At a Glance
Set forth on an 8-day self-guided walking holiday that reveals the very soul of Mont Blanc from Chamonix to Courmayeur, allowing you the freedom to walk and explore at your own pace. This meticulously crafted hike guides you through the most breathtaking sections of the iconic 170km trail, weaving across the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. With captivating views along well-trodden paths, you will experience the grandeur and beautiful simplicity of the massif on this unforgettable hiking adventure.
Your exhilarating adventure begins in the breathtaking Chamonix. Board a cable car to Aiguille du Midi, and soak in mountain views until you reach Mer de Glace glacier. Navigate a trail that takes you across Les Aiguilles Rogues with vistas of the famous peaks of the Mont Blanc Mountain chain before arriving ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All breakfasts
- 7 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels on a twin-share basis
- Walking navigation app
- Private car transfer between hotels
- Mont Blanc Multi Pass: 3 day pass in Chamonix for access to public transport
- Briefing pack
Itinerary
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On the first day, arrive at your hotel, Park Hotel Suisse, in Chamonix, where you'll spend the next 4 nights. This hotel, which has welcomed visitors since 1930, is fully equipped with amenities that make it perfect for your getaway. It has a rooftop spa with a hot tub that is not only relaxing but also features jaw-dropping mountain views. Park Hotel Suisse also features an outdoor swimming pool and a panoramic terrace. You are allowed to relish a delectable variety from their buffet for breakfast. After settling in, you can choose to step out to explore a bit of this gorgeous alpine town at your pace. Stroll through the charming streets decorated with cozy cafes, mountain shops and views of Mont Blanc. Pause and relax in one of town’s many cafes for a coffee, hot chocolate or pastry while having leisurely conversations, people watching or soaking in mountain views. If you’d like to experience a traditional Savoie menu for dinner, drop by La Moraine, a classical Savoyard restaurant famous for its local specialties and occasional live music. If you’re in the mood for pasta and wine, you, Le Comptoir des Alpes should definitely be on your list of places to check out. |
Park Hotel Suisse, Chamonix
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Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking After a delectable breakfast, head out and take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m (12,605 ft). Boasting 360° views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, there is no better start to your Mont Blanc adventure. Descend along beaten paths with breathtaking mountain views until you arrive at the Mer de Glace glacier, the largest glacier in France and famed as the 'Sea of Ice'. Here, there is an option to visit the ice cave (Grotte de Glace), a man-made tunnel carved each year into the glacier near Chamonix. After concluding your adventure for the day, head back to your hotel in Chamonix by cog train. |
Park Hotel Suisse, ChamonixBreakfast |
Approx 9 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking This trail leads you through Les Aiguilles Rouges, offering incredible views of the Mont Blanc mountain range. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Mer de Glace glacier, the North Face of the Grandes Jorasses, the Aiguille Verte, and Mont Blanc itself. The hike includes a stop at the Lac Blanc Hut, where you'll take in one of the most stunning panoramas of the region. Nearby, you'll also explore the serene mountain lakes, which provide a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery. |
Park Hotel Suisse, ChamonixBreakfast |
Approx 11 km (7 miles), 3-5 hours walking Begin your day's journey in Bellevue, where you'll follow a breathtaking balcony trail that winds through dappled woodlands, the light filtering gently through the trees. As you emerge from the woods, the path opens up to reveal striking mountain panoramas before you arrive at Refuge Miage, a charming mountain hut nestled in the pristine glacier valley. From there, your descent continues until you reach the traditional village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, a picture-perfect settlement brimming with authentic alpine charm. A local bus will then await to comfortably transport you back to your base in Chamonix. |
Park Hotel Suisse, ChamonixBreakfast |
Approx 13 km (8 miles), 3-5 hours walking Begin your day with an early private car transfer across the border from France into Courmayeur, Italy, for the rest of your stay. Starting in the Val Ferret valley, you'll want to have your camera ready today! Trek to Rifugio Alpino and onto Rifugio Bertone, both of which offer some of the best views of the south face of Mont Blanc, particularly of the famous Grandes Jorasses. Traverse through alpine woodland before reaching Courmayeur and returning to your home for the rest of your trip at Hotel Berthod. This lodge, which has been in existence for well over a century, has undergone several renovations to continue offering exquisite services to guests while maintaining its traditional alpine charm. The Hotel Berthod is famous for its extensive buffet breakfast and has a small lounge area where you can enjoy tasty snacks and drinks. Head into the village in the evening for a delicious dinner at any of the nearby restaurants, including Ristorante Cadran Solaire and Pizzeria Ristorante du Tunnel, depending on your preferences and cravings. |
Hotel Berthod, CourmayeurBreakfast |
Approx 17 km (11 miles), 3-5 hours walking Take a cable car from Courmayeur to the Col Checrouit pass to begin today’s hike. The route offers stunning mountain views as you make your way towards Rifugio Elisabetta, a traditional mountain hut where you can pause and take in the alpine charm. Along the trail, you’ll pass through classic alpine landscapes with meadows and rugged peaks in the distance. Your journey continues to Lac Combal, a serene glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. This area is a great spot to stop, take a breather, and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. |
Hotel Berthod, CourmayeurBreakfast |
Approx 9 km (6 miles), 3-5 hours walking Upon arrival in Val Ferret, you walk a clear path to reach Rifugio Elena, perched high in the mountains at 2,061m (6,762 ft) and seated at the foot of the pre-de-Bard glacier. This final stretch gives you the chance to climb to Grand Col Ferret. Resting at 2,537 m (8,323 ft), this otherworldly alpine pass reveals itself as the border between Italy and Switzerland, rewarding you with an evocative end to your Mont Blanc adventure. |
Hotel Berthod, CourmayeurBreakfast |
Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. On this day, draw the curtains on your exciting adventure. Wave goodbye to Courmayeur as you depart for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Charmonix, France.
- The finish point is Courmayeur, Italy.
- The nearest airport to Charmonix is Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. It is located approximately 88 kilometers (55 miles) away and is the most convenient option for travelers heading to Chamonix. The journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by car or shuttle.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation at Charmonix of Day 1 of the itinerary making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Mont Blanc offers a climate shaped by its altitude, with significant temperature variations depending on elevation. In the valleys, summer temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. However, at the summit, temperatures remain cold year-round, rarely exceeding -10°C even in July, ensuring the glaciers remain intact. During winter, valley temperatures often drop below freezing, while the summit can reach extreme lows of -20°C or colder. This creates a landscape of striking contrasts, where warm sunshine in the valleys coexists with icy conditions at higher altitudes, making Mont Blanc a unique and challenging environment to explore.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 4 Moderate and Challenging.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
