Sichuan
Central Italian Alps
Italian and French Alps
The variety and abundance of flowers to be found in the outstandingly scenic Stelvio National Park has to be seen to be believed. Usually scarce plants such as Soldanella pusilla and the orchids Nigritella rhellicani and Gymnadenia odoratissima occur in mind-boggling numbers.
Roads take us up to 2700m passes where we can admire alpine beauties such as Ranunculus glacialis and we’ll soon be enjoying Papaver aurantiacum, much Saxifraga caesia, Ranunculus parnassifolius, and abundant Ranunculus alpestris. Marmots whistle their annoyance as Lammergeiers pass overhead, whilst on rocks around us are pink-purple Saxifraga oppositifolia, endemic Saxifraga aphylla, Saxifraga androsacea, Arabis caerulea and Pritzelago alpina.
Silky Ringlet floats over gorgeous Primula glutinosa, the first of ten species of this choice genus. These include Primula daonensis and fine Primula glaucescens, the latter two much lower down in the wild Crocedomani where we’ll have superb views of the southern parts of Adamello Natural Park. This area is rich in orchids. Burnt-tip Orchids and Small White Orchids mix with various Dactylorhizas and the Globe Orchids are superb. There are several stunning Pedicularis species, Soldanella alpina, Astragalus penduliflorus, Centaurea rhaetica with fine feathery bracts, and superb Saxifraga hostii rhaetica on rocks. Apollo, Purple-edged Copper, Glandon Blue, Swiss Brassy Ringlet, Almond-eyed Ringlet and Alpine Heath are found on the approach to the Gavia Pass. Here we’ll find plenty of Edelweiss as well as Gentiana punctata, Saxifraga seguieri and the locally common and very pretty Phyteuma hedraianthifolium. A walk along the beautiful Val Viola will provide some choice butterflies such as Cranberry Blue, Scarce Copper, Eriphyle Ringlet and various Fritillaries. Here architectural Sempervivum wulfenii draws us to rocks where we’ll find smaller gems such as Arenaria marschlinsii and Draba thomasii. The Bergamasche Orobienne Alps are home to beautiful Aquilegia einseleana and the exceptional Campanula raineri. We’ll also find elegant Viola dubyana, endemic Telekiaspeciosissima and Linaria tonzigii, a very choice toadflax indeed. These glorious heights are also home to Nutcrackers, Snowfinches, Gentiana orbicularis, Cyclamen purpurascens, Paradisea liliastrum, Dianthus hyssopifolius, Yellow-banded Ringlet and the rare Little Fritillary…
Just an hour and a half’s drive north of Nice the idyllic Parc National du Mercantour offers the beguiling combination of beautiful unspoilt mountains, a warm and sunny climate and one of the richest arrays of butterflies and flowers anywhere in Europe.
A dazzling show of Saxifrages, Columbines, Louseworts, Violets and Gentians adorn alpine meadows over which floats that classic alpine butterfly, the beautiful Apollo. Its rarer cousin, the Small Apollo, can also be seen amid a tremendous variety of other butterflies. About 110 species are expected, among them some of Europe’s finest – Great Sooty Satyr, Lesser Purple Emperor, Large Blue, Meleager’s Blue and Cynthia’s Fritillary. We shall search for the shy-flowering Ancient King, a rare and primitive saxifrage, as well as beauties such as Aquilegia alpina and Gentiana burseri. Secluded valleys harbour meadows and forests festooned with Geraniums, Bellflowers, yellow Foxgloves and Delphiniums.
From these flowery havens Alpine Marmots whistle at us from boulders bedecked with Cobweb Houseleeks. Golden Eagles, Citril Finches and Nutcrackers add interest in the bird line, and we will see many Chamois and maybe Ibex too!
Much of what we will see is within just a few miles of the hotels so if you want to enjoy a superb mountain holiday with as much time as possible amongst those wonderful alpine meadows, forests and rocky peaks, then try this one!
Dates and Prices
29th June - 15th July 2024 (17 days)
* doesn't apply if you're willing to share and a room-mate can be arranged
Alpine and Meadow Flowers. Butterflies. Also Birds and Mountain Landscapes.
One leader for a group of up to 6, two leaders up to 12, and a third leader will join the group up to the maximum group size of 15.
All flights. All transport, accommodation and meals in Italy and France. Services of your leaders. Please note: items of a personal nature including insurance, drinks and tips, are not included.
Flower, butterfly and bird checklists are available.
We start with three nights at the Hotel Korallo in pretty Borno. This small hotel has comfortable rooms, welcoming staff and is handily situated for evening ambles around the little town. Stunning views of the surrounding Stelvio National Park can be had from every room in the lovely Hotel Vedig. This swiss-chalet style family-run hotel has comfortable rooms and a great restaurant. Moving to the Alpes Maritime we’ll have five nights at the warmly welcoming Hotel de Valdeblore, a characterful family-run establishment situated in the peaceful hamlet of the same name. The remaining three nights will be on the Italian side of the mountains in the comfortable four-star Hotel Il Principe in lovely Limone in the Alpi Maritime Natural Park. All rooms have en suite facilities.
Relaxed and easy. Up to two or three miles on some days though less on others, and always at a slow pace, suited to flower and butterfly photographers. Mostly on well-constructed footpaths, but the best flowers and butterflies are often some yards away on steeper slopes or rougher ground.
UK direct flights are from London Gatwick, London Heathrow*, Edinburgh* or Manchester* to Venice Marco Polo, returning from Turin direct to London Gatwick or indirectly to any of the other airports. Indirect routes from other regional UK Airports* are available.
*These routes may incur a supplement.
Generally warm and sunny (really quite warm in the Maritime Alps) though cooler wet conditions may be encountered on the odd day.
Why not add a week in the fabulous Dolomites for an outstanding three week tour in The Alps?
You can also choose to do either the first or second week of this tour – see The Central Italian Alps and The Maritime Alps
Contact us to check if there is availability for the number of places you require. Click on the ‘Book this Tour’ button on this page to be taken to the online booking form or contact us and we will send one to you which you can complete and send back to us. You will receive confirmation of your place, and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health information.
The Dolomites, the Central Italian Alps & the Maritime Alps
20th Jun - 15th Jul 2024 (26 days)
