Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Geneva. Transfer to Chamonix

Upon arrival in Geneva, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the bustling heart of Chamonix, one of the most historic, dynamic, and beautiful resorts in the world. You'll have a chance to take a short excursion and brief orientation before we enjoy a welcome dinner at a select restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – Depart Chamonix. Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie

A cable ascent from Les Houches takes us 2500 feet above the valley to Bellevue. From there we descend beneath the tumbling icefalls of the Bionnassay Glacier where we cross a suspension bridge over the glacial gorge. Then it's over the Col de Tricot, with its alpenrose covered slopes. We stop for lunch at a favorite restaurant at the base of the Miage glacier. After an ascent of the Val Montjoie we arrive in a peaceful wooded setting at our modern chalet hotel. (BSD)

Ascent: 2325 feet | Descent: 4330 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)

Day 3 – Contamines to Les Chapieux, Bourg-Saint-Maurice

We visit the 15th century baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge before following a Roman road and bridge past stunning waterfalls and over the Col du Bonhomme. Arriving in the hamlet of Les Chapieux we transfer to our welcoming hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. (BSD)

Ascent: 4250 feet | Descent: 3155 feet | Distance: 11.5 miles (may vary)

Day 4 – Ville des Glaciers to Courmayeur

We start near the alpine farms that produce the famous Beaufort cheese, and pick up a healthy portion for our lunch. Crossing the Col de la Signe with views to the southern faces of Mont Blanc we hike into Italy and the Val Veni with views of the Miage Glacier. Our hotel is located in the heart of Courmayeur, an elegantly relaxed resort nestled in the Val d’Aosta. (BSD)

Ascent: 2545 feet | Descent: 2885 feet | Distance: 10.5 miles (may vary)

Day 5 – Courmayeur Rest Day

Today is a welcome rest day in Courmayeur where you can relax or shop. But whatever you do, you won't want to miss joining us as we take the Skyway Monte Bianco as it ascends 2000 vertical meters in just 10 minutes and takes you to breathtaking views of glaciers, seracs, and the pastel-shaded granite spires of Mont Blanc. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own. (BL)

Day 6 – Courmayeur to Lavachey

On a traverse of the Val Ferret we walk along rushing waters and have spectacular views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Brenva Glacier. Superb cuisine awaits at our charming and remote mountain inn this evening. (BSD)

Ascent: 4015 feet | Descent: 2275 feet | Distance: 12.5 miles (may vary)

Day 7 – Lavachey to Champex-Lac

It’s a straightforward and beautiful ascent over the Grand Col Ferret which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. We descend into the Swiss canton of Valais in view of Mont Dolent, the only Alpine peak shared by Switzerland, France, and Italy. A descent leads along the river to La Fouly where we then take a quick transfer to the lakeside resort of Champex-Lac. (BSD)

Ascent: 2565 feet | Descent: 2510 feet | Distance: 7.5 miles (may vary)

Day 8 – Champex-Lac to Trient (Argentiere)

Take a route over Alp Bovine which boasts panoramic views into the Rhone Valley, the Bernese Alps and the rocky Dents du Midi. We drop into the quaint village of Trient overseen by its famous pink church. A quick transfer takes us to our luxury hotel in nearby Argentiere for the evening. (BSD)

Ascent: 2625 feet | Descent: 2500 feet | Distance: 9 miles (may vary)

Day 9 – Trient to Argentiere

We take the old smugglers route back into France that leads us over the Col de Balme where the Mont Blanc Massif emerges into view in all its glory. We descend along the massive Trient Glacier to Le Tour and continue by bus into the classic French alpine village of Argentiere and our 4-star hotel. (BSD)

Ascent: 3205 feet | Descent: 3380 feet | Distance: 11 miles (may vary)

Day 10 – Argentiere to Chamonix

Hike the Grand Balcon Sud along one of the most beautiful trails in France. The Lacs des Cheserys dot this high alpine region and is the perfect lunch spot. This route features some of the most awe-inspiring views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers.  Depending on trail conditions, we might alternatively take part in a day hike from Chamonix. Our hotel is in the heart of this lively and historic resort. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own. (BL)

Ascent: 3870 feet | Descent: 1745 feet | Distance: 7 miles (may vary)

Day 11 – Day in Chamonix

We take in the best of Chamonix and Mont Blanc on a guided excursion to the Aiguille du Midi and have time in the afternoon to explore the wonderful shops, museums, and local food specialties found in this two-time Olympic village. The group will get together for our final night's farewell dinner. (BSD)

Day 12 – Depart Chamonix

We say goodbye and continue an onward journey or return to Geneva for homebound flights. If you are flying out of Geneva, we recommend booking flights no earlier than 11:00 am. Your shuttle will pick you up about 4.5 hours before your flight for the 90-minute journey to the airport to get you there 3 hours before your international flight. (B)