This is a superb four-nation odyssey of hikes in the Alps—and in true WT style, we’ll cross all international borders on foot! We hike through the vineyards of northern Italy’s Valtellina region, famed for viticulture since Roman times, and into Switzerland’s sunny Engadine Valley, with its ice-blue skies. Crossing into tiny Liechtenstein, a land of mountain panoramas and turreted castles, we make our way into the Alps of Austria as we hike the ridgetop Eschnerberg Trail, enjoying views into the Rhine Valley. As we move from country to country, we’ll enjoy Romanesque architecture, ancient spa towns, and culinary delights, with a special wine tasting at the renowned cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Arrive: Bergamo, Italy
Depart: Innsbruck, Austria
After exploring medieval Bergamo in the foothills of the Italian Alps, we head into the green Valtellina Valley to see the World Heritage-listed petroglyphs at Valcamonica. The Valtellina is a land of traditional flavors—typical dishes include pizzoccheri (a buckwheat noodle), polenta taragna, and delicious alpine cheeses like casera, bitto, and scimudin. From our hotel in a stunning mountainside location, we follow a trail down to the medieval town of Bormio, renowned for its natural hot springs, which also fuel the spa baths of our Bormio hotel.
Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to a wonderful “alm,” a mountain chalet where cattle graze, and to the beautiful alpine village of Livigno, close to the Swiss border and possessing an “end of the road” ambiance. We hike in the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, the oldest park in the Alps, then take the train to Davos. A funicular ride carries us up to our charming and remote mountain resort, and the next day we set out on a breathtaking ridge hike from the hotel.
We cross the Liechtenstein border on foot, hiking through vineyards and villages that were the settings for Johanna Spyri’s classic book, Heidi. Our walking tour of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, with its castle perched high on a hill, reveals many medieval, gothic, and baroque structures. A day hike along a mountain stream brings us to the quiet haven of Malbun and the picturesque hamlet of Steg. The Prince of Liechtenstein resides in the Valduz castle, and we’ll savor dinner and a tasting at his winery.
Hiking into Austria, we follow the Eschnerberg Trail to the enchanting medieval town of Feldkirch, right on the border between Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. In marvelous Innsbruck, we explore the Old Town, then catch the Nordkettenbahn funicular all the way up to 7,400 feet for a short hike with fine mountain panoramas. Depart on Day 12.
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
"This was the second time I have done the Bergamo to Innsbruck trip! Last year in July and this year in cooler and more pleasant weather. I am convinced that Wilderness travel is THE BEST of any of the tour companies I have ever used. Most generous at meal time, creative in itinerary, and guides are THE BEST!"
Cia W.
Denver, CO
"Another memorable trip with Wilderness Travel! We took the entire family and they loved it."
David R.
Kenosha, WI
"Of my 22 WT trips the food on this was the best!"
John L.
Highland Park, IL
"Fun trip, nice group of people, and the food was exceptional. I gained weight despite the exercise."
John S.
Monona, WI
"I've traveled all over the world with many outfitters/trip operators and find that my first experience with Wilderness Travel to be one of high caliber."
Lynda B.
Villa Ridge, MO
"Just a great Itinerary! We really enjoyed all of the locations."
Mike D.
Aurora, OH
"We had a great time hiking the Italian Alps and especially loved the variety of the hikes and the four different countries and cultures we experienced. Liechtenstein was an unexpected jewel and the hikes there, the winery, and the dinner were fabulous! Once again, Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations and has shown why they continue to rack up awards as the best travel company for hiking experiences! Thanks to the entire company for never failing to delight us!"
Nancy F.
Sarasota, FL
"I loved this trip! I can't imagine a better way to immerse oneself in the beauty, terrain, history and culture of this region. "
Peggy S.
Piedmont, CA
"Would do this trip all over again. It went by too fast."
Sandy M.
Prescott, AZ
"Lovely hikes. wonderful guides, great food and drink—what could be better?!"
Sharon T.
Abingdon, VA
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.