Tour du Mont Blanc Express
8 days
From $ 4099
Duration8 days
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Circling the highest peak in Western Europe, this eight-day hike serves up spectacular scenery and spans three alpine countries. We’ve distilled the Tour Du Mont Blanc Classic trip for people with limited time who don’t want to compromise on experience. Setting off from the legendary mountain village of Chamonix, we hike beneath the Bionnassay Glacier to the Col du Tricot, pausing along the way to take in storybook scenery straight out of The Sound of Music. We hike with light packs and spend each night feasting, laughing and resting in hotel comfort. Savor meadows and villages, glaciers and spires, and the charm and cuisine of French, Swiss and Italian cultures. About halfway through our journey, as we make our way to Courmayeur, we behold the dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc massif from the Italian side. Our journey continues to the Grand Col Ferret, the dramatic mountain pass between Italy and Switzerland. Finally, the La Flégère cable car carries us gently down into the valley to Chamonix, where we celebrate our journey with a hearty meal and a warm drink as the sun dips low in the sky.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 8 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Mont Blanc de Cheilon
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
Tour du Mont Blanc Express - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Explore delightful Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc.

Start place: Mont Blanc de Cheilon

Arrive at the Geneva, Switzerland airport by 11am to rendezvous with the trip leader at 12pm and transfer to our first night's hotel in Chamonix. There is 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 in 1924. Tonight we share a welcome dinner and get acquainted with our traveling companions and guides. Dinner included.
Transfer: 1.5 hours. Note: Hiking distances and elevation gain/loss are estimates for all days.
Meals: D
Day 2: Hike below the tumbling Bionnassay Glacier to Les Contamines.
The day begins with a cable car ascent from Les Houches to Bellevue (5,904’) where we start our hike beneath the tumbling Bionnassay Glacier. After crossing the Himalayan bridge over the glacier-fed river, we hike into the forest and down the ancient moraine to the hamlet of Champel (3,960’). After a refereshing break we continue into the forest across the hillside to Chalets de Miage (5,082’), where we stop for lunch in a postcard-perfect setting. From here we continue up to Chalet du Truc (5,642') and then on to Les Contamines (3,828'), a charming town proud of its gastronomical heritage. We stay in a local auberge tonight. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles; elevation gain: 1,906’; elevation loss: 3,400'.Terrain: Hard-packed dirt and rocky trails with some short sections of exposure.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Hike an old Roman road to Col du Bonhomme. Descend to Les Chapieux.
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 chapel with Renaissance frescoes adorning 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 our lunch spot, the Col du Bonhomme (7,640'). In the afternoon we descend a relatively steep grassy trail leading to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux (3,785'). We overnight in an auberge in Les Chapieux or in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. All meals included.
Transfer: 30 minutes; Hiking: 11 miles; elevation gain: 4,163'; elevation loss: 3,050'. Terrain: Gradual uphill climb with some steep, rocky, and exposed sections; steep downhill section.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Hike into Italy under the dramatic south face of Mont Blanc.
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 Vallée des Glaciers, climb east over the Col de la Seigne (8,252') and finally descend into Italy to reflective Lac Combal. If the weather cooperates, the views along our route will take your breath away! The dramatic southern face of the Mont Blanc range is fully exposed above us as we hike down to La Visaille from where we transfer to the lovely Italian resort town of Courmayeur (4,014'). You'll have time to enjoy the town with a dinner on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.
Transfers: 1 hour; Hiking: 10 miles; elevation gain: 2,380'; elevation loss: 2,811'. Terrain: Long uphill climb on hard-packed dirt and rocky trails followed by a gradual descent.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Views of the Val Veny are our backdrop en route to Grand Col Ferret.
We transfer to Arnuva where we begin our hike. Alpine meadows, rushing streams and stunning views of the Val Veny serve as a backdrop en route to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320'), the border between Italy and Switzerland. Mont Dolent towers above and it's summit is the meeting point of the borders with France, Italy and Switzerland. You'll continue to be amazed by fabulous close-up views of rocky spires and sparkling glaciers. Our grassy path ultimately leads us to the quiet but scenic village of La Fouly (5,280'). A short transfer brings us to our hotel in the charming alpine village of Champex, Switzerland. All meals included.
Transfer: 40 minutes; Hiking: 8.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,500', elevation loss: 3,100'. Terrain: Steep descents and ascents on dirt trails; some short sections of exposure.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Hike to the French border. See breathtaking views of the Chamonix Valley.
This morning we transfer to Trient, where our path follows an old smuggler's route back into France. We hike to Col de Balme (7,186'), the border between Switzerland and France, and eat our picnic lunch while gazing down at the Swiss countryside behind us and the Chamonix Valley ahead. The views to Mont Blanc are absolutely phenomenal! From the Col des Montets we transfer to our hotel in Argentière, just north of Chamonix. All meals included.
Transfer: 35 minutes; Hiking: 5 miles; elevation gain: 2,940'; elevation loss: 2,400'. Terrain: Steep trails with some rocky sections; short sections of exposure.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Close our loop on the Grand Balcon, hiking to Lac des Chérsey.
We take a short drive to the Col des Montets where we begin our hike along the Grand Balcon to the spectacularly situated Lac des Cheserys with the many glaciers and peaks of the entire range in view. We finally close the loop of our Tour du Mont Blanc express tour at La Flégère (6,150'). 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. We gather together this evening to raise a toast to an excellent adventure and enjoy a farewell dinner in Chamonix. All meals included.
Transfer: 15 minutes; Hiking: 5.5 miles; elevation gain: 2,470', elevation loss: 1,100'. Terrain: Steep trails with some rocky sections.
Note: The La Flégère cable car may cease operations if high winds are present. In such conditions, the group will hike down to Les Praz, adding an additional 2.5 miles and 2,700' of descent. Terrain: Steep trails with some rocky sections.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Say farewell to the Alps and return to Geneva.
After breakfast, we transfer back to Geneva and connect with homeward-bound flights, ending our exciting journey around Mont Blanc. You are welcome to schedule your homeward flight or train for any time after 11 a.m. Breakfast included.
Transfer: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • All lodging including hotels (double occupancy), auberges (double occupancy)
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • all land transportation and luggage transfer
  • cable car rides as noted
  • skilled English-speaking guide
  • group airport transfers

  • Accommodation

    Hotels, 2 nights, Auberges, 5 nights

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