Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
Experience Overview
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, glittering lakes and rolling pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, and your luggage will be transported for you to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special, you can focus on the gorgeous natural scenery!
Highlights
- Spend a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures – the Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks.
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Comfortable and clean hotels and lodges are included each night, offering hearty meals and 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.
- Soak up the beautiful scenery of the French and Swiss Alps with a likeminded small group of travellers by your side – every day brings a new gorgeous landscape! Think mountains, cable cars, vast green landscapes and (hopefully) clear skies.
- Focus on the hiking and the scenery, while someone else worries about the logistics. With an experienced and highly qualified International Mountain Leader by your side every step of the way, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3179
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: On Foot,Cable Car,Public Bus,Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZFXB
Starts: Chamonix, France
Finishes: Chamonix, France
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Challenging
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (6), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,250 ($656 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenue! Welcome to France (and the Alps!). Your adventure begins in Chamonix – a small 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. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your group and your local leader – a highly qualified International Mountain Leader. They 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, 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.
Included Activities:
- Daily luggage transfer (1 piece per person) max 9kg, packed in a soft bag.
Optional Activities:
- Alpine Museum in Chamonix (6 EUR)
- Aiguille du Midi cable car ride (100 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 (1813 m). 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 (2352 m) – 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.
Included Activities:
- La Flegere cable car ride
- Mer de Glace & Lac Blanc guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fuel up over breakfast this morning then take a short transfer over the border to Switzerland. Your leader will guide you on a walk through vibrant forests of pine and larch before emerging to wide open pastures – be sure to have your cameras ready for this gorgeous Swiss scenery! Stop here for lunch among 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 lakeside village where you will spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Bovine guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 the views of the valley below and the nearby glacier. As you begin your descent, you’ll cross the border into Italy, walking down towards Arnouva. From here, it’s a bus journey to your hotel in the breathtakingly beautiful Courmayeur valley. Here, you’ll see how the culture within this landscape varies over short distances. Join your group for dinner and experience alpine cuisine with an Italian flair.
Included Activities:
- Col Ferret guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a scenic bus journey up to Visailles (1659 m) – 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 (2516 m), then cross the border back into France (but don’t forget to look behind you at the south face of Mont Blanc!). Continue your walk down to the remote Les Chapieux, where a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Bourg St Maurice. You can take advantage of the hotel spa to relax before going to a local restaurant specialising in French cuisine for dinner tonight.
Included Activities:
- Lée Blanche valley guided hike
- Seigne pass hike
- Mountian refuge overnight stay
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Col Du Bonhomme & Croix du Bonhomme guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today marks your final day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, but there’s still plenty of sights to see. Kicking off from Contamines, hike to the inviting hamlets of Gruvaz, Champel and Bionnassay – home to a Baroque style 17th-century chapel. Follow a path that leads out to the Col de Voza – a historic pass that was one of the first used by travellers to reach the Chamonix valley. From here, you’ll take a cable car down the slopes to Les Houches, where you’ll hop on 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 with your group this evening.
Included Activities:
- Hamlets of Gruvaz
- Champel and Bionnassay guided hike
- Voza pass hike
- Bellevue gondola ride
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying on in Chamonix, there’s plenty of shops, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Another option is to take a cable car up to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Sitting at 3842 m, there’s no better spot to take in views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Alpine Museum in Chamonix (6 EUR)
- Aiguille du Midi cable car ride (100 EUR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Carmen - Traveled, September 2023
Had an amazing time on the hike and met some lovely people. The views and experience were amazing. The hike is pretty hard with some decent climbing. We also had a great guide (Eric).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Michelle - Traveled, September 2023
This is a truly incredible trip. It is very tough and steep but the views and the experience was worth every step!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
Jack - Traveled, September 2023
Such an incredible trip, highly recommend as an introduction to a multi day hike. Some degree of fitness is definitely required but everyone managed ok. The scenery and having great group to share it with was such a special experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Andrzej - Traveled, September 2023
My experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc trip was fantastic. The scenery was spectacular. The people in the group were genuine, kind, and well-prepared for the challenges of the trip. We had a great group dynamic. Our guide was first rate, a man in his element on the mountains. The food, accommodation and other logistics were great. We were very lucky with the weather which set the whole adventure into the realm of "perfect".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Carol - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing views & the best lunch breaks perched on the mountain. Dani is an excellent tour guide and his commitment to our group definitely added to how enjoyable the tour was and my overall positive ratings. As a tour leader Dani took the time to explain effective use of the walking poles, different strides & feet placement to use on the different terrains. Provided comments on the different vistas & locations. Certainly went over & above as a guide compared to any other hiking tour I’ve been on. Highly recommend as a trek. We were very lucky with amazing weather throughout.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Jack - Traveled, August 2023
Incredible itinerary, incredible mountains and people. The itinerary needs updating, elevation numbers are off, some of the accommodations are wonderful, 2 need reviewing. Make sure you are fit for 1000m gains in the morning!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2023
Ariana - Traveled, July 2023
This excursion was everything I hoped for. Incredible landscape, challenging but moderate physical exertion, great people, fun, and our guide, Danny, was knowledgeable and charismatic and really made the trip special. I would definitely use Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Valerie - Traveled, June 2023
This was a journey of a lifetime! Truly beautiful in so many ways, exhilarating to reach all the summits, challenging in every aspect, and the most fun I have ever had!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
victoria - Traveled, June 2023
This is the best trip I've been on in years. Every detail was taken care of by Intrepid and by our amazing guide, Mario. Hotels and food were great, Mario's knowledge of the region and natural environment were exceptional, the trail speaks for itself (every day is different and spectacular).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
John - Traveled, June 2023
The Mount Blanc tour with Mario was worth every penny
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Liane - Traveled, June 2023
Trip exceeded all expectations. It was a spectacular hike, led by a skilled, knowledgeable, conscientious and completely delightful guide (Mario). Accommodations and meals were great. 10+ experience. Will definitely be using Intrepid again for future hiking trips!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Endah - Traveled, June 2023
Although the hike was very taxing, we enjoyed every moment of it. The views were absolutely amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
George - Traveled, June 2023
The Tour du Mont Blanc was the trip of a lifetime. Excellent scenery and itinerary, wonderful guide, and overall top-notch experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2023
Glenn - Traveled, August 2022
This trip was amazing and i would recommend it to anybody. The hiking and scenery were out of this world and our guide's knowledge of the area made it even more enjoyable. A must do if you get the opportunity
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2022
Margaret - Traveled, August 2022
This hike is a trip of a lifetime. The spectacular scenery, camaraderie, and challenging yet fun ascents and descents crossing borders around this magnificent peak will remain with me for years to come. I can not say enough good things about this hike, even the rainy parts. Thank you, Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2022
Matt - Traveled, July 2023
Incredible treks and even better views over 6 days of hiking. This trip gives the best of the Tour du My Blanc, includes charming hotels and great food along the way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2023
Ashley - Traveled, July 2022
Amazing tour with an outstanding guide! I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat. The hikes were challenging but so rewarding. The food each day exceeded my expectations and we all had so much fun together. We could not have asked for a better guide - Olivier made this trip! (But none of the hotels have AC so prepare for that.)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2022
Laura - Traveled, July 2022
A brilliant experience hiking in beautiful scenery. Olivier our guide was great. Be prepared for long days and extreme heat if you’re there in a heatwave! It was a shame we didn’t get to stay in the Alpine lodge and accommodation wasn’t always worthy of the price paid for the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2022
mary - Traveled, July 2022
Our leader Bene and the diversity of our group made my hike the Tour du Mont Blanc an experience to remember
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2022
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