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Via Francigena Hike in Switzerland, 7 days

Via Francigena Hike in Switzerland, 7 days

This self-guided hiking trip starts from the shores of Lake Geneva, Via Francigena leads towards the peaks of the Alps of Valais. The walk up to Col du Gd St-Bernard and the descent down into Aosta valley are the highlights of this walking tour. 

Via Francigena is scenic and idyllic. The landscape becomes rougher and the paths get narrower as the hike progress. Walk the mule trails high into the mountains leading you to the Great St. Bernard and to the border with Italy. The descent into the valley along old irrigation channels in the footsteps of the Romans to the heart of the region – the well-known mountain town Aosta. Good stamina is needed in the beginning of the trip.

This trip will start in Switzerland and end in Italy.

Duration : 7 days

You need to have a spirit for adventure, independence and self-management on this self-guided trip.

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Itinerary

Day 01                  Arrive Martigny

Upon arrival into Zurich International airport, take the train to Martigny (own expense). After checking into your hotel, the day is free at leisure.

Meal: nil

Stay: hotel

 

Day 02                   Martigny – Orsieres

By train to Martigny (own expense). Today marks the end of the climb to the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. From Martigny, a steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel / B&B

Hiking Distance : 18 KM. Time Required : 5.5 hours.

Elevation : ↑ 745 M; ↓ 335 M.

 

Day 03                  Orsieres – Bourg-Saint-Pierre

This morning, first walk along a forest path, first towards west then east of the river, on the historic path from Liddes to the small Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel before Bourg-Saint-Pierre.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel / B&B

Hiking Distance : 15 KM. Time Required : 4.5 hours.

Elevation : ↑ 970 M; ↓ 190 M.

 

Day 04                  Bourg-Saint-Pierre – Col du Gd St-Bernard

Undoubtedly the most symbolic stage on the Via Francigena ! The way to the pass leads along a road which has served the whole of Europe for 2,000 years. Countless archaeological sites line the ascent, above all in L’Hospitalet and on the Barasson-Pass.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel / B&B

Hiking Distance : 13 KM. Time Required : 4.5 hours.

Elevation : ↑ 1,045 M; ↓ 305 M.

 

Day 05                  Col du Gd St-Bernard – Etroubles / Echevennoz (Italy)

The descent to the Aosta Valley begins immediately after the pass. A pilgrim’s route leads down the valley flank to Italy and takes you to the small village of St. Rhémy. Shortly afterwards, the roofs of the villages Étroubles and Echevennoz come into sight.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel / B&B

Hiking Distance : 15 KM. Time Required : 4.5 hours.

Elevation : ↑ 60 M; ↓ 1,275 M.

 

Day 06                  Etroubles / Echevennoz – Aosta (Italy)

Old irrigation canals called “Rus” lie along your way. In addition to the flat passages along these canals, steep descents await you today. In Roman times, Aosta was a flourishing trading town. Today, the village is famous for its alpine experiences.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: hotel / B&B

Hiking Distance : 14 KM. Time Required : 4.5 hours.

Elevation : ↑ 240 M; ↓ 890 M.

 

Day 07                  Depart Aosta (Italy)

Choose to sleep in or simply rest and relax until check out at 11 AM.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 6 nights in desired accommodation with breakfast;

~ luggage transfer on day 2 – day 6;

~ digital route description, map and information;

~ emergency service hotline.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Switzerland;

~ train and/or bus rides;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tourism tax at each accommodation check in;

~ anything not specified in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ This self-guided trip is good for 1 hiker to go.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Switzerland and Italy, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire suitable for hiking.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases  local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ If hiker presents difficulty in completing the hike of the day, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker (and travel companions) in mind. The hiker can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Hiker may choose to terminate the hike early during any time of the planned hiking day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. Should the hiker wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the hiker’s own expense. Hikers can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

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