse yourself in the local Occitan culture and cuisine.
Your choice of lodging + Rental car
Guest house
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Are you looking for a singular experience with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, organized and led by one of our professional mountain guides? Travel with a guide |
* Price based on 4-person group
Itinerary
Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.Duration : 6 days
Luggage transfers : Luggage transfer every day with your car
Lodging : Hostel, Bed & Breakfasts
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late-September
Day by day
Sightseeing in Turin
Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Please note: If you choose to rent a car, we will change the pick-up location (Porta Susa TGV train station or Turin's Caselle airport) based on your preference. It is also possible to pick up your rental car on Day 2 if you do not want to use it during the day you spend sightseeing in Turin.
Turin - Sacra San Michele - Ostana
Lodging : hostel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 100km, 1hrs50.
Drive to Ostana (90km, 1.5 hours) to drop off your bags at your accommodations. To reach the trailhead for your hike, make the short drive (5km, 10 min) to Serre (1520m), located above the village of Ostana. The trail will take you through the lovely Occitan hamlets of Fenogolio, Bertolini, and Borgo. Eat dinner and spend the night at your accommodations.
Pian della regina (1730m) - Col du Viso (2650m) out and back
Lodging : hostel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 10 km, 15min.
The right bank of the Po River takes you into the mineral landscapes surrounding Chiaretto Lake (2261m), and then to Colle delle Viso Pass (2650m), located at the base of Viso Mozzo Peak (3019m). Continue the short distance to the Quintino Sella Hut, located along a beautiful alpine lake, for refreshments and a short break before hiking back down to your car. Eat dinner and spend the night in Ostana.
Ostana - Punta Razil (2385m) - San Michele Prazzo
Lodging : hostel. Transfer : 100 km, 2h.
Monte Russet (2088m) or Lago Nero
Lodging : hostel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : from 30 to 40 km, 1h.
Monte Russet : Drive (20km, 30min) to the picturesque village of Chiappera (1620m), located at the upper end of Val Maira and at the foot of Rocca Provenzale (2409m). Hike up Maurin Valley to Granges Collet, where you will walk by several mountain barns before climbing to the top of Monte Russet (2089m). You have the option of continuing the hike around Rocca Provenzale and over Colle Greguir Pass (add an additional 1.5 hrs and 300m vertical gain).
Lago Nero Lake : Make the short drive (15km, 30 min) on the narrow road, first to the village of Preit (1540m), and then to Selvest. A wide, well-maintained trail leads to a vast glacial cirque, with where Rocca la Maija (2833m) looming high above. View the peak's perfect reflection in Lago Nero Lake (2240m), the hike's main objective. Descend via Granges de Culausa.
Col San Giovani (1872m) or Cyclamen Trail
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 130 km, 2hrs.
Macra, Cyclamen Trail : Drive (16km, 30min) to Macra (830m). Hike up Bedale di Langra stream to the hamlet of Caricatori. A pleasant balcony trail loops around Bosco du Saria to Camiliores and then Macra.
Your trip officially ends after your hike. If you chose to rent a car, drop off your vehicle in Turin by 18:00 (120km, 2hrs). When you sign up for the trip, please let us know where you would prefer to drop off your vehicle (at the Porta Susa TGV train station or Turin airport).
Pricing
Pricing
The price includes / does not include
The price includes
- Accommodations as described: 5 nights: 1 night in hotels and 4 nights in mountain inns.
- Meals: 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners (on your own in Turin).
- Renting car if you choose this option.
- The roadbook
(as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a group of up to 4 persons group.
- Emergency hotline
24/7
- Access to the new
mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
The price does not include
- Dinner Day 1 and Day 7 in Turin.
- Local buses pass Day 2 and Day 7 between Aosta and Valsavarenche
- Pack lunches
- Drinks,
tips and personal expenses
- Insurance
for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Everything
not described as "included".
- If you register less 15 days before the start of the
trip, the additional "last-minute" fees to process your application in time.
Other expenses
- All picnic lunches (about 10 to 12€ each day).
- Fuel and tolls ( 50 € to 70€).
- Hotel parking in Turin (25€), parking in Pian del Re (around € 10 per day.
- Entrances to monuments, museums.
- Insurance and deductible deductible for the rental vehicle (if option chosen).
Currencies
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.