Season's Best: 6 Trips to The Alps
Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monaco and beyond…
The season may soon be in full swing in the Alps and for those with no plans yet, there is time to fit in a last minute walking holiday to the continent’s most celebrated mountain range. Whether you like to travel in June to find more quiet paths or travel in July & August to enjoy the summer sun or prefer September to see the changing of the season, we have a range of guaranteed departures and self-guided opportunities for you to choose from.
From weeklong trips to longer routes, whether at your own pace or in the company of an experienced guide, you can choose from several itineraries – to Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Monaco and beyond…
Alps to the Mediterranean
The Maritime Alps separate Côte d’Azur and the Italian region of Piedmont and this walking trip takes you to the border region, high above Nice. Surrounded by steep hillsides and the striking peaks of the southern Alps it feels a world away from the glitz of the Riviera!
Start at the picturesque mountain town of Breil Sur Roya on this walk of scenic contrasts and spectacular vistas. Walk through high alpine passes and all the way to the Mediterranean, overnight at Sainte-Agnès, Europe’s highest coastal village at an altitude of 800 metres, and conclude the walk in the vibrant city of Monaco.
Gran Paradiso Adventure
Deep in Italy’s Aosta Valley, the country’s first national park was established in 1856 to protect the Ibex and chamois populations – and as a direct result, encounters with these animals now occur daily!
With much of the walk over 2,000m and a maximum altitude of 3,152m, the scenery is exceptional. You will cross rugged valleys carpeted in wildflowers, rocky snow-covered passes, and glacial lakes. From the valleys and high alpine passes, you’ll enjoy views to Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn.
Mont Blanc Guided Walk
Few walks in the world offer the incredible high alpine views and picture-postcard scenery found at Mont Blanc: high mountain passes, lush valleys and highway sized glaciers!
Commencing from the Chamonix Valley in France, our route takes you through Italy and Switzerland on a horseshoe circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. With a mule carrying your luggage, you can enjoy each day’s walk having only a day pack to carry. Fully immerse into the sublime mountain culture and overnight in cosy mountain refuges and charming village gîtes.
Austrian Lakes Walk
With its 76 crystal clear lakes, impressive Dachstein glacier and lush summer meadows, the Salzkammergut alpine region of Austria is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are rock faces up to 3,000 vertical metres high, caves and charming Austrian villages as you know them from the Sound of Music – you’ll pass the church where the movie’s wedding was shot.
Because of the well-developed infrastructure, you have options to shorten your walking days or choose for more challenging hikes depending on your mood. Relax and enjoy the regional cuisine and warm hospitality of your hosts on this inspiring walk around the lakes of Austria.
Walking in the Julian Alps
The Julian Alps, in the north-western corner of Slovenia, was the stage of bitter fighting during World War I and it was while based in these mountains that Ernest Hemingway wrote his book ‘Farewell to Arms’.
Characterised by high mountain lakes, peaceful alpine valleys, and rugged limestone peaks, more recently they have become famous as a trekking destination with mainly the Slovenians themselves, but now the secret is out!
On our Walking In the Julian Alps trip, you ascend thematic paths and have the option to climb Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain. With plenty of time on the last days to soak up the beauty and history of the fairy-tale town of Bled, this is an adventure that will appeal to alpine enthusiasts.
Trans Tyrol – Garmisch to Innsbruck
On the border between Germany and Austria, you can find two exceptional mountain regions: Tyrol and the Bavarian Alps. They are home to the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountain ranges and host pristine alpine landscapes as well as a fine network of walking trails.
On a hike that can be demanding at times, we take you to explore impressive gorges and balcony trails while you stay in a combination of atmospheric mountain cabins and country hotels. Along the way, explore the Olympic towns of Garmisch and Innsbruck (décor for The Games in 1936) and King Ludwig II’s Schachen Castle with its beautifully decorated Turkish Room and botanical garden.
For more information and booking details, please contact our team of travel experts around the world.