Hi

I want to do a 4-5 days trek in Europe in July. Looking for:

- scenic nature views
- moderate or easy difficulty
- a trail where there is no need to reserve places more than a week ahead (in July)

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Valle d'Aosta in Italy. I suggest the area of the Valgrisenche, but also check around Lillaz near Cogne.

You can reach the Valle d'Aosta by train from Milan (or Torino). It will take you to several towns right along the train line -- Aosta itself (which is wonderful small Italian city (very, very small city). Or a town like Pre St Didier, with its lovely views of Montebianco (Mt. Blanc).

Optimal, I think, is to rent a car, either in Milan or Torino and drive to the valle d'Aosta, or take the train to Aosta and rent the car there so you can drive into some of the pristine valleys, like Valgrisenche or Val di Rhemes, or Lillaz.

But even if you just stick to trains, you can see beautiful scenery, have access to lovely, simple hiking and walking trails through flower-filled meadows, and loads of big cows with clanging bells around their necks. From the towns with train stations, you can also take quick bus rides or cable car rides to other scenic hiking trails.

If you want to do a walking trek, with a different place to sleep every night, you can follow the via Francigena in the valle d'Aosta

http://tangoitalia.com/valledaosta/the-via-francigena/

Another possibility for a true trek is the Alta Via in Liguria, but it is a more difficult trek, I think, and hotter in July

http://www.roughguides.com/destinati...-monti-liguri/

Wow, Sandralist, not my post but thank you for recommending Aosta, had not heard of it before, now it is filed on my 'to visit' list.

Niente! It is a beautiful area of Italy, with interesting wine too (the highest vinyards in Europe), plus Roman ruins in Aosta, and some other cultural sights. But mainly it is the beautiful, tranquil green valleys, some with waterfalls and high-peak glacial views, which in summer are filled with millions of tiny flowers (producing delicious honey) that make it such a beguiling place to be.

http://www.tordesgeants.it/sites/def...to-kondo_0.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmhbKt7y-k...BVineyards.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0_vBkBg6N...0/IMG_6108.jpg

http://discoveryouritaly.com/wp-cont...lley-Italy.jpg

http://www.livingalifeincolour.com/w...sco-Sisti1.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/27267156.jpg

http://www.inmygrandmotherskitchen.c...7-5747C0303E41

http://logcabincooking.com/zuppa-val...n-aosta-italy/

Gorgeous part of the world.

bookmarking.

sandralist... can you tell us what architectural sites pictures 2bp and 3bp above are of??

p.s. sandralist... LOVE the blog about the black bread!!

Thanks everyone for the great advice!

kawh,

#2 is Aymavilles castle and #3 is the Roman theater is the town of Aosta