Compare Self-guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc by Alpine Hikers
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,690 |
| Price Per Day | $ 369 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners |
| Description |
The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB, has been called the World’s most luxurious hiking tour. Hiking day after day through flower-strewn meadows, over alpine passes, with the highest mountains in the Alps, you’ll enjoy some of the finest scenery in the Alps. Stopping in quaint villages at night, we’ve developed an itinerary with a great mix of luxury hotels, luggage transfers and private shuttles to help ensure a vacation that is both invigorating and relaxing. On our Deluxe self-guided version of the TMB, you’ll still hike through 3 countries – France, Italy, and Switzerland – just like our regular tour. We’ve designed this tour as a more luxurious, comfortable option, skipping one of the more remote huts, and with 4-star upgrades in Chamonix and Courmayeur, private VIP transfers to and from the Geneva airport, and luggage transfers to every stop on the tour. If you’re an independent hiker, a self-guided TMB tour is the perfect way to hike around Mont Blanc at your own pace with assurance of knowing that every detail of your tour is well-planned. With years of personal experience on this route, we have the expertise and attention to detail to help you choose the best way for you to hike Mont Blanc and experience one of the world’s classic hikes. |
Day 1: Chamonix
For the Tour du Mont Blanc, it’s best to fly to Geneva, and we’ll arrange your private transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Enjoy the ambiance of this beautiful village with impressive views of Mont Blanc. Stay in a luxurious 4-star hotel in town.
Day 2: les Contamines – Leaving Chamonix, your Mont Blanc circuit starts with a cable car above the scenic Voza pass to the lovely Bionnassay valley, a wooded region with impressive glaciers and waterfalls, and capped by blinding peaks.
Stop at a quaint mountain restaurant for lunch as you walk through Miage valley, mountains soaring above you, as you dive right in to the good life. A wooded descent then brings you to the quaint village of les Contamines, where you’ll stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Today’s hike: 6-8 hours, 8 miles; Elevation: 1660 ft up, 2730 ft down
Day 3: Auberge de la Nova or les Mottets
Today the tour du Mont Blanc route leads you on a long ascent across two lofty passes, Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.
An alpine hut near the pass makes a perfect lunch stop mid-day. Descend to the tiny hamlet of les Chapieux and stay the night in a lively hiker’s inn. We have 2 inns to choose from, la Nova or les Mottets, and although it’s a popular corner of the tour, private rooms are normally available for the night.
Today’s hike: 7-9 hours, 11.5 miles; Elevation: 4320 ft up, 3050 ft down (la Nova) or 7-9 hours, 12.5 miles; Elevation: 5130 ft up, 2800 ft down (les Mottets)
Day 4: Courmayeur
Leaving les Chapieux, a gradual ascent through quiet alp pastures leads to the Col de la Seigne and into Italy.
Here you’re greeted by an amazing view into the Veny valley and the Mont Blanc range. The Aiguille Noire de Peuterey is particularly impressive from this vantage point, and Mont Blanc itself dominates the view ahead of you. Stop at the scenic Elisabetta hut for lunch, before you continue down valley and into the medieval village of Courmayeur, where you stay in a impressive 4-star hotel.
Today’s hike: 7-9 hours, 12 miles; Elevation: 3270 ft up, 2910 ft down (from la Nova) or 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2220 ft up, 2910 ft down (from les Mottets)
Day 5: Courmayeur
A second day in Courmayeur is a great way to break up the Tour du Mont Blanc.
There is plenty to do in the village, cable cars take you up to high vantage points, or there are great dayhikes near town. The Pre St. Didier spa is also a luxurious way to recharge half-way through your tour. Courmayeur is a beautiful village, with cobblestoned pedestrian-only alleyways filled with comfortable cafes and stylish shops, and is always fun to explore. Stay in the same hotel a second night.
Day 6: La Fouly
A private taxi will take you from Courmayeur to the end of the Ferret valley, where you’ll start your hike.
Crossing over the Ferret pass and into Switzerland, you’ll descend to the tiny village of la Fouly, a quiet and peaceful stop along the Tour du Mont Blanc. Stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
Day 7: Champex
One of the mellower hikes on your Mont Blanc tour takes you through woods and up to the pretty, lakeside village of Champex.
A much more strenuous alternate route leads over a high pass, to a hut perched along the edge of the Orny glacier, before descending to Champex. Stay in a comfortable 3-star village hotel.
Today’s hike: 6-8 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 1380 ft up, 1790 ft down
Day 8: Col de la Forclaz
An undulating trail leads through alpine pastures and pine forests, with sweeping views of the Rhone valley.
Weather permitting, a more rigorous possibility leads up to the high pass of Fenetre d’Arpette, one of the highest points along the tour and along the Trient glacier. Finish the day at a small hiker’s inn at Forclaz or in nearby Trient. Double rooms available, but limited.
Today’s hike: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2460 ft up, 2260 ft down (Bovine) or 7-9 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 3940 ft up, 3740 ft down (Fenetre d’Arpette)
Day 9: Chamonix
On your final hiking day of the tour, cross the Col de Balme into France, coming back full circle to sweeping views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley.
A possible sidetrip to the nearby Posettes ridge leads to even greater views, with a delightful trail leading down to the valley floor. Return to your luxurious 4-star hotel, and spend your last night of the Mont Blanc tour celebrating in Chamonix.
Today’s hike: 6-8 hours, 10 miles; Elevation: 2890 ft up, 3120 ft down
Day 10: Depart
Today you sayau revoir, and depart for your post-Mont Blanc destinations. Your private taxi will meet you at your hotel and take you to the Geneva airport.
