Mont Blanc Explorer
8 days
From
$ 1849
Duration8 days
The French call her "La Dame Blanche." To Italians, she’s "Il Bianco." And to all who set out to tame her, she is known simply as "The Big One." Towering above the already towering Alps, Mont Blanc commands respect. This trip puts committed travellers with excellent fitness on intimate terms with the ceiling of Europe, rewarding all-comers with strolls through quaint alpine villages, hearty dinners, relaxing spa visits, and some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery you’ll ever see. Prepare to be challenged, awestruck, and amazed.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
-
Physical Grading: Demanding
-
Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Chamonix
Today is arrival day, so there are no planned activities and you may arrive at any time throughout the day (please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2-3pm). After the meeting, choose to join your CEO and travel companions for an optional dinner in a local restaurant.
The lovely hotel in the centre of Chamonix has everything we need to enjoy the area and get a good rest before and after our hikes. The interior of the hotels are all in wood, giving them a very typical alpine atmosphere.
In the evening, we have our first opportunity to try some alpine specialties in a typical restaurant. It will be hard to choose from such delights as cheese fondue, tartiflette, or raclette, perhaps accompanied by some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine.
The lovely hotel in the centre of Chamonix has everything we need to enjoy the area and get a good rest before and after our hikes. The interior of the hotels are all in wood, giving them a very typical alpine atmosphere.
In the evening, we have our first opportunity to try some alpine specialties in a typical restaurant. It will be hard to choose from such delights as cheese fondue, tartiflette, or raclette, perhaps accompanied by some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine.
Arrive at any time.
Look out for a message from your CEO at the hotel reception detailing the time and location for an important meeting in the evening, during which you will meet your CEO and fellow group members, as well as complete some admin and learn more about the trip. If you arrive late, no worries, your CEO will leave you a message about where they can be contacted and when to meet the following morning.
Day 2: Chamonix
Today we will head into the Chamonix valley for our first hike. We will take a lift towards the Col du Vosa above the Chamonix valley for splendid views across the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The ascents and descents on this day are quite gentle, and the ground is relatively easy. Take in the picturesque sight of Mont Blanc along the way.
Enjoy a full-day hike into the Col de Voza above Les Houches.
Meals: B
Day 3: Chamonix
Taking a break from our walking, we'll spend today exploring the Chamonix region with various optional activities to suit everyone's interests. Why not take a recommended cable car ride up the famous Aiguille du Midi and across the glaciers to Punta Helbronner in Italy? Or if you want some excitement, opt to join a rafting trip, or go parapenting - these activities are available and bookable locally and your CEO will have suggestions for where to do this.
For a more relaxing day, you can choose to stay at resort level and enjoy some local hikes in the area or perhaps visit the local leisure centre.
One good hike in the area starts in Les Praz by the pretty medieval church.
Don't miss the chance to try some of the local specialty food that this region is famous for in one of the town's many excellent bars and restaurants!
For a more relaxing day, you can choose to stay at resort level and enjoy some local hikes in the area or perhaps visit the local leisure centre.
One good hike in the area starts in Les Praz by the pretty medieval church.
Don't miss the chance to try some of the local specialty food that this region is famous for in one of the town's many excellent bars and restaurants!
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to take a breathtaking cable car ride up the Aiguille du Midi pinnacle, visit the Mer de Glace, take a walk through the Ice Cave, or go for a dip in the local thermal spa.
Meals: B
Day 4: Chamonix/Courmayeur
We travel by bus this morning, through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, crossing the Italian border to the town of Courmayeur. Here we will drop off our bags and head out for a day hike in Val Veny, with spectacular views up the valley to the Col de la Seigne and the Miage glacier.
Our hotel in Courmayeur is cosy and atmospheric, a traditional Aosta Valley structure with ample recreational space, including an outdoor terrace and garden for soaking up some of the mountain sunshine in the summer months.
Our hotel in Courmayeur is cosy and atmospheric, a traditional Aosta Valley structure with ample recreational space, including an outdoor terrace and garden for soaking up some of the mountain sunshine in the summer months.
Set out on a full-day walk and arrive at a cozy mountain refugio. Take in the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, including a view of the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
Meals: B
Day 5: Courmayeur
Enjoy a free day in the Courmayeur region to take advantage of some optional activities, such as taking a bus to La Palud, followed by a magnificent cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner and back. Your CEO will let you know more about other options such as mountain biking, hiking, a day visit to the town of Aosta, or a bit of indulgent relaxation at the wonderful Pré St Didier Spa.
Enjoy a free day to explore Courmayeur. Opt to take a spectacular cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner or enjoy a day of relaxation at the Pré St Didier spa.
Meals: B
Day 6: Courmayeur
It's another walking day today as we stretch our legs on a fabulous route, setting off up the steep winding path into the Val Ferret and then around the flank of the hillside to where a magnificent panoramic view of Mont Blanc awaits.
Enjoy a day walk in the Val Ferret for fabulous views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Descend via the village of Planpincieux.
Meals: B
Day 7: Courmayeur/Chamonix
Catch a morning bus from Courmayeur back through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix. Hike all day above the Chamonix valley for magnificent views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Dru, and the Mer de Glace glacier.
In the evening, try out a local Chamonix brewery for a farewell hearty dinner and a pint of lager made from glacial fed water!
In the evening, try out a local Chamonix brewery for a farewell hearty dinner and a pint of lager made from glacial fed water!
Travel to Le Praz. Enjoy a day hike with views of Glacier d’Argentière, Pic du Midi, and Mont Blanc. In the evening, return to Chamonix.
Meals: B
Day 8: Chamonix
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Four mountain walks led by an International Mountain Leader (IML)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Train, Bus, Minivan -
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)