Itinerary Expand all Depart London Fly to Geneva; transfer to your chalet. There is plenty of time to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat. Your holiday begins at your comfortable alpine chalet. Those making their own way to the chalet should aim to arrive early afternoon for introductions. There is plenty of time to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Drive to the head of the Chamonix Valley; walking towards Switzerland via the trekking peak L'Aiguillette des Posettes and onto Col du Possettes and then descend back towards La Tour. Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc as well as into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc (1380m – 4400ft) we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin out, the views get even better and by late morning we reach Aiguilette des Possettes (2200m – 7220 ft). This is a peak from where we are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille Rouge national park, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Possettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour. (1450m – 4750ft). 6 hours of walking. 820m - 2700ft up, 730m – 2400ft down Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Transfer above Les Houches; ascend to the Bel Lachat Refuge, before crossing the Carlaveyron Natural Reserve and summiting the Aiguillette des Houches and the Aiguillette du Brevent. Today we have a spectacular walk from (1370m – 4450ft) up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m – 7500ft) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière (1370m – 4500ft). 7 hours of walking. 900m – 2950ft up, 930m – 3050ft down Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Starting from the Les Contamines. Valley we cross the Col de Voza and continue towards Les Houches. Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to the Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier a few 100 meters higher up. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (1653m – 5360ft) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) for those with tired legs. 7 hours of walking, 11km – 7 miles, 560m –1840ft up, 610m – 2000ft down Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day for optional walks, activities or sightseeing. Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to 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 cafés. There are several cablecar excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m - 12600ft), 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 glacier, Mer de Glace or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy; climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley to Courmayeur. We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva (1770m – 5805ft) we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (2000m – 6560ft), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice-cream. 7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Starting from Argentiere; walk up to and along the Grand Balcon Sud to Plan Praz then descend by cable car. From Argentiere (1250m – 4100ft) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley to Plan Praz (2000m – 6560ft) from where we descend by cable car back to Chamonix. The Grand Balcon Sud is an impressive walk in the valley and looks over to Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc massif. The views of snowy peaks, soaring cliffs, fractured glaciers and lush green forests ensures this trek is not just a highlight in the valley but the whole of the Alps. (Due to maintenance on the Flegere cablecar this walk has been amended from our previously advertised walk to Lac Blanc. This trek is a little longer than the original and is equally beautiful). 7 hours of walking. 800m – 1690ft up, 100m – 330ft down Spring and Autumn departures - The Plan Praz cablecar is open for trips starting between 15th June and 7th Sep. Outside of this time, the cablecar is due to be closed and its cost is no longer included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, then the cable cost will be paid locally. Approx 20 euros. Alternatively, we will follow a Spring and Autumn itinerary which is the same as above but instead of walking from Flegere to Plan Praz, we will walk off the mountain from Flegere via the charming Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added decent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary but the views are equally stunning. 8 hours walking. 740 m – 2430ft up, 950m – 3120ft down - Distance covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 End Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat. Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes. Meals included: Breakfast End Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat. Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes. Those on the group flights will transfer to Geneva; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat These delightful alpine chalets both have 7 rooms and are surrounded by large gardens with a Jacuzzi and Mont Blanc views. Both have comfortable lounges and dining rooms with a large table where delicious home cooked meals will be served and scrumptious cakes will be provided daily for afternoon tea. Located between 15-25 minutes from the heart of Chamonix they provide the perfect base for walking the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc and a relaxing week in the Alps. Due to the natural layout of a chalet build, bedrooms vary in size and shape and some, but not all, have access to a balcony. In Chalet Chocolat one bedroom on the top floor has a Velux window as opposed to a wall mounted window and a large private bathroom on the floor below. This room will usually be allocated to the last 2 people to book *. In Chalet Chamonix, two bedrooms on the top floor have Velux windows set into a gradually sloping roof. Half the room has a full height ceiling while the beds are positioned under the sloping section these two rooms will usually be allocated to the last 4 people to book *. Both chalets offer complimentary Wi-Fi in the communal areas. *Very occasionally these rooms may need to be allocated to those other than the last 6 people to book to enable us to match up independent travellers with a same sex roommate. On weeks where we are not full, we will allocate these rooms to the first independent travellers as single rooms. If you are booking and not on the same booking reference as a friend/s that you wish to share a chalet with please let your sales consultant know at the time of booking. Equally, if you have a preference for one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Otherwise, we will select a chalet for you automatically. The walking itinerary will be the same for both chalets however the order of the walks may differ slightly. Please note: on booking your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chamonix however you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat. This will be confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent 4 weeks before your departure date. A Chalet is different from a hotel and provides open and social spaces ideal for group holidays. The atmosphere is homely and welcoming and we hope you will enjoy the chalet as much as the stunning local walks. Outside of the bedrooms, both chalets have living rooms with sofas and comfortable chairs and a client kitchen which is not for preparing food but has unlimited tea and coffee making facilities and an honesty bar. Outside there is a large and scenic decking area with more seating, a grassy garden which we encourage you to go out and enjoy as well as an outdoor hot tub. In the dining room meals are taken together around a communal table and are prepared by your two resident chalet hosts. There is no reception in the chalet. Chalet hosts live on-site and can be contacted in an emergency. Generally, we don’t enter your rooms at all during the week to make beds or clean, however, if you feel your room needs to be serviced mid-week then please ask your chalet hosts and they will be happy to help. None of the rooms have air-conditioning but we do provide electric fans. A hairdryer is also available to borrow but we suggest you bring your own. Towels: In order to look after the environment we only change towels mid-week on request. If you feel that you need a change mid-week please just ask your chalet host. Laundry: Unfortunately there are no client laundry facilities in the chalet.
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Reviewed October 2019 Benjamin Vassallo Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Excellent and professional experience. To whom it may concern, I am incredibly thankful for the experience I had while I was away on my trip. Zohi and Ben were nothing but professional meanwhile keeping a light hearted friendly attitude throughout the time away. Their food was exceptional. I was expecting something alot less and what was delivered was nothing short of an incredible dining experience. If I knew I was getting them again I would not hesitate for a second booking another holiday with Exodus. To second on that Shaun the hiking guide was professional and made hiking incredible and informative. We learnt so much from him as a group from the surrounding area. The staff is by far your best asset and will encourage people to come back again and again im sure. Regards What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hiking through the dense forest on a new track as the normal route was closed. The forest and views were absolute breathtaking. What did you think of your group leader? Shaun the treking guide as mentioned in the summary was amazing and look forward to seeing him again on another trek. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Stay open minded and maybe do a little walking before heading on over
Reviewed October 2019 Eriza San Miguel Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Perfect! This trip was just perfect. The daily walks were sublime and breathtaking. Zohi and Ben really looked after us well. They are a magnificent duo that are not only great at what they do, they also enjoy it. The chalet was clean and had everything we needed. The food is gourmet and uses fresh ingredients. Both Zohi and Ben are super friendly. Not only do you get to eat delicious food, the conversations were also fun and genuine. Our guide John is a master at his profession. He plans what’s best for the group and monitors our walking pace regularly. He is very knowledgeable on not only the hills and mountains surrounding the Chamonix valley but also all the popular hikes around the world. John provides training on the best way to walk (slow and steady) and he’ll also throw in lessons on different types of coniferous trees for free. The walks and Chamonix itself is already a sublime combination. Throwing Zohi, Ben and John into the mix is certainly what made our trip perfect. My friends and I already agreed we’d do this trip again in a few years time. Here’s hoping the trio will still be there (fingers and toes crossed). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The alpine scenery is incredibly magical What did you think of your group leader? John is a great leader - he is masterful at his trade. He looks after the group and is very easy to get along with. He is incredibly knowledgeable. In the many tours I’ve done, he is a stand out group leader - a rare find. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are some challenging parts, so train harder than you think. The rating scale of moderate translates to a rating of 4-5 in Australia. Bring waterproof shoes in case it rains/snows. Is there anything else you would like to add? Zohi, Ben and John - thank you for giving us a wonderful experience. As a group we felt extremely lucky to have been led and looked after by yourselves. It’s definitely what made the trip perfect! Thank you 😊
Reviewed October 2019 Jeremy Matthews Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Magnifique! Exodus,Chalet Chocolat,Ben,Zohi,Shaun,Mark and Kate-thank you so much for a truly magical experience in the French,Swiss and Italian Alps. The list of superlatives to describe this experience is long but magnificent,extraordinary,stupendous,colossal,transformational and gourmet all spring to mind. The day begins with fresh croissants,pain au chocolat,strong coffee,cereal,yoghurt and fruits to fortify for a day of exertion as we wandered and took in the various delights of the Chamonix Valley in the very capable hands of guide Shaun. The steep,snow-tipped peaks,hanging glaciers,lakes,forest,ancient village houses,cows with bells,flowers,mountain cafes and wildlife are a very bewitching and intoxicating combination,we all felt like we were in a scene from The Sound of Music or Heidi.Our baguette,cheese and ham packed lunch was eaten in a scenic location with jaw-dropping views,our legs were tired and sore by the time we'd descended back to the chalet for a freshly-baked cake (thanks Zohi!) then into the jacuzzi for a well-deserved soak before a beer or wine and some gourmet dinner and dessert treats prepared lovingly by Ben and Zohi.Each day was different and stimulating,the local town of Chamonix was very attractive with its fine restaurants,quality shops and museums and inspiring alpine back-drop. We've all left a piece of our hearts in Chamonix and many of us will surely return there for another active alpine holiday. Merci bien Chamonix- à bientôt! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif,raw nature. What did you think of your group leader? Very competent,thoughtful and knowledgeable. Thanks Shaun! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Embrace the experience,prepare your body beforehand. Is there anything else you would like to add? One trip to Chamonix is not enough,come back to ski,do different walks and learn to rock and ice-climb.
Reviewed October 2019 Amanda Grogan Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights INCREDIBLE HIKING EXPERIENCE The trip was fantastic! I felt very welcomed and at home from the moment we stepped in the chalet and were greeted by Zohi and Ben. An absolutely beautiful property with a very cosy and communal feel, a great way to bond with your new travel friends. The meals made with love by Zohi and Ben were phenomenal! A great variety for breakfast and lunch paired with 3 courses for dinner - each night was completely unique, delicious and fun. I had some dietary requirements and never felt like this was difficult for Zohi - she made me feel included and provided just as high level and delicious alternatives. Zohi and Ben were so warm and welcoming and became instant friends with the group! They set the tone of the chalet and helped the team bond and enjoy their time at "home". The meals they provided were so varied, colourful, amazing - and themed to the days events which was a really special touch. It wouldn't have been the same without seeing them each day and sharing our days experiences. A beautiful highlight of Mont Blanc with completely different trips and scenery each day, which was very special. Great pacing, good times of day to start and end hikes. It was so magical to see so many different parts of the valley/alps and It was some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. Our hiking guide Shaun was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable - he was very professional and always ensured our comfort and safety as well as challenging us and teaching us about the area. Shaun was a fountain of knowledge about the area and hiking. He was always professional and on-time. His organisation and time-lines were always spot on as well as his "walkie talkies" (what we affectionately nicknamed his updates for the next days hikes) which were very accurate and prepared us for the next day. I would recommend this trip over and over and over, and can’t wait to travel with Exodus again. Ensure you read the trip notes as they are very accurate and prepare you well for the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Completing a hike made me really proud of myself and inspired to get fitter and incorporate more hiking in my daily life and travel Standing on top of Aiguille du Midi cable car and seeing Mont Blanc, the valley and Chamonix and all the places we had hiked
Reviewed October 2019 Paul Ruddell Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Majestic Mont Blanc Where do I begin - this trip is absolutely stellar. Chalet Chocolat is in a great location, and the Spa with mountain and glacier views always tops off an amazing day hiking. Shaun, our expert for the area was extremely knowledgeable about the geography and could easily amend walks to suit our groups needs. Zohi and Ben were amazing Chalet Hosts, cooked the most amazing food to make sure we earned each day of walking. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Any time I ate Zohi's food - made me want to stay for longer, hike more and come back to an amazing 3 course dinner! What did you think of your group leader? Expert in the area, able to amend itinerary based on weather and ability of the group - would recommend Shaun to anyone! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I'd say you need to be a keen social hiker to really enjoy this trip. If you hike in your normal weeks/months, you'll be fine, but don't expect it to be a walk in the park.
Reviewed October 2019 Helen Rolton Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Highlights of Mont Blanc Highlights The activity level is Grade 3 but the experience level is off the scale; a complete holiday experience. Hiking in the most amazing scenery then returning to an authentic French chalet is the perfect option in this area. Our Chalet hosts, Ben & Zohi, were the ‘icing on the cake’, ensuring a stressfree holiday. Zohi’s cakes were something to look forward to at the end of each day’s hiking and the three course evening meals, matched with local wines, were the perfect end to each day. The only way this week could’ve been better was if a week was 14 days. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The view from the top each day!
Reviewed October 2019 James Tozer Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Best of the Best Such an amazing trip! I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect but the team were amazing. Zohi and Ben catered to our needs with incredible food. The three course dinners were to die for! They also made the chalet feel so homely and welcoming. So many laughs were had! . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Just being in the mountains and looking at the views. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide, Shaun, was a lot of fun, very knowledgeable and patient with all of the questions (and there were many!). He did an incredible job at balancing the needs of the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you read all the trip notes and know what you need. All of the information is there for you.
Reviewed October 2019 Michelle Barrett Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Best experience ever! From start to finish this trip was AMAZING. The Chalet hosted by Ben and Zohi was so welcoming. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the itinerary said “home cooked meals”... Well, what an absolute treat. A cake after every day, and a 3 course meal which was the most amazing meals each and every day. Sean guiding us each day on the mountain made me feel very confident and comfortable! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every hike! MAking it to the top of each hike and the view ... What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared with your fitness, good gear, comfortable boots, enough layers to be warm in the morning, and it gets warm at the top! Of course depends on the time of year you do the trip. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was such a great experience. It has inspired me to hike more. I can’t wait for my next exodus trip.
Reviewed October 2019 Liz Hobson Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights On top of the world My first Exodus trip but won't be the last. A great trip with a really good, flexible guide who helped make it an extremely memorable trip. The hosts in Chalet Chocolat were full of warmth and charm that added to the adventure, Zohi's cooking was amazing, dinners and cakes just fabulous. The walking was a great pace, hard enough to earn the cake but not too hard to cause injury. The scenery is breathtaking and a great way to get to know the area and fellow hikers. Chamonix is a fabulous French town to spend time in. The whole trip just left me feeling on top of the world! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit on day 3, stunning. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic, adaptable to conditions and knew what we were capable of, nobody was pushed too hard Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get put of the normal holiday routine, you won't regret it Is there anything else you would like to add? Fantastic hosts that really added to the holiday
Reviewed October 2019 Adam Wilson Trip: Mont Blanc Highlights Walks, Cakes and Japes My first Exodus trip for a while this trip was like slipping into a comfortable pair of slippers. The holiday ran like clock work and I could focus on walking, relaxing and getting know my fellow hikers. The pace was exactly what I needed challenging enough to feel like I'd earned the delicious food, but not so taxing I had an existential crisis. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. The trip over the border to Italy was a particular highlight of good weather, a stunning walk and finishing in a picture post card Alpine town What did you think of your group leader? Emma our erstwhile guide was great. A perfect blend of supportive, encouraging and hilarious. Like all the best guides I came away with more than a few tips as well as a wealth of knowledge about the local flaure and fauna. I wouldn't hesitate to sign up to any trip she was leading. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I thought this trip was well run and had a polished itinerary. I'd take some clothes with an elastic waistband if you are partial to a slice of cake! There are some great restaurants in Chamonix on the off day. The local Savoie wine (mainly white) and Mont Blanc beer are also worth seeking out. Is there anything else you would like to add? A word for the accomodation and catering - delectable. I'm a self confessed food obsessive and the thought of a chalet had me slightly nervous. Putting in mind 17 year old chalet hosts with 3 dishes on hard rotation. I couldn't have been more wrong. Zohi with the able assistance of Ben cranked out delicious 3 course meals and patisserie worthy cakes from a domestic kitchen. I ate better on this trip that I have in posh hotels. The only downside was I didn't come back the svelte tanned alpine Adonis I'd hoped for.
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