Tour du Mont Blanc
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the French Alps, Swiss valleys, and Italian countryside. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of hiking, biking, and kayaking, taking you through iconic mountain towns, across stunning glaciers, and into the heart of Europe's most beautiful mountain ranges. From the dramatic views of Mont Blanc in Chamonix to the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy, and the charming Italian village of Courmayeur, this tour is a feast for the senses. Enjoy the local cuisine, explore medieval architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of these regions. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or a culture vulture, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Included
All transportation from trip start to end.
Airport transfers on the first & last days.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be treated to a culinary experience, to rival any in the world.
vegetarian, vegan, kosher, meat
Hiking, biking, historical sites and more.
Local lodges chosen for their comfort, charm and sublime views.
Two experienced guides per trip. In Europe you'll have a Kiwi trip leader and a team of local European guides.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Geneva to Chamonix
- Geneva
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - Arrival day
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- Le Châtelard Emosson
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We start our journey in Geneva, heading towards the iconic mountain town of Chamonix, nestled in the heart of the French Alps. The dramatic views of Mont Blanc are a sight to behold. After settling into our accommodation at Hotel Pointe Isabelle (or similar), we'll have time to explore the town before gathering for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Hiking in Chamonix
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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- Les Cinq Lacs
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Today, we'll hike above Chamonix to the Mer de Glace, one of the largest glaciers in France. We'll take a train up to Montenvers, overlooking the glacier, and hike further up to Le Signal Forbes for an incredible view. After descending, we'll visit the Grotto de Glace, a new ice cave dug into the glacier each year. The afternoon is free for you to relax and explore Chamonix.
Day 3 – Day 3: Chamonix to Les Houches
Day 3: Chamonix to Les Houches
- La Flégère
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We'll leave Chamonix by Gondola up to Brevent, one of the highest peaks in the Aiguilles Rouges range. From here, we'll hike across the Carlaveyron Plateau, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc, the Fiz range, and the Chamonix valley. We'll descend to the village of Les Houches, where we'll enjoy a hearty French mountain meal at Hotel Les Campanules (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Les Houches to Les Contamines
- Les Chosalets
- Annecy
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- Lac d'Annecy
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We'll drive a short distance to Annecy, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. We'll explore the stunning Lake Annecy by sea kayak, discovering its numerous coves and beaches. Later, we'll explore the town's narrow cobbled streets and 16th-century gothic architecture. We'll then head back to Les Contamines, where we'll stay at the Gai Soleil Hotel (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Les Contamines to Bourg St Maurice
Day 5: Les Contamines to Bourg St Maurice
- Compagnie du Mont Blanc
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We'll return to the Mont Blanc Circuit, starting our hike on an old Roman road to Plan des Dames. We'll ascend the iconic Col du Bonhomme, the gateway to the Beaufortain region, famous for its unique cheeses. After lunch, we'll descend into the valley below to Les Chapieux, before driving to our accommodation in the hamlet of Bourg St Maurice, where we'll stay at Hotel Autantic (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Bourg St Maurice to Courmayeur
- Courmayeur
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- Monte Belvedere
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After breakfast, we'll visit a local family-run Beaufort cheese factory in Les Chapieux. We'll then begin our ascent of the 'Vallee des Glaciers'. Our first destination is the Col de la Seigne, the pass that straddles the border between France and Italy. We'll descend into the Italian countryside, passing through green pastures and alpine streams, before reaching the picture-perfect Italian village of Courmayeur, where we'll stay at Hotel Croux (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Courmayeur
- Courmayeur
- Aosta Valley
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Today is a free day for you to explore Courmayeur and its surroundings. The local people have perfected the 'art de vivre', through exquisite mountain cuisine, beautiful architecture, and fine wine. You can explore the eateries, art galleries, and vineyards, or choose to stay active with options like hiking, cycling, and golf. We'll spend the night at Hotel Croux (or similar).
Day 8 – Day 8: Courmayeur to Lavachey
- Courmayeur
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- Maison Musée Berton
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We'll leave Courmayeur and hike up to Rifugio Bertone, stopping for an espresso and soaking in the views of Mont Blanc. We'll continue on the Mont de la Saxe balcony trail, offering stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif. After lunch, we'll descend into the Val Ferret and the green pastures of Lavachey, where we'll enjoy a classic home-cooked Italian/French meal at Hotel Lavachey (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Lavachey to Champex Lac
Day 9: Lavachey to Champex Lac
- Fondation Pierre Gianadda
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We'll start our hike to Switzerland, crossing one of the Mont Blanc region's most renowned passes - the Grand Col Ferret. 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. We'll stay at Hotel Sporting (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Champex Lac to Argentiere
Day 10: Champex Lac to Argentiere
- Chamonix Amusement Park
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Today is a proper 'Swiss cow day' as we hike through some of the greenest and most picturesque valleys on the planet, accompanied by the soundtrack of cow bells ringing across the meadows. We'll hike to Bovine peak, offering great views of the Wildstrubel. After our hike, we'll head down into the town of Argentiere, where we'll stay at Hotel Dahu (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Argentiere to Chamonix
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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- Aiguille du Midi
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We'll start the day with a thrilling mountain bike ride from Argentiere back to Chamonix. After a picnic lunch, we'll take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, offering once in a lifetime views of the Alps from a high altitude perspective. We'll spend the final evening of our trip together in Chamonix, staying at Hotel Pointe Isabelle (or similar).
Day 12 – Day 12: Chamonix to Geneva
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Geneva - Departure day
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Today marks the end of our adventure around Mont Blanc. We'll drive back to Geneva in the morning, in time for afternoon flights. If you're staying on in Chamonix or Geneva, we're happy to assist with extra accommodation and provide suggestions for other activities in the area.
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