Walking the Italian and French Alps
Energetic pace with more physically demanding activity. Longer walking/hiking tours (more than 3 hours), over uneven and possibly rugged terrain. Expect some longer days. Varying altitudes with some steep ascents/descents. Capable of standing for extended periods of time. Some days may include 5–13 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for Geneva.
We arrive in Geneva and enjoy a scenic drive with lunch included enroute to our hotel in Cogne, Italy (about a 3 hour drive).
Today we’ll enjoy a loop walk at the foot of the Gran Paradiso Giant Glaciers. We walk from the hotel and enter the Gran Paradiso National Park—created in 1856 as a conservation area to protect the Alpine Ibex (mountain goat) that was on the verge of extinction. With some luck we can observe local wildlife like the Ibex or the majestic Golden Eagle.
We enter the wide Valley of Valleile which is dominated by glaciers. The views of the mountain known as Torre del Gran San Pietro (Tower of the Great Saint Peter) are spectacular as we walk towards Lillaz Waterfalls through a lush forest. The rushing waters of the waterfall and dense foliage offer a magical oasis that attracts colourful songbirds and plenty of wildlife. See the white water crashing through deep gorges and plummeting into mirror-like streams far below.
A day at leisure to enjoy charming Cogne at your own pace. Discover the Gran Paradiso National Park house, the Iron Museum, or the stunning botanical garden.
We take a short transfer and then walk to the Grauson Valley, for a breathtaking view of the whole Gran Paradiso and its towering summits. Then we continue through a forest of beautiful Larch pines, that turn a magnificent gold in autumn. Today we will also discover some of the quaint villages this region is known.
A spectacular day as we transfer to Morzine via Chamonix—capital of the French Alps. In Chamonix we’ll take a cable car to reach the Plan de l’Aiguille at 7600 feet. From here we admire the Bossons Glacier, Mont-Blanc, the Aiguille Verte and The Drus. We then take a second cable car which whisks us high above the glaciers to an altitude of 2400 feet in just 10 minutes! After this adventure, we proceed to Morzine for a 5-night stay
Enjoy a scenic circular walk from Morzine, perfect for getting to know the area. Stroll through forested trails and ski slopes, visit Nyon’s waterfall, and pass peaceful hamlets like Attray. Take in sweeping views near Les Mouilles before descending past alpine farms back to the comfort of your hotel.
Climb to La Bourgeoise Peak (1,770 m) for breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range, including Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc du Tacul. Continue along a peaceful trail to the hamlet of La Combe, then descend through alpine meadows to the charming hamlet of Le Grand Pré.
Discover a wild and scenic area nestled beneath the jagged peaks of the Terres Maudites and Tête de Bostan. This circular walk leads you through unspoiled alpine meadows to the Charbonnière hut, then follows part of the famous GR5 trail. Enjoy stunning views, a peaceful stop at the Chalet des Mines d’Or lake, and for those up for it, an optional climb to the Swiss border at Col de Cou
Today’s walk begins near Avoriaz and offers a gentle downhill route back to the hotel—perfect for your final day. Enjoy stunning alpine scenery as you pass the tranquil shores of Lake Montriond, with plenty of charming spots to pause for a coffee. The route finishes along the peaceful Dranse River, ending your journey on a relaxing note. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner.
We bid farewell to the Alps and transfer to the nearby Geneva airport for our flight home via Amsterdam.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
