Most Inspirational Moment
The one day off when I went walking alone and could go at my own pace.
Reviews
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Reviews
I would not recommend this trip if ...
I would not recommend this trip if you are planning on travelling alone, if you are a light sleeper, if you value a sense of freedom, or if you are hoping for any form of relaxation during your holiday.
With one notable exception, Exodus seems to have chosen the cheapest and nastiest “hotels”. They were mostlly rather scuzzy and cramped, which is not very pleasant if you are sharing with one or more complete strangers. Several of them were also right next to busy roads and one just above the motorway leading to the Mont Blanc tunnel, making it all but impossible to sleep. I spent the whole trip sleep deprived, which was not helped by the early starts, in spite of the fact that, when I enquired prior to booking, Exodus had assured me that breakfast was normally at 8.00 am on the hotel trip. Because of the daily morning rush it wasn’t exactly a holiday.
The leader was good, but could have dispensed with the unnecessary morning group exercises in favour of an extra 20 minutes in bed. The exercises were apparently supposed to alleviate the stress of the hectic morning starts, but in fact just increased stress levels by adding another item to the list of things to do in the morning before getting walking. The group members were lovely, but of very mixed ages and fitness levels, meaning that the pace was extremely slow. Personally, I did not feel at all challenged by the ascents because of this slow pace. I appreciate that, on a group trip, the overall pace has to be that of the slowest member, but I would have enjoyed the trip much more if the pace had been more flexible and I had been able to walk a little faster at least some of the time. It seems that the enjoyment of faster members of the group was sacrificed to that of the slower.
Except for one challenging river crossing, owing to heavy rain over a couple of days, the walking is not at all difficult, so, if you are a reasonably experienced hill walker with some time to organise the trip yourself, I would recommend going it alone rather than through Exodus. I wish I had done so myself. The mountains are beautiful – it’s just a pity I couldn’t enjoy them to the full. Personally, I won’t be booking with Exodus again.
Tour du Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
This trek coupled with excellent weather and brilliant company, ranks as one of the most enjoyable adventure tours we have undertaken in the past 10 years. It was challenging at times, and the days were usually long, but that first ice cold beer never tasted better. Constantly changing scenery, beautiful flowers and butterflies makes for a photographer’s paradise. Our advice if you love walking in stunning scenery is to do the trip while you can, the sense of achievement for us was as satisfying as completing Kilimanjaro.
Most Inspirational Moment
The final days walking to the high point at Brevent was long, but the culmination of two weeks of arduous trekking, realising you’ve achieved your goal, standing at the top taking in the spectacular views, with a bunch of strangers who had now become your best buddies, makes for a fabulous experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
You just couldn’t get a more knowledgeable, understanding or thoughtful guide than Peter. He was relaxed yet in full control, helping and encouraging where needed, nothing phased him at all. His lunchtime picnics were a culinary highlight of the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Apprehensive of the walking grade at altitude we did train quite a bit, probably not as much as we should have done due to leading normal busy lives, but if you’re a regular walker and are used to putting the hours in, you will be fine. It goes without saying to get your kit sorted out and bedded in beforehand, there isn’t much time once you’re underway, but bring Compeed in any case, as even the most comfortable boots and socks can play up after 10hrs plus day after day. Also pack light as there are plenty of opportunities to rinse out and dry trekking gear.
Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
Absolutely fantastic trek. With only two exceptions we had beautiful weather for the whole trip even though the forecast had been varied. The grading of challenging / moderate was spot on and at times it felt tough but the spectacular scenery all around and the sense of achievement more than compensated for the harder parts. Loved every minute of it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the Col De Tricot! Cow bells clanging in flower filled meadows, Glaciers that felt that they were within in touching distance.. sunshine lighting up snow covered peaks... myrtle tarts at the refuges... Actually there were so many fantastic moments that it is hard to differentiate but getting to the top of the Col was pretty special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paul kept us organised and safe, he made sure that all the group achieved their goals and we all learned a lot about wild flowers and trees!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do the trip.. Make sure that you have a reasonable level of fitness, it isn't easy walking but it is doable and the rewards are worth it. It's one of the best treks that I've done. Don't take too much clothing, there really isn't any need to 'dress up' in the evenings although you might want something clean for the free days unless you are planning on walking then too. Thermal Spa at St Gervais was a lovely distraction on one free day and good for soothing aching joints.
Tour de Mont Blanc Hotel Trek
We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip even though the terrain could be hard work at times.
Most Inspirational Moment
Being able to complete the Tour and feel proud of the accomplishment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nick Draper was an excellent leader. He looked after the group and made sure everyone was coping ok. He has an excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna and was happy to point things out.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do follow the advice in the trip notes and on the website to make sure that you have a reasonable state of fitness. Do make sure that you take walking poles as these are essential for manoeuvring up and down the trails.
Tour Du Mont Blanc
This is a fairly strenuous trek through the amazing setting of the Alps, but with a little bit of fitness preparation it’s well within most peoples capability. Our group age ranged from early 50s to 70 and we all finished. Each days walking started at about 08.30 and finished between 16.00-17.00. There was plenty of oportunity to stop and admire the ever changing views and have rest breaks at the mountain refuges where food and drink was always available. At times ascents and descents were quite steep but these were to be expected, ( we were in the Alps after all). As a group we gelled together well which resulted in a couple of apres trek beers each day before dinner. The food and accomodation were first rate, don’t expect to lose any weight on this trek the foods to good and there’s plenty off it. Overall I can’t recommend this trip highly enough if walking is your thing.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ever changing views opening up in front of me were just amazing, resulting in no sooner did I put my camera away than it had to come out again. Also whilst I was there the UTMB was taking place, and to see people running the 170km mountain route I was wakling just left me with a feeling awe (this years winner did it in 22hours, I took 10 days)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Nick was an easy going guide, who set a pace to achieve the each days trek in a realistic time. He was knowledgeable about the area and regularly pointed out and named peaks, plants and local history. I'd be very happy to be led by Nick again on future treks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being super fit is not necessary but improving fitness prior to doing this trek would just make it easier and more enjoyable With regards to kit, good comfortable shoes/boots are essential, and your knees and ankles will thank you for using walking poles. Drink plenty of water, a hydration bladder in your backpack encourages this.
Trekking the TMB
This was honestly one of my most incredible adventures yet, executed in a flawless and brilliant manner by Exodus. It fulfilled all of my expectations, from amazing diverse scenery (majestic mountains, valleys, forests and woodlands) to great food and company.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were several inspirational moments, but the best would have to be tackling the 1.5 km ascent on the last trekking day without breaking too much of a sweat. It really showed me how far I had come in terms of both mental strength and fitness, over the two weeks! Also, being constantly surrounded by mountains is itself a very humbling and spiritual experience, one that has driven me to pursue mountain hiking/trekking!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had the privilege of having both Frank and John as our tour guides. Both were excellent; I really appreciated John's helpful advice on walking techniques along with the extremely doable pace he employed during the most challenging trekking days.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would recommend a few weeks of hill walking/general fitness training prior to undertaking this trek. Almost every day is a challenge in its own right and prior training will ensure a more enjoyable experience. In saying that, I think that body learns to adapt to the increased load and you definitely shouldn't feel stressed if you're not the fittest during the first few days!
Enjoyed every min of the experience
It was physically challenged going up and down. But at every turn the scenery was magnificent, that added extra “air” to your lungs…
The hotels were good, and the food was great.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finishing the whole loop, without skipping any sections. And. Interaction with the group members.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leader was great. Good organizer, and preparing great lunches. However, I would like her to pay a little more attention, that 1/3 of the group were faster walkers, following her, and the rest of the group a little slower, after walking for an hour we will be about 100-200 m behind. Twice the front group "disappeared" and we had to look for the trail. Sometimes we were rushed to catc a bus, walking quickly on rough terrain, it was not so safe to do that. And when we arrived at the bus station, we were left with 45 min to wait for the bus ( that was on time as scheduled)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared. Eat & drink a lot of water, And walk slowly...specially on accents.
TMB Hotel Trek
If there is one trek you do in Europe, it has to be this one. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic. Stunning scenery, 3 countries in 2 weeks, great walking and the chance to really stretch the legs! No two days are the same as each walk has different terrain and views. I was there in early July and the wildflowers were amazing throughout.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the top of the Col Ferret in a snow storm was a highlight for me, and watching the clouds clear as we descended the other side. Actually, making it to the top of all the cols we climbed was pretty impressive! But most inspiring for me was meeting the other people in my group. There was only 5 of us but we all got along really well and each one was an inspiration to me in different ways!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Frank was brilliant. He knows the TMB so well having done it many times. He was very thorough in advising us what to expect each day and understood the ability of our group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't under estimate this trek - it is challenging! There are some big ascents and descents so fitness is important. It is worth getting a few practise walks in before you go. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. We got a bit of everything! Sun, rain and snow. Take layers and a good waterproof. I would also recommend a good pair of walking boots with ankle support as some of the trails are rocky.
Tour Mont Blanc Hotel
This trip was everything as advertised and more. It was a challenging hike on some days, but the views were worth the effort.
Most Inspirational Moment
The final day while sitting in the chalet at the top of the mountain sipping hot chocolate and being serenaded by a young lad with a guitar.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kim was a great leader and was very responsive to each individual's quirks.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Refer to the trip notes for what to pack. It is very accurate and while a fleece may seem not to be needed when the weather is sunny and warm it proved to worn when the weather turned to cold and snow - in July!
Tour du Mont Blanc - hotel / Colin Courtney
Exactly as described in the trip notes. Great walking and wonderful to experience different cultures as we moved from France to Switzerland to Italy and back to France. I have trekked the Inca trail, the Everest region and the Atlas mountains. This is up there with all of them, a truly iconic trek.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to pick out one but if I had to then the last day of walking which was probably the most challenging, when we reached Brevent. The views, knowing I had completed the trek in one piece and the feeling of satisfaction.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Frank was just superb. In a quiet and calm manner, he weighed up the groups capabilities over the first few days, got us bonding together as a group, set a pace to satisfy everyone's needs and yet allowed sufficient freedom for those who wanted to stretch their legs at a faster pace on occasions. And he still found time to keep us well watered and fed! Also a walking encylopaedia of the the history of the mountains.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes - several times. There is a lot of very useful information in there, especially on the degree of fitness required.