At a Glance
Experience three distinct but connected mountain cultures and witness western Europe’s highest mountain, Mount Blanc, from different perspectives. Immerse in views of awe-inspiring peaks, spectacular landscapes, and dazzling glaciers on this 6-day walking adventure of the Italian, French, and Swiss Alps traversing Mont Blanc from huts to mountain lodges.
Your adventure begins in Geneva, after which we shuttle to the town of Courmayeur. Journey over Val Ferret, a flourishing valley on the Italian side of Monte Bianca (Mont Blanc). Soak in the stunning scene over a cappuccino at a delightful rifugio. Hike a section of one of the best trails in the world, the Mont Blanc ridge trail. Arrive in Chamonix, and enjoy a lovely hike overlooking the Chamonix valley. Explore the historic town famous for mountaineering. Ride the Mont Blanc ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfer
- 5 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Itinerary
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 a.m. at Gare Routière Genève, Switzerland. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage, a daypack containing your rain gear, and anything else you may want for the day’s hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodations). Welcome to the Alps! Following our meeting in Geneva, we took a shuttle to the picturesque mountain town of Courmayeur. Here we catch sight of two different perspectives of the magnificent Monte Bianco (“Mont Blanc” in France), Western Europe’s highest mountain at a staggering 4810 metres (15,781 feet). Following the trail, we begin our excursion through quiet woods and into a stunning meadow that frames the legendary mountain perfectly. |
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Journey through green forests and past wildflowers with a backdrop of the neighbouring peaks on the return to Courmayeur. After our hike, we head to and settle in Le Massif, an elegant, five-star alpine resort in the heart of town. Before dinner, take your time to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities, soak in the spa, savour the serenity at the picturesque terrace or tour the town (spa treatments are at own expense). In the evening, we convene for a welcome reception followed by a sumptuous dinner featuring gourmet menus and rich cocktails at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant. |
Le Massif, Courmayeur
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: Indulge in a hearty breakfast, grab your camera and set out to explore the scenic balcony trail over the Val Ferret on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The scenery is breathtaking; the towering Monte Bianco massif looms above you while the neighbouring valley bursts with limitless shades of green. A forested morning hike takes you to a small path that meets up with the famous Tour du Mont Blanc ridge trail. This popular route circumvents the whole Mont Blanc massif and is considered one of the most celebrated hikes in the world. Walk along the path, and marvel at a seemingly infinite stretch of dramatic peaks and the valley below, accessorised with slate-roofed alpine homes and a sparkling blue river. Continue the climb to a picturesque rifugio, an unparalleled mountain hut, where we take a break to savour a classic northern Italian pranzo (lunch). After that, descend back into the valley, taking in the views of the spectacular glacial landscape. If you’re up for a few more steps, join your tour leaders on a visit to Courmayeur, and enjoy the town’s unique Italian mountain culture and atmosphere. We gather for a festive dinner at a popular restaurant in town at night. |
Le Massif, CourmayeurBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft) Ciao Italy, bonjour France! If the weather permits, we use a series of cable cars to journey across the border. Soak in scenic vistas of the glacial as we approach the Aiguille du Midi, 3894 metres (12,777 feet), a single needle of rock looming above ice fields and moraine-strewn ridges. Proof of the Italian Engineer Count Dino Lora Totino’s genius, the cable car runs from Chamonix to the Aiguille du Midi in two sections, one continuous with no towers supporting the cable for a total of 1372 metres (4,500 feet). On getting to the peak, soak in heart-stopping panoramas of the Chamonix Valley and famous summits such as Aiguilles de Chamonix, the Aiguille du Géant and the Grandes Jorasses. Descend by cable car to the Plan de l’Aiguille after taking in the magnificent views of Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps (on a very clear day, you can see the Matterhorn!). There, we savour a delectable locally-made blueberry tart. After lunch, we climb a balcony trail to Refuge du Montenvers, our legendary home for the night. |
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Refuge du Montenvers was built in 1880 and renovated in 2017. It has a rich history of being a home to early mountaineers and travelers that came to explore the area. Spend some time at the hotel’s bar and take in vistas of the striking Mer de Glace, tomorrow’s conquest. When the sun sets, it will feel like you have the mountains to yourself because the day hikers would have left for Chamonix. Later, we gathered for a delicious dinner featuring mouthwatering Savoyard dishes at the hotel’s restaurant. |
Refuge du Montenvers, ChamonixBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Kit up with mountaineering boots and crampons for a thrilling exploration of the sublime landscape on a glacier walk! We meet with our professional Haute-Montagne (high-mountain) guides, who teach us how to use our equipment. If the weather is in sync, we climb in teams of four to six to explore the Mer de Glace Glacier. Walking on this massive glacier surrounded by rugged peaks and exceptional mountain scenery is one experience you’ll never forget. Please note: While this activity is planned for the day, the weather will determine our exact itinerary. If we cannot access this part of the mountain due to unpleasant weather, your tour leaders and local mountain guides will provide an alternative hike. If the glacier hike isn’t possible today, make your way down to Chamonix, beautifully situated in the French Alps, and traverse this charming mountain town. Nestled in the Arve River Valley, Chamonix is encircled by a captivating battlement of rocky and saw-edged peaks and glaciers, the most prominent views of Mont Blanc. |
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We board a historic cog train in the afternoon that takes us on a spectacular ride to Chamonix. Enjoy the short walk to the landmark Grand Hôtel des Alpes, an elegant mountain lodge in the heart of town, and our next accommodation. Settle into your ensuite room, pamper your hiking muscles at the spa, or venture out to town. Sip an aperitif at a café along the main road before settling into one of the town’s exceptional restaurants for dinner at your leisure. |
Grand Hôtel des Alpes, ChamonixBreakfast |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Savour a tasty breakfast with a side dish of dazzling morning views at the hotel before we continue our trek, crossing the border from France into Switzerland. Get ready for a classic adventure as we board the historic Mont Blanc Express train to the famed Swiss resort village of Les Marécottes on the margin of the French Alps and Mont Blanca’s foothills. Our hike begins on a trail that leads to the mountains, climbing steadily through some rugged landscape, past lush meadows, thick forests, and cows wearing bells. We stop briefly in a mountain field to enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Emosson Lake. Located above the scenic Swiss village of Châtelard, the lake’s dam helps collect water from the Mont Blanc massif, making it the second largest reservoir in Switzerland. From here, we travel by train and on foot across the border and down toward the Chamonix Valley, taking in breathtaking vistas of Mont Blanc on our descent. |
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Back in Chamonix, you have the afternoon to rest and relax. Pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa or indulge in mountain resort shopping. We gather at night for a farewell toast and to relish an unforgettable dinner. |
Grand Hôtel des Alpes, ChamonixBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft) If you want a final look at Mont Blanc this morning, set out through peaceful woods for an excursion to a geranium flower-filled châlet that perfectly frames the famed mountain. Alternatively, delight yourself to a leisurely breakfast soaking in the vistas. When you return to the hotel, you have the time to freshen up and leave with everyone to enjoy one last lunch together in the Alps. Then, say goodbye to your tour leaders and take a shuttle to Geneva, where our trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Geneva
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Geneva.
While generally sunny and mild, alpine weather in France and Italy can quickly change, even in summer. A typical day begins with clear blue skies, but by the late afternoon showers often occur. In the summer, average daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s; evening temperatures drop to the 40s and 50s. During the glacier walk, temperatures can range from 30 to 60 degrees, depending on the sun and wind. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for all types of conditions —even snow and hail—to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Don't forget to bring waterproof, breathable rain gear with you.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-5.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
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 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 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 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 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.
