Piedmont: Val Maira Alpine Hike

Arrive in Acceglio which can be reached by bus from Cuneo, the nearest train station. Here you will be met and transferred to the quiet village of Ponte Maira, where time seems to slow. Settle in and take a moment to soak up the peaceful atmosphere, with its mountain views and traditional alpine charm. Dinner included this evening. Note: it is possible to book a transfer from Cuneo or Dronero to the accommodation - supplement applies.

Today you have the option of two walks of different lengths. Walk A – Rocca Provenzale Loop from Chiappera After a short morning transfer, your walk begins in the beautifully restored alpine hamlet of Chiappera, perched at 1,620 meters (5,315 feet). Take a moment to explore its peaceful charm – including a village bar and a frescoed mountain church – before heading uphill toward the dramatic spire of Rocca Provenzale. The initial climb is challenging but rewarding, leading to Colle Greguri at 2,309 meters (7,575 feet), where the trail opens up into gentler terrain and sweeping views. Your walk circles back to Chiappera, where a transfer returns you to your accommodation for a well-earned rest. Walking: 10km/6.25mi, +725m/2400ft, -725m/2400ft, 10% surfaced, 90% unsurfaced Walk B – Sentiero Frassati and the Lakes of Val Maira Today’s walk begins at Sorgente Maira, the source of the Maira River, reached via a short transfer. You’ll follow the scenic Sentiero Frassati, an alpine trail that weaves past a series of quiet mountain lakes, including the stunningly blue Lago Apzoi at 2,300 meters (7,545 feet). Along the way, you’ll pass remnants of Mussolini-era bunkers – a stark contrast to the surrounding natural beauty and a glimpse into the region’s layered past. You can either walk back to Ponte Maira or arrange a return transfer from Sorgenti Maira. Walking: 13km/8.12mi, +945m/3120ft, -930m/3000ft, 100% unsurfaced Overnight in charming Rifugio.

This morning you transfer to Viviere where you have a choice of walks. Both return to Viviere where you stay the night in a charming Rifugio in a private room with ensuite. Walk A – Colle Oserot and Gardetta Plateau After a short transfer to the tiny alpine hamlet of Viviere, you’ll begin a stunning walk toward Colle Oserot, the highest point of the day at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet). The trail winds through dramatic limestone cliffs and lush green meadows, offering panoramic views across the high peaks of Val Maira. A side trip to Rifugio Gardetta at 2,380 meters (7,810 feet), set on the wide, open Plateau Gardetta is recommended - a serene spot for a break or a hot drink. Walking: 13km/8.12mi, +1070m/3530ft, -1070m/3530ft, 100% unsurfaced Walk B – The Roburent Lakes Circuit For a more demanding yet spectacular experience, choose the route to the Roburent Lakes – a series of high-altitude alpine lakes known for their vivid color and picture-perfect setting. This trail is more challenging, but rewards you with sweeping views of some of the tallest mountains in the valley and a real sense of wilderness. Expect a rugged, rewarding day immersed in one of Val Maira’s most photogenic corners. Walking: 16km/10mi, +1195m/3945ft, -1195m/3940ft, 100% unsurfaced

Departing from Viviere, today’s route takes you up to the Gardetta Pass on a challenging but rewarding mountain trail. The climb is steady and mostly on path, surrounded by vast alpine views that only get better as you gain elevation. From the Gardetta mountain hut, the walk eases into a gentle downhill stretch on a wide dirt track, making for a relaxing descent with constant panoramic views. Overnight - comfortable Rifugio for 2 nights. Walking: 9.5km/6mi, +710m/2345ft, -360m/1190ft, 100% unsurfaced

Starting from Grange Selvest in the hamlet of Preit, this loop walk offers a memorable mix of nature, history and jaw-dropping views. The trail climbs steadily through pastures surrounded by Larches to Lago Nero (the Black Lake), an alpine lake at 2227m in altitude with sweeping views over Rocca la Meja (2831m) and Monviso (3841m) peaks. The route is well-marked and scenic throughout, with dramatic panoramas at every turn. On the descent, you’ll pass a poignant memorial stone honoring 23 young Alpini soldiers lost in an avalanche in 1937. The walk finishes back at the same point you began, making it a rewarding circuit in one of the most photogenic corners of the Val Maira. Walking: 10km/6.25ft, +740m/2440ft, -740m/2440ft, 12% surfaced, 88% unsurfaced

A short transfer takes you to Colle del Preit at around 2080m in altitude. From here the trail climbs gently onto the vast Altopiano della Gardetto, surrounded by meadows and the dramatic mountain, Rocca la Meja, a different angle from yesterdays view. Continue along old military roads and tracks across the open highlands with sweeping views of the Alps. The route then descends gradually through pastures and forest to reach the hamlet of San Sebastiano. It's a moderate, full day walk combining wild mountain landscapes with cultural charm at days end. Transfer to Marmora and your accommodation. Overnight - comfortable Albergo. Walking: 16km/10mi, +550m/1815ft, -1220m/4000ft, 8% surfaces, 92% unsurfaced

Today begins with a transfer to Colle d’Esischie, the gateway to one of the most panoramic routes in the region – the Alta Via di Marmora. This full-day walk is a high alpine journey across a series of dramatic mountain passes, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail is scenic from start to finish, with ever-changing landscapes that blend rugged ridgelines, grassy slopes and wildflower-filled meadows. For an even greater reward, take the short detour to Punta Tempesta – a breathtaking viewpoint where you can soak in the full scale of the Cottian Alps. This is a day to bring your camera – and your sense of awe. Overnight - comfortable Albergo. Walking: 14km/8.7mi, +470m/1542ft, -1510m/4954ft, 10% surfaced, 90% unsurfaced

The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the bus stop in Prazzo.