Make your own way to Pont-Saint-Martin in the Aosta Valley, where you will transfer (approx 45 minutes) to your accommodation near Gaby. (Or if La Gruba is full booked your first night will be in Fontainemore).

Meals:  D

Today the Vallone del Loo is waiting for you: a gradual and long valley hike, scattered with typical stone houses used to keep the animals but also to host the hikers that venture into this beautiful place. In the peace and quiet you will descend for the first time into the Gressoney valley and then climb onto the other side (transfer available) to the next accommodation, with views of the giant Monte Rosa (rosa=pink, for the colour of its granite stone). The included lunch today is along the way at Agriturismo Blékléne. Distance: 14km/8.75mi ascent +1150m/3773ft, descent -1080m/3543ft, highest point 2389m or with transfer: 13km/8mi, ascent 900m/2952ft, descent -1000m/3280ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Also called the Monte Rosa stage, as the mountain will guide your way, today you pass through many “alpeggi”, where cows and sheep spend the summer and meet the shepherd. The Walser culture is especially present here: a German nomadic population has lived here since medieval times thanks to their ability to farm at altitude. Here the architecture and even the dialect is a mirror of their culture, and one of the best examples is the Alpenzu Hut, where you stay tonight. Ask your host to visit the restored social wood oven. ** Note that luggage transfer is not available for tonight and tomorrow, it's transferred directly to Anderbatt, so you will need to carry your requirements for 2 days in your rucksack. Do not forget your sleep sheet and towel. Distance: 11km/6.9mi, ascent +790m/2591ft, descent -620m/2034ft, highest point 2083m

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you head to the Orestes Hut (located at 2600m). From the typical Walser village of Alpenzu you start out first through forest, before descending to the tiny village of Gressoney-la-Trinite. Follow the Lys river to Anderbatt and Staffal, the last village before the glacier, then there are 2 options. One is to take the cable car/gondola to Gabiet (not included, allow 10 euros pp) and walk (3km, 300m+) to Orestes hut. The other option is to hike up to the hut without taking the cable car (6km, 800m+), making it a much tougher day. Note that at the hut they only cook tasty vegetarian and vegan food. ** As previously noted, luggage transfer is not available today. Distance: (ie without the cablecar): 15km/9.4mi, ascent +1400m/4593ft, descent -600m/1968ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s hike takes you to the foot of Monte Rosa. Here the alpinists start their ascent to the famous Capanna Margherita (hut), named after the queen (and the pizza!), at 4500m, or the famous Lyskamm traverse. You will hike up to Colle Salza at 2882m then descend to Staffal/Anderbatt in the Lys valley, with stunning views of the glacier. For experienced and fit hikers only and subject to weather there is the option to hike to the “Alta Luce” panoramic point, located at nearly 3200m. Overnight B&B in Anderbatt, where your luggage awaits your arrival. Distance: 8km/5mi, ascent +400m/1312ft, descent -1200m/3937ft, highest point 2882m Alta Luce: 6hrs, 10km/6.2mi, ascent 700m/2296ft, descent 1500m/4921ft, highest point 3184m

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast in Anderbatt. Additional nights can be booked on request or you can take the bus to Pont St Martin and then the train to your onward destination.

Meals:  B