Tour du Mont Blanc
Experience European trekking at its finest with our exhilarating trek through the European Alps from Switzerland to France into Italy. The challenging Tour du Mont Blanc Trek features captivating views of glaciers, crystal lakes, waterfalls, steep valleys, and pristine mountains. After you travel through alpine meadows and cross high passes during the day, you can recharge at night with savory mountain cuisine in cozy accommodations. Challenge yourself to conquer this ‘bucket-list’ hiking route, and encounter Europe’s alpine heart on this active adventure.
Trek Summary
Hotel-based hikes
10 D / 9 N
Up To 14
THE WWTREK ASSURANCE | SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH THE CHALLENGE
Tour du Mont Blanc Activity Rating: STRENUOUS
The Challenge:
Face large vertical gains, steep, rocky, high-alpine trekking. The mountain weather can also be unpredictable and change rapidly– we could start the day with rain and finish with crystal clear skies. Multiple days of hiking for extended lengths of time– with guests needing to make it to the next lodge at night.
The Reassurance:
Being prepared by following the gear and packing lists will set you up for success in any condition. Our highly trained guides will also help set the pace and ensure safety/success.
The World Wide Trekking Difference
Our Tour du Mont Blanc trek is a challenging one, traversing steep landscapes and resting in mountainside hotels. Our Guide team has worked to follow the best routes to the Mont Blanc Massif and has provided the most enjoyable and adventurous route for our guests to have the safest and most successful trek.
WWTrek Accommodations
Relax in mountainside accommodations with all the amenities you could need after a day traversing the European Alps to Mont Blanc. Soak in the views and indulge in local cuisine while staying in the alpine villages of this trek.2
WWTrek Meals
Dine along the trail in local eateries and at your accommodations. Enjoy delicious local cuisine and know that all of your dietary or allergy-related restrictions will be accommodated.
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!
“Great team to coordinate a trek with. I went on the Tour Du Mont Blanc trek with my brother this fall and had the time of my life hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland. I would certainly go again!” – Kevin
“These guys are the greatest. No more expensive than any active tourist leaders. I did Kili with a group and Tour de Mont Blanc as a private with a friend. The perfect worry-free arrangements with fabulous food and lodging. Brilliant sights. Each person felt they were personally accommodated for and like they had performed a heroic feat.” – Michael
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
Trek Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva
- Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland (GVA) and transfer to Les Houches via private coach.
- We will gather at our hotel for a private welcome reception and brief orientation.
- Overnight: Chalet Hôtel du Bois or comparable
- Meals included: Welcome Reception
Les Contamines Hike
- Transfer via public transport to the cable car station at Bellevue where we will enjoy the views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range.
- Begin hike to Les Contamines, past the Bioniassay glacier and the rolling slopes of Col du Tricot (weather permitting), before descending back into the Valley of Les Contamines-Montjoie.
- Overnight: Chalet Hôtel Le Chemenaz
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Baroque Chapel
- Explore Baroque Chapel Notre Dame de la gorge.
- Hike from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux, while this is a challenging feat, hikers take great satisfaction in completing this part of the trek.
- Overnight: Hotel L’Autantic or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Courmayeur, Italy
- Following breakfast, take a private transfer to la Ville des Glaciers.
- Make your way from Les Chapieux, France to Courmayeur, Italy via col del la Seigne, climbing through pastures and snowfields while soaking in the views of Mont Blanc.
- Overnight: Hotel Cresta et Duc
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Courmayeur, Italy
- Free day to explore Courmayeur, if the weather is nice the “Skyway” Cable Car is one of our favorites!
- Overnight: Hotel Cresta et Duc
- Meals included: Breakfast
Rifugio Bertone
- Start the climb up to Rifugio Bertone (6,463’) with the best view of the Mont Blanc Massif.
- Hike along the Monte de la Saxe, taking the balcony path facing the ridge of the Grandes Jorasses.
- Descend to Arp Nouva at the end of Val Ferret.
- Overnight: Hotel Cresta et Duc or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
La Fouly, Switzerland
- Begin hike to Pre de Bar, across Grand Col Ferret (8,323’), the hightest pass of the TMB.
- Descend into the village of Ferret, Switzerland. Enjoy the view of the deep, green forest crawling up the foothills of the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight: Hôtel du Glacier
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Argentiere, France
- Private transfer to Champex to hike along the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures above the valley.
- Pass the Col de la Forclaz before transferring to Chamonix.
- Overnight: Hotel Mercure Chamonix Centre or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Chamonix, France
- Make our way back to Chamonix Valley, the starting point for our last hike.
- Descend into the upper station of the Flegère cable car to les Praz.
- Return to Chamonix via local bus for our last gathering and a special celebration dinner.
- Overnight: Hotel Mercure Chamonix Centre or comparable
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Celebration Dinner.
International Departures
- Transfer to Geneva Airport (GVA) for departure flights home.
- 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
- 9 nights lodging
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
- 1 coffee or tea with dinner
- Transportation throughout
- World Wide Trekking Lead Guide(s) and local guides based on group size
- Services of local English-speaking local guides and staff throughout
- All services, tours, hikes, entrance, and excursion fees described in the itinerary
- All mountain lifts, trains, etc.
- Baggage handling throughout 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
World-Class Hiking
Experience world-class hiking each day as you traverse one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. This is one of World Wide Trekking’s most attainable STRENUOUS treks, never getting above (9,000′).
Escape the Crowds
While trekking along our Tour du Mont Blanc route, we choose to stay in smaller alpine villages and scenic woodlands to help avoid the summer crowds. This allows us to make the most of our time in each destination, and enjoy the most relaxed experience along the trails as possible.
Col du Bonhomme
Ascend to the steep and challenging Col du Bonhomme mountain pass (7,641′). This may not be the largest mountain pass in the Alps, but it is the most physically demanding of the ranges. Crossing this off your bucket list is certainly an incredible feat.
Professionally Trained Guides
Throughout this trek you will be supported by professionally and practically trained Guides. With years of experience, and exceptional knowledge about this route– you will leave each day knowing more about this beautiful mountain range as well as the towns and villages you pass through.
Chamonix, France
Extend your trek with a stop in Chamonix, France! Soak in the culture and landscape as you rest up and recharge!
Trip Add-Ons
Travel Notes
Best Time of Year to Visit
Our favorite times to visit are from early July through mid-October when the warmest with the least 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 and ends in Geneva, Switzerland. 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
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
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 satellite communicators and medical kits.
In addition, we recommend visiting your local travel vaccination clinic one month before your trip. For more information, feel free to contact us directly with any 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 trails 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 in Italy and France. $500 should be sufficient for your incidentals. There will be multiple exchange opportunities, as ATMs are common in the area. 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.
Gear List
General Information
Switzerland
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.
Population: ~8.3 million
Capital City: Bern
Currency: Swiss Franc
Italy
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.
Population: ~62 million
Capital City: Rome
Currency: Euro
France
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.
Population: ~66 million
Capital City: Paris
Currency: Euro
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