Explore the natural beauty of Piedmont on this self-guided walking tour
Trek at the foot of the Alps on the Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour of Italy’s mountainous northwest region, where you’ll traverse alpine forests and climb striking features like the 2309m Colle Greguri.
While travelling between quaint mountain villages you’ll traverse several stunning climbs through Italy’s Piedmont region. Take a self-guided hike through the forests of San Michele before an exhilarating climb to Ponte Maira, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the valley. Unwind in the peaceful village of Acceglio before a self-guided walking tour of Rocca Provenzale and Colle Greguri, which ends at the beautiful church of Chiappera.
Explore high alpine lakes on the Sentiero de Frassati walk, where you’ll pass bunkers built by Mussolini on the border with France. After a climb to the 2206m high Colle Ciarbonet, a stay in the mountain huts of Viviere is most welcome. A final self-guided trek above the lush meadows and limestone cliffs of Colle Oserot completes your walking adventure in Piedmont’s beautiful Val Maira.
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Highlights of the Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour
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Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in San Michele Prazzo
Upon arriving in the 1370m high village of San Michele Prazzo, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Parish Church. After admiring the church’s beautiful painting, it’s time to be picked up to arrive at your night’s accommodation.
Overnight Location: Inn in San Michele
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Walking the Lou Viol Dal Genesté above San Michele
On today’s self-guided trek, you’ll follow the “Trail of Brooms” on the southern forested slopes high above San Michele. Explore spruce and larch forests before emerging into grasslands full of Genesté, or growing broom. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen before returning to San Michele.
Overnight Location: Inn in San Michele
Distance: 4 hours, 10 km, 564 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Ponte Maira
Ascend high into woods and meadows for a stunning view of the valley below on this portion of your Piedmont walking tour. You’ll pass several small hamlets before making your arrival in Acceglio. Here, relax amidst the peace and quiet of the village for the night.
Overnight Location: Inn at Ponte Maira
Distance: 7 hours, 17 km, 1,046 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Round-trip walk of Chiappera
A morning transfer will take you to the restored village of Chiappera. Take a moment to enjoy the stunning church before setting out before hiking to Rocca Provenzale. After a challenging push to Colle Greguri, you’ll be able to admire the incredible views as the trail gently leads back to Chiappera.
Overnight Location: Inn at Ponte Maira
Distance: 4 hours, 10 km, 906 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Self-guided walk of Sentiero dei Frassati
A quick morning transfer takes you to Sorgente Maira. Here, your self-guided walking tour will continue along the Sentiero Frassati and its amazingly blue alpine lakes. After capturing photos of the 2300m high Lago Apzoi, you’ll trek to bunkers built by Mussolini on the French border.
Overnight Location: Inn at Ponte Maira
Distance: 6 hours, 13/16 km, 945 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek from Ponte Maira to Viviere
A walk from Ponte Maira to Viviere elevates you into the cooler forested slopes of Val Maira. This small alpine village is decked out with mountain huts where you’ll unwind after a climb to Colle Ciarbonet.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut at Viviere
Distance: 5 hours, 9 km, 603 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Climbing Colle Oserot
The last adventure of your Piedmont walking tour follows steep limestone cliffs up to the flourishing meadows of Plateau Gardetta. Breathtaking views surround you as you trek back down.
Overnight Location: Mountain hut at Viviere
Distance: 5 hours, 13 km, 1,007 m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Departure of Val Maira
Savour your final breakfast in Val Maira before being transferred back to Acceglio, where your walking tour of Italy’s stunning Piedmont Val Maira officially ends.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departures on September 16th - October 5th, 2023:
- Solo traveler: $1,575 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,495 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,125 USD
Departure on June 1st – 9th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,750 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,125 USD
Departure on June 10th – 29th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,825 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,695 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,250 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,125 USD
Departure on June 30th – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,850 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,275 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,150 USD
Departure on September 10th – 15th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,825 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,695 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,250 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,125 USD
Departure on September 16th – October 5th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,750 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,125 USD
Accommodation on Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour
This tour is based in double rooms in mountain huts and inns that offer historic, rustic accommodations and included breakfasts.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season (please inquire to find out more). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
La Tano di Grich in San Michele
Bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are equipped with kitchenettes and private lounges. Enjoy your morning coffee with sweeping mountain views.
Locanda Mistral at Ponte Maira
This Occitan-style hotel is nestled in one of the most stunning valleys in the Alps. You’re welcomed with creative cuisine and family-owned charm.
Rifugio di Viviere in Viviere
Warm wood-clad rooms complement the mountain setting and create a cozy atmosphere. There’s also an outdoor sauna!
What’s included in the Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 packet lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes several personal transfers, as well as luggage transfers throughout the tour:
- Pick up at bus stop in Prazzo
- Round trip to Chiappera on day 4
- Transfer to Sorgente Maira on day 5
- Drop off at the bus station in Chialvetta on the last day of tour
- All the luggage transfers during the trekking days (1 piece per person, up to 15kg)
Also Included
- Detailed information package with route guides, maps, and notes
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
- Drinks or snacks
- Personal hiking equipment
- Tourism taxes (€1.5 EUR per person daily)
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Piedmont Val Maira Walking Tour
S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.
Learn MorePiedmont Val Maira Walking Tour Map
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