Great St Bernard Pass
The Roof of the Pilgrimage
About This Tour
Cross the legendary Great St Bernard Pass at 2,473 metres — the most dramatic crossing on the entire pilgrimage. Medieval pilgrims sought refuge at the ancient hospice founded by Bernard of Mentone. You'll follow the same Roman road that Julius Caesar and Napoleon also traversed, with the famous St Bernard dogs still resident at the summit.
Tour Highlights
- Stay at the ancient Grand Saint Bernard Hospice (2,473 m)
- Meet the legendary St Bernard rescue dogs
- Follow the Roman road through the Val d'Entremont
- Descent into the sun-drenched Aosta Valley
- Visit the Roman theatre and amphitheatre of Aosta
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Martigny — Sembrancher
14 kmDepart from Martigny, pausing at the Roman amphitheatre, then climb gently into the Val de Bagnes.
Sembrancher — Bourg-Saint-Pierre
20 kmThrough picturesque Orsières and into Bourg-Saint-Pierre, last village before the pass. Visit the ancient church tower built by the Romans.
Bourg-Saint-Pierre — Grand St Bernard Hospice
16 kmThe iconic climb to the pass. Approach the summit lake and the legendary hospice where monks have welcomed pilgrims for over 1,000 years.
Hospice — Etroubles
18 kmDramatic descent into Italy on the ancient Roman Via Claudia Augusta, through Alpine meadows and hamlets.
Etroubles — Aosta
14 kmArrive in the 'Rome of the Alps', passing through the triumphal Arch of Augustus. Time to explore the remarkable Roman monuments.
What's Included
Included
- 4 nights accommodation including 1 night at the Hospice
- All breakfasts and dinners
- Luggage transfer between stops
- Mountain guide for the pass crossing
- Official Pilgrim Credential stamps
- Emergency mountain rescue insurance
Not Included
- International travel to Martigny
- Lunches
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional wine tasting in Aosta Valley