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Map of Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc including France, Italy and Switzerland

Feel on top of the world on this hiking adventure

Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France, come face to face with dizzying peaks, magnificent lakes and rolling green pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, from historic hotels to scenic alpine huts, and your luggage will be transported for you each day to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide, they’ll not only ensure your safety throughout, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special.

Start
Chamonix, France
Finish
Chamonix, France
Destinations
France, Italy, Switzerland
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
ZFXB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtably one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks. Enjoy a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures.

  • Comfortable and clean hotels & lodges are included each night, plus a remote family-run mountain auberge in the heart of valley of Les Chapieux, offering up truly magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.

  • Filling breakfasts, picnic lunches and hearty dinners are included on each walking day – fuelling up for your explorations couldn’t be easier (or more delicious!).

  • With an experienced and highly qualified International Mountain Leader by your side every step of the way, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a hiking trip and some of the sections are demanding. You must be fit and in good health in order to join this trip. Please carefully read descriptions of all hikes in the day to day itinerary. If need be, please start preparing for this trip physically 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure.

  • Be sure to bring the appropriate gear required for alpine hikes. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

  • Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack.

  • This trip visits points over 2500m, where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please be aware of the symptoms and let your leader know if you or any of your fellow travellers experience any.

  • This is a point-to-point walking trip, allowing you to access remote and beautiful parts of the alps. However, this also means once you start a day’s walk, there’s no turning back – so be prepared!

Hikers trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc trail
Cable car ride into the summit of Mont Blanc
Hiker admiring Lac de Cherserys on trail, Tour du Mont Blanc
The Aiguille du Dru mountain peak, Mont Blanc
Group of hikers walking along bottom of Mont Blanc massif
Enjoying a traditional fondue dinner
Chamonix Mont Blanc, quaint village
The french alpine village of Les Contamines, Mont Blanc
Outdoor seating area of Auberge de la Nova, France

Itinerary
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Bienvenue – welcome to the Alps! Your adventure begins in Chamonix, a little French town with a big reputation. Chamonix played host to the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, and is one of Europe’s premier destinations for hiking, skiing and snow sports. We recommend flying into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix. A welcome meeting will take place at your hotel at 6pm, where you’ll rendezvous with your group and your local guide – a highly qualified International Mountain Leader. Your leader will brief you on what to expect while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and provide advice on equipment, which can be hired in Chamonix if required. After your meeting, you may like to head into town to get to know your group over dinner, and perhaps sample some of the region’s famous Savoie wine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Daily luggage transfer (1 piece per person) max 9kg, packed in a soft bag.
Optional Activities
  • Alpine Museum in Chamonix - EUR6
  • Aiguille du Midi cable car ride - EUR100
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. Any excess luggage can be stored in Chamonix for the duration of the trek.

It’s time to step out for your first day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting off with a short transfer to Les Praz village. From here, you’ll be flying high as you ride a cable car up to La Flegere (1813m). Not only does this provide unbeatable views of the Mer de Glace glacier and the landscapes you’ll be exploring over the coming week, but also cuts out a difficult and tiring climb. Today’s hike starts on a balcony path and climbs gently towards Lac Blanc (2352m), a beautiful lake where reflections of the surrounding peaks can be seen in the mirror-like waters. Your leader will point out the sharp needles of the Aiguille du Dru, Aiguille Verte, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc, which can all be admired from this incredible vantage point. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view before heading down through one of the region’s most beautiful trails bordering the Cheserys lakes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • La Flegere cable car ride
  • Mer de Glace & Lac Blanc guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today you will take a cable car lift, followed by approximately 6 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +475m/-1150m.

In 2023 season groups will take short transfer back to Chamonix for an overnight stay due to closure of our preferred hotel in Argentière.

Fuel up over breakfast this morning then take a short transfer over the border to Switzerland. Your leader will guide you on a delightful walk through vibrant forests of pine and larch before emerging to wide open pastures – be sure to have your cameras ready for this quintessentially Swiss scenery! Stop here to enjoy lunch and marvel at the views of deep green forest, rolling hills and towering mountains. The impressive Grand Combin massif will stay in your sights all day as you walk through to Champex, the lovely lakeside village where you will spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bovine guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today will be approximately 6 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +500m/-650m.

Board a transfer bound for Val Ferret, the starting point for today’s hike. Start with a steep climb before reaching Col Ferret, where you’ll pause to take in awe-inspiring views of the valley below and the nearby glacier. As you begin your descent, Italy opens its doors to you, crossing the border as you walk down towards Arnouva. From here, it’s a bus journey to your welcoming hotel in the magnificent and breathtakingly beautiful Courmayeur valley. Here you’ll see for yourself how the culture within this landscape varies over short distances. Join your group for a fabulous and atmospheric dinner and experience alpine cuisine with an Italian flair.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Col Ferret guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today will be approximately 7 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +700m/-500m.

Start the day with a scenic bus journey up to Visailles (1659m) – you’ll want to keep your eyes glued to the windows for this one! Hop off at the bottom of the debris-covered Miage glacier and begin your climb to the enchanting Lee Blanche valley, where sheep roam and wildflowers bloom. Hike up to the
Seigne pass (2516m), then cross the border back into France. But don’t forget to look behind you – the south face of Mont Blanc now looms in the rear. Continue your walk down to the remote Les Chapieux and come upon an endearing alpine lodge. Opened in 18th century, this lodged accommodated the pioneering English hikers on what is now the famous Tour du Mont-Blanc trail. Settled in peaceful Les Chapieux, enjoy peace and quiet evening with uninterrupted views of surroundings green pastures and towering mountains.
Accommodation
  • Alpine lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lée Blanche valley guided hike
  • Seigne pass hike
  • Mountian refuge overnight stay
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today will be approximately 7/8 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +900m/-490m. Please note your main luggage will not be available to you tonight.

Lace up your boots and leave your alpine lodge behind as you embark on a steep ascent towards the Col Du Bonhomme mountain pass. This section can be challenging but the views from the top make every step worth it. Hike on to the refuge at the Croix du Bonhomme and take some time out for lunch, soaking in more marvellous views of the Mont Blanc massif. Next up is a steep descent through a shady gorge fringed with pine forests, leading to an ancient Roman road. Follow the road to the pretty little chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and finish up in the town of Contamines, where you’ll stay for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Col Du Bonhomme & Croix du Bonhomme guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today will be approximately 7/8 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +1100m/-1400m.

Today marks your final day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and there’s still plenty of fabulous sights to discover. Kicking off from Contamines, hike to the inviting hamlets of Gruvaz, Champel and Bionnassay, the latter of which is home to a Baroque style 17th-century chapel. Follow a path that leads out to the Col de Voza, a historic pass which was one of the first used by travellers to reach the Chamonix valley. From here, enjoy a cinematic cable car ride as you glide down the slopes towards Les Houches, where you’ll hop aboard a bus and return to Chamonix. The streets of Chamonix are lined with excellent restaurants, so you may like to celebrate your massive accomplishment over dinner (at your own expense) with your group this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hamlets of Gruvaz
  • Champel and Bionnassay guided hike
  • Voza pass hike
  • Bellevue gondola ride
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today will be approximately 6 hours of walking with an elevation gain/loss of +784m/-150m.

Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying on in Chamonix, there’s plenty of delightful shops, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Another fantastic option is to take a cable car up to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Sitting at 3842m, there’s no better spot to take in views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.
Optional Activities
  • Alpine Museum in Chamonix - EUR6
  • Aiguille du Midi cable car ride - EUR100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

On foot, Cable Car, Public bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Alpine lodge (1)

Included activities

  • Daily luggage transfer (1 piece per person) max 9kg, packed in a soft bag.
  • La Flegere cable car ride
  • Mer de Glace & Lac Blanc guided hike
  • Bovine guided hike
  • Col Ferret guided hike
  • Lée Blanche valley guided hike
  • Seigne pass hike
  • Mountian refuge overnight stay
  • Col Du Bonhomme & Croix du Bonhomme guided hike
  • Hamlets of Gruvaz
  • Champel and Bionnassay guided hike
  • Voza pass hike
  • Bellevue gondola ride

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 01 in Chamonix.
2. This trip ends on Day 08 and you are free to leave at any time.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement is subject to availability and applies only for nights spent in Chamonix. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. Any excess luggage can be stored in Chamonix for the duration of the trek.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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