Compare Best of Europe in 14 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Welcome to Europe

We'll kick off our tour with a “Welcome to Europe” meeting around 2 p.m. at our hotel in Paris. Then we’re off to explore Europe’s greatest museum – the Louvre – where we’ll come face-to-face with the works of Raphael, Delacroix and Leonardo, and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and hundreds more. We'll end the day by celebrating the start of our European adventure over dinner together. Sleep in Paris (2 nights). No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 2: Historic and Artistic Paris

Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour to reveal the city's early history, including visits to a pair of the world's most important Gothic churches: the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Then we'll take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter. The rest of the day is free to visit the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and more — at the Orsay Museum; be inspired by Monet's incredible Water Lilies at the recently renovated Orangerie; or puzzle over the whimsical water fountains and modern art at the Pompidou. With your included Paris Museum Pass, the City of Light is yours to discover. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Beautiful Burgundy

This morning we'll hop aboard our bus and roll into the French countryside, passing pastures and vineyards en route to the "profoundly French" town of Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. After an orientation walk through the town, and a visit to Hôtel Dieu, the medieval hospital in Beaune, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the many charms of village France. This evening we'll enjoy a wine tasting followed by dinner together. Sleep in Beaune (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Scenic Drive to the Swiss Alps

Today we'll leave the rolling hills of beautiful Burgundy, and climb high into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Our destination is the Berner Oberland's magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley, flanked by towering, waterfall-laced cliffs and crowned by a trio of Switzerland's most formidable peaks: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Tonight we'll share a hearty Swiss dinner together at our creaky old chalet in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: Spectacular Views in the Alps

The day is all yours to enjoy some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. You may want to join your guide for an optional mountain excursion that combines the local narrow-gauge railway, a gondola lift, and a spectacular Alpine walk above the tree line, surrounded by a panorama of cut-glass peaks...or ride a gondola lift up to the Schilthorn at 10,000 feet, loiter in the thin air, and hike down...or for a more restful day, just wander through the valley and walk to the thundering Trümmelbach: a unique set of waterfalls encased behind the valley walls. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 6: On to Bavaria

Today's drive is a good time to catch up on your journal, listen to music, curl up with a good book, or just sit back and enjoy views of pristine mountains and sparkling lakes. Along the way we'll find a small town to stop for lunch. Then we'll continue on to the heart of Bavaria to the people-friendly city of Munich, where after an orientation walk together, you're free to savor a traditional Bavarian feast. Sleep in Munich (2 nights). Bus: 7 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 7: Marvelous Munich

This morning we'll be joined by our local guide for a walking tour through the center of Germany's most livable city. Then we'll hop on a bus to explore more of Munich, including the Olympic Park. We'll also stop to tour the opulent Nymphenburg Palace, home to the Wittelsbach dynasty, rulers of Bavaria for 700 years. Your afternoon is free to choose some great options: be dazzled by the Deutsches Museum; rent a bike to explore the sprawling English Garden; or poke around the Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt looking for the cuckoo clock of your dreams. This evening, feel free to join the party at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, where you can hoist a liter-size mug of beer, and a pretzel as big as your head. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: Over the Alps to Venice

We'll take a scenic, all-day drive to Venice today, stopping en route for lunch together in a characteristic Italian-Tirolean village. At the edge of Venice we'll board a vaporetto boat for an "am-I-really-here?" Grand Canal ride to our hotel in the historic heart of this seductive city. Tonight we'll take an alleys-and-canals orientation stroll to St. Mark's Square. Later, your guide will organize an optional gondola ride for this romantic, uniquely Venetian experience. If the moon is out, it will hit your eye like a big pizza pie. Sleep in Venice (2 nights). Boat: ½ hr. Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Seductive Venice

This morning our local guide will take us on a winding walking tour through Venice, blending historic and modern-day stories of this one-of-a-kind treasure, and giving us a local's perspective on Venice's fascinating past...and its uncertain future. The rest of your day is free to visit St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, or the Titian- and Tintoretto-packed Accademia art gallery. Better yet, get lost (remember, it's an island) exploring the alleys, cruising the canals, and "crawling" the pubs. No bus (too much water). Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Timeless Tuscany

Today we say "Ciao Venezia" as we hop back aboard our bus and drive south into Tuscany. We'll wind our way through the verdant Tuscan hills to our destination: a working family farm that also serves as our country hotel. You'll have free time this afternoon to take a scenic stroll amid the peaceful vines and olive groves, relax by the pool or taste some of our host's family-made wines before we sit down to a hearty Tuscan feast, enjoying a country-style dinner together. Sleep peacefully near Florence in Tuscany (2 nights). Boat: ½ hr. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 11: Renaissance Florence

We'll drive to Florence this morning, and hit the ground walking with a Renaissance tour of the city's historic center — learning how Brunelleschi's cathedral dome and Ghiberti's Baptistery doors helped define this world-changing era. We'll end our walk at the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo and more. After some free time for lunch, we'll regroup for a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where we'll marvel at works of sculptural genius: Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David. We'll return to the countryside late this afternoon with plenty of time to relax and freshen up before dinner together. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 12: A Walk Through Caesar's Rome

This morning we'll drive straight to the heart of Rome. After a quick lunch and a Roman transportation lesson, we'll spend the rest of the afternoon uncovering Ancient Rome as a local guide takes us through the monumental Colosseum, history-drenched Roman Forum, and the awe-inspiring Pantheon. Tonight you may wish to celebrate la dolce vita Roman-style, with an after-dinner stroll through the floodlit heart of the city, lacing together the lively campos, classy piazzas, and splashy fountains. Sleep in Rome (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 13: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum

Today we'll focus on Renaissance Rome. We’ll meet our local guide on the other side of the Tiber river and introduce you to the greatest church in Christendom, the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's sublime Pietà. Then we’ll take you to the sprawling Vatican Museum, where you’ll see an endless collection of treasures as you make your way to one of the world's most famous works of art: Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Your afternoon is free to explore more on your own. Don’t forget to taste some delicious gelato along the way! No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Rome's airports by taxi or train. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Grazie e ciao!

Day 1 Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix

Our start point is the campsite in Les Bossons, which has wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the dramatic, crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. In the evening, there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 2 Follow the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands

From Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m), we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (6,100ft/1,860m). The trail today is named the Grand Balcon and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially, we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (4,500ft/1,371m), from where we take a scenic valley train back to our campsite. In the afternoon, there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 3 Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient

After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200ft/2,201m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190ft/2,191m) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Enjoy excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch, we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (4,250ft/1,296m), where we will have lovely views of the Trient Glacier. Campsite: Camping near Trient

Day 4 Cross Col de la Forclaz to Champex

We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) and then onwards to look directly into the Rhône Valley and the small Swiss town of Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing, the ‘Bovine route’ (6,720ft/2,049m), which takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m), a town beside a picturesque alpine lake. Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac

Day 5 Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly

Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif, we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (3,460ft/1,055m) and other pretty alpine farming villages. If you are visiting early in the season (June/July), this is a great day to see flowers in bloom, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which lies at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy. Campsite: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly

Day 6 Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek

Following the same valley and the river La Drance, we climb to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320ft /2,537m), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called Val Ferret. The mountain views from the col are stunning, with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (5,800ft/1,770m) where we take an optional bus to Planpincieux (5,250ft/1,600m). For the first and last trip of the season, the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp. Campsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret

Day 7 Rest day

Today is free for you to rest after the first week’s exertions. The nearby former spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older areas that are worth a visit, especially for keen photographers. We also highly recommend the Skyway cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (11,350ft/3,461m), which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Tickets for the cable car can be purchased online or locally at La Palud. Alternatively you might wish to relax and recover in the spa baths at Pre Saint Didier a short bus ride from Courmayeur. It is recommended to book in advance for the spa to avoid disappointment, by clicking https://www.qcterme.com/en/pre-saint-didier/qc-terme-pre-saint-didier . Campsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret

Day 8 Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Val Ferret around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny

We start with a short bus ride to pick up the Tour du Mont Blanc route, and from the road (5,500ft/1,675m) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (6,640ft/2,025m). Today, we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional, as are those of the towering peaks of the Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon, we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (4,030m/1,230m) where there will be time to stop for a tasty Italian gelato before taking a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (5,020ft/1,530m). Campsite: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny

Day 9 Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux

Today’s trail climbs gently along the Val Veny, beneath the moraine of the massive Glacier du Miage. Passing Lac Combal, the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road across the Col de la Seigne pass (8,250ft/2,516m), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally to Les Chapieux (5,090ft/1,553m), a small hamlet only inhabited in summer. This is one of the longer walking days, but the experience of walking beneath a glacier and over the Col de la Seigne pass make the challenge well worth it. Campsite: Camping in Chapieux

Day 10 Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme

We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130ft/2,478m) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (7,640ft/2,328m). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (5,900ft/1,180m). Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines

Day 11 Rest day

A chance to rest or enjoy independent exploration. There are short and long optional walks in the area, many accessed by a chairlift or gondola, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Mountain cafes make a nice place for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the Mont Blanc cog-driven tramway to the Eagle’s Nest – the starting point for many aiming to conquer Mont Blanc itself. Otherwise, time can be spent visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines

Day 12 Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches

Today will be another long but rewarding day as we return to the start point of our trek. We walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc (5,614ft/1,720m) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (4,120ft/1,560m). From here, we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay, where we will enjoy fabulous views of the northern side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually, we make another short ascent to reach the Col de Voza (5,418ft/1,652m), where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year, there is an optional cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to our camp in Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m). Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 13 Some of the best views of Mont Blanc today on the long ascent to Brévent; descend to Plan Praz

We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through a pine forest. The high point of the day is Brévent (8,290ft/2,525m), from where there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and Chamonix Valley. We walk down to Plan Praz (6,460ft/1,970m), then descend by cable car to Chamonix and walk to our camp at Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m). It is possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of year). This extra journey will be payable locally should you choose not to walk. Our last day on the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit is long, with a tough climb of more than 4,920ft (1,500m), but affords the best views on the whole trek of Mont Blanc and neighbouring peaks. On our return to Les Bossons, we will have successfully completed the Tour du Mont Blanc. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 14 Free day at Les Bossons

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader can advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the Mer de Glace glacier, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 15 End Les Bossons

The adventure comes to an end in Les Bossons after breakfast. Start your return journey home, and perhaps start planning your next great walking adventure.