Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
15 Days Starting and ending in Chamonix
Visiting: Chamonix, Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon sud, Les Frasserands, Col de Balme, Col de la Forclaz, Champex, Val Ferret, La Fouly, La France, La Palud, Courmayeur, Col de la Seigne, La ville des Glaciers, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Col du Bonhomme, Le Nid d'Aigle, Les Houches, Valley Fever, Mont Blanc
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TWO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Physical rating:
Moderate / Challenging
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
From:
$5173
$4887 (USD)
Operator discount: -$148
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$138
Tour Overview
For those who like to enjoy the comfort of a bed every night we offer the Mont Blanc circuit as a fully accommodated walking holiday, with all nights spent in a variety of lodgings from family run 2 and 3-star hotels to basic inns or pensions. Again keeping to the ideal duration to complete the full route, we include 10 walking days and 3 rest days, in which time we cross the borders of Switzerland, Italy and France and enjoy unrivalled views of the Alps and Mont Blanc itself. The itinerary is essentially the same as on the camping version (trip code TWB); with your qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) guiding the way you still complete the famous circuit, and your baggage is transported for you by our support vehicle, but we offer the comfort of a bed in quaint, picturesque accommodations on route so you can enjoy your walking holiday in comfort. In most places we use a hotel for just one night, before moving on the next day, occasionally we settle in for a few nights and use local transport to take us to the next point of the circuit.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Chamonix.
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Richemond Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader.
**
Day 2 : Lac Blanc And The Grand Balcon Sud From Chamonix To Les FrasserandsÂ
Location: Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon sud, Chamonix, Les Frasserands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Richemond Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From our hotel in Chamonix we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La
Flégère (1,860m – 6100). 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 (2352m - 7715ft). The
trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping
steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands and Montroc (1,371m - 4500ft). In
the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with
handrails to descend. We return to our hotel in Chamonix in the afternoon.
8.00 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 980m – 3220ft down
*Â *
Day 3 : Over Col De Balme Into Switzerland; Night At Col De La Forclaz.
Location: Col de Balme, Col de la Forclaz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Col de la Forclaz (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We travel back to Montroc at the top of the Chamonix valley where we begin
our ascent to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m – 7200ft), descend a
little and then climb towards the Col de Balme (2191m – 7190ft) from where
we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland.
Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour
and its glacier. After lunch we walk through to the small Swiss hamlet of
Trient (1296m – 4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. A sting in the
tail today as we finish with a steep climb from Trient to our hotel at the
Col de la Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft).
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1190m/3900ft up,
1060m/3466ft down
Day 4 : Follow Bovine Route To Champex.
Location: Champex
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Splendide (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave the Col de la Forclaz, where we can look directly down into the
Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny and follow an historic path used
to take the cows to high pasture, the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft). Our
trail takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before we descend to
the charming town of Champex (1486m – 4880ft) set beside a picturesque
alpine lake.
7.5 hours walking, 680m – 2230ft up, 720m – 2360ft down
Day 5 : Head Up The Val Ferret To La Fouly.
Location: Val Ferret, La Fouly
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Auberge des Glaciers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 (1055m – 3460ft) and other
small, pretty, alpine farming villages. This is quite a good day for flowers,
including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village La Fouly
(1600m - 5250ft). This is at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit is at the
meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy.
6 hours walking, 440m – 1450ft down, 540m – 1780ft up
Day 6 : Follow River La Drance; Climb To The Highest Point Of The Tour At Grand Col Ferret And Into Italy. Overnight At La Palud.
Location: La France, La Palud
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Still following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the
'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), 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 the Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down
the valley to Arp Nouva (1770m – 5800ft) then travel by bus to our hotel in
La Palud near Courmayeur. (BLD)
7 hours walking, 970m - 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down
Day 7 : Rest Day.
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older
sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer.
There is a cable car from Entrèves to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft)
and on across the glacier to Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to
Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up
views of all the big peaks. Alternatively you might wish to relax and recover
in the Spa bathes at Pre Saint Didier a short bus ride from Courmayeur.
Day 8 : Climb To Bonatti Refuge And Traverse High Above The Spectacular Ferret Valley Around Mont De La Saxe To Courmayeur.
Location: Courmayeur, Courmayeur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start with a short bus ride to pick up the TMB and from the road (1675m
– 5500ft ) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2025m – 6640ft). 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 which crowd the
northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we have a long, steep
descent to Courmayeur (1230m – 4030m) (superb ice creams!) from where we
take a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1530m – 5020ft).Â
8 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 900m 4400ft down
Day 9 : Cross The Col De La Seigne Back To France, Descend Through La Ville Des Glaciers To Les Chapieux.
Location: Col de la Seigne, La ville des Glaciers
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Auberge de la Nova (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading for the Val Veny and the start of our walk at La
Vissaille (1660m – 5450ft). We’ll reach this by bus to then start climb
gently along good paths beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac
Combal before the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road
and head for today's pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2516m – 8250ft), which
marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through la
Ville des Glaciers (1789m – 5870ft) and finally after quite a long walking
day to Les Chapieux (1553m – 5090ft), a small remote hamlet inhabited only
during the summer months.
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 870m – 2840ft up,
970m – 3180ft down
Day 10 : Ascend To Col De La Croix Du Bonhomme, Then Contour Across To The Col Du Bonhomme.
Location: Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Col du Bonhomme
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Val Joly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 (2478m – 8130ft) and then contour around to the
Col du Bonhomme (2328m – 7640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road)
to our campsite in Les Contamines (1180m - 5900ft). A short bus ride down
the valley takes us to the pretty village of St Gervais, the perfect place
for a day off.Â
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 930m – 3050ft up,
1340m – 4400ft down
Day 11 : Free Day
Location: Le Nid d'Aigle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Val Joly (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A well-earned rest day. There are many options to fill your day including
taking the cog railway to Le Nid d’aigle – the Eagles Nest - a popular
start point to climb Mont Blanc, or browsing around the local market of Les
Contamines. There are plenty of optional walks in the area or one can simply
relax around the pleasant town of St Gervais or even treat yourself to a
rejuvenating spa.
Day 12 : Over Col De Tricot To The Chamonix Valley; Overnight At Les Houches.
Location: Les Houches, Valley Fever
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel St Antoine (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a challenging day with plenty of ups and downs. From St Gervais we
have a 10 min transfer to re-join our route before ascending to the Chalets
de Miage (1560m – 5120ft). From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to
the Col de Tricot (2119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the
snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. Good views of the north side of the Mont
Blanc Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza
(1652m – 5418ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and make our final
descent to the village of Les Houches (993m - 3225ft).
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1200m – 3980ft up,
1370m – 4500ft down
Day 13 : Best Views Of Mont Blanc Today; Long Ascent To The Brevent, Descend To Chamonix.
Location: Mont Blanc, Chamonix
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb steeply through
pine forest and then on open mountainsides to reach the high point of the day
at Brevent (2525m – 8290ft). This is a long walking day but will probably
afford the best views of the French side of Mont Blanc and its neighbouring
peaks that we shall have on the whole trek. We descend to Plan Praz (1970m -
6460ft) and take the cable car to Chamonix (1061m) for a well-deserved beer.
7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 1500m – 4921ft up,
520m – 1690ft down
Day 14 : Free Day In Chamonix.
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free day in and around Chamonix. There are several good walks in the Chamonix
valley. Chamonix itself is also a great place to spend a day. The most
popular excursions, weather depending, would be the spectacular ascent by
cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers cog railway.
Day 15 : End Chamonix.
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meals included: breakfast
What's Included
-
Meals
14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, 12 hotel
estaurant dinners
* All accommodation (see below)
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout (IML qualified)
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
-
Visas or vaccinations
-
Travel insurance
Food
Included in the trip are all breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12
hotel
estaurant dinners. On free days 7, 11, 14 and both transfer days lunch
is not provided. On the free days 7 and 14 dinner is also not included and
needs to be bought locally. We take our evening meals in the hotel in which
we are staying or in a nearby restaurant. These meals are usually arranged as
a 'menu' for the whole group and as they are based on special negotiations
made by us represent better value than eating independently. Please note that
should the times of flights change to arrive earlier, or depart later,
additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will
be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.
*Typical Meals *
Continental Breakfast: Will normally include coffee, tea, hot chocolate,
French bread, croissant and conserves.
Picnic-Style Lunch: Generally include bread, cold meat, cheese, tinned fish,
fresh salad vegetables and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or buy
locally), snack bars for an extra energy boost throughout the day.
Evening meal: A first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of
meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Beer,
wine, bottled water, other drinks, coffee or tea are not included in the
price of evening meals taken in restaurants.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the
time of booking.
If you take a vegan diet you should expect that variety of food may be
limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in
this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide
meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a
more restricted diet.
Drinks: Please note that drinks are not included and you will be expected to
pay directly for any wine/tea/coffee taken at dinner.
Accommodation
Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. For the uninitiated, an auberge is equivalent to an inn: simple accommodation (often in a rural setting) that provides a warm, welcoming place to stop for travellers and hikers.
Most of the properties in which we stay offer panoramic views over the Alps, while culturally reflecting the local community. Though most are relatively basic, all are clean, well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind, while acting as a vital source of income to the local people.
Worth knowing
Room sizes are - twin, double, triple or quad. Facilities vary between accommodations and sometimes between rooms within a property.
On three nights, bathroom facilities may be on the landing rather than inside the room (dependent on availability and group size).
Couples always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be a twin or double.
Single clients maybe required to share twin, triple or quad rooms.
We can’t accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact we are usually staying only one night in each property.
Due to limited availability, occasionally we may need to change a hotel to one further down the valley, and will provide a bus or taxi transfer.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 16 year age people can go on this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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What is the maximum group size?
14
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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