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9-Day Hiking Vacation in the Aosta Valley: The Serene Beauty of the Italian Alps
Discover the most beautiful hiking trails in the Aosta Valley during a 9-day self-guided hiking vacation. We describe this wonderful trip, including a day-by-day itinerary, practical tips, and charming accommodations. Plan it yourself or organized by a local specialist. Read more about this at the bottom of the page.
In the shadow of famous mountain peaks such as the Grand Combin, the Matterhorn, Gran Paradiso, and Mont Blanc lies the Aosta Valley. Breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks stretch out before you, offering the most beautiful scenery you can imagine.
The castles, villages, and vineyards on steep slopes are the heart and soul of this valley. Read more here about the Aosta Valley in northern Italy.
Highlights of a Hiking Vacation in the Aosta Valley
Enchanting views, wild open spaces, lush forests, snow-capped mountain peaks
Many small mountain villages to explore
Warm, comfortable, family-run accommodations
Friendly locals and delicious local food
Hiking Itinerary for the Valle d’Aosta Walking Vacation
The walks mainly follow grassy and stone paths, unpaved roads, forest trails, and occasionally unavoidable short stretches of paved roads.
Start: Aosta End: Cogne
Day 1: Arrival in Aosta
Day 2: Hike from Thouraz to Homene Dessus (12 km)
Day 3: Vetan Loop Hike to Lake Fallere (12 km)
Day 4: Hike from Vetan to Vens (8 km)
Day 5: Hike from Vens to Pointe Oilletta and back (12 km)
Day 6: Hike from Vens to Villeneuve (10 km)
Day 7: Circular hike starting from Lillaz (11.5 km)
Day 8: Circular hike: Gimillan – Colle Tsa Sètse – Gimillan (13 km)
Day 9: Arrivederci, Cogne!
Complete directions
Day 1: Arrival in Aosta
You’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Aosta, nestled in a valley with breathtaking views of Europe’s highest mountains. Stroll through the town and visit the well-preserved Roman-era ruins, such as the Roman theater, the Arch of Augustus, and the city walls. Also, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this place.
Day 2: Hike from Thouraz to Homene Dessus (12 km)
Approx. 5 hours, 12 km, 610 m ascent, 450 m descent
You’ll walk through flower-filled meadows with views of the valley and the high mountains surrounding it. At the end of your walk, you’ll receive a warm welcome at the lodging, just outside the village of Vetan.
Day 3: Vetan Loop Hike to Lake Fallere (12 km)
Approx. 6 hours, 12 km, 680 m ascent, 680 m descent
This is a fairly challenging route due to the elevation gain. Long stretches offer spectacular panoramic views of the valleys and peaks of Gran Paradiso.
You can take a detour to reach Lake Fallere. Note: Be sure to check the weather forecast carefully before setting out.
Day 4: Hike from Vetan to Vens (8 km)
Challenge: 4 hours, 8 km, 325 m ascent, 270 m descent
You’ll travel from east to west along the slopes of the Aosta Valley, which rise to over 2,000 meters. Higher up are the pastures where the famous Fontina and Toma cheeses are made, and lower down you’ll find mountain villages and local farms.
The small family-run hotel where you’ll be staying tonight is located in a charming mountain village, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Day 5: Hike from Vens to Pointe Oilletta and back (12 km)
Approx. 5 hours, 12 km, 963 m ascent, 999 m descent. From the village of Vens, you’ll hike to the area of the old gold mines. You’ll then climb the 2,616-meter-high Oilletta peak, where your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the many high peaks, including Gran Paradiso and the impressive Mont Blanc massif, which seems very close by.
Day 6: Hike from Vens to Villeneuve (10 km)
Approx. 4 hours, 10 km, 21 m ascent, 1081 m descent. The day hike begins in a mountainous setting. The long descent along the Dora Baltea River follows well-maintained trails, interspersed with flat sections. The vegetation becomes drier, with fewer conifers and more fruit trees and a few small vineyards. Along the route, you’ll come across many castles and churches from various historical periods. From the end of the hike, you’ll travel by public transportation or car to Cogne.
Day 7: Circular hike starting from Lillaz (11.5 km)
Option 1: Lillaz-Bardoney. 5 hours, 11.5 km, 900 m ascent, 908 m descent
Option 2: Lillaz-Lago di Loie Loop. 6 hours, 11 km, 900 m ascent, 908 m descent
Head to the mountain village of Lillaz, also known for its beautiful waterfall, where the day hike begins with a steady climb to the stunning Lake Loiemeer (2,354 m). Following a mountain stream, you’ll pass two smaller lakes and gradually descend to the bottom of the Urtier Valley. From here, take a bus back to your lodging.
Day 8: Circular hike from Gimillan to Colle Tsa Sètse and back to Gimillan (13 km / 8 miles)
Approx. 6 hours, 13 km, 1,134 m ascent, 1,068 m descent
From the hotel, you’ll walk along a beautiful trail to Colle Tsa Sètse (2,820 m), home to alpine marmots. From here, you’ll have a stunning view of Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc. On the way back, the trail past the farm may be a little unclear for a short stretch, but after descending along a forest path, it becomes clearly visible.
Day 9: Arrivederci, Cogne!
The hiking vacation and related services end after breakfast. You’ll make your own way back to Aosta and may choose to extend your stay.
Accommodations for a hiking vacation in the Aosta Valley
On the organized walking tour of the Aosta Valley, you’ll stay in small, cozy, and quiet family-run hotels and agriturismi. All rooms have private bathrooms, except in Saint-Pierre, where some rooms have shared bathrooms.
During peak season, you may be staying at accommodations other than those listed below. The alternative accommodations (subject to availability) will be of the same quality and standard as much as possible.
Hotel Cecchin (Aosta)
In the historic center of Aosta, just a stone’s throw from the Arch of Augustus and the monuments that characterize the city. Built in 1982 on the Roman bridge, along the Via Francigena, in a Roman building.
Hotel Notre Maison (Saint-Pierre)
In Gran Paradiso National Park for a natural, sustainable, and healthy vacation that respects nature and the surrounding areas, as well as our local products and traditions.
Albergo Vagneur (Saint Nicolas)
Hotel Vagneur is located in Vens, 8 km from Saint-Nicolas and at an elevation of 1,740 meters. It features a panoramic terrace, a garden, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. The rooms are decorated in a local style and are somewhat dated. They feature an en suite bathroom, heating, and a telephone. Breakfast is standard, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Hotel Grauson (Cogne)
Hotel Grauson is located in Cogne, 35 km from Val d’Isère. The hotel features a sun terrace, a bar, and an elevator to the rooms on the upper floors. The rooms are decorated in an Alpine style and feature a private bathroom, TV, and central heating. Breakfast is good, though not very varied, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Practical Information for a Hiking Vacation in the Aosta Valley
You can start any day of the week (subject to availability) between June 1 and September 15.
A good level of fitness is required for this hiking vacation.
Tip: Round out your hiking trip with a few days in Turin.
If you’re arriving by plane: from Turin Airport (TRN), take the train to the city center (Porta Susa). It’s best to choose a morning flight and/or an afternoon return flight. From there, the trip to Aosta takes about 2 hours. Then take the bus from Aosta (the Aosta-Martigny line) to Etroubles. A bus departs in the late afternoon, and the trip takes about 20 minutes.
In Etroubles, the owner of the first accommodation will be waiting for you and will take you to the accommodation for a small fee. Of course, you can always book an extra night in Turin before and/or after your trip.
The day before, you can let the property owner know your arrival time.
Departure from Cogne
At the end of the trip, you’ll take a bus from Cogne to Aosta (about 1 hour). From there, you can take the train to Turin. The travel time is about 2 hours.
Would you like to hike this beautiful trail and let someone else handle the planning? If so, you can also have a local specialist organize the trip for you. All you’ll need to do is arrange your own travel to and from Aosta.
Price per person based on a double room:
June 1–22 and September 1–15: €1,062
June 23–July 23: €1,137
July 24–August 10 and August 20–August 31: €1,171
The following is included:
Included in the Valle d’Aosta hiking vacation
8 nights in selected B&Bs, hotels, and agriturismos, including breakfast
7 dinners
On Day 2, private transfer from Aosta to Lez Croux (including luggage transport to Saint Pierre)
On Day 4, luggage transfer from Saint Pierre to Saint Nicolas
On Day 6, luggage transport from Saint Nicolas to Aymavilles or Saint Pierre
Detailed digital directions and maps in English
Access the trip via the GUIBO navigation app
24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
Tourist tax (approx. €1 to €4 per day)
Travel to Aosta and from Cogne
Trains, buses, or boats, as needed
Lunches and dinners that are not specifically mentioned
Drinks and snacks
Personal Equipment
Travel Insurance
Additional options available for booking
Additional nights before, during, or after the hike
Single Room Surcharge
Supplement for Solo Travelers
Transfer from the airport to Aosta
Transfer from Cogne to the airport
Sending travel documents to the first place of accommodation
GPS tracks are available upon request.
Request a quote for a 9-Day Hiking Vacation in the Aosta Valley
When you request a quote, we’ll forward it to our local partner, who will confirm it directly with you if approved. You’ll pay the same price as if you were booking directly. You’ll handle the rest of the booking and payment directly with the local provider (with whom we have a good working relationship and established agreements). We’re always available to answer any questions you may have.
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
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A really beautiful six-day hike from Bologna to Florence. Communication with NatureTravelLab and the local agent was excellent. The information packet was waiting for us at the hotel in Bologna, and the app with the route worked great. Luggage transport was well organized every day, and our bags were waiting for us each time we arrived at our new room! We covered more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain, but unfortunately didn’t always get the views we’d hoped for due to cloud cover and some drizzle. Most days had great hiking weather. It was wonderful to walk into Florence on foot and stay there an extra day.
We experienced the Walk of the Gods as a great adventure. Our start in Bologna didn’t go quite as planned because our app wasn’t working yet and we couldn’t find a single sign for Via degli Dei in the square. Fortunately, we were quickly able to join two young hikers from Florence who were also doing the hike. After a wonderful night’s stay at the beautiful Rio Verde agritourism farm, Day 2 went much better with the help of the hiking app. Along the way, we enjoyed stunning views, met some great fellow hikers, and sampled delicious local dishes. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t always on our side, and we had a day of heavy rain, which made the trail very slippery and required us to be careful. It’s a real treat when, on the last day, you can already see Florence in the distance and walk into this beautiful city a few hours later. Thank you so much for your quick and friendly responses to all our questions.
We enjoyed the trip. We also made some changes to our itinerary, and the email correspondence went very smoothly. We started in Mantera; the next day, our first and only hike was a really beautiful one. The taxi picked us up right on time. Unfortunately, the second day’s route was almost the same when we cycled to Ostuni. The bikes were well-maintained, including panniers and helmets (these were simply included). You could even bring your own water bottle!!! We found the route very scenic and varied. There were charming little villages where we could stop for lunch or coffee. The app worked great. All the hotels ranged from good to excellent, though we didn’t think the hotel in Leuca was worthy of 4 stars. We followed your advice for the two nights we stayed there. We found Leuca a bit underwhelming for a two-day stay. We would have preferred to stay in Gallipoli or Lecce for two days. We took this trip in April and were very lucky with the weather. It’s still a quiet time of year, but we didn’t mind that. We definitely recommend it!!!
Thanks to a great tip from Nature Travel Lab, we had a wonderful week in Italy. Fattoria di Maiano, just outside Florence, was a beautiful and peaceful place. And the suggested road trips were a great guide for exploring the region. We’ll definitely check here for tips for our next vacation, too. Highly recommended!
We spent a divine week in Italy: we walked the Path of the Gods, from Bologna to Florence—about 135 km spread over 6 days of hiking. Challenging distances and climbs, amazing views, nature, and a warm welcome every time we arrived at the agriturismo or albergo/hotel. All of this was perfectly organized by the Italian company Slow Active Tours, entirely in line with Nature Travel Lab’s itinerary proposal: upon arrival in Bologna, an information packet was waiting for us, complete with a hiking map, a booklet, and passports for the stamps. And the hiking app was very practical for along the way! Our luggage was transported every day and was always waiting for us when we arrived at the next location. Communication was smooth and clear. In short, highly recommended, well worth it, and well-organized.
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Looks fantastic! I'm definitely going to book a trip with this company... they're committed to sustainability and personalized advice. Definitely worth it.
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Beautiful hikes, the most picturesque spots—it’s a real treat.
I highly recommend them!
Nature Travel Lab provided us with very helpful and honest assistance!
If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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