"Tour of the Giants was the best trip I’ve done yet with Alpenwild. This trip was very well thought out…I can honestly say I don’t see how the trip could have gone better." - B.F. , Washington
The group will meet at 9:00 AM at the Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Centre. From there, we’ll board a private shuttle and depart the vibrant city of Milan for a scenic two-hour drive to our charming alpine hotel in the tranquil high valley village of Gressoney-la-Trinité. Upon arrival, we’ll ride a nearby gondola to a mountain restaurant and enjoy lunch with stunning 360-degree views. Following lunch, we’ll set out on a picturesque hike to Lake Gabiet, a glacier-fed mountain reservoir—an ideal introduction to the landscapes that await us on this tour and a great warm-up for the days ahead. We’ll then return to our hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner. (LD)
Ascent: 650 feet | Descent: 650 feet | Distance: 4 miles (may vary)
Please note: We are currently working with our guiding team to enhance this day’s experience. Our goal is to adjust the route and timing to make the day more enjoyable and relaxed for our guests while maintaining the beautiful scenery and activities planned.
Ascent: 2500 feet | Descent: 2500 feet | Distance: 6.5 miles (may vary)
We'll take a short transfer in the morning up the valley to Staffal where we'll enjoy views of the Monte Rosa, the second highest peak in the Alps, while hiking up to Rothorn Pass (2689m / 8822ft). The valley behind the pass provides us some great spots for a picnic lunch. We'll discover some traditional high villages while reaching Champoluc in the adjoining Val d'Ayas. (BLD)
Ascent: 2800 feet | Descent: 3625 feet | Distance: 7.8 miles (may vary)
Today we immerse ourselves in the charm and beauty of Champoluc. We'll embark on an invigorating hike, discovering hidden trails and picturesque landscapes. As we traverse the terrain, expect stunning vistas and perhaps some delightful surprises along the way. Whether it's a serene mountain lake, a quaint alpine village, or a panoramic viewpoint, our adventure promises a day filled with natural beauty and memorable moments. After our hike, we'll return to our cozy accommodations to unwind. (BL) Guests will enjoy dinner on their own tonight (no group dinner).
Ascent: TBD | Descent: TBD | Distance: TBD miles (may vary)
Today is one of the longest hikes of the tour but with no shortage of spectacular scenery. A short shuttle speeds our ascent to Saint Jacques des Allemands, where we'll begin our ascent through an untouched and preserved valley to access the magnificent Gran Lago and its placid blue water. Continuing, we soon reach the highest pass of the tour (2982m / 9783 ft) and start the descent to Breuil-Cervinia located at the base of the Matterhorn. (BLD)
Ascent: 3950 feet | Descent: 3225 feet | Distance: 10 miles (may vary)
After completing the tour’s most challenging stage, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest day with a scenic transfer to Cogne, about an hour’s drive away. En route, we’ll visit the historic Castello di Aymavilles, a beautifully restored castle and regional treasure, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by a wine tasting at a nearby winery. Following the tasting, we’ll savor lunch at a handpicked local restaurant before continuing on to our charming hotel in Cogne.
Upon arrival, guests may choose to relax at the hotel, explore the village’s inviting shops, and indulge in a scoop of local gelato—or join the guides for an optional visit to the nearby botanical gardens. Dinner this evening will be served at our lovely hotel.
Ascent: 450 feet | Descent: 450 feet | Distance: 4.2 miles (may vary)
Our morning begins with a short transfer from Cogne to the charming mountain village of Gimillian. From here, we set out on a scenic climb over the Tsa Setze Pass, rewarded at the top with sweeping 360° views of Gran Paradiso National Park and the Aosta Valley. We’ll pause to enjoy a picnic lunch featuring local specialties—fresh breads, regional cheeses, and other alpine favorites—before continuing our loop hike back to Gimillian. Later, we return to our lovely hotel in Cogne, where guests can relax and enjoy dinner on their own this evening. (BL)
Ascent: 3,300 ft | Descent: 3,300 ft | Distance: 8.3 miles (may vary)
This morning, a short shuttle takes us to the picturesque village of Lillaz, where we’ll set out on a beautiful loop hike showcasing one of the area’s natural wonders—the Lillaz Waterfalls. Cascading in a series of striking tiers, these falls are among the most beloved sights in the Cogne Valley. Our trail continues upward to a serene alpine lake above the falls, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and lush meadows. Along the way, we’ll pause to enjoy a picnic lunch featuring local specialties and regional flavors. In the afternoon, we’ll descend back to Lillaz, where guests can choose to hike the scenic path back to Cogne or take the local bus for a leisurely return. (BLD)
Ascent: 2500 feet | Descent: 2500 feet | Distance: 7.1 miles (may vary)
A steep, winding mountain road will take us to the trailhead of Arpy Lake, a popular hiking destination in the region. After enjoying the solitude of the Aosta wilderness, we might be surprised to encounter fellow hikers here. We'll take in the stunning views of the Mont Blanc range reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Arpy Lake before continuing our hike over the nearby mountain pass, descending into the town of La Thuile. This delightful Italian town is perfect for shopping for souvenirs and indulging in a well-deserved treat at the local chocolate shop. (BLD)
Ascent: 2015 feet | Descent: 3860 feet | Distance: 9 miles (may vary)
We will embark on a strenuous but rewarding hike to the La Joux waterfalls, the highest in the Aosta region. After admiring these impressive cascades, we’ll continue our trek past the falls to a charming mountain hut where we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch with stunning views of the Mont Blanc range in the distance. Following our meal, we’ll traverse below the Rutor Glacier, navigating through boulders and flowering meadows while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Our hike will then take us down through the forest, culminating in a relaxing evening back at our hotel to recount the day’s adventures. (BLD)
Ascent: 3780 feet | Descent: 3780 feet | Distance: 9.6 miles (may vary)
This morning, we’ll transfer to Courmayeur to board the Skyway Monte Bianco, an incredible rotating cable car that ascends high into the Alps, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. From there, we’ll take the Panoramico gondola across the stunning Glacier du Géant, a breathtaking journey that carries us from Italy into France. Once in France, we’ll descend into Chamonix aboard the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car, taking in sweeping vistas of the Mont Blanc massif along the way.
Weather depending: if conditions do not allow the lifts to operate, we will instead make our way to Chamonix via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, ensuring a safe and comfortable transfer.
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local favorite before checking into our charming hotel. In the afternoon, guests can join the guides for an optional activity—whether a short scenic hike or a visit to Chamonix’s renowned Crystal Museum.
This evening, we’ll come together for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring exquisite French cuisine and celebrating the conclusion of our journey. (BLD)
Ascent: TBD | Descent: TBD | Distance: TBD miles (may vary)
We say goodbye and continue an onward journey or return to Geneva for homebound flights. If you are flying out of Geneva, we recommend booking flights no earlier than 11:00 am. Your shuttle will pick you up about 4.5 hours before your flight for the 90-minute journey to the Geneva Airport to get you there 3 hours before your international flight. (B)
