Via Bregaglia - Hiking in Swiss and Italian Alps

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~~$780~~

$741

Via Bregaglia - Hiking in Swiss and Italian Alps

5 Days Starting in Maloja, 7516 Bregaglia, Switzerland and ending in 23022 Chiavenna, Province of Sondrio, Italy

Visiting: Maloja, Vicosoprano, Soglio, Chiavenna

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

760

Group Type:

Independent

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Challenging

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$780

$741 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$39

Tour Overview

A five day, self-guided walking holiday along the Via Bregaglia, an idyllic Alpine valley that takes you from Switzerland into Italy. Starting in Maloja, located at the western end of Lake Sils at an elevation of 1,800m, spend three days hiking along ancient Roman roads, through chestnut forests and into some of the Bregaglia Valley’s prettiest villages, such as Vicosoprano and Castasegna. Celebrate crossing the border at Chiavenna, a handsome mountain town in Lombardy, divided by the River Mera, with plenty of fine restaurants to mark the finale of this short but sublime walking holiday

Highlights

Sciora Massif
Maloja village with its Belvedere Tower and Marmitte dei giganti potholes
The ruins of the San Gaudenzio church, Casaccia
Historic town of Vicosoprano
Borgonovo- the birthplace of Alberto Giacometti
Ciäsa Granda or Valley Museum, Stampa with its Giacometti-Varlin Hall
Palazzo Castelmur, Coltura
Acqua Fraggia waterfalls
Chiavenna, Italy

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Maloja

Location: Maloja

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Schweizerhaus, Longhin, Maloja Kulm or similar in Maloja

Meals Included: No Meals

Maloja lies at the western end of Lake Sils, connecting the Upper Engadine Lake District and the Bergell Valley. If you have time, it’s worth walking to the Belvedere Tower overlooking Maloja for superb views. A visit to the glacial potholes, Marmitte dei giganti, an extraordinary geological phenomenon, is also highly recommended.

Day 2 : Maloja - Vicosoprano | 11.3Km

Location: Maloja, Vicosoprano

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Piz Cam, Pranzaira or similar in Vicosoprano

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The route between Maloja and Casaccia takes you along the remains of an ancient Roman road. Walk past the church ruins of San Gaudenzio on the right side of the valley and on to Casaccia and, finally to Vicosoprano which was once was the historic main town of the valley. Places of interest in the village are the church of San Cassiano built around the year 1000, the early Baroque Santa Trinità church, The Praetorium or former town hall with torture chamber no less, and the old bridge over the River Maira. On the way out of the village, heading in the direction of Borgonovo, you can see the pillars of the former gallows.

Walking from Maloja – Vicosoprano: 11.3km, 3h 20mins ↑55m ↓798m

Day 3 : Vicosoprano - Soglio | 9.1Km

Location: Vicosoprano, Soglio

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Stüa Granda or similar in Soglio

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today a hike bursting with both natural and cultural heritage awaits. Borgonovo is the birthplace of the world renowned sculptor and painter Alberto Giacometti. The Ciása Granda Valley Museum with the dedicated Sala Giacometti-Varlin is a must visit in Stampa and, in Coltura a visit to Palazzo Castelmur is recommended. Today you also get to walk along a path with breathtaking views of the Sciora Massif and Pizzo Badile that takes you up to Soglio.

Walking for the day: 9.1km, 3h ↑449m ↓486m

Day 4 : Soglio - Chiavenna | 15.7Km

Location: Soglio, Chiavenna

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Crimea or similar in Chiavenna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The first part of the hike leads through the chestnut forest just below Soglio (Plazza and Brentan) with its beautiful old trees. One of the largest cultivated chestnut groves in Europe, the trees are still perfectly maintained by local people and the annual chestnut festival, or Festival della Castagna, takes place in autumn. Castasegna is also the last village on Swiss soil. Today’s hike ends in Chiavenna in Italy, a flourishing tourist and cultural town with an exceptionally well-preserved historical city centre.

Walking for the day: 15.7km, 5h 15mins ↑475m ↓1244m

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Chiavenna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and departure. Consider booking an extra night in Chiavenna to visit its museums, Acquafraggia waterfalls in Borgonuovo di Piuro, Paradiso Botanical Gardens, Palazzo Vertemate in Prosto di Piuro or take a short trip (30mins by train) to Colico village, located on Lake Como, where the the River Adda enters the lake.

What's Included

Accommodation

4 overnight accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
Meals

4 breakfasts 3 packed lunches on walking days (sandwich, fruit, chocolate bar and water)
Luggage transfer when changing hotels (one piece of luggage per person, max 15kg)
Detailed route notes (One per room) deposited at the first accommodation, including information material, trekking map
Entry to Paradiso Botanical Gardens, Chiavenna and Palazzo Vertemate in Piuro
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Airfare and connecting land transfers
Dinners, drinks and snacks
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on all documentation
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own. This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
When to go?

This trip is available from mid-June until mid-October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season. Getting there FCO up-to-date travel advice on Switzerland and Italy.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

All guides are English Speaking
Are flights included in this tour?

No, international flights are not included

Difficulty and terrain

Surefootedness is needed for these Alpine hiking trails. Each day the hikes are pretty long, with some steeper parts and so you need to be in good physical health and fit. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. Your holiday information pack will include more detailed information on route navigation.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes we can, please contact us for details
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this Operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

Lorraine McHugh (Google Reviewer)

We had a wonderful cycling...

12-Jan-2024

We had a wonderful cycling trip through Puglia. The scenery was so beautiful. The accommodations we had were ideal! Luggage transfer was always prompt and a small adjustment was made to my bike, upon request, midway through the trip. The bike technician was extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip and this company!

Dates & Availability

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Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024

Instant Booking Available

Friday - Tuesday

Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024

~~$780~~ $741 (USD)