Covering spectacular hiking terrain across the Italian and Swiss Alps, the drama and beauty of the Monte Rosa Massif are breathtaking. On this alpine adventure, you will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the highest and most beautiful mountains of the Alps, including the iconic Matterhorn.
Start - End: Milan - Milan
Total trip: 9 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 4
Gallery
From the pink hues of the sun rising on Monte Rosa (Italy’s second highest peak), to the steely grays of the great granite cliffs, to the pure white of the snow-covered Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers, to the inky blue alpine lakes; this adventure is a treat for the senses! The lesser-known but stunningly beautiful Tour del Monte Rosa, is an exceptional hiking adventure if you're looking for an alternative to the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Experience the beauty of hiking epic mountain trails of the Alps, soar above breathtaking landscapes on dramatic cable car rides, e-bike through larch-scented woodlands, and kayak pristine lakes, all the while enjoying charming alpine culture. At the end of each action-packed day, you can sit back with a well-earned drink, and we can’t travel to Italy and Switzerland without mentioning the cuisine! Fresh pasta, Swiss fondu, local cheeses, tasty traditional dishes, all washed down with Italian wines, served in delightful chalet-style hotels with stunning mountain views.
The Tour del Monte Rosa is as pretty as its name sounds. Check out what you'll get up to each day of this stunning alpine hiking adventure tour.
Gallery
After we meet this morning, we’ll transfer to Varallo for a visit to the world heritage site of impressive Sacro Monte perched atop a ridge overlooking the village. We’ll enjoy a tasty snack before continuing to the beautiful mountain village of Alagna.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll settle in with a welcome drink, and briefing session complete with a packing check in preparation for the next few days’ hiking.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte Rosa, Alagna
Meals: Dinner
It’s our warm-up day! From Alagna Valsesia we’ll transfer by cable car to Passo dei Salati at 9,514 feet (2,900 meters). After a short acclimatization stop, the descent will begin to Staffal, sitting at 6,070 feet (1,850 meters) in the Lys Valley. We’ll then board another spectacular cable car ride to ascend to Sant’Anna to start the trek, following the path upward to Colle della Bettaforca. Note there is also the option to reach this destination by lifts!
We’ll begin the descent to our accommodations for the night, the Rifugio Ferraro where we will enjoy a wonderful local dinner.
Accommodation: Rifugio Ferraro, Aosta valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Rifugio Ferraro - 6,798 feet (2,072 meters)
Hiking: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,804 feet (550 meters) ascent, -2,133 feet (650 meters) descent
Awakening to the crisp mountain air, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast before descending to Piani di Verra. Next we’ll ascend along the beautiful Curtoz Valley to reach Colle delle Cime Bianche at 9,495 feet (2,894 meters). The ‘up and down’ continues with a short descent then ascent by cable car to the mountain of Testa Grigia - literally “gray head” – at 11,417 feet (3,480 meters). It’s time to farewell Italy for a few days as we cross the border to Switzerland by descending into the Zermatt Valley.
After soaring over the Teodul Glethscer (Theodul Glacier) to Trockener Steg at 9,642 feet (2,939 meters), we’ll then continue by cable car to the picturesque village of Zermatt. There is the option from Testa Grigia of continuing to Zermatt using the lifts to the Little Matterhorn at an altitude of 12,740 feet (3,883 meters).
Tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner in town!
Accommodation: Hotel Base Camp Zermatt, Zermatt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 10.6 miles (17 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,937 feet (1,200 meters) ascent, 2,789 feet (850 meters) descent
You are in for a treat today as we transfer by minibus to Täschalp at 7,119 feet (2,170 meters) to hike along the scenic ‘Europaweg’ to Grächen. The Europaweg trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and offers panoramic mountain views including the iconic Matterhorn. Along the way we cross the spectacular ‘Charles Kuonen Bridge’ which is a third of a mile (half a kilometer) in length, and continue to the Europahütte, nestled in the heart of a larch forest.
We’ll refuel with a snack before descending to Täsch and returning to Grächen for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Active Grachen, Grachen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Grächen 5,315 feet (1,620 meters)
Hiking: 8 miles (13 kilometers), 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,297 feet (700 meters) ascent, 4,528 feet (1,380 meters) descent
The picturesque Saastal region beckons today! We’ll head up the valley along the scenic ‘Altavia’ - Grächen to Saas Fee trail - at an elevation of 5,814 feet (1,772 meters).
The trail continues to descend to Saas Grund where we’ll check into our hotel to enjoy a well-earned Swiss meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Monte Moro Saas Almagell, Saas Almagell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Saas Grund 5,115 feet (1,559 meters)
Hiking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,101 feet (1,250 meters) ascent, 1,050 feet (3,445 meters) descent
From Saas Grund, we start the trek from the Mattmark Reservoir, following the Saastal to reach the Monte Moro Pass at 9,410 feet (2,868 meters). We’ll then take the cable car back to Italy, to descend to the charming village of Macugnaga.
After checking into the hotel, we’ll relish some delicious Italian cuisine in spectacular alpine surroundings.
Accommodation: Hotel Flora Macugnaga, Macugnaga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Macugnaga - 4,288 feet (1,307 meters)
Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,297 feet (700 meters) ascent, -328 feet (100 meters) descent
The hiking boots are swapped out for some pedaling action today! After a short drive along the valley to the village of Piedimulera, we will take our E-bikes for a guided tour along the Toce River to the medieval village of Vogogna. Post-card perfect Vogogna is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, amidst the protected woodland reserve of Ornavasso and the beautiful lake of Mergozzo.
After the ride we will drive to Orta San Giulio on the banks of the magnificent Lake Orta and celebrate with a beautiful dinner on the terrace of the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Il Bocciolo Orta, Orta San Giulio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), 3 hours
Today we’ll take to the water kayaking Lake Orta! This is a stunning experience meandering between the lake coastline, and the sensational villas overlooking it. We’ll kayak to the island of San Giulio for a break, and then continue to Orta San Giulio.
We’ll end that day on Bagnera Beach at the Circolo Canottieri Lago d'Orta for our last meal together, reflecting on the incredible adventure of the past eight days.
Accommodation: Hotel Il Bocciolo Orta, Orta San Giulio
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: Approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers), 2-3 hours
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to transfer to Malpensa airport where we’ll say “ciao!”
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
From where your journey begins to what to pack for hiking the Monte Rosa Trail, find out more as you read through the FAQs.
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at the restaurant "Pret a Manger" in Terminal One, just outside the arrivals area (between exits #7 & 8), at 11am, or the Hotel Holiday Inn Express Milan - Malpensa Airport at 11:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Milan, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times. Come prepared in comfortable clothing for the trip to Alagna, you'll have the opportunity to freshen up before dinner with your fellow Adventurers.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) at 10:30am, in time for flights below, or the Hotel Holiday Inn Express Milan - Malpensa Airport at 11am.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Milan by 9am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Milan after 1pm for both domestic and international. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We’ve selected the accommodation on the is trip for the unique character and adventuresome feel – this trip is not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Italy. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s and mountain lodges during the overnight hike on day 2, known locally as rifugio’s. If you've selected a single supplement for your trip, the overnight hike is not included as no single rooms are available in the rifugio's, and the single supplement price takes this into account.
You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this trip, with daily hikes typically ranging from four to six hours. While peak physical condition isn’t required, you should be accustomed to regular aerobic exercise—ideally including hills, stairs, and carrying a backpack. The more preparation you do before your adventure, the more you'll enjoy the active, outdoor experience once you're on the trail.
Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!
Gallery
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
