Tour Du Mont Blanc

  • 12 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 4
    • Activity Level 4

      Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
  • Trip End: Geneva
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Bike, kayak, and hike your way along one of the most iconic hikes in Europe, the Mont Blanc Circuit.

Experience the best of France, Italy and Switzerland's mind-blowing landscapes on our 12-day Tour du Mont Blanc. Each day will awaken your senses as you cross vast green valleys, walk through magnificent forests and cross mountain passes. You'll wander the lively mountain town of Chamonix, kayak on Lake Annecy, hike through the picturesque Upper Rhone valley and bike the L'Arve River Trail. With plenty of time to stop and take in the views, there's no doubt you'll make memories that'll last a lifetime. While most trips circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif by foot, we've taken it a step further to not only experience its spectacular geography but also explore the history, culture and cuisine of France, Italy and Switzerland with expert local guides. Settle in and enjoy the continuous awestruck moments awaiting on the Mont Blanc Circuit.

Trip Highlights

L'Arve River Trail

Biking

Mer de Glace

Hiking

The Ville de Glaciers

Hiking

Into Switzerland

Hiking

Lake Annecy

Kayaking

Aiguille du Midi experience

Plus...

Courmayeur and Aosta Valley

Plus...

Annecy Old Town

Plus...

Explore Chamonix

Plus...

Grotto de Glace experience

Plus...

Beaufort cheese factory

Plus...

Upper Rhone Valley

Plus...

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Tour du Mont Blanc ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Trip End: Geneva

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Chamonix

  • Day 2Hike Mer de Glace, Grotto de Glace experience

  • Day 3Begin Mont Blanc Circuit hike – hike to Les Houches

  • Day 4Sea kayak Lake Annecy, visit old town Annecy

  • Day 5Hike the Roman Road to Savoie and Beaufortain

  • Day 6Hike “Vallee des Glaciers” into Italy

  • Day 7Explore Courmayeur and Aosta Valley

  • Day 8Hike Mont de la Saxe

  • Day 9Hike into Switzerland

  • Day 10Hike through Switzerland to Le Tour

  • Day 11Bike Chamonix Loop Trail, Aiguille du Midi experience

  • Day 12Head to Geneva, depart

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Chamonix

    #57546

    You’ll meet your group in the French Alps town of Chamonix – one of the most iconic mountain towns in the world. Nestled in the heart of a dramatic U-shaped valley, the views of the northern side of Mont Blanc are dramatic from anywhere in town, especially from our accommodation in the heart of Chamonix. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to rest up and explore the town before meeting for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
    Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
    Meals: Dinner

  • Day 2

    Hike Mer de Glace, Grotto de Glace experience

    #57547

    Today you’ll hike just above Chamonix to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). As a warm-up for our hike in the coming days, we’ll take a train up through the fir trees that flank the north side of the Mont Blanc massif, to Montenvers, overlooking this incredible glacier. From Montenvers we’ll hike further up through trees and boulder fields to Le Signal Forbes – a lookout point affording unsurpassed views of the Mer de Glace Glacier and huge granite spires that rise sharply from the moraine walls. On our descent, we’ll have incredible views of the upper Chamonix Valley and the Aiguilles Rouges Mountains. Before boarding the train back down to Chamonix, we’ll take a gondola down to Mer de Glace’s Grotto de Glace (Ice Cave). Every year, a new ice cave is dug into the bowels of the Glacier, enabling us to walk inside the incredible sea of ice!

    After making our way back down to Chamonix, you’ll have this afternoon to relax in town, take in the views and dining highlights, or pick up any last-minute items you might need for our hike.
    Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3.19 miles (5.4 kilometers), 2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,430 feet (436 meters) ascent, 1,430 feet (436 meters) descent

     

  • Day 3

    Begin Mont Blanc Circuit hike – hike to Les Houches

    #57548

    This morning we’ll leave Chamonix by Gondola up to Brevent 8,410 feet (2,563 meters), one of the highest peaks in the crystalline Aiguilles Rouges range, which stands opposite the Mont Blanc massif. From here we’ll hike across the Carlaveyron Plateau, the views of the north face of Mont Blanc, the Fiz range and the Chamonix valley are second to none!

    We’ll drop down to the village of Les Houches, our home for the evening, before meeting our local hosts and settle in for a hearty French mountain meal.
    Accommodation: Hotel Les Campanules, Les Houches
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 623 feet (190 meters) ascent, 4,396 feet (1,340 meters) descent

  • Day 4

    Sea kayak Lake Annecy, visit old town Annecy

    #57549

    This morning we’ll drive a short distance to Annecy, the capital of the Haute Savoie region and one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. To kick off our day we’ll take to sea kayaks and circle part of this stunning crystal clear lake, exploring its numerous coves and beaches along the way.

    Later we’ll head back to Annecy town wherewhere you’ll have lunch on your own, and the chance to explore its narrow cobbled streets and 16th-century gothic architecture. With an outlook of the French Alps and an unmatched elegance, Annecy is the perfect place to lose yourself or simply sit on the sidewalk and watch the world go by!
    Accommodation: Les Chemenaz Hotel, Les Contamines de Montjoie
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Kayaking: 1.5-2 hours

  • Day 5

    Hike the Roman Road to Savoie and Beaufortain

    #57550

    We’ll return to the Mont Blanc Circuit this morning after a short drive to Val Montjoie where we’ll begin our hike on an old Roman road to Plan des Dames. After a short break, we begin a gradual ascent of the Col du Bonhomme – an iconic mountain pass and the gateway to the Beaufortain region, famous for its unique cheeses.

    After breaking for lunch here, we’ll drop down into the sweeping wildflower meadows in the valley below to Les Chapieux where we’ll jump in our vehicle and drive a short distance to our accommodation for the evening, in the hamlet of Bourg St Maurice.
    Accommodation: Hotel Autantic, Bourg St Maurice
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 10 miles (15.9 kilometers), 5-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,050 feet (1,233 meters) ascent, 2,220 feet (678 meters) descent

  • Day 6

    Hike “Vallee des Glaciers” into Italy

    #57551

    After breakfast we’ll head back to Les Chapieux where we’ll visit a local family-run Beaufort cheese factory that has been making cheese for hundreds of years, having passed down their traditional methods of production generation after generation. After our visit, we’ll begin our ascent of the “Vallee des Glaciers” (Valley of the Glaciers). Our first destination is the Col de la Seigne – the pass that straddles the border between France and Italy and is an amazing place to view the southern side of the Mont Blanc range. As you stand with one foot in France and the other in Italy, you’ll be confronted with astounding views of huge glaciers, massive rock spires and the broad ‘U’ shaped valley down into the Italian countryside.

    We’ll make our way down the valley, passing through green pastures and alpine streams. Our home for this evening is the village of Courmayeur, a picture-perfect Italian village at the head of the Aosta valley. Welcome to Italy!
    Accommodation: Hotel Croux, Courmayeur
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 10 miles (16.1 kilometers), 5-7 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,400 feet (735 meters) ascent, 2,740 feet (836 meters) descent

     

  • Day 7

    Explore Courmayeur and Aosta Valley

    #57552

    Roman monuments, medieval castles, vineyards, and quaint villages define the Aosta Valley as one of Europe’s quintessential mountain regions, all against an incredible backdrop of steep snow-capped peaks. Today you’re free to explore Courmayeur and the surrounding area. Over hundreds of years, the local people here have perfected the “l’art de vivre” (the art of living), through exquisite mountain cuisine, beautiful architecture, and fine wine. A day exploring the eateries, art galleries, and vineyards of Courmayeur will recharge your culture batteries well and truly!

    If you’re keen to stay active today, there are plenty of adventurous options available, including hiking, cycling and golf to name just a few. Enjoy!
    Accommodation: Hotel Croux, Courmayeur
    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 8

    Hike Mont de la Saxe

    #57553

    We’ll leave Courmayeur this morning and hike up through dense larch forest and onto alpine meadows leading up to Rifugio Bertone, where we’ll make a brief stop for an espresso and soak in the jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc. From here we’ll continue on to the Mont de la Saxe balcony trail overlooking the Italian Val Ferret, looking straight across to some of the highest peaks of the Mont Blanc massif and the tumbling glaciers that descend the southern side of the range into the valley below. They look so close, you’ll feel like you can throw a stone and hit the highest peaks – it’s a sight you have to see to believe.

    After lunch, we’ll drop down into the Val Ferret and green pastures of the Lavachey where we’ll enjoy a classic home-cooked Italian/French meal prepared by our local hosts.
    Accommodation: Hotel Croux, Courmayeur
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers)
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,870 feet (570 meters) ascent, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) descent



  • Day 9

    Hike into Switzerland

    #57554

    Close to our accommodation, the trail to Switzerland begins, over one of the Mont Blanc regions’ most renowned passes – the Grand Col Ferret. The massive granite spires of the south side of the Mont Blanc range are our backdrop on the ascent to the Col Ferret, followed by the astoundingly beautiful views of the Swiss Val Ferret, the Glacier de l’A Neuve and the village of La Fouly that lies beneath it.

    We’ll hike down to La Fouly through classic Swiss pastures, before a short drive to Champex Lac, a picture-perfect lakeside village and our home for the evening.
    Accommodation: Hotel Sporting, Champex Lac
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 9 miles (14.6 kilometers), 4-6 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,450 feet (748 meters) ascent, 2,673 feet (815 meters) descent

  • Day 10

    Hike through Switzerland to Le Tour

    #57555

    After a beautiful transfer through the vineyards of the Swiss Rhone Valley, we’ll start our hike from Le Peuty, making our way up through lush, verdant forest as we head towards our last border crossing over the Col du Balme at 7,188 feet (2,191 meters). We’ll catch views of the beautiful pink church of Trient below us as we climb, passing a collection of 500-year-old stone buildings nestled amongst the soaring peaks around us, and as we crest over the Col de Balme and cross back into the France, we’re welcomed by spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley. Finally we'll reach a mountain refuge for a delicious homemade lunch with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Alguilles Rouges, before hiking down the valley to transfer to Chamonix for the night. 
    Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers)
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,920 feet (890 meters) ascent, 2,329 feet (710 meters) descent

  • Day 11

    Bike Chamonix Loop Trail, Aiguille du Midi experience

    #57556

    This morning we set off from Chamonix for a leisurely bike ride through the lower Chamonix Valley. This round trip takes us along the trails to Les Praz, Les Bois, and up to Les Tines, before cycling back along the river to Chamonix.

    After lunch, we’ll take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from downtown Chamonix to high above the valley to the granite needle peak building at 12,604 feet (3,841 meters). Aside from marveling at this incredible feat of engineering, you’ll be blown away to find yourself so close to the summit of Europe’s highest peak, taking in once-in-a-lifetime views of The Alps from a high altitude perspective.

    Later, we’ll head back to Chamonix to spend the final evening of your trip together with a delicious dinner.
    Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers), 3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 954 feet (291 meters) ascent, 954 feet (291 meters) descent

  • Day 12

    Head to Geneva, depart

    #57557

    Today is the last day of your trip around Mont Blanc. We’ll drive back to Geneva this morning in time for afternoon flights. If you’re staying in Chamonix or Geneva, we’re happy to help out with suggestions on other things you can do in the area. Either way, you’ll go home relaxed and refreshed after your active journey around one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, and enjoy a quintessential European Alps experience in true Active style.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

Tour du Mont Blanc Departure Dates

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities, including bikes (where bike rides are applicable)
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

Our Tour du Mont Blanc...from a Guide's Perspective

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip, we'll meet you at Hotel Pointe Isabelle in Chamonix for a group briefing in the hotel lobby at 6pm.

You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of the above hotels directly, or any other hotel in Chamonix, though you must make your own way to the Hotel at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Geneva Airport (GVA) in time for flights below. If you’re staying on in Geneva you can take a transfer from Geneva Airport to Central Geneva via regular train services.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Geneva by 12pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Geneva after 12pm for both domestic and international. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in France. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and hotels and you’ll have your own bathroom everywhere.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry once or not at all during your trip. The best time will be either during your time in Chamonix or we recommend to do laundry in Courmayeur at Hotel Croux, it costs 20 Euros per bag and it’s a GREAT service.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this trip. This is one of our more adventurous trips and if you’re used to pushing yourself, we’ll keep you challenged as well. Hikes on this trip range between three and eight hours to complete, with a few shorter options available some days. You should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills and down hills and perhaps even carrying a daypack! Some of our days have long uphill and downhill sections so with some preparation before your trip begins, you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Is tipping expected in Europe?

Tipping is not expected in Europe however you might want to tip a little extra if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary. Many of our people also choose to tip their Active Adventures Europe trip leaders and local guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per Trip Leader/guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Europe.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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