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Guide to Aosta
AOSTA · ITINERARY

Aosta in 7 days – Complete Itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · Roman history, mountains, castles, Alpine flavors

Aosta is an ideal base for combining a historic center rich in Roman remains with hikes through the valleys and visits to the castles of the Aosta Valley. The first two days are devoted to the city, with plenty of time for museums and strolls; then come Pila, Cogne, and Courmayeur, each with its own day. The last two days explore the eastern part of the valley and the castles closest to Aosta: for these stops, a car offers greater flexibility, while opening hours and site schedules should be checked before departure. The costs listed are indicative and do not include any seasonal variations.

Stops
6 · 6 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
1.4 km · 16 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 60 m · 1 min
  2. 217 m · 2 min
  3. 224 m · 3 min
  4. 705 m · 8 min
  5. 217 m · 2 min

Day 1 – Roman Aosta and the historic center

09:30–19:00 Easy walks

Discover on foot the main Roman and religious monuments enclosed within the historic center.

09:30

Praetorian Gate

Start at the city’s ancient eastern entrance, built in Roman times and clearly visible in its double-passage structure. Allow about 30 minutes for the visit and observe how the gate fits into the layout of ancient Augusta Praetoria.

The exterior visit is free; wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone sections.

10:15

Roman Theatre of Aosta

Reach the theater with a short walk and spend about 45–60 minutes admiring the monumental facade and the preserved structures. Access to the visitable areas may vary depending on the schedule and maintenance work; expect an indicative ticket price of around €5–10.

11:30

Forensic Cryptoporticus

Descend into the underground spaces of the judicial complex, among the city’s most evocative remains from antiquity. The visit takes about 30–45 minutes; allow for an indicative cost of €2–5, or check whether combined passes are available for the archaeological sites.

12:30

Lunch in the historic center

Stop at a trattoria in the pedestrian streets to try polenta, fontina, or a local Aosta Valley dish of the day. Budget around €15–30 per person, depending on the menu and drinks.

14:00

Cathedral of Saint Mary Assumed into Heaven

Visit the cathedral and take in the layered architectural elements, the frescoes, and the cloister when accessible. Set aside about 45 minutes and check on site for any restrictions during religious services; entry to the church is generally free.

15:15

Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Ursus and Arch of Augustus

Continue to the collegiate church to admire its façade, cloister, and medieval traces, checking the opening hours for the accessible areas. End with a walk of about 10 minutes to the Arch of Augustus, which can be viewed freely from the outside; allow 1–2 hours in total for both stops.

Day 2 – Museums and city heritage

09:00–18:00 Cultural and moderate

Delve into the history of the Aosta Valley through prehistoric archaeology, Roman finds, and urban architecture.

09:00

Megalithic Area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans

Spend the morning at the major covered archaeological site, where structures and rituals developed over the course of millennia can be explored. The visit takes about 1.5–2 hours; tickets are roughly €5–10, with discounts and possible variations depending on the exhibition route.

11:30

Coffee break and return toward the center

Stop in the district before heading back to the center, allowing about 10–15 minutes by bus or 25–30 minutes on foot. Set aside €3–8 for a drink and a snack; bus schedules may change on public holidays.

12:30

Lunch in Aosta

Choose a place near the center or the museum to cut down on afternoon travel. A simple lunch usually costs about €15–25 per person, while a full menu can rise to €30–40.

14:00

Regional Archaeological Museum

Explore the artifacts that tell the story of the area and Aosta’s transformation in Roman and medieval times. Allow about 1–1.5 hours and an approximate entrance fee of €3–8; check for any closures or temporary exhibitions before your visit.

16:00

Tower of the Leper and a walk through the center

Make your way to the tower along the edge of the historic center and admire the medieval structure from the outside, as interior visits are not always available. Then continue with a relaxed walk through the central streets; the exterior route is free and takes about an hour.

Day 3 – Pila: panoramic viewpoints above Aosta

08:30–18:00 Mountain, moderate hike

Go up from Aosta to Pila and enjoy the Alpine views with a hike suited to trail conditions.

08:30

Aosta-Pila cable car station

Reach the station on foot or with a short transfer from the center and take the cable car up to Pila. Allow about 20 minutes for the ride and an approximate cost of €10–25 round trip, to be checked according to the season and ticket type.

09:30

Pila

Once you arrive, get your bearings in the resort and check the signs or tourist offices to see which trails are suitable. Spend about an hour on the viewpoints and preparing for the hike; in winter and the shoulder seasons, accessible routes can change quickly.

11:00

Hike to Lake Chamolé

Follow the marked trail toward the lake, choosing the route based on weather, snow, and fitness level: the time can range from about 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way. Bring water, warm layers, and hiking shoes; access to the trail is free, while any additional lifts are paid separately.

14:30

Lunch in a mountain hut or in Pila

Head back toward the resort or to an open refreshment stop along the lifts, without counting on all mountain huts being open out of season. A meal costs roughly €18–35 per person; alternatively, bring a packed lunch.

16:00

Return to Aosta

Ride the cable car down and allow time for possible queues or service changes due to wind. If the weather worsens, skip the hike and spend the day on a short walk around Pila; always check the last descent time.

Cogne, meadows and waterfalls
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 4

Cogne, meadows and waterfalls

08:00–18:30 Easy hikes and outdoor visits

Explore the landscape around Cogne and reach the Lillaz waterfalls without packing in too much walking between transfers.

08:00

Transfer from Aosta to Cogne

Travel by car or scheduled bus, checking frequency and connections in advance: the road trip usually takes about 40–50 minutes. Plan for an estimated cost of €5–15 for public transport, or fuel and parking if you're driving.

09:00

Cogne

Take a short walk through the center, among traditional houses and shops, and gather up-to-date information on the trails. Allow about an hour to get your bearings and buy any supplies; visiting the village is free.

10:15

Sant'Orso Meadow

Cross the large flat meadow, one of the village’s most distinctive spaces, and admire the view toward the Gran Paradiso mountains. A loop walk can take 45–90 minutes; stay on permitted paths and respect agricultural work.

12:00

Lunch in Cogne

Head back into the village to sample local dishes or put together a picnic, especially handy if you're planning the walk to the waterfalls. Budget around €15–35 per person at a restaurant or €8–15 for a light lunch.

13:30

Lillaz Waterfalls

Reach Lillaz by car, by bus when available, or on foot from Cogne if you want to add a longer route. From the hamlet, the trail to the various waterfalls usually takes 1–2 hours including the round trip and stops; it is free, but can be slippery after rain or when icy.

16:00

Paradisia Alpine Botanical Garden and return

If the garden is open, visit the alpine collections for about an hour, checking the season and opening hours before you set off. Admission is approximately €3–8; if it’s closed, use the time for a walk in the valley and return to Aosta in the late afternoon.

Courmayeur and Mont Blanc
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 5

Courmayeur and Mont Blanc

07:30–20:00 Scenic day, travel by car or bus

Experience the landscape of Mont Blanc by combining the cable car ascent with an accessible walk in the valley.

07:30

Transfer from Aosta to Courmayeur

Leave early to drive through the central valley and reach Courmayeur in about 40–50 minutes by car, or by regional bus depending on the available timetable. Allow about €5–15 per trip by bus; by car, add fuel and possible parking costs.

08:30

Skyway Monte Bianco

Spend the morning on the scenic ascent and the cable car stations, leaving time to acclimatize and for any waiting times. Tickets have variable prices, roughly €40–70 for an adult; check availability, timetables, weather conditions, and possible service suspensions.

12:30

Lunch in Courmayeur

Go down and have lunch in town, choosing between a quick meal and a restaurant serving mountain cuisine. Budget around €18–40 per person; in high season, it’s a good idea to book ahead or eat earlier.

14:00

Notre-Dame de Guérison Sanctuary

Reach the sanctuary with a short local drive and check opening times, as they may be seasonal. Allow about 30–45 minutes for the visit and the surrounding alpine setting; admission is usually free, but accessibility can depend on the time of year.

15:00

Val Ferret

Continue toward Val Ferret for a walk along the valley floor, choosing a short, flat stretch based on the day's conditions and access rules. Allow 1.5–2 hours; any shuttle services, regulated parking, or seasonal restrictions may involve costs and require advance checking.

18:00

Return to Aosta

Return with a buffer, especially if you are traveling by bus or if the road is busy. For dinner in Aosta, budget around €20–40 per person and book ahead during peak periods.

The Lower Valley: Bard and Issogne
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 6

The Lower Valley: Bard and Issogne

08:30–19:00 Cultural visits with car transfers

Explore the castles and villages of the eastern part of the valley on a linear route along the Dora Baltea.

08:30

Transfer to Bard

Leave Aosta by car to reach Bard in about 35–45 minutes; if traveling by train or bus, check connections and local links. Budget €5–15 per leg by public transport, or fuel and parking for the car.

09:30

Forte di Bard

Allow at least 2–3 hours for the fortress complex and the open exhibitions, reaching the indoor areas on foot or by elevator depending on the available route. The ticket is roughly €10–20, with variations depending on the exhibitions; check the schedule and consider booking in advance during busy periods.

13:00

Bard Village and lunch

Stroll among the houses of the village at the foot of the fort and stop for lunch in an inn or a local restaurant. The village center can be visited freely; for the meal, plan on about €15–35 per person.

14:30

Issogne Castle

Reach Issogne in about 20–30 minutes by car and visit the interior rooms with their furnishings and Renaissance decorations. The visit may be subject to set time slots and specific opening hours; allow about an hour and an estimated cost of €5–10, checking reservations and opening times.

16:30

Roman Bridge of Pont-Saint-Martin

Continue to Pont-Saint-Martin for a stop of about 30–45 minutes at the Roman bridge and along the nearby center. The monument can be viewed from the outside without a ticket; choose a safe spot for photos and respect local traffic rules.

17:30

Return to Aosta

Head back to Aosta, allowing about 40 minutes in normal conditions and more during rush hour. If you are using public transport, check the last convenient departure before starting the castle visit.

Day 7 – Castles around Aosta

09:00–18:30 Self-drive itinerary, visits at a steady pace

End the trip with four castles in the valley, alternating indoor visits with scenic stops.

09:00

Fénis Castle

Reach Fénis in about 20 minutes from Aosta and visit the castle with a guide or following the organized route available. Allow about an hour and an estimated ticket of €5–10; check time slots, availability, and whether booking may be required.

11:00

Royal Castle of Sarre

Head back toward Aosta and continue to Sarre, where the visit tells the story of the castle’s connection with the Italian royal family. Set aside about an hour and expect an approximate cost of €5–10; opening hours may vary depending on the season.

12:30

Lunch in the Aymavilles area

Stop at a restaurant or farmhouse between Sarre and Aymavilles, booking ahead if you are traveling on the weekend. Budget about €18–40 per person for a full meal.

14:00

Aymavilles Castle

Visit the castle and its restored rooms, noting the relationship between the building and the surrounding vineyard landscape. Set aside about 1–1,5 hours and an estimated admission of €5–10; check access arrangements and the calendar in advance.

16:00

Saint-Pierre Castle

Reach the castle in just a few minutes by car to admire its dramatic appearance and the views over the valley. Whether you can visit the interiors depends on the schedule and any exhibitions or installations: check before departure and, if it is closed, consider the stop outside as a short photo break.

17:30

Return and final stroll in Aosta

Head back into town and enjoy one last walk or pick up some local products. Allow around €5–20 for souvenirs or specialties, plus dinner; for fresh products, check transport and storage rules.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in Aosta, double room€80–180 per night
Meals and drinks€35–75 per day per person
Local transport and transfers in the valley€10–45 per day per person
Entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites and castles€10–35 per day per person
Aosta-Pila cable car and lifts€10–35 per person
Skyway Monte Bianco€40–70 per person
Indicative total budget, excluding arrival travel and shopping€900–1.900 per person for 7 days

The currency is the euro (€); no exchange is needed for travelers coming from Italy. All prices are approximate estimates, not verified rates: they may vary depending on the season, availability, ticket type, and means of transport. Check opening hours, closures, weather conditions, and fares on official channels before setting off.

Practical tips

  • For excursions to Pila, Cogne and Courmayeur, check the weather, trail conditions and lift service on the same day; bring suitable shoes and a waterproof layer.
  • If you want to visit several castles and valleys independently, consider renting a car; if using public transport, check frequencies, connections and the last return services in advance.
  • Check opening hours and visiting arrangements for castles and museums: some openings are seasonal or operated in shifts, and weekly closures may apply.
  • In high season and on weekends, book accommodation and restaurants in advance; for Skyway Monte Bianco, check availability and any weather-related suspensions.