Two Centre Stay Holiday
Two Centre Stay: Livigno / Chiavenna
First Day: After being met at the airport you will be accompanied to Livigno. Depending on arrival time there may be a stop for lunch on the way. Check-in at the hotel followed by a welcome aperitif and possibly time for some shopping.
Two accompanied walks in and around the beautiful valley of Livigno.
The Valle Delle Mine, an easy track taking us through this ample valley alongside the river which descends from the glacier of the same name (Ghiacciaio delle Mine). The first part takes us through larch and alder woods and then onto various types of pine woods. There is a wide variety of beautiful flora to admire and in the distance the wonderful panorama of the Bernina group of mountains with their snow-capped peaks (4049m).
Rising up into the valley we are immediately rewarded with a view of the Glacier and the surrounding peaks. While it is possible to observe small groups of steinbock or chamois, it is not rare to view an eagle flying overhead and families of wary marmots are easy to spot. Our break for lunch is at a delightful baitel (hut) where you can admire the view whilst enjoying your specially prepared picnic. Before resuming our walk why not take a dram of our local blackcurrant grappa to put you on the right path!
Back at the hotel you can enjoy a well earned relax in the Wellness Centre (heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath).
The Trela Route, a wonderful trekking/cycle track takes us right into the heart of the Stelvio National Park. We start our ascent in Val Alpisella, and soon enjoy spectacular rocky formations, the stunning Alpine flora and magnificent views of the valley below. After passing by several pretty Alpine lakes we stop for a well deserved lunch in a typical agriturismo where you can try the locally produced meats and cheeses. We then continue on to the Trela Pass (2295m) where we begin our descent back to Livigno passing through aromatic pine woods.
Day Four: Transfer to Chiavenna may be made by one of two options:-
1) A ride on the Panoramic Red Swiss train to St. Moritz (included in the price) or:
2) A visit to the enchanting Roman Spa Baths in Bormio (paying a small supplement) followed by a visit to the wine cellars with wine tasting in Valtellina (included in the price).
The Roman Spa Baths in Bormio date back to 1st Century B.C. You will experience unique sensations and emotions leaving you with a feeling of well-being and complete relaxation while recharging your batteries for the following day’s walk. An experience not to be missed!
The Bernina Express is the Alps most beautiful train ride. Our journey starts a short distance from Livigno, at Poschiavo and after about a 90 minute ride we arrive at St. Moritz. Ninety minutes of spectacular panorama with views of the impressive Palù Glacier, Lago Bianco (The White Lake - so called because of its’ colour), the station at the Bernina Pass at 2,253m, which is the highest point of the Bernina Railway (the highest Alpine railroad of Europe) and from here a close-up view of the glaciers of the Bernina Group. Descending towards the first ski lifts we reach the spectacular amphitheatre of the Morteràtsch Glacier where we can also see the summit of Bernina at 4,049m. The last leg of the journey takes us into Engadina and finally to the magical atmosphere of St. Moritz with its’ elegant shops and Hotels.
Other activities include three accompanied walks in and around the spectacular valleys and mountains of Valle Spluga, Val Bregaglia into Switzerland and above Lake Como.
The Septimer route in the Bregaglia Valley begins at the foot of the Maloia Pass and follows an ancient path known as far back as Roman times. It took on particular importance in the Middle Ages when it was used by merchants, travellers and pilgrims as the most direct connection from Lake Como to the North of the Alps. It is a most interesting excursion which winds through relaxing pastures and maintains the typical atmosphere of antique routes while offering splendid views of the heights and the valleys below.
En route we will pass by an interesting landmark which indicates the watershed of the Danube, Rhine and Po Rivers. Nearby we can have a wonderful view of the impressive Albigna dam (2165m - another destination among our excursions) and the lake beyond it on the opposite side of the valley. After our picnic lunch we start our descent to Lago Lunghin, a lake originating from the glacial era. Our walk ends at the picturesque skiing village of Maloia where we meet our transport home.
Last Day: Transfer to the airport of your departure for the flight home.