The Italian Alps: the Val Maira

A unique environment to begin your hike at an altitude of nearly 1,000 metres.

Settle into your accommodation, which has a magnificent garden where you can relax with a beautiful view and a swimming pool. The rooms are nicely decorated in a traditional style with private bathrooms. Good restaurant in the slow food tradition with seasonal Piedmontese dishes and local products from across the region. Francesco, the owner, is very friendly and knows the area and the sporting activities it offers well. An excellent place to spend an extra night at the beginning or end of your hike.

11 km - Elevation: 850 m - Estimated time: 4.5 hours
On the first day, you will walk through picturesque wooded countryside dotted with flowers. From Langra, you take the path that climbs up and crosses almost deserted villages, passing the remarkable ruins of a 15th-century hospital in Caudano and walking alongside the 13th-century church of San Peyre, located at an altitude of 1,223 m, to reach the village of Morinesio, the end point of this hike.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional agritourism establishment located in the hamlet of Morinesio, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. This historic building, dating in part from the 18th century, offers comfortable rooms and apartments, all equipped with private bathrooms and balconies offering beautiful views of the mountains. Generous breakfast featuring local products. Restaurant serves regional dishes and local wines from the Langhe.

9.5km - Elevation: 633m - Estimated time: 3.5 hours
On this second day of walking from Morinesio, you climb towards Colle Bettone, where you can admire a magnificent view of the Elva valley. You then continue towards the pass where the chapel of Colle San Giovanni is located, then descend towards Elva through a beautiful larch forest. The cultural highlight of this stage is the 14th-century parish church, with its frescoes by the Flemish painter Hans Clemer.

Spend the night in the locanda located in the heart of the village, near the famous church of Elva. The rooms are simple and have private bathrooms. Enjoy a good breakfast and traditional dinner served at the Locanda, which also serves as the village café. Well located for hiking. The staff are particularly friendly.

15 km - Elevation: 935m - Estimated time: 6hrs

From Elva, the day begins with a quiet little road towards Dao, then climbs towards Vallone di Gias Vecchio. You arrive on the other side of the valley after crossing a stream. All that remains is to climb the last 300 metres to Colle San Michele, at an altitude of 1,935 metres. Then you descend towards San Michele on an easy path that runs along the side of the mountain. You finish your journey at your accommodation in Borgata Allemandi, where beekeepers and potato farmers give you a warm welcome. The rooms are comfortable and elegant with private bathrooms. There is a good restaurant where the owner prepares delicious dishes using local products. There is a beautiful spacious garden with breathtaking views of the mountains. It is the ideal place for an extra day of rest.

15km - Elevation 905m- Estimated time: 5hrs.
Short transfer to the starting point of the hike in Vallone, just above Ussolo. Continue climbing towards Grangette until you reach Colle Saraceno. Then cross forests and mountain pastures to Serri Soprana. At an altitude of 2,050 m, you will arrive at a small mountain path that leads to Vallone Traversiera. From Lausetto, you follow a well-maintained mule track that runs alongside Villar towards Acceglio. Through the fields, you arrive at a beautiful viewpoint, Crocetta, near Chiappera, the end point of the hike where you will stay in a comfortable mountain hotel, formerly the village school.

Aftter brekfast you will be transfered to Camoglieres