italian-alps-from-viso-to-val-maira

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
Guest house
Semi-itinérant circuit
Réf : E3N0
6 days from 625 € Book / Enquire

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.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
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

Guest house

With a rental car Contact us

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

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Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

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 : Guest house, Bed and Breakfast
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late-September

Day by day

Day 1

Sightseeing in Turin

Sight seeing : 4 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Meet in Turin in the morning and settle into your four-star hotel. Spend the day touring the city of Turin. You have the choice between visiting such sights as Plazza Castello, the Royal Palace, Superga Basilica, the Egyptian museum, the film museum, walking beneath the city's beautiful archways, or strolling along the Po River. In the evening, meet at Monte dei Cappuccini for spectacular views of the city lights. Eat dinner on your own (take advantage of the evening to enjoy Turin's culinary delights) and stay the night in a four-star hotel.

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.
Day 2

Turin - Sacra San Michele - Ostana

Ascent : 350m. Descent : 350m. Walking : 4hrs.
Lodging : guest house. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 100km, 1hrs50.
After breakfast, drive out of Turin in your own personal car or your rental car (an option when you register) to the 10th century Sacra di San Michele abbey, one of the Piedmont region's icons and know for having inspired the best-selling novel, The Name of the Rose. Visit the abbey at your own pace (the tour takes approximately 1 hour). You will have the opportunity to purchase local Italian specialties if you like (cheese, pasta).
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.
Day 3

Pian della regina (1730m) - Col du Viso (2650m) out and back

Ascent : 900m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 6hrs.
Lodging : guest house. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 10 km, 15min.
Make the short drive to Pian della Regina (9km, 15min from your accommodations).
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.
Day 4

Ostana - Punta Razil (2385m) - San Michele Prazzo

Ascent : 900m. Descent : 900m. Hiking : 6hrs.
Lodging : guest house. Transfer : 100 km, 2h.
Drive the short distance (5km, 10min) to Serre (1520m), located above the village of Ostana, to start your hike. While en route you will pass beneath the porch of a typical Piedmont church. A broad ridgeline leads you to Colle Bernardo Pass (2252m), and then to the summit of Punta del Razil Peak (2385m). Hike down the same trail back to your car. Enjoy the drive through Val Maira (95km, 2hrs) to the night's accommodatinos. Eat dinner and spend the night in a lodge in San Michele Prazzo.
Day 5

Monte Russet (2088m) or Lago Nero

Ascent : from 500 to 800m. Descent : from 500 to 800m. Hiking : 5 to 6hrs.
Lodging : guest house. 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.

Day 6

Col San Giovani (1872m) or Cyclamen Trail

Ascent : from 400 to 500m . Descent : from 400 to 500m . Hiking : from 3hrs to 4hrs.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 130 km, 2hrs.
Elva - Colle San Giovani Pass : Drive (20km, 45min) to Elva (1630m). Along the way you will pass through several villages, including Stroppo and San Martino Superiore. The day starts by visiting a Roman style chapel built in the 15th century and well known for the frescos painted by local Elva master, Hans Clemer. Take the legendary Percorso Occitano to Colle San Giovani Pass (1872m). The ridgeline offers wonderful panoramic views of the lower Val Maira Valley. Take a balcony trail past Cugn di Goria (2385m) on the return hike.

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

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Access

By plane
Turin international airport, If you choose this solution, we will change the pick-up location (Turin's Caselle airport).

By train
Train to Turin train station. The hotel is very close to the train station as well as the rental car agency.

Parking in Turin
Your vehicle can be left at your hotel for an extra fee (around 25€/day).

 

During your trip

Our team

Self-guided trip

Transfers using your own vehicle.

Lodging

You will stay in different types of accommodations: guest houses and hotels, in a double or a twin room:
1 night in Turin in 3-star hotel, 4 nights in guest houses (Ostana and San Michele de Prazzo).

Meals

- Dinners (hot meals) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations, except dinner on day 1.

- You can shop on your own OR we can reserve picnic lunches that your accommodations along the tour will prepare for you. Please confirm with your hosts the night before and pick up your lunch the morning before leaving.

Luggage transfer

You will  carry only what you need for the day's hike. You will transfer your luggage with your vehicule days 2, 4, and 6.

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook and "Mon Roadbook app" we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

Required before leaving

Health

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

Recommended equipment list

- Breathable underwear (quick drying)
- A lightweight shirt with long sleeves
- A fleece jacket, ideally windstopper or soft shell (excellent ratio weight /insulation)
- A waterproof and breathable jacket (such as Gore Tex)
- Trekking trousers
- A hat or a cap
- Sunglasses
- A raincoat
- A headlamp
- Hiking poles (not mandatory yet highly recommended early in the season)
- A water flask

Shoes and technical equipment

- light shoes, featuring high breathability, with a good grip on various grounds
- waterproof high cut hiking shoes, with a sole with a good grip (Vibram or Contagrip)

Luggage

A hiking backpack with large slings and adjustable back structure, 30 to 40L, to carry your equipment for the day.

Miscellaneous

- A spare pair of shoelaces
- A toilet bag and a towe
- A tracksuit or something casual for the night
- Hiking socks
- spare items of clothing
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it if needed
- A pocketknife
- A few plastic bags to protect your belongings
- A needle and thread
- A secure handbag, to constantly keep with you, with your papers, money,
- Proof of insurance and assistance.
- Driving license
- Credit card

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation (ATT-ATR).

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.