Meals

All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners are included in the price of the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using local ingredients. Typical meals Breakfast: buffet breakfasts will usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissants, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee. Lunch: picnic lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit. Evening meal: We endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to, and each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group, consisting of a soup, salad or similar, a main course of meat, fish or vegetarian served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates, and a dessert. The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled water or soft drinks. Vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets: Although we serve a single menu each night for the whole group, we will happily shop for and prepare alternative menus for vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free diets, but please inform us at the time of booking. Please note: to reduce food wastage we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole trip.

Guide

We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals. As well as being skilled group leaders there to help assure safety on the mountain, they also impart their knowledge of the wider mountain environment such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local customs.

Others

Walk surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Stay in a comfortable chalet with outdoor hot tub. Walk with IML qualified Mountain Leader.

Accommodation

We use three alpine chalets with comfortable lounges and dining rooms. All have a large table where delicious home-cooked meals are served and scrumptious cakes are provided daily for afternoon tea. Chalupa and Chocolat have a private outdoor area and a hot tub, and Bediere has access to communal gardens and is only a five-minute walk to the centre of Chamonix. Chalets provide a more intimate experience than traditional hotels and the dining room often becomes a hub of living in the evening and a space to share stories from the day. Meals are prepared by the chalet hosts and enjoyed around a communal table. Additionally, the hosts live on site meaning they are available for any situation that arises. Generally, they won’t enter your rooms to change towels, make beds or clean, but they are happy to help if you feel your room needs a midweek service. NULL of the rooms have air conditioning but we do provide electric fans. Friends and family can typically be allocated to the same chalet, even if you have different booking references. Please notify your sales representative at the time of booking if this applies to you. Chalet Chocolat A seven-minute train ride (or 25-minute walk) from the heart of Chamonix, this seven-room chalet has a traditional alpine feel, plus a lovely garden and cosy atmosphere. Bedrooms vary in size and shape and some (not all) have access to a balcony. Chalet Chalupa In the pretty resort of Les Houches, Chalet Chalupa provides modern chalet accommodation in the Chamonix Valley. It has six well-proportioned rooms and an extensive deck with a fire pit. Twenty minutes from central Chamonix by bus, the chalet provides a spacious and comfortable living space with the amenities of Les Houches nearby. Chalet Bediere Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix, this 1920s mansion has five stylish rooms and a communal outdoor space with mountain views. It is decorated in an art deco style and was refurbished in 2023, keeping the original character of the property. Worth knowing On booking, your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chalupa; however, you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat or Chalet Bediere. This is confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent four weeks before your departure date. If you prefer one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Requests for a specific chalet must be made to our customer operations team six weeks before departure at the latest. The walking itinerary is the same for all chalets; however, the order of the walks may differ slightly. In Chalet Chocolat, one top-floor bedroom has a window in the roof rather than a wall-mounted window, and a large private bathroom on the floor below. There is also a smaller twin room on the ground floor of the property with a private bathroom. Both of these rooms are used as single rooms and are usually allocated to the first solo people to book. The availability of these single rooms depends on the numbers booked per departure and cannot be guaranteed. For 2025 departures onwards there is the option to pay a single supplement to have a double room for solo use (see Dates & Prices tab for costs). There are no guest laundry or parking facilities at the chalets. If you are driving, please speak to your operations executive about parking options.

Transport

All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. For the transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach, other Exodus groups heading out to trek in the Alps may share this transfer. Daily transport to and from the chalet will be by the chalet’s own minibus or public transport when convenient.

Not included:

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Others

— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Single accommodation (not available)

Flights

As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. Check out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner to book your flight - https://flights.tourradar.com

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (http://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Day 1 Day 1: Start Chalet Chalupa, Chalet Chocolat Or Chalet Bediere (Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Chalet Chalupa, Chalet Chocolat Or Chalet Bediere (Dinner)

Welcome to your alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible walking holiday. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Day 2 Day 2: Drive To The Head Of The Chamonix Valley; Walk Towards Switzerland Via The Trekking Peak L’Aiguillette Des Posettes And On To Col Du Possettes And Then Descend Back Towards La Tour (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Drive To The Head Of The Chamonix Valley; Walk Towards Switzerland Via The Trekking Peak L’Aiguillette Des Posettes And On To Col Du Possettes And Then Descend Back Towards La Tour (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.
Day 3 Day 3: Transfer Above Les Houches; Ascend To The Bel Lachat Refuge, Before Crossing The Carlaveyron Natural Reserve And Summiting The Aiguillette Des Houches And The Aiguillette Du Brévent (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Transfer Above Les Houches; Ascend To The Bel Lachat Refuge, Before Crossing The Carlaveyron Natural Reserve And Summiting The Aiguillette Des Houches And The Aiguillette Du Brévent (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière.
Day 4 Day 4: Starting From Les Contamines Valley, We Cross The Col De Voza And Continue Towards Les Houches (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Starting From Les Contamines Valley, We Cross The Col De Voza And Continue Towards Les Houches (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier above. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) if you have tired legs. On this walk there is also a short section descending where chains can be used as handrails down a rocky path, plus a short ladder to ascend.
Day 5 Day 5: Free Day For Optional Walks, Activities Or Sightseeing (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Free Day For Optional Walks, Activities Or Sightseeing (Breakfast)

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight. Please note: It is necessary to book a space on the Aiguille du Midi lift and usually the earlier a ticket is bought the better value it is. We will brief you about this on your arrival day. However, if you want to find out more before you travel, or even book your place in advance, you can do so at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/ If booking, please remember that those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have their free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
Day 6 Day 6: Drive Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel To Italy; Climb To Bonatti Refuge And Traverse High Above The Spectacular Val Ferret To Courmayeur (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Drive Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel To Italy; Climb To Bonatti Refuge And Traverse High Above The Spectacular Val Ferret To Courmayeur (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream. Ascent: 1,500ft (450m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); walking time: seven hours Late July and August: Occasional high season weeks in July and August the traffic queue can become very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy, so in these cases we will discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we will have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours September and October 2024 departures: From 2nd September 2024, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed for maintenance works. This means that we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 2nd September – 12th October 2024. On these dates we will have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours
Day 7 Day 7: Lac Blanc And The Grand Balcon Sud (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Lac Blanc And The Grand Balcon Sud (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After plenty of time enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden. Distance: 5.6mi (9km); ascent: 1,770ft (540m); descent: 1,770ft (540m); walking time: seven hours Please note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few kilometres depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport. Spring and autumn departures: La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10th June and 16th September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost will be paid locally (approximately €20). Alternatively, we will enjoy the following spring and autumn itinerary. From Argentière (4,100ft/1,250m) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont Blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breathtaking. From La Flégère we descend via Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added descent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning. Distance: 7.5mi (12km) plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet; ascent: 2,430ft (740m); descent: 3,120ft (950m); walking time: eight hours
Day 8 Day 8: End Chamonix (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: End Chamonix (Breakfast)

Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.

8 days tour

Mont Blanc Highlights

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Mont Blanc Highlights

Day 1: Start Chalet Chalupa, Chalet Chocolat Or Chalet Bediere (Dinner)

Day 2: Drive To The Head Of The Chamonix Valley; Walk Towards Switzerland Via The Trekking Peak L’Aiguillette Des Posettes And On To Col Du Possettes And Then Descend Back Towards La Tour (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: Transfer Above Les Houches; Ascend To The Bel Lachat Refuge, Before Crossing The Carlaveyron Natural Reserve And Summiting The Aiguillette Des Houches And The Aiguillette Du Brévent (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: Starting From Les Contamines Valley, We Cross The Col De Voza And Continue Towards Les Houches (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: Free Day For Optional Walks, Activities Or Sightseeing (Breakfast)

Day 6: Drive Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel To Italy; Climb To Bonatti Refuge And Traverse High Above The Spectacular Val Ferret To Courmayeur (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: Lac Blanc And The Grand Balcon Sud (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 8: End Chamonix (Breakfast)

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