Summer

Trips & Activities

Just through on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, Courmayeur and the Aosta Valley are a food and wine-lovers' paradise. With award-winning wines, a rich gastronomic heritage, and a setting oozing with Alpine charm, spending a day, or just a few hours in the Aosta Valley area is certain to be one the highlights of your holiday, with Icona.

Here is a list of trips that we can put together for you and your friends whilst staying at Icona:

Vineyard and winery visits: The Aosta Valley is an undiscovered gem of Italian wine making. Aosta Valley wines are rarely found outside this region and yet, slowly but surely, they are becoming increasingly renowned and sought-after. Come and discover why by visiting some of the most important wineries in the Aosta Valley; take a stroll through the terraced vineyards and learn about production process in the difficult mountain environment, followed by a guided wine tasting led by our local English-speaking wine expert - a chance to sample a great selection of local wines each complemented by carefully selected traditional cheeses and hams.

Visits to the city of Aosta: Aosta is the remarkable, if much overlooked, ancient capital city of the Aosta Valley region. The heart of the city still retains much of it's medieval charm and is a wonderful place to stroll around, visiting the different specialised food shops and enjoying the 'bella vita'. The city dates back to the Roman times and indeed there is still much evidence of the power of Rome within the city area; the very layout of the centre's streets, the city walls, the victory arches, the theatre and the forum. Which, of course, can all be visited.

Fontina Cheese Caves: Fontina is the region's most typical cheese and records show that it has been produced here following the same recipe for 500 years. Our autochtonous breed of cows spend the summers high in the alpine meadows where the farmers work the milk in small farms. The cheeses are then brought down the mountain and matured for at least a hundred days in huge cellars built into the mountainside. With an expert guide you will be able to visit these caves and learn more about one of Italy's most important cheese. And of course you will have the chance to taste the Fontina cheese and judge for yourself if it deserves this reputation!

Courmayeur: Courmayeur has been receiving visitors from far and wide for centuries. It's privileged position at the foot of the Mont Blanc combined with it's famous thermal spas made it one of the earliest tourist destination in the alps, long before skiing became important. Why not enjoy a relaxing stroll around one of Italy's most picturesque alpine villages - with time for shopping and sightseeing - followed by a laid-back aperitif - Italian style - and a traditional meal at one of the area's best restaurants.

Chateux Tour: The Aosta Valley was once a very heavily fortified place. As a legacy of it's much fought over position at the crossroads of the Alps, the whole region is scattered with beautiful and imposing castles. Take a tour of some of the most interesting fortress for a fascinating insight into the history of the area. The tour will finish with superb guided wine and cheese tasting in the courtyard of one the oldest and most beautiful chateux.

Hiking: What better way to get the best from the Aosta Valley than to combine a gentle hike in the valleys at the foot of the Mont Blanc with a gastronomic picnic of the regions best food and wine.

Traditional Festivals and Culture: Summer in the Aosta Valley is packed with traditional events - our mountain culture is still very much alive: batailles des reines, carnivals, street markets, the bizarre Aostan sports of tzan and fiolet... Join us on the Italian side of Mont Blanc to experience this rich culture first hand. And of course, wherever there is a traditional event going on it means that there will be local specialities to eat and drink!!

Punta Helbronner: The viewing platform at 3500m, on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc, grants an astonishing view over the Alps. From here you can see the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa as well as getting as close as any non-mountaineer can to Europe's highest summit. For an unforgettable experience we'll arrange a wine tasting session at the top of the Alps. Cheers!

Maison Bruil: The Maison Bruil, about 25 minutes drive from Courmayeur, is a beutifully restored Aosta Valley farmhouse that gives a fascinating insight into the traditional agricultural heritage of the Alps. It's also a great place to host a guided wine and cheese tasting event. For those really interested in "gastronomy-history" this is the place to visit.

Bed and Breakfast prices and availability.....

Cookery School

You can also experience our Cookery School, where you can learn how to use and understand the local artisan specialities, and seasonal produce of the Savoie Alpine region, and understand how to develop your own dishes and create beautiful settings for dining.

For further information please feel free to contact Neil & Julie.