Our
Excursions in Aosta Valley
Alpine Rome - Aosta
An ancient city
- Duration: 5 hours
The excursion consists of a walk through the historic center of Aosta accompanied by a guide. Along this walk, you can admire the main monuments from the Roman and medieval periods. The excursion includes a visit to the Triumphal Arch of Emperor Augustus, simply known as the “Arch of Augustus,” the Collegiate Church of Saint Ursus (featuring a Romanesque-style courtyard surrounded by porticoes, a church, and archaeological excavations of the pre-Christian basilica), the Porta Praetoria, the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and ends at the main square called “Piazza Emilio Chanoux.”
At the end of the excursion, there will be time for shopping and tasting local wines and products.
Forte di Bard and tasting
“Sui passi di Napoleone”
- Duration: 5 hours
“The largest Alpine Museum in Europe.” For its strategic location, it has always been considered as protection against attacks and invasions “In 1800, it was attacked by the Napoleonic army but resisted for two weeks thanks to a robust defense system.” Finally, Napoleon had captured the Fort only through cunning and later ordered it to be demolished completely. After the reconstruction, the Fort became a culturally significant center. Inside the Fort of Bard there is the Museum of the Alps and other permanent and temporary exhibitions. The most vivid impression remains after visiting a small circular room where you can try “the flight of the eagle”. Following the visit, a tasting of wines and local gastronomic delicacies in the Salumificio “Maison Bertolin” or in the winery “Caves Coopératives de DONNAS”.
Issogne castle e culinary tradition
A step between Art and Cuisine.
- Duration: 4/5 hours
The castle of Issogne differs significantly from its counterpart in Verrès, as it was built in the Renaissance style and is located on the opposite bank of the “Dora Baltea” river. This castle, built towards the end of the 15th century at the behest of Prior Giorgio di Challant, is famous today for its pomegranate-shaped fountain and the portico decorated with frescoes, a rare example of Alpine medieval painting. The castle draws attention for the graffiti and inscriptions on the walls left over the centuries by visitors, inhabitants, and servants of the castle. These wall inscriptions are specially preserved to this day to demonstrate the life of the inhabitants over the years. Then a visit to the sausage factory Maison Bertolin where you will learn the secrets of ancient recipes and culinary traditions.
Medieval Castle and Valdostan Cuisine
“an ancient and enchanting castle”
- Duration: 4 hours
The castle of Fénis, is the most famous of the Aosta Valley castles, built in the mid-fourteenth century. Differently from other castles built for military and defensive purposes, the castle of Fénis is not situated on top of a hill and lacks natural defenses.
The castle of Fénis was the prestigious seat of the leading members of the Challant family, who equipped it with the imposing defensive apparatus, as well as elegant pictorial decorations, symbols of power and prestige. Thus combining the characteristics of the fortification with those of the noble residence. In this castle a particular attention deserves to be attributed to the inner courtyard with an elegant semicircular staircase, toothed towers, beautiful fireplaces, extraordinary chapels and party rooms. After visiting the castle the goal is a local farm, where you will taste the typical Aosta Valley lunch.
WINE TASTING
Discovering the Valdostan Wines..
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Wine production in the Aosta Valley is remarkable for its variety: different grape types, ingenious winemakers, and quality wines for every occasion. On the sunny slope of the most illuminated left bank of the “Dora Baltea” (river) there is a real guided path that leads to the discovery of the variety of Valdostan wines. The itinerary covers 13 wineries and 6 cooperative wineries. The peculiarity of Valdigne, where they produce the wine “Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle”, is the altitude level, on which the vines are formed: from 750 m. until 1.200 m. These vineyards are considered to be the highest above sea level. Moreover, in the Aosta Valley is organized an international ecology competition of mountain wines unique.
Unforgettable Dinner in Baita
Enchanted atmosphere and beautiful landscapes
- Duration: 4 hours
A charming traditional Valdostan dinner in a beautiful alpine chalet. You, the mountain and delicious aromas, in a corner of paradise accessible exclusively by snowmobile.
During dinner, you will be offered the exclusive local drink known as “Coppa dell’Amicizia,” also called the “Grolla Valdostana.” This traditional craft piece is more than just a drink—it’s an informal ritual of sharing and a sense of community. The Grolla is a wooden container equipped with a variable number of spouts, depending on the number of guests, ranging from 1 to 10.
Terme di Prè-Saint Didier
A thermal center in the heart of the Alps…
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
After an intense day in the mountains, there is nothing more relaxing than immersing yourself in natural hot springs, known since ancient times. Turkish baths and saunas of various types, waterfalls, beauty center, several relaxation rooms, and not to mention one of the most unique and important features: the outdoor pools with warm thermal water and breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc glaciers. In winter, you can relax amidst the snow, while in summer, amidst the greenery of the meadows and the chirping of birds.
You will find all this and much more at the Terme di Pré-Saint-Didier, a place where relaxation is guaranteed!
Terme di Saint Vincent
A thermal center in the heart of the Alps
- Duration: 4 hours
The Terme di Saint Vincent, following reconstruction since 2012, offer
customers spa pools, various saunas, showers with chromo- and aromatherapy, and whirlpool pools. These amenities are essential for relaxing after an intense day of sports at the foot of the Alps.
Additional therapeutic treatments, relaxation area, tea room, and a panoramic pool with views over the entire Aosta Valley and Mont Blanc perfectly complement the list of services offered to guests and the relaxation experience provided.
The tranquility of the mountains in front of you…
Milano
World capital of fashion and design
- Duration: 8/9 hours
A day in Milan filled with shopping and culture.
During the excursion, you will discover how Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, the majestic and enchanting “Duomo,” was built over seven centuries, and how Milan’s rulers hid from intrigue within the walls of the Sforza Castle. How Leonardo da Vinci invented the city’s water supply system and much more. You can stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, see the world’s most famous opera house, “La Scala,” visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and if you wish, see Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of The Last Supper in person.
After the excursion, you will have approximately 3 hours to independently visit the numerous museums and shops in Milan.
Torino
A city with a thousand faces…
- Duration: 8/9 hours
The tour of Turin begins at the central square, Piazza Castello, where you can find the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and the Church of San Lorenzo, which was the first location of the “Holy Shroud” after its transfer from Chambéry, France.
You will visit the churches of San Lorenzo and the Turin Cathedral, where the Shroud is kept. You will then have the opportunity to visit the National Cinema Museum at the Mole Antonelliana, offering breathtaking views from a height of 167.5 meters, or the Egyptian Museum, home to over 30,000 artifacts including the statue of Ramses II and a large collection of papyri, considered the second most significant after Cairo’s collection. Those who wish can visit the Royal Palace of Venaria. The Royal Palace of Venaria is known as the “Versailles of Piedmont,” a “pleasure and hunting residence” built between 1660 and 1675 by the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel II, with its vast parks and gardens stretching towards the towering peaks of Monviso.
Chamonix and Annecy
“The Venice of the Alps”
- Duration: 8/9 hours
Chamonix is an ancient alpine village located at the border of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Skiing and climbing enthusiasts return here year after year. The conquest of Mont Blanc (known as the “cursed mountain” by locals) in 1786 drew many explorers and tourists eager to walk on a sea of ice. The first winter season was inaugurated in 1908, marking the beginning of alpine skiing history. The city is also rich in centuries of history and traditions. Then, we move on to the magnificent Annecy, an enchanted town that offers romantic landscapes to its spectators. A hidden gem nestled between contrasting blue waters and steep green slopes. In addition to its natural beauty and scenery, this place holds a considerable natural heritage.
Geneva
Surprising, ancient, multicultural…
- Duration: 9/10 hours
Geneva is a sophisticated lady nestled on the shores of a charming lake, the second largest and most populous city in Switzerland, and undoubtedly the most cosmopolitan. This renowned area is known for its cleanliness, rationality, and safety, but also for its love of adventure and sense of style. The beautiful city tells its story: the Palace of Nations, home to the United Nations and the Red Cross, among other international organizations. You will discover a fascinating fairy tale: picturesque streets, small squares with fountains, elegant parks, a unique floral clock in the world, and Europe’s largest fountain. You will see Lake Geneva with its famous 140-meter-high fountain. Points of interest include St. Madeleine Church, the Palace of Justice, Place du Bois de Four, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Calvin Auditorium, Maison Tavel (the oldest private house from the 14th century), the former arsenal, City Hall, the Reformation Wall Memorial, and New Square. The city is rich in museums and historical landmarks.
Shopping Day
From one shop to another…
- Duration: 8/9 hours
Shopping at one of the most well-known outlets, and also one of the closest to the valley. So, one of the following outlets is suggested:
Vicolungo Outlet Village, Serravalle Designer Outlet, or Torino Outlet Village are all options to consider.
