Mont Blanc & the Aosta Valley

Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Turin. On arrival, collect your hire car and make the scenic drive north to the Aosta Valley, a region of soaring mountains, lush meadows, idyllic Alpine villages and rich cultural heritage in the northwestern corner of Italy. Perhaps make a stop en route in Aosta, a town steeped in Roman heritage. As well as immersing yourself in Aosta’s rich history, it’s worth taking the cable car to nearby Pila for superb views overlooking the valley and the surrounding mountains.

From here, continue to La Thuile, a charming village nestled in the mountains close to the French border at an altitude of 1,450 metres. You’ll be spending the first two nights of your trip here at a luxury lodge with a state-of-the-art spa and an elegant bistro restaurant showcasing the authentic flavours and traditions of the Alps.

Today, take the opportunity to explore La Thuile and its spectacular surroundings. When the snow melts away, La Thuile becomes a haven for hiking, with over 500 kilometres of trails ranging from gentle, easily accessible routes to more challenging treks offering majestic mountain panoramas. There are also over 200 kilometres of trails in La Thuile Bike Park, a wonderful place to go mountain biking against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. 

It’s a short drive today of around 20 minutes to your next stop, Courmayeur, which lies at the western end of the Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. Check into the stylish Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, your home for the next three nights. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, savour delectable cuisine at La Fourchette restaurant, and unwind over a drink or two at the Equinox Lounge Bar, accompanied by magnificent mountain views from the terrace. Owing to its location near the crossroads of three Alpine countries, the culinary scene here incorporates a mix of Italian, French and Swiss influences; expect plenty of rich polenta dishes, hearty ragouts, cured meats and delicious cheeses. 

Over the next couple of days, you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Courmayeur and the surrounding region, which is home to 14 peaks exceeding 4,000 metres. Take your pick from a vast array of superb hiking trails, visit the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Gardens, or perhaps treat yourself to a spa day at the nearby thermal baths of Pré Saint Didier. The town of Courmayeur itself is also a delight to explore, with a fully pedestrianised centre packed with bars, restaurants and shops.

If there’s one activity not to miss, however, it’s a journey on the Mont Blanc Skyway – a 360-degree rotating cable car that ascends to the Pointe Helbronner summit station at 3,466 metres above sea level. There’s no better way to take in awe-inspiring views of the region’s glaciers, snow-draped peaks and the lush green valleys below. 

After breakfast, drive back through the Aosta Valley to Turin to catch your flight home.