3 days
32
12+
Airpot
Feel on top of the world on a hiking adventure in the Alps
Bienvenue! Welcome to France (and the Alps!). Your adventure begins in Chamonix – a small French town with a big reputation. Chamonix played host to the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, and is one of Europe’s premier destinations for hiking, skiing and snow sports. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your group and your local leader – a highly qualified International Mountain Leader. They will brief you on what to expect while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and provide advice on equipment, which can be hired in Chamonix if required. After, you may like to head into town to get to know your group over dinner, and perhaps sample some of the region’s famous Savoie wine.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
A luggage transfer included is for one piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9 kg – it must be packed in a soft bag, duffle bag or a rucksack. Any excess luggage can be stored in Chamonix for the duration of the trek at extra cost of EUR 40.
It’s time to step out for your first day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting off with a short transfer to Les Praz village. From here, you’ll be flying high as you ride a cable car up to La Flegere (1813 m). Not only does this provide unbeatable views of the Mer de Glace glacier and the landscapes you’ll be exploring over the coming week, but also cuts out a difficult and tiring climb. Today’s hike starts on a balcony path and climbs gently towards Lac Blanc (2352 m) – a beautiful lake where reflections of the surrounding peaks can be seen in the mirror-like waters. Your leader will point out the sharp needles of the Aiguille du Dru, Aiguille Verte, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc, which can all be admired from this incredible vantage point. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view before heading down through one of the region’s most beautiful trails bordering the Cheserys lakes.
Your walking time today will be approximately 6 hours with an elevation gain of 475 m.
Fuel up over breakfast this morning then take a short transfer over the border to Switzerland. Your leader will guide you on a walk through vibrant forests of pine and larch before emerging to wide open pastures – be sure to have your cameras ready for this gorgeous Swiss scenery! Stop here for lunch among deep green forest, rolling hills and towering mountains. The impressive Grand Combin massif will stay in your sights all day as you walk through to Champex – the lakeside village where you will spend the night.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Bovine guided hike
Special information
Your walking time today will be approximately 6 hours with an elevation gain of 500 m.
Board a transfer bound for Val Ferret – the starting point for today’s hike. Start with a steep climb before reaching Col Ferret, where you’ll pause to take in the views of the valley below and the nearby glacier. As you begin your descent, you’ll cross the border into Italy, walking down towards Arnouva. From here, it’s a bus journey to your hotel in the breathtakingly beautiful Courmayeur valley. Here, you’ll see how the culture within this landscape varies over short distances. Join your group for dinner and experience alpine cuisine with an Italian flair.
Your walking time today will be approximately 7 hours with an elevation gain of 700 m.
Start the day with a scenic bus journey up to Visailles (1659 m) – you’ll want to keep your eyes glued to the windows for this one! Hop off at the bottom of the debris-covered Miage glacier and begin your climb to the enchanting Lee Blanche valley, where sheep roam and wildflowers bloom. Hike up to the Seigne pass (2516 m), then cross the border back into France (but don’t forget to look behind you at the south face of Mont Blanc!). Continue your walk down to the remote Les Chapieux, where a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Bourg St Maurice. You can take advantage of the hotel spa to relax before going to a local restaurant specialising in French cuisine for dinner tonight.
Your walking time today will be approximately 8 hours with an elevation gain of 900 m.
Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying on in Chamonix, there’s plenty of shops, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Another option is to take a cable car up to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Sitting at 3842 m, there’s no better spot to take in views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.
Alani –
Very part of this tour was excellent. Our room was lovely – larger than expected. We had a balcony which I really enjoyed.