Via Francigena (Martigny-Aosta +ext.)
€1220
per person
The historic self-guided hiking route Via Francigena crosses the most scenic parts of England, France and Switzerland just to reach the Eternal city (Rome)! Magnificent web of mountain paths, mule tracks, rural and secondary roads surrounded by cypress trees and majestic pines! A walking journey for a lifetime! Take an independent hiking tour to one of the most spectacular parts of the route located between Switzerland and Italy. The beginning of this part of Via Francigena will be smooth and peaceful but soon the landscape will change into narrow paths and rough steep terrains that lead to the Great St. Bernard and the border with Italy. The self-guided hiking adventure will finish with a descent into the valley along old irrigation channels to the famous mountain village of Aosta – a home of rich history and dynamic modern life!
Level 3/4
-
Destination
-
Duration7 (11/17) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
-
What is includedAccommodation in middle-class hotels and mountain inns (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, up to 20kg); Navigation materials (incl. digital maps and access to navigation app with pre-loaded GPS tracks); Pilgrim passport; SwitzerlandMobility-Plus subscription for one year; Emergency hotline
-
What is not includedDrinks and other meals; tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price (payable locally in hotels); public transportation (trains/buses)
-
Best periodmid-June, July, August, mid-September
FROM OUR GALLERY
Via Francigena self-guided hiking trek in the Alps of Switzerland and Italy (Martigny-St.Bernard-Aosta)
1
Day 1: Martigny (arrival day)
Martigny is the capital of the Swiss canton Valais. It is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and is famous for its gastronomy which is celebrated at many outstanding restaurants and guesthouses. Do not forget to visit the Roman ruins too. *Easiest arrival via Geneva Airport (direct buses/trains, appr. 1,45-2hrs).
2
Day 2: Martigny - Orsières (20km, 5,30hrs, +720m/-310m)
This first stage marks actually the end of the Via Francigena Trail's climb to the Great St. Bernard Pass. Some steep paths winding over the narrow Les Trappistes pass will lead you to the medieval village of Sembrancher (home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences). Here the route follows the famous Napoleon Trail and continues to climb through pastures and woodland with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
3
Day 3: Orsières - Bourg-Saint-Pierre (14km, 4,30hrs, +860m/-115m)
Take your time for a morning relax and then get ready for hiking along a forest path. It first starts from the west side of the river, then it crosses to the east on the historic path from Liddes to the small Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel. Reach your final point of the day Bourg-Saint-Pierre for a well-deserved rest.
4
Day 4: Bourg-Saint-Pierre – Col du Grand St-Bernard (12km, 4,30hrs, +935m/-100m)
There is no doubt that today you will pass along the most symbolic stage of Via Francigena! One of the roads you are going to pass today served as the main connection for the whole Europe for 2000 years. A region rich in archaeological sites and from great importance with its cultural heritage! And for all of the dog-lovers - this is the homeplace of the popular fluffy giants from the breed St. Bernard.
5
Day 5: Col du Grand St-Bernard - Étroubles (15km, 4,30hrs, +60m/-1275m)
Get ready to cross the border and dive into the Italian part of the route. The descent to Aosta Valley begins immediately after the pass. The first stop will be the small village of St. Rhémy. Gradually walk further down until you start seeing the red roofs of the villages Étroubles and Echevennoz. A peaceful green color of the forests around you and the mighty snowy peaks in the distance will accompany you throughout the day.
6
Day 6: Étroubles - Aosta (14km, 4,30hrs, +140m/-810m)
As a final ramble, you will test how much strength you have left in your legs as today will be the last challenge along the steep paths. You will pass along many old irrigation channels with the name “rus”. These were used to collect water from the streams and water the cultivated lands - recognized as a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. Just before you reach Aosta the walking route will cross bright orchards with a pleasant odor. During Roman times Aosta was a flourishing trading town. Nowadays the village is famous for its alpine experiences.
7
Day 7: Departure day (or extension to Piedmont)
Extend your walk along the Via Francigena further to Piedmont and Ivrea (contact us for details), or end your journey and return by bus and train via Martigny to Montreux (appr. 2.30hrs). Information about the busses to Switzerland and onward travel you can find on: www.tmrsa.ch, www.savda.it and www.sbb.ch.
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2026)
1285 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (13/06-11/09)
1220 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (12/09-04/10)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 520 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 595 Euros
Tips
Daily arrivals between mid-June and mid-September. Good stamina is needed in the beginning of the trip, surefootedness in the end. From the shores of Lake Geneva Via Francigena leads towards the peaks of the Alps of Valais. The walk up to Col du Grand St-Bernard and the descend down into Aosta valley are the highlights of this walking tour.
Accommodation
Middle-class hotels and mountain inns (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Martigny - Martigny Boutique-Hotel; Day 2: Orsières - Hotel de Union; Day 3: Bourg-St-Pierre - Hotel Au Bivouac-de-Napoléon; Day 4: Gran San Bernardo - Hotel Italia Gran San Bernardo; Day 5: Etroubles - Hotel Beau Sejour; Day 6: Aosta - Hotel HB Aosta.
Why Google Reviews matter more than website-collected reviews?
We are committed to absolute transparency and exclusively use our Google Business Profile for all customer reviews. In contrast, some competitors collect reviews directly on their websites. While these self-hosted reviews can appear informative, they are vulnerable to manipulation - they can be easily modified, deleted (if too negative), or even written internally by staff (a task made simpler than ever with modern AI tools). By relying solely on the trusted, third-party platform of Google, we offer a guarantee that your feedback is genuine and completely unbiased. We have no ability to influence or alter the words of our past customers; our access is limited strictly to responding. This ensures the integrity of every review you read and builds the trust you deserve.Click below to read verified reviews:
Send an enquiry about this tour
1) Book & Pay Deposit: Receive instant "Reservation/Invoice" email confirming receipt of your order; 2) Internal Progress: Our team verifies details and secures arrangements (ℹ️online dates reflect potential, not live, real-time availability!); 3)Tour Confirmation: Wait for this dedicated email (you may receive updates/action requests first)! ℹ️Hold off on booking flights & non-refundable plans until you receive it!
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL DATES (IF YOUR DATE IS NOT OPEN FOR BOOKING, PLEASE CONTACT US!)
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL DATES (IF YOUR DATE IS NOT OPEN FOR BOOKING, PLEASE CONTACT US!)