Matterhorn to Mont Blanc | European Alps | Switzerland, Italy, France
Our breathtaking Matterhorn to the Mont Blanc Adventure will deeply immerse you in European culture as you travel to iconic alpine villages throughout Switzerland, Italy, and France. This adventure features captivating views of glaciers, crystal lakes, waterfalls, steep valleys, and the pristine mountains of the European Alps. From lift-assisted hikes each day to spending your nights in traditional European mountain villages, you will feel as though you are in an alpine fairy tale. Utilizing the European mountain lift system will allow us to maximize how much terrain we can explore while enjoying iconic alpine villages along the way.
Trek Summary
Hotel based hikes
9 D / 8 N
Up To 12
August 4 - 12, 2024
SOLD OUT
August 13 - 21, 2024
ONE ROOM LEFT
Sept. 4 - 12, 2024
SOLD OUT
July 19 - 27, 2025
August 14 - 22, 2025
August 23 - 31, 2025
September 1 - 9, 2025
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE
Matterhorn to Mont Blanc Activity Rating: MODERATE
Challenge:
Trek across steep, high-alpine terrain that is often rocky. The mountain weather can also be unpredictable and change rapidly. We will spend multiple days hiking for extended lengths of time.
Reassurance:
Guests will have luxury lodging to rest and recharge in each night. The hikes we choose are lift-assisted to help us access high alpine terrain. Guests can reduce the length of the daily hikes in coordination with their guide if needed. After multiple days on the trail, if guests feel they would like to take a day off and explore the village to rest that option is available and the group can be met up with in the evening.
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Our European Alps trek allows guests to see three different countries, experience rich culture and history within each one, and indulge in local delicacies. We have created a detailed itinerary to allow guests the most rewarding experience and make sure the guests experience the local culture while they are exploring some of the most magnificent views in the world.
WWTrek Accommodations
When visiting the European Alps and spending much of your day adventuring through the Italian, Swiss, and French countryside, you deserve to rest in the most comfortable accommodations. We stay in top-rated hotels throughout this entire experience and make sure to save you time for exploring the quaint villages we stay in or taking a trip to the spa.
WWTrek Meals
From family-style restaurants to mountainside refugios and tailgate-style snack parties, your WWT team will be prepared with any and everything you could want along your trip.
WWTrek Team
Our team of highly trained professional Guides is here to help you every step of the way. From the first point of contact with the office through the end of your trekking experience with us, World Wide Trekking will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared to embark on your journey.
WWTrek Experience
We think it’s imperative to offer our guests the ability to hear from one another. This way, guests can get the nitty-gritty details about the trek… like finding out just how challenging that hike is!“My husband and I booked an Alps trip through World Wide Trekking (WWT). It was fantastic and one of my favorite trips. The accommodations booked for us by WWT were great, and the food was amazing. The guides were professional, knowledgeable, and prepared. I hope to book future trips through WWT. It’s worth every penny.” – Carlynn
WWTrek Guest Services
Once you sign on with WWTrekking, we are here for you every step of the way! You will be assigned an adventure specialist who will help you prepare for your trip. Whether your questions or needs are regarding flights, packing, early arrivals, departures, accommodations, or anything else, your adventure specialist is only a phone call away!
Once your trip begins, World Wide Trekking boasts an extensive support crew. We provide medically certified, Professional guide(s) for all adventures of 10+ passengers as well as a plethora of local professionals to aid the group during the trek. Additionally, you have access to a Local Operations Manager throughout your adventure.
Trek Itinerary
Arrival day in Switzerland
- Arrival in Geneva, Switzerland. (GVA)
- Meet your WWTrek representative at the airport and transfer to the village of Zermatt stopping for a fun tailgate-style lunch celebration along the way.
- After checking into the hotel, you will have a night of leisure to look around the area and become acclimated to the surroundings.
- Our welcome orientation and safety briefing will be followed by a Traditional Swiss welcome dinner.
- Overnight: Zermatt Switzerland | Hotel Allalin or comparable
- Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Explore Zermatt, Switzerland
- Today we will explore the wonder around us by taking a funicular and gondola to start our hike.
- Enjoying the 5 Seenweg (5 Lakes) hike with stunning views of the Matterhorn, we will have a mountainside lunch.
- We will return to Zermatt via funicular where you can explore the mountain village on your own.
- We will regroup for a delicious three-course meal at a local eatery.
- Overnight: Zermatt, Switzerland | Hotel Allalin or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Zermatt to Verbier Switzerland | Travel to Aosta, Italy
- Today we will leave Zermatt Switzerland via train and then load our vans en route to Verbier Switzerland.
- We will spend the day exploring Verbier, where we will ride Gondolas, Chairlifts, and Areal Tramways for lift-assisted hiking.
- Hike the Balcony trail high above the village of Verbier, with stunning views of the village and surrounding mountains.
- After our hiking day, we will drive through the Grand Bernard Pass into the Aosta Valley to Aosta Italy.
- Aosta is known as the “Rome of the Alps”.
- We stay within the ancient Roman city with many archeological sites to explore.
- Overnight: Aosta, Italy | Hotel Duca D’ Aosta or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Aosta, Italy
- Begin the day with a scenic drive to the mountain village of Cogne in the Grand Paradiso National Park where we will hike the famed Belvedere Nature Trail.
- We will stop at a local ice cream parlor for a sweet reward after our hike.
- We will return to the village to continue exploring the Ancient Roman Ruins of Aosta.
- Overnight: Aosta, Italy | Hotel Duca D’Aosta or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Aosta to Courmayeur, Italy
- Hike the famed Bertone Refuge along the Tour de Mont Blanc trail with stunning views of the Italian Mont Blanc.
- Enjoy lunch at the Bertone Rifugio then descend into Courmayeur, Italy for the evening.
- Overnight: Courmayeur, Italy | Royal et Golf Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Courmayeur, Italy
- Hike the famed Tour de Mont Blanc Trail and enjoy lunch at Rifugio Elisabetta.
- Descend into the village of Courmayeur to sight-see and shop.
- Overnight: Courmayeur, Italy | Royal et Golf Hotel or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Chamonix, France
- Travel through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix, France which is considered the birthplace of alpinism.
- Take gondola/chair lifts to stunning views of Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc, during a picnic lunch from a local bakery.
- Today we start our day in Italy, hike from France into Switzerland, and return to France surrounded the entire time by spectacular views and rich history.
- Overnight: Chamonix, France | Chamonix Hotel Alpina or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Chamonix, France
- Ascend the Aiguille du Midi cable cars to the viewing platforms at (12,606′) for stunning views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
- Descend back to the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi and hike the Balcony Traverse to the Montenvers Train.
- Take the Montenvers Train from the Mer de Glace to Chamonix.
- Explore the village of Chamonix for any last-minute shopping before we have our final group celebration dinner.
- Overnight: Chamonix, France | Chamonix Hotel Alpina or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Celebration Dinner
Chamonix, France
- Explore Chamonix before being transferred one hour to the Geneva Airport (GVA) for international departures.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Weather Notice
The European Alps are known for experiencing a variety of rapidly changing weather conditions. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to these weather patterns and the safety of the group. We pride ourselves in making the best of every single day.
What's Included
- Pre-trip planning, customization, and consultation
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 8 nights of luxurious lodging
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
- Private transportation throughout
- World Wide Trekking Lead Guide(s) and local guides based on group size
- Services of local English-speaking guides and staff throughout
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees described in the itinerary
- All mountain lifts, trains, gondolas, cable cars, funiculars, etc.
- Baggage handling throughout the adventure
- Gear List
- Fitness and Nutrition 6-week plan
Not Included
- International and domestic airfare other than as described in the itinerary
- Passports and visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal trekking gear
- Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
- Meals or bottled beverages other than those specified in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, soft drinks, incidentals, etc.
- Expenses incurred due to circumstances outside of World Wide Trekking’s control
- Gratuities for guides
- Tourism Taxes When Applicable
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Three Countries
Visit three different countries as you trek from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc. Explore different European villages, and immerse yourself in local culture!
Lift-Assisted Hiking
Our lift-assisted hikes allow easier access to high elevations within the European Alps. Utilizing lifts also makes this trek more accessible to a wider range of abilities.
Mont Blanc Massif
Get as close to the summit of the Mont Blanc Massif as you can from the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, France. Experience the grandiosity of the iconic and stunning Matterhorn and Mont Blanc Massif.
Hand Selected Hotels
Stay in the most luxurious accommodations with all the comforts of home and more. Each hotel will not only offer top service and comfort but will boast phenomenal views of the European Alps.
Authentic Cuisine
From delicious meals in family-operated restaurants to quaint mountainside rifugios and local patisseries– guests delight in the best there is to offer. Enjoy the decadent treasures of Switzerland, Italy, and France!
Human Outreach Project
OUR PLANET… HELPING OTHERS, CHANGING LIVES
HOP works in areas surrounding World Wide Trekking expedition sites in remote areas of Tanzania, Nepal, Peru, and at home in Utah. With a particular focus on youth, HOP partners with communities to identify local needs and co-create sustainable solutions to improve health and education.
Trip Add-Ons
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
Our favorite times to visit are from mid-June through September when it’s the warmest with the least amount of rain. The days are long, but this timing avoids the intense snowmelt season. The trails will be buzzing with life and the views will be full of beautiful vegetation.
Arrivals and Departures
This trip begins in Geneva Switzerland and ends in Chamonix, France. You will fly into and out of the Geneva Airport (GVA).
*Many guests prefer to arrive before or leave after the scheduled itinerary. We can help you make arrangements. Additional charges for early arrival, transportation, lodging, meals, and activities will apply.
Recommended Flights
Flights for this trek begin and end at Geneva International Airport (GVA).
International airfares are not included in program pricing. When booking international travel, we recommend working with an experienced travel agent. One that World Wide Trekking is proud to coordinate with is Brian Mei from Eastern Travel. You can reach Brian directly by calling 801.792.1721 or by email at brian@easterntravel.com. Additional support is always available by calling the Eastern Travel Office at 801.466.8811 or by emailing Michelle at michelle@easterntravel.com.
The benefit of using a travel agent is in the event of itinerary changes, the travel agent will find the best flight connections, and land arrangements, for you. Though third-party travel websites are convenient, we do not recommend using them, due to instability in the itineraries. We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket.
We also recommend that you protect your flight with travel insurance and a refundable ticket. Contact AIG Travel Guard to get more information.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you safeguard your trip by purchasing travel insurance. World Wide Trekking has partnered with AIG Travel Insurance as our preferred travel insurance provider. For a price quote, or to purchase travel insurance, visit AIG Travel Guard
Please Note: You must purchase this plan within 14 days of your deposit payment. Please send us a copy of your plan if you choose to purchase one.
Customs, Visas, Immigration
Please be sure to have at least six months’ validity on your passport. Most countries won’t allow travelers in their country unless their passport is expected to expire six months after the last day of travel. Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home and bring the other to Europe in case of an emergency. Ensure you provide a copy of your passport to WWTrek 90 days before your departure date.
Health and Safety
Our stringent commitment to safety means you have access to our medically certified Professional Western Guide(s) before and throughout your trip. Our staff also carries emergency medical equipment such as medical kits and satellite communicators.
In addition, we recommend visiting your local International Travel Clinic one month before your trip. For more information, feel free to contact us directly to answer questions, at 801-943-0264. We can schedule a phone call with our medical advisor, Dr. Levy, to answer any specific questions regarding your personal needs.
Gratuities
In many parts of the world, gratuities are given in appreciation for a job well done. Our guides will take care of tipping service personnel along the way so that you don’t have to think about it.
For any additional services outside of our itinerary, plan to tip 10% (transport, restaurants, baggage, lodges, etc). We will provide you with detailed tipping recommendations on your ‘Trip Detail’ site once you sign up.
At the trail end, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a group tipping pool that will be presented to your WWTrekking guides and trekking staff as we say our goodbyes.
Currency Exchange
Please note that Switzerland’s currency is the Franc, which differs from the euros used throughout the rest of the trip. $500 should be sufficient for your incidentals. There will be multiple exchange opportunities, as ATMs are common in the area. Credit cards are widely accepted in the areas we will be visiting.
Fitness and Nutrition
We provide a complimentary 6-week extensive fitness and nutrition program to help our guests prepare for their journey ahead. The program is tailored specifically for our trips and includes virtual 1 on 1 coaching sessions with our Fitness and Nutrition Specialist.
General Information
Switzerland
Population: ~8.3 million
Capital City: Bern
Currency: Swiss Franc
Overview:
Switzerland is a landlocked country in central Europe sharing borders with five countries; France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. From the influence of these neighboring countries, Switzerland claims four official languages; German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This peaceful and prosperous country possesses one of the most stable economies in the developed world. Switzerland has a large diversity of landscapes for its size, with beautiful valleys separated by large mountain ranges. The Swiss Alps cover 60% of the country, where glaciers speckle the area. In contrast to this climate, a Mediterranean climate can also be found in Switzerland, just south of the Alps.
Italy
Population: ~62 million
Capital City: Rome
Currency: Euro
Overview:
Starting with the awe-inspiring Italian Alps in the north, Italy cuts deep into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Italy has a very rich culture and history. Considered the birthplace of Western civilization, the starting point of the Roman Empire, and the Renaissance, Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world. There is no shortage of impressive architecture, art, cuisine, and vistas throughout the country. With the Vatican City nestled in the heart of Rome, it is no surprise that the majority of Italians belong to the Roman Catholic church.
France
Population: ~66 million
Capital City: Paris
Currency: Euro
Overview:
Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, France is comprised of plains and rolling hills in the north and west and numerous impressive mountain ranges in the south and east, including the Alps and the Pyrenees. France is among the globe’s oldest nations. It is historically and culturally one of the most influential nations in the Western world, due to its colonial era which brought French colonies to every corner of the globe. With picturesque villages, world-famous gastronomy, an art scene that continues to thrive, beautiful coastlines, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, it’s no wonder that France is the world’s most popular tourist destination.
