“Loved all of it! Especially impressed with the guides and their flexibility with moving locations, and hikes due to the recent mudslides.” - Tour of the Giants guest
This trek highlights the wild, less-traveled side of the Italian Alps—combining dramatic scenery, historic passes, quiet valleys, and exceptional meals and lodging.
You’ll enjoy a seamless, culturally rich experience led by Alpenwild’s expert UIMLA-certified guides, with thoughtful logistics, inspiring stories, and personal attention each day.
It’s an unforgettable adventure for strong hikers seeking beauty, challenge, and the best hospitality the region has to offer.
The Tour of the Giants follows established alpine trails through some of the most peaceful and untouched terrain in the Italian Alps. You can expect a mix of smooth paths, rocky sections, and classic mountain switchbacks, with occasional short stretches of exposure.
The route feels wild and remote, but not technical—just wonderfully natural. Your guide will set a comfortable pace and make route adjustments if weather or conditions call for it.
Yes—daily buffet breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners at mountain huts and hotels are included, with the exception of two dinners in San Cassiano and Cortina, which are on your own.
Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks are not included. Vegetarian meals are widely available, but vegan and gluten-free options may be limited in more remote areas.
Most hikes finish with time to wash up before dinner. Dining in Italy is considered a refined experience, so we recommend changing into clean, casual–nice attire. Nice pants and a collared shirt are perfectly appropriate.
You’ll enjoy a mix of carefully selected lodgings that capture the charm of the Aosta valley.
Italian bedding often differs from U.S. norms: standard double rooms typically consist of two European single beds (90 × 200 cm) placed side-by-side—similar in size to an American king bed.
Many hotels in the Alps do not have air conditioning, but cool mountain air through open windows keeps rooms comfortable on summer nights.
Weather in the Italian Alps is variable. Even in July and August, you should expect a mix of sunshine, cool breezes, and the possibility of afternoon rain or thunderstorms. Bring waterproof layers, warm clothing, and sturdy footwear.
Wet terrain—especially scree or exposed ridge sections—can be slick, so your guide may adjust the route or pace as needed for safety.
Our pacing guidelines are consistent across all Alpenwild treks:
• 1,200 feet of ascent per hour
• 2,000 feet of descent per hour
Your guides set a comfortable, sustainable pace so the entire group can enjoy the trail.
Example route profiles and hiking statistics can be viewed on Alpenwild’s AllTrails page (distances and elevation may vary slightly).
The Tour of the Giants stays at moderate-to-high elevations. Most hiking takes place between 5,000–8,500 feet, with several passes reaching higher.
You may notice mild symptoms such as shortness of breath or light fatigue on steeper climbs, but serious altitude effects are uncommon on this itinerary.
If possible, arrive a day early to rest, adjust, and recover from travel before the trek begins.
We keep our groups small to ensure a personal and supportive experience. We book seven guest rooms, which typically results in 6–12 guests per tour.
With as few as nine guests, we provide two guides, allowing hikers to move at different paces while staying fully supported.
A minimum of 6 guests is required to guarantee departure.
You’ll typically cover 6–11 miles per day, with 2,300–3,800 feet of elevation gain.
The route takes you through remote valleys, historic high passes, and rugged alpine landscapes—arriving each afternoon at a welcoming rifugio or hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Daily distance, elevation gain, and estimated hiking times are listed in the itinerary.
No technical climbing or mountaineering experience is required.
You may encounter:
• uneven or rocky terrain
• short steep pitches
• brief sections where you may use your hands for balance (“scrambling”)
However, no ropes, harnesses, or climbing equipment are used, and your guides will assist you on more challenging terrain.
No—there are no Via Ferratas included in the Tour of the Giants itinerary. All routes follow regular alpine hiking trails.
“BLD” stands for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included that day.
Expect hearty buffet breakfasts, delicious picnic lunches featuring regional specialties, and satisfying dinners in both rifugios and hotels.
No. Alpenwild provides daily luggage transfers to your hotels, so you’ll only carry a daypack on all hiking days.
Yes—previous hiking experience is strongly recommended.
The Tour of the Giants is a strenuous, multi-day alpine trek, with sustained climbs and descents on rugged, uneven terrain. A solid fitness base and comfort on steep mountain trails will greatly enhance your enjoyment.
July
Pros: Long daylight hours, stable trail conditions, all rifugios open.
Cons: Busier trails; warmer afternoon temperatures.
August
Pros: Consistently stable weather, lush alpine scenery, full services available.
Cons: Peak holiday crowds; afternoon thunderstorms are more common.
September
Pros: Cooler, crisp air; fewer hikers; excellent visibility—an ideal month for trekking.
Cons: Shorter days; some rifugios begin closing late in the month; early snow possible.
