Full Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Geneva, Switzerland. Arrive in Geneva by noon, rendezvous with our trip leader and transfer (approx. 90 minutes) to the first night’s hotel in Chamonix. We have some time this afternoon to settle in, relax and explore delightful Chamonix, a world-famous resort town nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc and the site of the first Winter Olympics held here in 1924. Tonight, we’ll share a welcome dinner and get acquainted with our traveling companions and guides. Transfer from Geneva and dinner included. -
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Day 2
After a short transfer to Les Praz, we ascend by cable car to La Flégère (6150’). Here our hike begins along an amazing high path known as the Grand Balcon. At Planpraz, we enjoy magnificent glacier views before ascending further by cable car to Brévent (8285’). The warm-up hike ends with a steep downhill to Merlet (5115’) from where we transfer back to our hotel in Chamonix. Hiking: 7.5 miles (please note that hiking distances are estimates for all days). Breakfast and lunch included. -
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Day 3
The day begins with a cable car ascent from Les Houches to Bellevue where we start our hike beneath the tumbling Bionnassay Glacier to the Col du Tricot (6955’). Along the way, we’ll watch for bounding chamois, a goat-like antelope, on the hillsides. After a steep descent to Chalets de Miage, we stop for lunch amongst picturesque alpine meadows. From here, we continue up to Chalet du Truc (5642’) and then on to les Contamines (3828’), a charming town proud of its gastronomical heritage. We stay in a local auberge tonight. Hiking: 8 miles. Breakfast and lunch included. -
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Day 4
This morning we follow in the footsteps of the ancients as we hike on an old Roman road, making our way steadily uphill and passing a very early chapel with Renaissance frescoes on its interior. We’ll be reminded of why this area is such a magnet for hikers and climbers as we follow varied terrain through forests, gentle glens and the treeless gorge of the Nant Borrant on our way to Col du Bonhomme (7640’), our lunch spot. In the afternoon, we descend a relatively steep grassy trail leading to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux (3785’) and our evening’s auberge. Hiking: 11 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 5
Our path today leads us out of France and into Italy (from “bonjour” to “buon giorno!”). We initially transfer from Les Chapieux to the trailhead at the Vallee’ des Glaciers, climb east over the Col de la Seigne (8252’) and finally descend into Italy to reflective Lac Combal. If the weather cooperates, the views along our route are guaranteed to take your breath away. The dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc range is fully exposed above us as we hike to Alpe supérieure de l’Arp Vieille and then traverse to Col Chécrouit (6415’) where we’ll settle into a quintessential Alps hike-in refuge and enjoy a hearty dinner. Hiking: 14 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 6
Today we descend to the lovely Italian resort town of Courmayeur (4014’). From Courmayeur we enjoy magnificent views of the Grandes Jorasses, Brenva Glacier and the Italian side of Mont Blanc, soaring 15,771 feet into the air. After an independent lunch, we can spend the afternoon relaxing at our hotel or choose to take an optional hike to Rifugio Bonatti (named after the famous Italian alpinist Walter Bonatti) where the dramatic scenery is best appreciated while sipping a delicious hot chocolate. Hiking: 4 miles. Breakfast and dinner included. -
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Day 7
We’ll experience hiking at its finest with alpine meadows, rushing streams and stunning views of the Val Veni as a backdrop en route to the Grand Col Ferret (8320’), the border between Italy and Switzerland. You’ll be amazed at the fabulous close-up views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Our grassy path ultimately leads us to the quiet but scenic village of La Fouly (5280’) where our auberge’s large patio is a perfect spot for relaxing. Hiking: 8 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 8
Today’s a day for soaking up the pure pleasures of being in the truly great outdoors as we proceed at a leisurely pace, trekking through forests, fields of wildflowers and quaint Swiss villages. After lunch, our hiking gets steeper as we climb through woodlands to the appealing alpine town of Champex (4808’), offering a perfect resting spot for the night - a small resort beside a pretty blue lake. Hiking: 9 miles. Breakfast and lunch included. -
Day 9
Our most rugged day of hiking also offers ample rewards to those up for the challenge. Weather permitting, we make a long, steep ascent to the Fenetre d’Arpette (8760’), our highest point on the Tour du Mont Blanc, for amazing views of the Trient Glacier. We’ll make a dramatic descent along the edge of the glacier, where the trail turns at its foot and traverses the hillside to the auberge at Col de la Forclaz (5123’). Hiking: 9 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 10
Today our path follows the “smuggler’s route” back into France. We hike to Col du Balme (7186’), the border between Switzerland and France, and eat our picnic lunch while gazing down at the Swiss countryside and Chamonix Valley behind us. We descend to Vallorcine, just north of Chamonix, and on to our auberge. Hiking: 7 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 11
We drive over the Col des Montets to the trailhead at Tré-le-Champ and once again hike the Grand Balcon – on fixed ladders for a short stretch – to the spectacularly situated Lac des Chérsey. We finally close the loop of our tour at La Flégère (6150’) where our unforgettable journey began 10 days ago. The cable car at La Flégère carries us down into the valley over alpine pastures to Les Praz where we meet with our driver and return to Chamonix. Hiking: 5 miles. Breakfast and lunch included. -
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Day 12
This morning we hike up to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), one of the largest glaciers in the Alps, taking in remarkable views of the Chamonix Valley and the peaks of the Mont Blanc range. After lunch and some additional exploration, we take a historic 100-year-old cog-wheel train back down into Chamonix. The afternoon is free for sightseeing and shopping or to take a breathtaking cable car ride (not included in trip cost) to the top of towering Aiguille du Midi. Hiking: 5 miles. All meals included. -
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Day 13
After breakfast, we transfer back to Geneva and connect with homeward-bound flights, ending our exciting walk around Mont Blanc.