The Via Sett, a multi-stage cultural tour takes off this summer following the historic route of the “upper road” which sets out from Chur, crossing the passo del Settimo before finally reaching Chiavenna. From Chur the route takes in the Swiss valley of Churwalden with Lenzerheide, Surses within the Park Ela and Val Bregaglia down to Chiavenna. As far back as Roman times the Settimo was considered one of the most important Alpine passes. But above all in the Early Medieval epoch it became a vital commercial route bringing vast wealth to the Bishop of Chur. Merchants, armies, kings and emperors have all made their way across the Alps via the Settimo as it boasts a particularly advantageous position and topography with a direct north-south link. The Roman army too were regularly in transit and left considerable evidence of their movement along the way. Today the route across the Settimo is one of the most multifaceted of long-distance hiking itineraries. In addition to the ancient towns of Chur and Chiavenna, there is plenty more to discover: the church of Churwalden monastery, the sun-drenched Surses valley, once the home of Giovanni Segantini, and at Stampa in Bregaglia the studio of Giovanni Giacometti, whilst at Promontogno you can visit "Lan Müraia", the vast defensive wall where once upon a time tolls were collected. Unmissable too are the spectacular Acquafraggia waterfalls and the glacial phenomena within the “Marmite dei Giganti” park.

The entire route can be tackled in six leisurely stages. You can simply book your Via Sett package at the Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna which will include accommodation with breakfast, baggage transfer to hotels along the way, the “Via Sett” guide book, information material about the trip with useful tips and relevant maps. Half board and lunch can be modified for each individual stage.