Trek from Italy to Switzerland

65km Baggage Assisted Tour

The Via Spluga represents a classic cultural hiking route within the central Alps which throughout the centuries has linked the towns of Thusis Switzerland and Chiavenna, Italy. Most of the Via Spluga winds its way gently along old mule-tracks which have either maintained their original characteristics or have at least been restored to something like their natural state.The route, as well as offering the opportunity to appreciate a slice of genuine history also permits the walker to get to know a very particular mountain terrain alongside the local population whose life has been particularly influenced by generations of travellers making their way across the Alpine pass.The Via Spluga is 65 kilometres in length. It leaves Thusis(720m) by way of the famous Via Mala gorge as far as Splügen(1457m). From this little town it turns towards the south, climbing up to the Spluga Pass at 2115m, which signals the highest point of the route. From here it thus begins its descent, taking in the entire length of Val San Giacomo until reaching Chiavenna at 333m. You can discover the Via Spluga by enjoying one of a number of packages on offer that includes transport of luggage from one hotel to the next.

65km Baggage assisted Tour

Chiavenna to Thusis(or in reverse)

June till early October

Tour highlights:

♦ Rofla gorge with spectacular waterfalls ♦ Via Mala Gorge - extraordinary geological characteristics, a real breathtaking show♦ St. Martino church and the regional museum in Zillis;♦ Museum of the Via Spluga in Campodolcino;♦ The Cardinello Gorge and the historical centre of Chiavenna;

• Itinerary Option 1 ........Option 2 is the reverse of this , starting in Chiavenna.

• Start Thusis .....Finish Chiavenna 7 days /6 nights or reversable•

• 1°st day: Arrival in Thusis a small, active town, where numerous hotels and shops of all kinds, offer along the main street of their merchandise.

• overnight, stay breakfast, packet lunch, luggage transportation.

• 2°nd day: way Thusis - Andeer (CH) arrival in Andeer, overnight, staybreakfast, packet lunch, • luggage transportation. Thusis - Verlorenes Loch - Zillis, 9,5 Km 4 h. (+ 850 m./ - 590 m)

Way Thusis/Sils - Via Traversina - Zillis, 11,5 km 5 h. (+ 990 m. / -730 m.)

• Museums & interests along the way: Via Mala Gorge, Curch and Museum of Zillis, Termal bath in Andeer.

• 3rd day: way Andeer – Splügen (CH) arrival in Splugen, overnight, breakfast, packet lunch, luggage transportation. Andeer - Splugen. 13 km, 5h. (+ 700 m. / -200 m.)

• Point of interset along the way: Roffla Gorge

• 4th day: way Splügen – Isola *(IT) arrival in Isola, overnight, breakfast, packet lunch, luggage transportation. *( option of staying in Madesimo .) Splugen - Isola. 15 km, 6 h. 30 min. (+ 700 m. / -900m.)

• 5th day: way Isola – Chiavenna (IT) arrival in Chiavenna, overnight, breakfast, packet lunch.• Isola - Chiavenna. 19.5 km, 6 h. (+100 m. / - 1000 m.)• Museums along the way: MUVIS, museum of the Via Spluga in Campodolcino, Church of

Gallivaggio

• 6th day: day to spend in Chiavenna. Overnight and breakfast • Museums to visit in Chiavenna: Mill of Bottonera and Palazzo Vertemate in Prosto di Piuro (1,5 Km

from Chiavenna, a short walk to the Acquafraggia watefalls in Borgonuovo)

• 7th day: end of programm (Transfers to and from the airports in Milan can be organised)•

• The package includes:• N.6 overnights, n.6 breakfasts, n.5 packet lunch, luggage transports,1 trekking map, n. 1 entry to the

Rofla Gorge, n. 1 entry to the Via Mala Gorge, n. 1 entry to the St. Martino churc and the regional museum in Zillis, 1 entry to thermal bath of Andeer (max. 2 hours), 1 entry to Museo of theViaSpluga in Campodolcino, n.1 entry to Mill of Bottonera in Chiavenna, n. 1 entry to Palazzo Vertemate Franchi in Piuro.

•

• The package does not include• Flights&airport taxes Transfers to Chiavenna & return to Airport (transfers can be arranged or you

can hire a car).Any meals not indicated on itinerary,travel insurance,Drinks, Souvenirs and personal spending and any extra transfers.

• Prices per person: Based on two sharing a double room, (single supplements apply. )

• Adult £435 Bed and Breakfast

• Child (until 12 years old): £335•

• Half-board option at £525 per person

• Thusis• The most recently-constructed parts of Thusis appeared following a

fire in 1845, and along the carriageway here there are numerous hotels, guest houses and a host of shops. The Via Spluga moves on from Thusis along two quite different routes which head into the ViaMala gorge.

Andeer / Thermal Baths

The Spa at Andeerboasting its mineral waters at an attractive 34°, plays host to pools both inside and outdoors, a sauna and a health centre where it´s possible to enjoy hydrotherapy treatments.

Montespluga

Madesimo

Chiavenna - Italian food and cultureA stroll through the little town´s centre will throw up a whole host of references to its historic past. Of enormous interest is the Treasure Museum adjacent to the San Lorenzo rectory where there is an extensive array of sacred vessels, vestments, paintings, sculptures and work by goldsmiths on permanent display. ´La Pace´(The Peace) is an absolute masterpiece of the medieval goldsmith´s art.

Useful information RouteThe Via Spluga is a mountain path and it´s important to follow the route indicated. Take appropriate equipment. The walk is usually undertaken independently and not accompanied (however Alpine Guides are available on request at extra cost).Duration of the walksTimes indicated naturally do not include breaks and visits. We recommend that when calculating the timing for each stage you allow for opportunities to explore all that the route has to offer along the way.Italian-Swiss borderA valid identity document/passport is required.Hotel CategoriesHotels will be allocated at the time of booking (all rooms have private bathrooms). Luggage TransportYou are kindly requested to write on all luggage your, full name, destination and hotel. One bag per person is the allowed..Left LuggageIt´s possible to leave luggage at the Tourist Office in Chiavenna, located inside the railway station. The price for each bag: up to 2 hrs, one euro; from 2 - 4 hrs, 2 euro; all day, 4 euro.Download further information and bus timetable

Hotels are allocated at the time of booking dependant on availability ,all rooms are en-suite.....a sample of Hotels available on the Spluga route.

Thusis - Switzerland

Hotel Weiss KreuzTel. +41 (0)816500850www.weisskreuz.ch

Hotel ViamalaTel. +41 (0)816500808www.viamalahotel.ch

Hotel CampellTel. +41 (0)816513020www.hotel-campell.ch

Andeer- Switzerland

Hotel FraviTel. +41 (0)81 660 01 01www.fravi-hotel.ch

Hotel Weisses KreuzTel. +41 (0)81 661 15 23www.hotel-weisseskreuz.ch

Hotel PostTel. +41 (0)81 661 11 26www.hotelpost-andeer.ch

Hotels page 1

Splugen - Switzerland

Hotel Piz TamboTel.+41 (0) 81 650 95 95 www.piz-tambo.ch

Hotel SurettaTel.+41 (0) 81 650 95 50www.suretta.ch

Hotel Weiss KreuzTel+41 (0)81 630 910 www.weiss-kreuz.ch

Madesimo / Isola - Italy

Hotel Emet MadesimoTel. +39 034353395www.hotel-emet.com

Hotel Soldanella MadesimoTel.+39 0343 57011www.albergo-soldanella.com

Hotel MangustaTel+39 034353095www.albergomangusta.it

Hotels Page 2

Chiavenna - Italy

Hotel CrimeaTel. +39 034334343www.hotelcrimea.net

Hotel FloraTel. +39 034332254www.florahotel.com

Hotel San LorenzoTel. +39 034334902www.sanlorenzochiavenna.it

Hotel ConradiTel. +39 034332300www.hotel-conradi.com

Hotels Page 3

Contact Us info@bellawalkitalia.com or tel 0845 157820

www.bellawalkitalia.com

A booking deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking....full payment is due 8 weeks before departure or full payment if it falls within the 8 week before departure date.

Hotels are allocated at the time of booking