Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

  The classic route of the Tour du Mont Blanc follows the "Bovine Route".  An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent through the forest brings us high over the Rhone Valley and the town of Martigny.  We'll once again enjoy fabulous views before beginning an easy descent to the Col de Forclaz (3,900').  Hiking: 9 miles.  All meals included.

• 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.

• Day 11

  We drive to the Col des Montets where we begin our hike along the Grand Balcon 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.

• 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.

• Day 13

  After breakfast, we transfer back to Geneva and connect with homeward-bound flights, ending our exciting walk around Mont Blanc. Be sure to schedule your flight for after 11 a.m. Breakfast included. 

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.  The final route is always left up to the discretion of the trip leader in the field.

No single rooms are available for request on this adventure. All group members will be automatically paired with a suitable roommate when possible. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a forced single fee which is $300.

All lodging including hotels (double occupancy), auberges (double occupancy) and one night in a mountain refuge (co-ed dormitory style); meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all land transportation and luggage transfer; cable car rides as noted; English-speaking guides; group airport transfers.

Airfare to Geneva; 1 lunch and 4 dinners; Aiguille du Midi cable car; excess baggage charges, airport taxes (if any); trip cancellation insurance; alcoholic beverages; laundry; gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] and consists of a combination of moderate and more vigorous hiking days. Trip members should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition and capable of hiking 5-7 hours a day (8-14 miles) on trails with steep ascents and descents. Trails are often rocky and daily elevation gains and losses can exceed 3,000 feet.  We hike over 100 miles during the course of the adventure, much of which falls between 6,000-9,000’ of elevation. We strongly recommend beginning a conditioning regimen at least 3-4 months prior to departure that includes hiking and/or walking/running in order to best prepare for the cardiovascular component of this trip. The better shape you’re in when you arrive in Chamonix, the more you will enjoy all this amazing itinerary has to offer!

Summer daytime temperatures along our route range from 60 to 75°F. Evening temperatures generally drop into the 50s. As we are in the Alps, participants must be prepared for variable weather conditions that can change suddenly and include hot, sunny days, prolonged rainfall and even an occasional dusting of snow. Please see our recommended gear list for suggestions on what to pack. 

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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