A seven-day trek. The route is challenging and requires a reasonable level of fitness and suitable equipment. Each stage takes an average of 7-8 hours and is designed to reach the refuge in the late afternoon, with a few breaks along the way.

Day 1: Meet the guide at the airport
Transfer in our 4x4 to the start of the trek, which begins along the scenic Tracciolino trail, once the site of a narrow-gauge railway, which passes through rock faces and tunnels built in the 1930s. The highly scenic trail continues in and out of the mountain to the village of Codera, inhabited by a few families, despite not being accessible by any road (Codera can only be reached on foot or by helicopter). From Codera, we ascend the valley of the same name, through meadows and woods, until we reach the refuge for dinner and an overnight stay. HB

Day 2: Granit giants
The second stage traverses the upper Codera Valley, surrounded by rocky peaks and high-altitude pastures. The highest point we reach is the pass between Cima di Codera and Pizzi dei Vanni, in an imposing and wild landscape. We are right on the border between Italy and Switzerland, surrounded by impressive granite mountains; our guide will point out fascinating rocks and their minerals. We begin the descent into the Bregaglia Valley, first along steep ravines and then through larch and rhododendron forests until we reach the pastures, where we can sample delicious goat cheese. The route concludes on a true panoramic balcony overlooking the Chiavenna Valley, the Cantone pasture, where we meet the connecting 4x4 vehicle (with a change of clothing and personal sleeping bag) and settle into a private cabin where we relax with a beer and a barbecue on traditional slate tiles. HB

Day 3: Panoramic peaks and ancient cellars
A restful day, starting downhill and then halfway up the hillside through pastures and woods, before descending to the village of Borgonuovo di Piuro, built on the debris of a massive landslide that in 1618 buried the ancient city of Piuro, a vital commercial hub during the Renaissance. Here we discover the "crotti," ancient cellars built between the large landslide boulders, which take advantage of the circulation of fresh air. We reach the imposing and spectacular Acquafraggia Waterfalls, whose final section splits into a double cascade. This natural spectacle is also mentioned in Leonardo da Vinci's "Atlantic Codex." We ascend the waterfalls, which alternate spectacular panoramic balconies, gorges, and smaller cascades, until we reach the village of Savogno (930 meters), abandoned in the 1970s and now used during summer holidays: a cultural and architectural heritage reflecting Walser traditions, waiting to be discovered. The refuge of the same name was built by renovating the village school. It is our accommodation in this magical atmosphere with an open view of the Chiavenna Valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge. HB

Day 4: From Savogno to Lei valley
Early in the morning, we begin the longest leg of our journey. We pass through the Alpigia woods, reaching a steep meadow that leads to Lago dell'Acquafraggia, a water reservoir for the Acquafraggia stream. We are at an altitude of 2,043 meters, within a glacial cirque formed by Pizzo Galleggione, Cima di Lago, and Pizzo di Sommavalle. "Lago," as this mountain pasture is known, is also a destination for Arctic char fishermen. We continue climbing toward Passo di Lei, a pass at 2,660 meters, marked by the Chiara e Walter bivouac. We pass through the wild Val de Ca', completely uninhabited and without any trace of human presence. We descend to the Pian del Nido alp, where we encounter pastoral culture and have the opportunity to see how local cheeses (such as BITTO) and butter are produced, discovering the genuine hospitality of this family of shepherd-entrepreneurs. A special opportunity to experience authentic mountain life and the crafts that have remained unchanged over time. HB

Day 5: Lake Val di Lei, the “fjord” of the Alps
The Val di Lei is made unique by the presence of an 11-kilometer-long artificial lake, which makes the landscape before us resemble a Norwegian fjord nestled between mountains. We begin from Pian del Nido, ascending the left side of the valley, which we ascend to the walls below Monte Mater. Behind us, in all its beauty, is the northern face of Pizzo Stella. We cross some mountain pastures and reach, by midday, the Passo di Sterla Settentrionale (2,830 meters), a notch in the crest of the majestic Pizzo Emet. From here, we begin the descent across the scree slopes toward the Val di Niemet and Lake Emet, at 2,144 meters, a spectacular post-glacial basin. Our home for the night is the refuge on the western side of the lake, with views of the lights of Madesimo and the peaks of Pizzo Ferré and Pizzo Tambo. We treat ourselves to a traditional dinner and the tales of the refuge's poetic manager. FB

Day 6: In Switzerland among lush woods and flowery meadows
The day is entirely dedicated to crossing the Niemet Valley, an ancient smuggling route, divided by the two borders. In the morning, we enter Switzerland by crossing the spartan dry stone wall that serves as the border, and descend through pastures, passing several huts, until we reach a dirt road that quickly leads us into a dense forest. In less than an hour, we reach the village of Innerferrera. From there, a short minibus transfer takes us to the refuge, where we are welcomed with hospitality and skill and where we discover true delicacies of mountain gastronomy. HB

Day 7: From the meadows of Val Madris to Soglio
The final stage, long but spectacular, sees us cross another magnificent valley. A short 4x4 connection takes us to Val Madris: a glacial valley covered with meadows and pastures, which we ascend to the "da la Presagnola" pass, at an altitude of 2,725 meters. From here, the view opens onto one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Alps: Pizzo Badile and Pizzo Cengalo. We begin a steep descent, first among rocks, then through pastures and woods, until we reach Soglio, named the most beautiful traditional village in Switzerland. From here, we return to Italy by private transport to Chiavenna, where we spend the night. BB

Day 8: departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, you will have time to visit the pretty centre of Chiavenna. BB

Summer

Milan