Tour Overview
The spectacular circuit around Mt. Blanc is one of the world’s classic hikes. From the massif of Mt. Blanc (15,771 feet)- the roof of Western Europe, seven valleys extend into France, Italy and Switzerland. Each retains its own unique culture, architecture and landscape. Each day you hike up to ridges and descend into valleys below, with time to enjoy views of glaciers, green mountains, and peaks (Bionnassay, Peuterey, Grandes Jorasses, Dolent, Aiguille Verte!), The accommodations on this mountain hiking adventure vary with location. As you might expect, there are good hotels in the towns you encounter, but more rustic lodging higher in the mountains. This hike is designed for fit, energetic people who have a healthy dose of curiosity and enthusiasm about the world, and who like to be active. The most important prerequisites are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You must be prepared and capable of walking an average of 5 to 7 hours a day on trails with steep ascents and descents- averaging 3,000 to 4,000 feet up and 2,000 to 3,000 feet down each day.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Switzerland- ChamonixArrive at Geneva Airport, meet your mountain guide and transfer to Chamonix by taxi. This afternoon there will be a briefing at the hotel that will include an equipment check and rucksack packing. Then, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. The Hotel Les Aiglon nestles in a breathtaking natural setting. Close to the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the pedestrian area, you will discover a comfortable hotel with appealing Savoyard atmosphere. The hotel has 56 rooms, a restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath.
Dinner
Hotel Les Aiglon Day 2: Chamonix- Les Contamines (6 hours, 1020-1161m)
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your mountain guide and begin your adventure as you head to Les Houches by taxi. Begin with a climb through spruce forest and alpine meadows, past the magnificent Bionnassay Glacier. Enjoy views of the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les Contamines- for this stretch taxi or bus transportation is included. Enjoy the authentic charm of an Alpine village nestling at the foot of Mont Blanc. The Chemenaz Hotel is located just across from the cable car, and offers every creature comfort to make your stay an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy the many sport facilities or simply relax at the hotel with the pool, sauna Jacuzzi and gym.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Chemenaz Day 3: Les Contamines- Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (4-5 hours, 2,470m)
This morning after breakfast you will hike along the old roman road towards Col Du Bonhomme. As you ascend Mont Blanc, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Vallee des Chapieux.
Breakfast, Dinner
Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme Day 4: Col de la Croix du Bonhomme- Les Chapieux (3 hours, 1,554m)
Have breakfast at the refuge before taking the easy way down to Les Chapieux and a short walk up to the Ville des Glaciera. In this untouched nature you will come across herds of cows and sheep with their shepherds. They will tell you stories of their lives and guide you to marmot lookouts. There will be a lot of walking on a road to reach Les Chapieux- for this stretch taxi or bus transportation is included. Situated in the ‘Vallee des Glaciers’ and on the “Le Tour du Mont Blanc” hiking trail, this old high mountain pasture, transformed into a refuge, welcomes you into a social family atmosphere.
Breakfast, Dinner
Refuge les Mottets Day 5: Les Chapieux- Col de la Seigne (2,513m)- Val Veny (2,000m)- Courmayeur (1,400m) (6-7 Hours)
After breakfast, begin your climb that continues through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny. You will pass picturesque glacier lakes en route and enjoy a night in the Italian town of Entreves/Courmayeur. There is a lot of walking on the road to reach Courmayeur, so this stretch will be via taxi or bus. (Included). The Hotel de Gigante is a typical house in the mountains made of stone and wood. Close to Mont Blanc, the hotel is an ideal point for excursions and sport activities.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel de Gigante Day 6: Courmayeur
Today you have a well-earned day to rest! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel then spend the rest of the day as you like. There are many optional activities (not included) such as a cable car ride to Punta Helbronner (3,322m) on Mont Blanc, or perhaps a trans glacial crossing from Italy to France!
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel de Gigante Day 7: Courmayeur- Grand Col Ferret (2,537m)- La Fouly (1,457m) (5 Hours)
After breakfast, resume your trek, walking past the Glacier de Pre de Bar, crossing the Grand Col Ferret, finally dropping into Switzerland through the Valley of La Fouly where you will spend the night in the picturesque chalet-filled town of the same name.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel des Glaciers Day 8: La Fouly- Champex (1,466m, 6 hours)
An easy day crossing the peaceful Swiss Val Ferret, passing through beautiful hamlets whose old chalets have seen generations of walkers, preceded by generations of travelers crossing the Alps from north to south. En route to Champex after woodlands crossing, you will pass its famous lake. As there will be a lot of walking on the road to Champex, taxi or bus transportation will be provided. In the middle of the massif of Mont Blanc at the alpine lake of Valais you find the Hotel Splendide. Family Richer-Lonfat offers you traditional ambiance, sport activities in the middle of nature and a terrace with a great panorama.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Splendide Day 9: Champex- La Forclaz (1,580m, 6-7 hours)
Today will be a tough hike! Start at Champex d’en Bas, taking a steep switchback path heading upwards for great views of the Rhone Valley below. Take the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. Continue on to La Forclaz in Switzerland. Your hotel, the Col du Forclaz, is a charming, authentic mountain inn.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Col du Forclaz Day 10: La Forclaz- Cole de Blames (2,191m)- Chamonix Valley (1,020m) (5-6 hours)
Saying good-bye to Switzerland, you will return to France via the Chamonix Valley via Cole de Balmes. A part of today’s hike will be via taxi or bus (included.)
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Les Aiglon Day 11: Chamonix- Geneva
After breakfast, take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi for a closer look at the towering height of Mont Blanc! This afternoon, around 3pm, transfer by private mini-bus with an English-speaking driver to Geneva.
Breakfast
NH Geneva Airport Hotel Day 12: Depart Geneva
Enjoy the buffet breakfast at the hotel and then take the hotels shuttle bus to Geneva Airport for your departure flight.
Breakfast
