“There are many good reasons to get to the mountains and hike on a trail. For the small army of about a thousand men, followers of the Christian heresy Valdus of Lion had founded 500 years ahead, it was hope and longing for freedom that moved them. Hope - it was the 17th of august 1689, night of their departure - to go back to the alpine valleys in Piedmont they had been forced to leave in 1689. And, most of all, freedom to follow their own faith, in the land of their fathers, where their farms and pastures were.”

Riccardo Carnovalini and Roberta Ferraris, Il Glorioso Rimpatrio, Terre di mezzo Editore, 2007 (The Glorious Return of the Vaudois)
 

Walking step by step on the same trails the Vaudois had walked during their 1689 Glorious Return, is going to be a fully immersive experience of natural beauty. The regional park of the “Gran Bosco”, at the very beginning, a stunning larch forest; their last stronghold, the village and steep cliffs of La Balziglia; the alpine scenarios and authentic wilderness of the Giulian valley; these are just some examples of the various significant places and landmarks we will walk through, across four alpine valleys in the Turin province. In comparison to the forced march of the Vaudois army, our hike will be easy and comfortable. We are not going to be chased - as they were - by two separate enemies, the armies of the king of France and the duke of Savoy; we will not be carrying heavy muskets and ammunition. We are going to experience comfortable accomodations and authentic mountain shelters in exceptionally beautiful spots. We will enjoy the best foods. Also, we will not be missing food for thought, listening to the tales of the local people, visiting the XVI century temple in Ghigo, the oldest of the Vaudois valleys. Our journey will end in Torre Pellice, stronghold of the Reformation in Italy, with its curious British looking homes and gardens.
 

Trip highlights

• The Monviso - the “King of Stone” with its 3841 m - appearing at the Giulian Pass.
• The museum in the village of Rodoretto, a truly Vaudois and alpine traditional home.
• Tasting locally produced milk, butter and cheese at the agriturismo at Crosenna alpine pasture.