Tour du Mont Blanc

Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland. You will be picked up promptly at 2:00 p.m. for a group transfer by private van to the mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. We suggest you arrive early enough (by 1:00 p.m.) to allow time to get through customs and immigration before the scheduled pickup. The transfer takes approximately 1½ hours, and once at the hotel, you'll have time to rest a bit or explore the town before orientation. After meeting the guides and the rest of the group, we will have a delicious welcome dinner at the fine restaurant at your hotel.

Dinner / Hotel Les Aiglons - Chamonix

In 1741, the first tourists to Chamonix were transported to Montenvers on the backs of mules in order to admire the glaciers. Today, most travellers take a bright red cog train up the steep slopes to reach the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), the second-largest glacier in the Alps. We begin our hike from the hotel (3,300'), crossing the town of Chamonix and entering the forest. We'll ascend a steep trail passing the Blaitiere farm to reach the “Grand Balcon,” from where we have a fabulous view of the Chamonix Aiguilles towering above us. We'll traverse below these towering peaks toward the Montenvers railway sitting high above the Mer de Glace glacier. We may see alpinists on the glacier. Return to Chamonix by the cog railway. Dinner on your own. (5-6 hours hiking ~ approx. 6-8 miles ~ 4,000' elevation gain)

Breakfast, Lunch / Hotel Les Aiglons - Chamonix

Again we hike from the hotel up to the start of the trail beneath the Aiguilles Rouges along the Petit Balcon to Merlet (4,921'), where we have magnificent views of the north face and glaciers of Mont Blanc. We traverse to Coupeau, then make an easy descent to the village of Les Houches (3,200'). (5-6 hours hiking ~ approx. 10 miles ~ 2,000' ascent/descent)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel du Bois - Les Houches, France

Leaving Les Houches, we climb in the forest, passing beautiful mountain farmhouses, and continue through the woods to the small pass of Bellevue overlooking the Chamonix Valley; in the other directions we see the hanging glaciers of the Bionnassay and Mont Blanc. Then it’s down through the thickly wooded hillside and typical alpine hamlets to the charming small town of Les Contamines (3,829'),a traditional mountain village with picturesque wooden chalets and a fine old church. (7 hours hiking ~ approx. 10 miles ~ 2,500' ascent/2,800' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel La Chemenaz - Les Contamines-Montjoie, France

Today we make a long ascent on an old Roman road to the Plan des Dames, before the last ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641') and Croix du Bonhomme (8,100') for lunch. In the afternoon, we hike downhill on a grassy trail to Les Chapieux (5,080'). Along the way we may see some recently reintroduced ibex and lots of marmots and beautiful wildflowers.  (7 hours hiking ~ approx. 12 miles ~ 4,200' ascent/3,000' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Auberge de la Nova - Les Chapieux, France

We transfer 15 minutes to the end of the “Vallée des Glaciers,” enjoying a relatively easy hike over the Col de la Seigne (8,245'). Here the views of Mont Blanc are Himalayan in scale, as the mountain rises in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit 10,000 feet above. We then make a descent into Italy to Lac Combal and Visaille. Transfer to Courmayeur (3,800'), situated beneath the Grand Jorasses and Brenva Glacier, where we spend the night in a hotel. Dinner tonight is in town. (6 hours hiking ~ approx. 10 miles ~ 2,300' ascent/2,700' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Berthod - Courmayeur

Today’s beautiful walk is along the side of the mountain with fabulous views of Mont Blanc, which appears opposite us as we climb the trail. Hanging glaciers and glacial moraines are on the menu for the day! The trail takes us through larch and alder where it’s possible to see deer and chamois. Continue ascending to the Rifugio Bonnatti, with its unforgettable views. We descend the steep trail to the valley floor and continue to La Vachey (4,500'). (5 hours hiking ~ approx. 7-8 miles ~ 2,500' ascent/1,500' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel La Vachey

After a 10-minute transfer, we walk up a nice trail past the spectacular “Glacier de Pre-de-Bar” with Mont Dolent above. This is the meeting point of the borders with France, Italy, and Switzerland. Cross the Grand Col Ferret (8,300') to enter Switzerland, and descend to the scenic village of La Fouly (5,280'), located beneath the Glacier de l’A Neuve. Transfer by van to Champex (4,808'), a small lake resort that features typical Swiss-style chalets and charming gardens. (5-6 hours hiking ~ approx. 9 miles ~ 2,500' ascent/3,100' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Glacier and Sporting

The classic route of the Tour du Mont Blanc takes the Bovine route. An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest brings us high over the Rhône Valley and the town of Martigny. You will not be disappointed with this fabulous view! An easy descent brings us to the Col de Forclaz (3,900'). (6 hours hiking~ approx. 12 miles ~ 2,400' ascent/2,300' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel du Col de La Forclaz - Trient, Switzerland

The trail climbs steeply through the forest on an old smuggler’s path to the border with France. Here there is a simply wonderful view of the Mont Blanc massif with the Chamonix valley stretched out in front of us. We will make our way down to the Vallorcine Valley east of Chamonix to stay at a historical inn whose attic harbored Jews fleeing persecution during World War II. (5-6 hours hiking ~ approx. 10 miles ~ 2,900' ascent/2,650' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel du Buet - Vallorcine Chamonix Mont Blanc

From Le Col De Montets (4,800') we will hike to Les Cheserys (7,130'), enjoying views of the Le Tour and Argentiere glaciers, and all the Mont Blanc range. After rejoining the Grand Balcon Route and La Flégère, we descend to Chamonix (3,300'). Tonight we’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner with the group. (5 hours hiking ~ approx. 8 miles ~ 2,700' ascent/1,500' descent.)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Hotel Les Aiglons - Chamonix

Transfer to the Geneva airport. There will be one group departure for the airport at 8:30 a.m.* Please schedule your flight after 11:00 a.m. for inter-European destinations, after 12:00 p.m. for all transcontinental destinations. If you would like to depart earlier or later, the transfer is on your own.

*Due to Switzerland’s commercial transportation laws, we are only able to provide one group taxi service to the Geneva Airport on Day 12, included in the cost of your trip. This transfer will be at 8:30 a.m. and will arrive at the Geneva Airport at 10:00 a.m. Private transfers can be arrange at an additional cost, and range between 43 Euros to 275 Euros (shared/solo).

Breakfast