Make your own way to Pont-Saint-Martin train station in the Aosta Valley, where you will transfer by taxi to your accommodation, Agriturismo Le Soleil. Here you can enjoy the Lys valley's crisp air, roam in the forest or relax at the Agriturismo, where the locally made goat cheese is ready for you to taste. Pont-Saint-Martin is the main town in the Lower Aosta Valley. If you arrive early we suggest strolling through town to see the spectacular Roman bridge which crosses the Lys stream in the old town centre. This afternoon you will have an arrival briefing with our local representative.

Meals:  D

After breakfast set out on your first mountain hike of the trip, leading to the Mars mountain that separates Piedmont (east) from the Aosta Valley (west). Remember to pack a change of “comfy” clothes and overnight needs as luggage transport is not possible today (you will find your 'main luggage' waiting for you in Gruba). The route initially ascends through the forest and fields, then you will soon find yourself immersed in the wilderness of mountain lakes and peaks. Try to spot the mountain hut in the granite valley! If you want to walk some more in the afternoon there are numerous options, just ask the 'Rifugista'. ** Note that luggage transfer is not available today so you will need to carry your daily requirements in your rucksack. Distance: 6.5km/5.3mi, ascent +940m/3084ft, descent -280m/918ft, highest point 2069m

Meals:  B,L,D

If sunset is magic, sunrise is even more colourful here… if you are up this early it means you'll want to hike the long and wild option through the mountains towards Colle della Vecchia. It’s an adventurous and long hike, so be prepared to spend all day climbing up and down the valleys (subject to weather, check with your hut hosts). If you prefer to take it easy but still have a nice hike you can opt to traverse and descend to Issime, passing by the numerous hamlets with typical mountain architecture. From Issime a short transfer will take you to the accommodation. Overnight in La Gruba in Gaby (Aosta). Distance: 16.5km/10mi, ascent +1140m/3740ft, descent -1560m/5118ft, highest point 2351m, or easier option 12km/7.5mi, ascent +160m/525ft, descent -1260m/4133ft, highest point 2075m

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the Vallone del Loo is waiting for you. It's a gradual and long valley hike, dotted with typical stone houses used to keep the animals but also to host the walkers that venture into this beautiful place. In the peace and quiet you will descend for the first time into the Gressoney valley and then climb onto the other side (transfer available) to the next accommodation, with views of the giant Monte Rosa (rosa=pink, for the colour of its granite stone). The included lunch today is along the way at Agriturismo Blékléne. Distance: 14km/8.75mi ascent +1150m/3773ft, descent -1080m/3543ft, highest point 2389m or with transfer: 13km/8mi, ascent 900m/2952ft, descent -1000m/3280ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Also called the Monte Rosa stage, as the mountain will guide your way, today you pass through many “alpeggi”, where cows and sheep spend the summer and meet the shepherd. The Walser culture is especially present here: a German nomadic population has lived here since medieval times thanks to their ability to farm at altitude. Here the architecture and even the dialect is a mirror of their culture, and one of the best examples is the Alpenzu Hut (Gressoney -Saint-Jean), where you stay tonight. Ask your host to visit the restored social wood oven. ** Note that luggage transfer is not available for tonight and tomorrow, it's transferred directly to Anderbatt, so you will need to carry your requirements for 2 days in your rucksack. Do not forget your sleep sheet and towel. Distance: 11km/6.9mi, ascent +790m/2591ft, descent -620m/2034ft, highest point 2083m

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you head to the Orestes Hut (located at 2600m). From the typical Walser village of Alpenzu you start out first through forest, before descending to the tiny village of Gressoney-la-Trinite. Follow the Lys river to Anderbatt and Staffal, the last village before the glacier, then there are 2 options. One is to take the cable car/gondola to Gabiet (not included, allow 10 euros pp) and walk (3km, 300m+) to Orestes hut. The other option is to hike up to the hut without taking the cable car (6km, 800m+), making it a much tougher day. Note that at the hut they cook only tasty vegetarian and vegan food. ** As previously noted, luggage transfer is not available today. Distance (without the cablecar): 15km/9.4mi, ascent +1400m/4593ft, descent -600m/1968ft, highest point 2619m

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s hike takes you to the foot of Monte Rosa. Here the alpinists start their ascent to the famous Capanna Margherita (hut), named after the queen (and the pizza!), at 4500m, or the famous Lyskamm traverse. You will hike up to Colle Salza at 2882m then descend to Staffal/Anderbatt in the Lys valley, with stunning views of the glacier. For experienced and fit hikers only and subject to weather there is the option to hike to the “Alta Luce” panoramic point, located at nearly 3200m. Overnight B&B in Anderbatt, where your luggage awaits your arrival. Distance: 8km/5mi, ascent +400m/1312ft, descent -1200m/3937ft, highest point 2882m Alta Luce: 6hrs, 10km/6.2mi, ascent 700m/2296ft, descent 1500m/4921ft, highest point 3184m

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast in Anderbatt. Additional nights can be booked on request or you can take the bus to Fontainmore or Pont St Martin to continue your onward journey.

Meals:  B