Gran Paradiso, Italy
Brand New!

Hut-to-Hut Trekking in Italy's Gran Paradiso

7 nights
Tough

An epic week trekking through the Italian Alps, crossing remote valleys, soaring peaks and glacial lakes in one of Italy's wildest corners

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with an expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide

Hotels & Mountain Refuge

3 nights in hotels and 4 nights in mountain huts

Meals

"7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners"

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Airport transfers and two luggage transfers in between

Gear

Pillows and blankets are provided at the mountain refuges

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

Gran Paradiso, Italy
Hiker at the top of Col Bassac, Italian Alps, Val D'Aosta, Italy, Gran Paradiso National Park.
Gran Paradiso, Italy. Photo: Kirsty Holmes/Much Better Adventures
Lago Goletta, Gran Paradiso, Italy. Photo: Kirsty Holmes/Much Better Adventures
Hiker in the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Morning in the Val di Rhêmes, Gran Paradiso, Italy. Photo: Kirsty Holmes/Much Better Adventures
classic view over the Nivolet Plateau in the Gran Paradiso National Park
Hiker in the Gran Paradiso National Park.
Refuge on the Nivolet pass, in the Gran Paradiso National park - Italy.
Hiker in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Hike stunning trails in Italy's oldest National Park, crossing wild valleys, glacial moraines, and alpine meadows

Tackle Col Rosset (9,925ft) and Col Bassac Derè (10,112ft), some of the highest walkable passes in the Alps with breathtaking glacier views

Bunk down in iconic mountain huts with warm welcomes, idyllic backdrops, and delicious Italian food each night

Spot wild ibex, marmots, golden eagles, and maybe a bearded vulture as you trek through one of Europe’s richest wildlife habitats

Key Information

Day 1

Into the Alps - transfer to Valgrisenche (5,459ft)

Hotel Perret,  Valgrisenche, Aosta, Italy.

Driving

3hrs

Touch down at Milan Malpensa Airport and meet your group for the transfer to Valgrisenche, a secluded valley on the edge of Gran Paradiso National Park and the perfect launchpad for your trek. You'll settle in at Hotel Perret, a cozy, family-run alpine lodge tucked between towering peaks and the calm waters of Lake Beauregard. After checking in, join your group for a welcome meeting where your guide will run through the plan for the days ahead and help with any last-minute gear questions. Over the next few days, you’ll hike through three dramatic valleys, cross high mountain passes over 10,000ft, and follow trails past glacial lakes, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. This is a remote and rugged corner of the Alps, ideal for those who like their trekking wild.

Day 2

Valgrisenche to Rifugio Épée (7,776ft)

Hikers in the Gran Paradiso, Italy.

Hiking

7hrs · 8mi · 4101ft up · 1706ft down

Lace up your boots, it’s time to hit the trail. Heading straight out from the hotel, the path climbs steadily through peaceful larch forest, following a mix of narrow footpaths and old gravel tracks. You’ll soon reach the tiny hamlet of Prariond, home to a stone chapel overlooking the valley, before the trail dips briefly and then climbs again toward the mountains. Pass the crumbling remains of a former military fort, a quiet nod to the region’s layered history, before continuing to the open meadows of the Bouc alpine pasture, where the valley opens up to reveal rugged peaks and sweeping ridgelines. A final push brings you to Rifugio Épée, a cozy mountain hut with far-reaching views and a warm welcome. If you’re still feeling fresh, you can head further into the wild Vallone above, where the jagged monolith of Il Sigaro (the Cigar) juts sharply from the valley floor. Then it’s back to the refuge for dinner and your first night in the high Alps.

Day 3

Rifugio Épée to Rifugio Bezzi (7,500ft) via Bivacco Ravelli (9,383ft)

Gran Paradiso Trekking

Hiking

8hrs · 9mi · 4921ft up · 689ft down

After a mountain breakfast, you’ll leave the refuge behind and follow a gently rising track across a wide, rocky plateau, with each step opening up fresh views of the peaks opposite. The trail undulates over a series of short climbs and dips before steepening towards the ridgeline of Mont Forciaz. From here, the landscape feels more remote as you cross glacial moraines, navigating rugged rock and lingering snowfields en route to Bivacco Ravelli, a solitary shelter once used by climbers tackling the north face of the Grande Rousse. Surrounded by raw alpine terrain, it’s a proper high-mountain moment. After taking in the views, you’ll double back briefly before cutting across the valley and descending to Rifugio Bezzi, where a warm meal and a cozy spot for the night await, with the peaks lit by the glow of the setting sun.

Day 4

The legendary Haute Route des Glaciers

Hiker by Col Bassac Dere watching over Glairetta glacier.

Hiking

6hrs · 7mi · 2625ft up · 2625ft down

Today you’ll join the legendary Haute Route des Glaciers, a high-altitude trail packed with glacier views from the first step to the last. Things start gently enough with a steady traverse, but the climb soon kicks in, winding through flower-filled alpine meadows before shifting into a stark, rocky world of moraine and scree. You’ll crest a ridge at around 9,186ft, with the Gliairetta Glacier spilling below and the hulking Grand Sassière dominating the skyline. From here, it’s a rugged up and down route along ridgelines and viewpoints, building to a final push to the Col Bassac Deré at 10,108ft, the highest point of the day. At the top, soak in sweeping views over Gran Paradiso and into distant valleys. Then descend into the wild Val di Rhêmes, passing a string of alpine lakes including the striking turquoise waters of Lago di Goletta. As the trail levels out, you’ll reach the valley floor and the welcoming Rifugio Benevolo, your base for the night with good food and even better company.

Day 5

Rifugio Benevolo to Rifugio Savoia (8,314ft) via Col Basei (10,420ft)

classic view over the Nivolet Plateau in the Gran Paradiso National Park

Hiking

7hrs · 6mi · 3445ft up · 2625ft down

Today's route takes you deep into Gran Paradiso National Park, one of the wildest corners of the Alps. This is high-mountain trekking at its best, with the chance to spot ibex on the rocks, marmots in the meadows, and golden eagles or even bearded vultures soaring overhead. The trail starts gently through alpine pastures before climbing steadily across rocky moraine. As you gain height, the dramatic limestone wall of Granta Parei fills the skyline, while the Lavassey Glacier and its lake shimmer below. A final push brings you to Col Basei at 10,420ft, the highest point of the trek. From here, the view opens across jagged peaks and sprawling glaciers, a panorama that makes the effort worthwhile. The descent winds past a string of small alpine lakes before easing out onto the vast Nivolet Plateau, a spectacular high plain surrounded by mountains. A short final stretch leads to Rifugio Savoia, one of the oldest huts in the park, with a cozy dining room and views straight out to the surrounding peaks, the perfect place to rest and refuel before the final leg.

Day 6

Rifugio Savoia to Chanevey (5,659ft) via Col Leynir (10,118ft)

Hiking in the Gran Paradiso, Italy.

Hiking

8hrs · 11mi · 1936ft up · 4692ft down

Today's long stage begins gently across alpine meadows, where the trail winds past clear mountain lakes reflecting the morning light. It's a gentle warm-up with time to soak in the wide-open scenery of the high plateau. The path then turns uphill and the landscape shifts - grassy slopes give way to broken rock and scree as you climb steadily towards Col Leynir at 10,118ft. The higher you go, the wilder it feels, until you reach the pass and take in sweeping views of the Gran Paradiso massif in all its rugged glory. On a clear day, you can even spot the glaciers and towering peaks of the Vanoise Alps across the border in France. From the col, a long and varied descent begins, leading through stark, rocky terrain before softening into wildflower meadows and finally into shady larch forest. It's a day of contrasts, with every turn revealing something new. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in the quiet hamlet of Chanevey, nestled in the Val di Rhêmes. Settle into a cozy, family-run hotel, enjoy a hot shower and mark your penultimate night in the mountains.

Day 7

The final stage: Chanevey to Valgrisenche (5,459ft) via Col Fenêtre (9,318ft)

Gran Paradiso Hiking.

Hiking

10hrs · 11mi · 4606ft up · 8012ft down

Your final push begins with a steep climb out of Chanevey, joining a section of the legendary Tor des Géants trail, one of the toughest ultra-distance routes in the Alps. It’s a challenging ascent to Col Fenêtre at 9,318ft, but each step brings broader views of the peaks around you, a proper finale to the week. From the pass, the descent is just as striking, dropping beneath the cliffs of Rabuigne and Grande Rousse. As you lose elevation, the landscape softens and the turquoise sweep of Lake Beauregard comes into view, marking your return to familiar ground. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Valgrisenche, completing your circular journey through Gran Paradiso. Back at Hotel Perret, tuck into a farewell dinner and raise a glass to a week well spent in the wilds.

Day 8

Goodbye mountains!

Wild ibex in the Gran Paradiso, Italy.

Driving

3hrs

After a relaxed breakfast at Hotel Perret, you’ll say goodbye to the Alps and hop in the group transfer back to Milan Malpensa Airport. Legs might be tired, but the week’s mountain moments will stay with you long after the journey ends.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

14:00 on Day 1

Ends

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

12:00 on Day 8

Transfers

A group airport transfer is included on Day 1. Please plan to arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) by 1:30 PM to meet your driver and fellow trekkers. The transfer will depart at around 2:00 PM for the drive to Valgrisenche (around three hours with a short stop), where you’ll check in at Hotel Perret, meet your guide, and join a welcome meeting and dinner.

On the final day, after breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Milan Malpensa, arriving at the airport by around 12:00 PM. Please book onward flights departing from 2:00 PM onwards to allow enough time for check-in. Your local host will confirm final meeting times and transfer details closer to departure, once everyone’s flight information is in.

Travel options

There are plenty of daily flights into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), including direct services from the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) and other major European hubs such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich. There are also direct long-haul flights from North America, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Toronto and Montreal, with one-stop connections from most major US and Canadian cities.

If you’d like to arrive early or stay on after the trek, Milan makes a great base for a few extra days. Trains to other Italian destinations, including Florence, Venice and Rome, can be booked via TrenitaliaTrenItalia.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 5

Mountain hut · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Food at Rifugio Benevolo hut

All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. You’ll eat at the mountain huts along the route, as well as at Hotel Perret in Valgrisenche and Hotel Galisia in Chanevey. Breakfasts typically include coffee, bread, butter, and jam, with extras like juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese, and cured meats depending on the hut. Dinners are served at set times and usually feature two options based on local Aosta Valley specialties, think polenta, pasta, stews, and regional cheeses. Lunches are included each day and will either be picnic-style (sandwiches or wraps with fruit, nuts, chocolate, and cereal bars) or a sit-down meal in a hut, depending on the day’s route and timings. Your guide will confirm the plan each morning. Meals in the huts are shared in communal dining rooms, a sociable end to each day, while hotel meals offer a bit more variety, with a celebratory dinner on your final night. Drinking water is available at all huts and hotels. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and espresso-based coffees are not included but can be bought at most stops.

Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free, can be accommodated, although options are naturally more limited in the remote huts. Please let your host know in advance so they can plan accordingly.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel Perret,  Valgrisenche, Aosta, Italy.
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On the first and final nights, you’ll stay at Hotel Perret, a traditional, family-run mountain hotel in the quiet village of Valgrisenche. Set at 5,459ft, it offers twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms, cozy interiors, and warm hospitality. The kitchen serves up regional dishes made with local Aosta Valley produce, ideal fuel before and after your trek. There’s a welcoming dining room, a bar where you can raise a glass to the week’s adventure, and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and Lake Beauregard below. This friendly alpine base is both the starting point and the final stop of your Gran Paradiso journey. You’re welcome to leave any luggage you don’t need during the trek safely stored at the hotel.

Refuge on the Nivolet pass, in the Gran Paradiso National park - Italy.
On the trek

During the trek, you’ll spend four nights in traditional alpine refuges: Rifugio Épée, Rifugio Bezzi, Rifugio Benevolo, and Rifugio Savoia. Each offers a warm welcome in a spectacular high-mountain setting. Lodging is in simple shared dormitories, usually in rooms of four to six, though some huts have larger dorms of up to 15 to 20 people. Where possible, groups are split by gender, but mixed dorms may be used depending on availability. Beds come with pillows and blankets, and a lightweight sleeping bag liner is recommended.

All refuges have shared bathrooms with hot showers, though a small token may be needed for hot water in some huts. Meals are served in communal dining rooms and feature hearty mountain fare with local Aosta Valley specialties. Most huts also have a bar or café area where you can relax with a cold drink or espresso and soak up the alpine atmosphere. These simple but characterful mountain bases are a core part of the Gran Paradiso experience, a chance to live the alpine tradition and swap stories with fellow trekkers each evening.

Hotel Galisia, Gran Paradiso.
Rhêmes-Notre-Dame

On your sixth night, you’ll usually stay at Hotel Galisia, a welcoming family-run hotel in the quiet hamlet of Chanevey in the Val di Rhêmes. Rooms are twin or triple-share with private bathrooms, offering a comfortable contrast to the mountain refuges earlier in the trek. Occasionally, depending on availability, you may stay in a different hotel of similar standard in the village. After a long day on the trail, you can enjoy a hot shower, a proper bed, and a relaxed dinner in the cozy restaurant, a well-earned reward before the final stage of your Gran Paradiso circuit.

Upgrades

Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, single rooms are limited and only possible for the first and final night of the trip at Hotel Perret. See Optional Extras for the price and request this upon booking.

This trip has been rated as Tough

This is a demanding high-alpine trek for fit and experienced hikers. Expect long days in the mountains with significant elevation gain and loss, including two passes over 10,000ft, and terrain ranging from flower-filled meadows to glacial moraine, scree, and rocky ridgelines. There are exposed sections, steep climbs and descents, and occasional scrambling, so good footing is essential. You’ll hike close to several glaciers and cross their rocky forefields, but there’s no technical glacier travel, no crampons or rope skills required. You may feel the effects of altitude on the higher days.

Weather in the high Alps can shift quickly. Sun, wind, rain, and even fresh snow are all possible in a single day. You’ll need to be comfortable hiking for up to eight hours a day with a 35–50L pack, for six consecutive days between mountain huts and small hotels. Packing light is strongly recommended.

The group will move at a steady but consistent pace to cover the daily distances. There will be breaks to rest and enjoy the views, but you should be confident in your ability to keep up. Training on long hikes with sustained climbs and descents, carrying your pack, is a great way to prepare for this challenging adventure.

What if i need to skip an activity?

This is a point-to-point trek through remote mountain valleys, so on some days there are no roads or shortcuts. Once you're on the trail, you’ll need to complete the hike to reach the next refuge. Later in the week, there are some roads nearby, and it may be possible to arrange a transfer to skip a stage or rejoin the group further along, but options are very limited and can be costly due to the remoteness. Preparing with training hikes and packing light will give you the best chance of enjoying every step.

What will I need to carry?

You'll need to carry a 35–50L trekking pack each day, with everything you need for the trail and overnight stays, clothing, toiletries, snacks, water, and other essentials. Your main luggage will stay at Hotel Perret, but to make things easier, it will be transferred once during the trek. This gives you the chance to swap out clothes and pick up fresh gear on Day 4 before continuing. Packing light makes a big difference on long mountain days, but don't skip the essentials; weather in the high Alps can change fast, with sun, wind, rain, or even snow all possible in a single day. We strongly recommend doing a few training hikes with your pack and boots before the trip so you're comfortable carrying the weight. Ideally, your backpack, including food and water, should weigh no more than 22 lbs.

Summer (late June to early September) is the best time to hike in Gran Paradiso National Park, with fresh mountain air, warm sunshine, and wide-open trails. Most paths are clear of snow, making it possible to cross the highest passes and enjoy sweeping glacier views. This is also prime time for spotting wildlife such as ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles, and even bearded vultures are often seen along the way. Temperatures tend to be pleasant, from around 46°F in the morning to 75°F on sunny afternoons. That said, the weather can turn quickly in the high Alps, rain, wind, or even snow are possible at any time. Above 10,000ft, the passes can feel cold and exposed even on clear days, so good layers are essential. If conditions become unsafe, your IFMGA guide may adjust the route, always aiming to find the best alternative for the day.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided trek from Valgrisenche through larch forests and alpine pastures to Rifugio Épée
  • Guided trek across glacial moraines to Bivacco Ravelli and down to Rifugio Bezzi
  • Guided trek along the Haute Route des Glaciers over Col Bassac Deré (10,108ft) into Val di Rhêmes
  • Guided trek over Col Basei (10,420ft), through the Nivolet Plateau to Rifugio Savoia
  • Guided trek to Col Leynir and descent to Chanevey
  • Guided trek over Col Fenêtre, following part of the Tor des Géants ultra trail

Guides

  • Expert, local, English-speaking alpine guide

Lodging

  • 3 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels in Valgrisenche and Val di Rhêmes
  • 4 nights in cozy Alpine mountain huts along the trek

Meals

  • All (7) tasty breakfasts
  • All (6) local lunches or picnics
  • All (7) Alpine dinners

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  • Group arrival transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport on Day 8

Porter Service

  • 2 luggage transfers during the trek

Gear

  • Pillows and blankets are provided at the mountain refuges

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

  • Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline:

$20-30 per person, per trip

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should reflect your perception of service and quality—a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Personal expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Travel insurance

  • Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate coverage for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and gear, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

  • Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities. Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.

Visas

  • Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Backpack with waist belt (35-50 liters, with raincover)
  • Waterproof packliner/drysack to keep contents dry

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket (with hood) and hiking pants
  • Synthetic (e.g. Primaloft) or Down Puffy Jacket
  • Fleece or merino pullover or sweater
  • Synthetic or merino wool base layers
  • Warm hat and gloves (really important in mixed weather conditions)
  • Sunhat or cap
  • Synthetic shirts/T-shirts and pants (zip-off preferable) or shorts for hiking
  • Comfortable clothes to wear post-hike in the refuges
  • 4+ pairs of hiking socks, wool or synthetic (not cotton)
  • Sturdy hiking boots (worn in)

SLEEPING

  • Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk). This is very important as it's a mandatory requirement at the mountain refuges. Pillows and blankets are provided by the refuges
  • Sleepwear
  • Eyemask and earplugs (highly recommended for the mountain huts)
  • Headlamp

OTHER

  • Hiking poles (strongly recommended)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Cash (for tips, drinks and snacks)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended due to altitude)
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Hand sanitizer gel
  • Reusable water bottle(s) x2 liter
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Optional Private Room Upgrade (2 nights)

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade (2 nights)

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 277kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 2 liters) to fill up at the mountain huts to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.

Yes. Hotel Perret offers free luggage storage for guests, should you need to leave a main bag there during the hike.

This trip visits locations at or above 8,000ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group well-being, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

You'll be trekking with a highly experienced, local IFMGA-qualified mountain guide, with a maximum group size of 12. Your guide knows the Gran Paradiso area inside out, from weather patterns to wildlife and will keep the trek safe, smooth, and enjoyable. On some departures, you may even be led by the head of the Alpine Rescue and a true local legend. Either way, you'll be in very safe hands.

Yes, you’ll need to carry a 35–50L trekking pack with everything you need for the day and each overnight in the mountain huts: clothing, toiletries, snacks, water, and other essentials. To help lighten the load, one luggage transfer is included during the trek. Your main bag will be:

  • Collected from Hotel Perret on Day 2
  • Delivered to Rifugio Benevolo on Day 4, so you can swap out dirty clothes for clean ones
  • Returned to Hotel Perret on Day 7, ready for your final night

Your guide’s first priority is always safety. In the event of storms, snow, or unsafe trail conditions, the route may be adjusted, shortened, or rerouted. Flexibility is essential in the high mountains. Snow is the biggest factor which can affect this trek, particularly in the earlier part of the season (June/early July). There are some sections of the route which will have to be bypassed if there has been any significant snowfall on the days prior. Your host has plotted out deviations away from these sections in case of snowfall. If poor weather comes in (such as storms, heavy rain and poor visibility), depending on the stage of the trek, your host will consider the conditions and plot an alternative route which may involve sitting out any extreme weather in one of the huts.

All guides are trained in mountain first aid and carry a phone for emergencies. In the unlikely event of a serious incident, they can contact the local mountain rescue service or arrange evacuation by vehicle or helicopter if needed.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamed of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks, to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Need help finding flights?

From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

For total peace of mind, Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT and ASTA memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

June 2026

Saturday 27th June 2026

to Saturday 4th July 2026
Guaranteed to run
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

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