Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

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. (D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. A private shuttle will then pick you up to transport you to your charming hotel located in Bourg St Maurice. You can take advantage of the hotel spa to relax before going to a local restaurant specialising in French cuisine. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L)

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. (B)