Highlights
Stage 1 of the Via Francigena in Italy
Walking through the alpine landscapes of the Aosta Valley
Soaking up the history on the St Bernard Pass
Passing castles, woods and stone villages set high in the mountains
Staying in warm, comfortable and family run hotels and delighting in their friendly hospitality
Itinerary
Begin your Italian Camino journey at the legendary Great St Bernard Pass with the "Via Francigena: from the Great St Bernard Pass" tour. This nine-day self-guided walk descends from the historic hospice—famous for its rescue dogs—through Aosta’s Roman towns, vineyards, and castles, and on to Ivrea along the Dora Baltea river. The unique selling point: the chance to experience the ancient pilgrimage tradition and breathtaking alpine views, while savoring local foods and staying in welcoming, family-run accommodations. This tour package is perfect for travelers eager to combine history, scenic beauty, and authentic hospitality.
day 1Arrive St Bernard Pass
Make your own way to the first hotel on the St Bernard Pass on the border with Switzerland. Located high in the Swiss Alps, the area is rich in history. The hospice here was a shelter founded by Augustinian monks in the Middle Ages, and their hospitality towards pilgrims is legendary. The St Bernard dog was bred by the monks, initially to carry loads and later as an avalanche search dog. Overnight in a hotel on the Italian side of the pass.
day 2Cross into Italy and walk to Etroubles (4hrs)
day 3Walk along mountain and pinewood trails to Aosta (4-5hrs)
day 4Pass castles and vineyards en route to Nus (5hrs)
day 5Continue to Saint Vincent (5hrs)
day 6Valley walk to Verres (4-5hrs)
day 7Walk to Pont Saint Martin (4hrs)
day 8Through the Piedmont Hills to Ivrea (5-6hrs)
day 9Trip concludes
What's Included
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Excellent trip - everything went to plan!
They created the itinerary that we requested. Our baggage service was excellent and most of the hotels were good. Our representative was easy to reach and very helpful in answering our questions. I wish we had gotten our hotel list earlier, so as to book extra nights at the beginning and end of the trip at the same hotels.
This can be a surprisingly challenging section of the VF if the weather is hot or wet. The daily breakdown chosen by UTracks and their local partners seemed short in length but turned out to be appropriate for the conditions.
Good to Know
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