Hiking 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 2½ 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 for.
A spectacular day as we transfer to Annecy 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 Annecy for a 5-night stay.
On our walking tour of Annecy we’ll learn about the fascinating history of this beautiful town. We’ll stroll along the picturesque canals where you will be able to see the magnificent Annecy Castle, perched dramatically above the old town. This restored 13th century castle is now home to several exhibits. Later we take a scenic boat trip on Annecy Lake and disembark in the village of Sevrier where we take a leisurely walk along the picturesque lake.
From the southern edge of Lake Annecy, we venture along the foothills of the majestic Bauges Mountains. Our first stop is the venerable Tamié Abbey, built in the 12th century, and reconstructed in the 17th century. Nestled within its walls resides a community of devoted Cistercian monks, renowned for crafting Tamié cheese—a local delicacy. We continue along the Col de Tamié, enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes of this spectacular region.
We travel to the nearby Plateau Glières, which means a ‘rocky and sandy plateau without rivers’ . The plateau was an important site of the French Resistance during WWII and of the Battle of Glières. Now the plateau is dotted with farms and stables, and is renowned for its lovely trails. On the higher areas overlooking the plateau, wildlife like the Ibex are easy to spot.
For our last hike, we head to Semnoz Mount, a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Lake Annecy’s West Bank and the surrounding Jura Mountains. The 360-degree views include Mont Blanc in the distance. We then follow the Cret de Chatillon Loop, known for its lush green landscapes, awe-inspiring views, and charming countryside scenery. A wonderful way to end our walking journey! Tonight is our Farewell Dinner
We bid farewell to the Alps and transfer to the nearby Geneva airport for our direct flight to Canada.
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).
