Compare Self-guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc by Alpine Hikers vs Flavours of Europe - End Paris, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,690 | $ 3,350 |
| Price Per Day | $ 369 | $ 335 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| 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. |
Take your taste buds on the Flavors of Europe guided tour as local experts help hand pick your menus across Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre. Get a private view of the normally off limits Bramante Staircase and Michelangelo's epic Sistine Chapel on your VIP Vatican City tour, with fast track access to cut the lines. See Florence through the eyes of your local expert and marvel at the green marble of the Duomo, before a boat whisks you to the crown jewel of the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre. Enjoy an ocean fresh, Sea-to-Table lunch in Monterosso before adventuring through the snow-capped Swiss Alps to the lush surrounds of Lake Lucerne. Paris rounds out the vacation with a Celebration Dinner at world renowned restaurant, La Coupole. |
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.
Day 1: Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
Rome is one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers to your hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Then this extraordinary city is yours to discover.At 18:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travellers.
Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Rome with the locals Relaxed Start
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and your morning walking tour with a Local Expert includes this in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and see the best-preserved monument from the Roman period - the Pantheon, before enjoying free time to do as the Romans do, in Piazza Navona. Perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?
Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 3: The Vatican and Florence
Start the day with your Local Expert they introduce you to the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special priority entry to avoid the crowds and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter's Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. Your travels continue with a drive to the Chianti Hills, to arrive at the city of Florence. A Local Expert will accompany you to the Duomo, where the Gates of Paradise adorn the baptistery. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city. Lined with fountains and statues, it acts as an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Take time to gaze at Neptune and David as you explore the historic city center.
Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Breakfast
Day 4: The Cinque Terre and Italian Riviera
The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). Please note that the cruise is weather dependent. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Savour authentic Italian cuisine with a delicious Sea-to-Table lunch at Ristorante Da Ely in Monterosso. Continue by train to Levanto, then on to your resort in Rapallo.
Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Pass Milan as you head north for the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Travel alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne, where you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon.
Renaissance Lucerne Hotel.
Breakfast
Day 6: Lucerne’s Lakes, Mountains and Lion
In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to take a walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL® Experience and listen to a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for fine watches and delectable chocolates. Tonight, enjoy a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Renaissance Lucerne Hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Sights and delights of Paris
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Breakfast
Day 8: The food and flavours of Paris
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to shop in quaint boutiques like a true Parisian with your Local Expert. Alternatively, join an avid foodie to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.
Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Au Revoir Paris
Bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Transfers arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 and 11:00.
Breakfast
