Penguin Travel

This is the way nineteenth-century European travellers often called the road from Coira to Chiavenna through the Splugen Pass (2115m)

For many years this has been the most travelled route from Germany to Italy, thanks to its particularly privileged geographical position. Today, after two centuries, it can be seen that interest in that road is coming back to life and this does not depend on trade and economic reasons; more on a mix of motivations including ecology and a reminiscent tourism. The itinerary covers a total of 65 km and is full of historical, ethnographic and naturalist features, unwinds along ancient routes and it is set up with stopping places containing logistic and informational aids.

Tour highlights:

♦ Rofla gorge with spectacular waterfalls
♦ Via Mala Gorge - extraordinary geological characteristics, a real breathtaking show
♦ St. Martino church and the regional museum in Zillis;
♦ Museum of the Via Spluga in Campodolcino;
♦ The Cardinello Gorge and the historical centre of Chiavenna;

Itinerary:

Day 1. Thusis 
 Arrival in Thusis a small, active town, where numerous hotels and shops of all kinds, offer along the main street of their merchandise.

 Day 2. Thusis – Zilis – Andeer
Visit the magnificent gorges of Via Mala, three hundred meters of wall that you face a close distance, up and down along the river Rhine. In Zillis rises the Romanesque church of S. Martino (1130), Carolingian three apses with the famous ceiling painting set in typically medieval style. Further on reaching the thermal water source (34C degrees) in Andeer. Walking time – 4,5 h/6 h, uphill walk 1050m/700m, downhil walk 600m/400m.

Day 3. Andeer – Splügen
Leaving Andeer you can admire the cascades of Roffla on a relatively new trail leading to the spectacular waterfalls of the Rhine. Splügen, the most important settlement Val di Reno (Rheinwald), site of ancient trade remained almost perfectly preserved in its slplendore, overnight. Walking time – 4.30h, uphill walk 700m, downhil walk 200m.

Day 4. Splügen – Isola
Sublime pass across to the Swiss Alps of Spluga; Cardinello throat and the most picturesque stretch of Via Spluga; the trail along the gorge halfway up as a long balcony overlooking the impetuous Liro river, reminds the tragic winter crossings of the military. Overnight in Isola. Walking time – 6.30h, uphill walk 700m, downhil walk 900m.

Day 5. Isola - Chiavenna
Walk to Chiavenna: already in Roman times was an important crossroads and in the post Carolingian times, Chiavenna was one of the customs of the Italian kingdom, with its "closed" doors to bridges on the river. Charming old town still kept intact and well preserved. Overnight in Chiavenna. Walking time – 6h uphill walk 100m, downhil walk 1000m.

Day 6. Chiavenna
Visit of San Fedelino church or Acquafraaggia waterfalls and back by public bus to Chiavenna and overnight.

Day 7. Return by public transport to Thusis. 


Luggage transport: Luggage transportation on each of the walking days. You need only a small rucksack with the necessary luggage for the daily hike.

Included in the price: ► 6 overnights (B&B) ► 5 packet lunch (1 drink, 1 sandwich, 1 chocolate bar, 1 fruit) ► Luggage transportaion between hotels ► 1 trekking map of the itinerary ► 1 entry to the Rofla Gorge ► 1 entry to the Via Mala Gorge ► 1 entry to the St. Martino churc and the regional museum in Zillis ► 1 entry to thermal bath of Andeer (max. 2 hours) ► 1 entry to Museo of theVia Spluga in Campodolcino ► 1 entry to Mill of Bottonera in Chiavenna ► 1 entry to the Vertemate Franchi Palace in Piuro, the Via Spluga pin ► NOTE! The price is per person sharing a double room accommodation. Single traveler who has ordered a bed in a shared double room must be prepared to pay for a single room if a room-mate cannot be arranged;

Not included: ► Flights & airport taxes ► Transfers to Chiavenna/Thusis & return to Airport ► Transfer by bus from Thusis to Chiavenna/Chiavenna to Thusis;

Other expenses: Single supplement: 90 EUR► Please contact your consultant for additional services or special wishes.

Good to know:  No sunday arrivals; The daily walks range between 14 and 20km with uphill/downhill walks up to 900m; There is also incuded a Parking card to use in Thusis (available at the tourist office of Thusis inside the train station) - pay one day and have 6 days free parking; The program reversible and may start both form Thusis or Chiavenna.

How to get there: Please, contact us if you would like us to help you find suitable flights at the best price. When helping you to find flights we always try to find the best price for you according to the departure and arrival times. Prices vary depending on the airline and current availability. However, remember that the cheap airfares are often difficult or impossible to reschedule or cancel. Payment of the ticket is with your own credit card directly to the airline or travel agent airline, which also sends out confirmation of booking. A service charge (non-refundable) will be added if you want us to help you find the appropriate plane ticket.

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