• Tour of Queyras - An Alpine Secret

• Everyday from mid June to mid September

• £630 p/p based on 2 sharing during June and September
• £650 p/p based on 2 sharing during July and August
• Option with night in hotel instead of mountain refuge
• £675 p/p based on 2 sharing during June and September
• £695 p/p based on 2 sharing during July and August
• (£35 reduction without transfers to & from train station)

• 9 days: 7 days walking moving between guest houses (only carrying day sack)

• An unspoilt, rugged Alpine region with breathtaking scenery and dramatic walking.
• An alpine circuit where your luggage is transported for you.
• Accessible cols, a sunny climate and good paths makes this an ideal alpine destination for the novice and experienced alike
• An astonishing variety to the landscapes: rock deserts, high altitude lakes, alpine meadows, souring alpine peaks and historic villages
• A regional park which protects a rich alpine flora and fauna

• Your accommodation is a mixture of small family run hotels, chambres d'hôtes, auberges and a mountain refuge. (Option available to stay at a hotel instead of the mountain refuge). The comfort varies according to the style. All of the guest house rooms have private rooms for 2 and all but one have private bathrooms. The mountain hut has small dormitory style rooms and is much more basic. However there is a convivial atmosphere and the surroundings are magical. Meals will be taken in your guest house and will be local specialities.

1. Transfer to and from Mont Dauphin - Guillestre station, Half board accommodation, full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses. The option with hotel instead of refuge includes transport to and from a hotel at the end of day 4 and begining of day 5.

1. Lunches, drinks with meals in some guest houses, insurance

The Walks

The walks on this independent walking holiday are graded at the upper end of the moderate/challenging grade due to the general length and height gain of the walks throughout the week. Average days are about 6 hours long and include height gains of between 800m and 1000m. In addition, most walks will take place between 2000m and 3000m where the effects of altitude can be felt. A good level of fitness is required, and you should be comfortable on mountainous paths. Walking experience in the mountains is advisable. You should be able to navigate in case of poor weather.

The paths are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed, but they do not require any technical abilities. Early in the season, ie in June you could experience snow at some of the higher cols.

Walking

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome in Guillestre and transfer to first guest house. Evening meal in guest house.

Day 2: Molines-en-Queyras - Ceillac (6 hrs, upto +800m)

A great walk to start the week. You'll climb gently through forests to reach the Col Fromage (2301m). From here you have the option of continuing on to the summit of the Crete de Chabrette (2582m) for some stunning views of the glaciated peaks of the Fonte Sancte range, or descend directly to the village of Ceillac in its deep valley setting.

Day 3: Ceillac - St Veran (5 hrs, +1050m)

Another great walk with superb views. The climb out of Ceillac is fairly steep, but you are rewarded at the Col des Estronques (2651m) with a stunning panorama. This makes a great place to stop for lunch and take in the beauty of the area. Ridges snake off on both sides with the rocky slopes of the Crete de Rasis to the north providing a stark contrast to the flower-filled meadows below. The hardy may follow the ridge to the south for a short distance to summit the Tete de Jacquette at 2757m. You descend by the Lamaron Valley to St Veran.

Day 4: St Veran - Refuge Agnel (6 hrs, +1050m)

Your walk starts by following the torrent of the Aguille Blanche. The walking is pleasant and easy. The valley then steepens as you pass through a landscape of tumbling streams, meadows and rocky bluffs. The path climbs steadily to the Col de Chamossiere (2884m) - high point of the week. The path descends through barren screes to the refuge Agnel just below the Col Agnel. Refuge. Option of descending to Molines for a night in hotel and transfer back to the refuge the next morning - to be decided at time of booking.

Day 5: Refuge Agnel - Abriès (6hrs, +220m, -1300m)

After a short ascent you reach the col Vieux (2806m) at the foot of the impressive Pain du Sucre. From here its a long but spectacular descent along the Bouchouse Valley. You'll pass a couple of beautiful alpine lakes before joining the Guill Valley which you follow to the valley bottom. Short bus journey to Abriès further down the valley.

Day 6: Abriès - Aiguilles (6hrs, +1000m)

A steady climb out of Abriès along a steep valley leads to the Grand Laus (2579m), a stunning mountain lake where the surrounding peaks are reflected in its clear blue waters. After lunch by the lake, you follow a dramatic and pretty descent to the village of Aiguilles. An alternative shorter walk is available for this day

Day 7: Aiguilles - La Chalp Arvieux (6hrs, +450m)

Today contours around valleys, creating an enjoyable walk with less climbing. You overlook the villages of the Guill valley including the 16th century Chateau Queyras located on a rock pillar in the valley bottom. The path then winds into the Arvieux Valley and past the Lac de Roue to reach your guest house.

Day 8: Tour from La Chalp Arvieux (+900m)

Your last days departs from the Izoard Valley, a dramatic valley enclosed by rocky cliffs, boulders and barren scree slopes that glow beautiful colours in the sunlight. The best walk from here is to ascend by steep valleys underneath towering cliffs to the Col de Neal and an area of mountain lakes and pools. You are now on the western edge of the Queyras and the Ecrins mountain range stretches out before you. After one last small ascent to the Col Lauzon (2576m), you descend through an impressive rocky landscape back to your guest house.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Guillestre station