TREKKING MONT BLANC
France . Italy . Switzerland
Experience the rarified air of Europe as you trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland along the Tour du Mont Blanc.
This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys, and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows, recharging at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world's premiere hiking routes, uncovering the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible guided active adventure.
from $1849
per person sharing
10
days
PRICE INCLUDES:
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7 days of challenging mountain hiking led by an International Mountain Leader (IML)
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Rest day in Courmayeur
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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2 nights multi share accommodation in basic hotels
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5 nights multi share accommodation in mountain huts with share facilities
Included Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners
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Note - Please note that for departures during June there may be variations on this itinerary, depending on season & weather conditions. There have been unseasonably heavy snows in the region, so there may be changes to this itinerary. Our expert guides will always put your safety first and in extreme cases of heavy rain, storms or snow, they may cancel a days activity at their discretion. An alternative will be offered where possible to do so.
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare; tipping; meals unless noted otherwise, personal expenses
GRACE NOTES:
Giveback: Planeterra
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ITINERARY:
DEPARTURES: June through September
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Day 1: Chamonix
Arrive at any time. At 6pm, join a welcome meeting to get to know your fellow trekkers and meet your guide. As this is a challenging active trek, demanding good fitness and equipment, it is very important that you attend this briefing to learn more about the route and to hear your leader's recommendations on equipment.
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This evening is our first opportunity to try out some of the best Alpine specialities in a typical restaurant, such as Cheese fondue, Tartiflette or Raclette accompanied with some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine (own expense).
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Accommodation: Hotel Gustavia
Day 2: Chamonix - Les Contamines-Montjoie
We set off this morning after breakfast for our first day of hiking. We'll take the bus to the village of Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range, before beginning our hike to Les Contamines.
Enjoy a 14 mile hike through the stunning countryside to Les Contamines and savor a delicious dinner in the evening. (B,D)
Approximate hiking time is 8.5hrs. 2952ft ascent, 4265ft descent.
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Accommodation: Refuge Nant Borrant
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Day 3: Les Contamines Montjoie - Les Chapieux
Begin the steep ascent to the Col Du Bonhomme, then hike to the Croix du Bonhomme and stop for lunch. While eating your meal, enjoy the amazing view of the Vallee des Chapieux. Descend to Les Chapieux for the night. Today the group will tackle steep uphill and downhill routes on rough terrain, this part of the tour can be extremely difficult but hikers’ feeling of satisfaction after climbing the Col du Bonhomme make the challenges worthwhile. (B,D)
Approximate hiking time is 7 hours. 4265ft ascent, 2952ft descent
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Accommodation: Mountain Hut
Day 4: Les Chapieux - Courmayeur
Climb through open pastures and snowfield to Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy. Pass by picturesque glacier lakes while descending into beautiful Val Veny. Continue on a 45 minute descent to Rifugio Elisabetta, then a further 45 minute descent will bring the group to La Visaille. From this small hamlet take a bus or taxi to the picturesque town of Courmayeur, Italy. (B)
Approximate hiking time is 5hrs. 2460ft ascent, 2625ft descent
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Accommodation: Hotel Cristallo
Day 5: Courmayeur
The picturesque mountain town of Courmayeur is an ideal backdrop for a free day. Opt to ride a cable car to Pointe Helbronner, go for a day hike or just explore the lovely towns of Courmayeur and La Saxe.
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Enjoy an optional dinner with the group and our leader to taste some of the Italian Alpine specialties offered in Courmayeur's many atmospheric restaurants.
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Accommodation: Hotel Cristallo
Day 6: Courmayeur - Val Ferret
Lace those hiking boots back up! Start the steep climb up to Rifugio Bertone with the best view of the Mont Blanc Massif. Hike along the Mont de la Saxe, taking the balcony path facing the ridge of the Grandes Jorasses. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the unforgettable view. Continue to Rifugio Bonatti, overlooking the Italian Val Ferret for the night. (B,D)
Approximate hiking time is 5hrs. 2789ft ascent, 2297ft descent
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Accommodation: Rifugio Bonatti
Day 7: Val Ferret - La Fouly
Start towards Arp Nouva, then begin the steep climb across the Grand Col Ferret, and descend into the hamlet of Ferret, Switzerland. Continue the decent into the Alpage at La Peule before reaching a high traverse above the valley; from here, enjoy the view of the deep, green forest crawling up the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Continue downward on a the final passage, finishing in the mountain village of La Fouly, where you can finally kick those feet up and relax.
Approximate hiking duration is 6hrs. 2953ft ascent, 4593ft descent
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Accommodation: Auberge des Glaciers Fouly
Day 8: La Fouly - Trient
After a short bus journey to the picturesque village of Champex, start out on the "Bovine Way" an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. Continue along our circuit today, passing the Col de la Forclaz and then heading downhill to Trient. (B,D)
Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 2460ft ascent, 3117ft descent
Accommodation: La Grande Ourse
Day 9: Trient - Chamonix
Head back towards the Chamonix Valley and out of Switzerland. Walk uphill through a large forest and then open alpine slopes to the Col de Balme. Trek the last downhill stretch to Montroc in the Chamonix Valley to wrap up this unforgettable trek.
Approximate hiking duration is 5hrs. 2952ft ascent, 2460ft descent. (B)
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Accommodation: Hotel Gustavia
Day 10: Depart Chamonix
Depart at any time. (B)