FAQ

What makes Aosta Wanderlust different from other tour companies?

At Aosta Wanderlust, we prioritise excellence. As a native English speaker living in Aosta, Michael approaches Aosta's history with enthusiasm and provides cultural context for both its Italian and international character. Katja's diverse experience has led her to lead mountain walks in the Alps in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Their love for Aosta was so strong that they both packed a van and moved here. Their love for the valley is contagious, and they want you to leave Aosta loving it too.

What am I paying for? 

Fully qualified, insured & experienced guides. The guide's fee is separate from the extra charge for each individual tour member.

The individual extra charges per person are for any transport used as part of the tour itself & all entrance costs (such as the cable car with Katja or entry fees to sights with Michael).

The separation of these costs is sensible in terms of good value and transparency.

What are your qualifications?

Michael has received an official licence ('patentino') as a guide in Italy from the Autonomous Region of the VAlley of Aosta, allowing him to guide in both English and German.

Katja is qualified as a UIMLA International Mountain Leader.

Between the two of them, they have over 27 years' experience leading groups all around the world!

Where do the tours start?

We're flexible but all of Michael's Introducing Aosta and Aosta In Depth tours start from Aosta's Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto) & you'll find him within the arch itself.

Katja's Mountain Lake Walk starts from the ticket office ('biglietteria') for the
Aosta-Pila cable car (Telecabina Aosta-Pila). Katja will be waiting by the digital clock & map, to the left of the ticket office.

The ticket office is accessible on foot via a pedestrian tunnel under Aosta railway station. Turn right as you reach the top of the steps from the tunnel, after walking straight ahead past the mini roundabout, cross the large car park and the ticket office is next to the cable car station. The walk from the centre of Aosta, via the railway station tunnel, only takes 10 minutes.
Otherwise, you can arrive by car or taxi. The car park itself is free of charge.

Katja's Mountain Panorama Walk includes transport from any central location in Aosta that you specify.

Where do the tours end?

Michael's tours finish in central Aosta, in the Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII, by the main entrance to the cathedral. Katja's Mountain Lake Walk finishes where it starts.

Are these private tours and walks?

Yes. If you book as an individual, a couple, a family or as a larger group, that booking is exclusive.

Are the tours suitable for children? 

Our tours and walks are geared more towards adults, but if you are travelling with your children, please get in touch and we can discuss a tour or walk's suitability on a case-by-case basis.

Can I bring my dog with me? 

Yes. We both love dogs! However, they would have no access to interiors during Michael's full-day Aosta in Depth tour. Neither could they travel (unless relatively small & in a dog cage provided) on the chairlift for the mountain walks advertised here. But do get in touch & we can discuss alternatives tailored to your needs.

Can I get a hotel to tour transfer?

Absolutely. You can arrange such a transfer through us or through your accommodation provider.

Is it easy to use public transport in the Valley of Aosta?

It's not always easy but feel free to get in touch if you'd like some advice! Bus timetables and bus routes can be confusing. Trains are easier to use but serve a more limited number of destinations.

Which are the closest airports?

The closest are Turin-Caselle (1hr 16 by car), Milan-Malpensa (1hr 51 by car) and Geneva (1hr 54 by car).

Can you recommend accommodation and/or restaurants?

We aren't a travel agency as such but we're more than happy to help with recommendations.

How do I book a tour?

Simply give us a call on +393245403323, email us on michael.aostawanderlust@gmail.com or get in touch via the contact form here.

How do we get around Aosta?

For Michael's city tours, we explore by foot and for Katja's mountain walks, we combine cable cars and hiking.

Did we miss your question? Contact us here and we will
get back to you as soon as possible.