Itinerary Expand all Fly to Geneva; transfer to Col de la Forclaz. From Geneva airport we transfer to the start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you. Hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Col de la Forclaz. Start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you. Hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Follow Bovine Route to the pretty village of Champex Lac and on to Orsières. We leave the Col de la Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season) the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch we descend to Champex (1486m – 4880ft) and the east side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Walking south we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Orsières (887m – 2910ft), a pretty alpine village nestled in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass. Hotel in Orsières (Switzerland). 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 730m – 2400ft up, 1300m – 4260ft down Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Short bus transfer to La Fouly and climb to the highest point (2536m), Grand Col Ferret, and descend into Italy. We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (1600m 5250ft) dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still following the valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb steadily to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called 'Val Ferret' (1760m – 5770ft ) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud. Hotel in La Palud (Italy). 7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Trek from Val Veny over Col de la Seigne to Les Chapieux (1549m). We travel by bus to La Visaille (1,660m – 5450ft) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today’s pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2,516m – 8250ft), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally after a long walking day to Les Chapieux (1,553m – 5100ft), a small hamlet inhabited only during the summer months. Auberge in Les Chapieux. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 870m – 2840ft up, 970m – 3180ft down Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 A tougher day over two cols; Croix du Bonhomme (2443m) and Col du Bonhomme (2329m); descend to Les Contamines. By now we have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m – 8130ft), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (1,175m – 3860ft). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink. Auberge in Les Contamines. 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 930m – 3050ft up, 1340m – 4400ft Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Over the Col du Tricot to the Chamonix Valley. Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m – 5120ft), a great spot to sample some home cooked delicacies. From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2,119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m - 5420ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (993m 3260ft) and take the bus to our hotel. Hotel in Chamonix.8.5 hours walking time including lunch and breaks etc. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Final day trekking past Lac Blanc (2352m) before descending to Chamonix. Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route will then drop sharply down to Chamonix (1,030m) and the end of our trek. Hotel in Chamonix. 8 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 900m – 2950ft up, 1330m – 4370ft down Meals included: Breakfast To Geneva; fly to London. End Chamonix. Transfer to Geneva airport. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Chamonix. Following breakfast we say our goodbyes. Meals included: Breakfast
Hotels & Inns Throughout the trek we use long-established family run 2 and 3-star (equivalent) hotels and inns. Most of the hotels/inns sit in stunning locations often with panoramic vistas over the mountains and culturally represent the countries and environment they are in. These hotels are a vital source of income to the local community. All are clean and well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind. Single rooms not available Please be aware that room sizes (twin, double or very occasionally triple or quadruple rooms) and facilities will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room within one property and occasionally there may be bunkbeds. On 4 of the nights facilities are en suite whilst the others have the possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and toilet facilities 'on the landing'. Couples will always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be twin or double. Single clients must be prepared to share with one or occasionally two or three other members of the same sex. We are unable to accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact that we are usually staying only one night in each property. On day 4, due to limited availability, it is very rare, but occasionally, necessary to sleep in dormitories. If this is the case we will endeavour to let you know before booking.
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Reviewed September 2019 Stephen kemp Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week A fantastic way to spend a week. Not easy but very rewarding,especially at my age.the ascents were steady and the views fantastic,but the descents were relentless so some training pays dividends.The accommodation was good as was the food.Our guide was superb having to cope with people who walk at different paces is not easy,as everybody has to be kept as safe as possible .Finally the people in the group were fantastic ,very supportive,willing to share food and medical supplies and the evenings were a riot of humour .Cannot wait to go on another trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Having sleet and snow on the first day made the views on the second day even better as the peaks were covered in fresh snow as was the Grand Col Ferret,The group made the trip unforgettable,really good company. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide did a great job ,she had time for everybody and spent a lot of time encouraging the slower members of the group without fussing.Her knowledge and organisation were very good so we got to breakfast on time and started our walking on time.She also had a great sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do some training if you are not hill walking regularly.You will manage the ascents but the descent are long and really give the leg joints some stress.Walking poles certainly helped .Take a small lightweight camera,i took an DSLR and hardly used it ,it was easier to use the phone camera which took good photos. Is there anything else you would like to add? To have such a diverse range of people in the group really made it for me ,i learnt so much about what other people do.I shall never forget forget this holiday.
Reviewed September 2019 Paul Treasure Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Great guide, great company, great trip A fantastic trip. Everything I hoped for and more with a great bunch of fellow travellers and a patient, tolerant and lovely guide (Egle) What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Crossing the many cols in snow and sun, rain and wind. Cold beers at the end and the enjoyable banter! What did you think of your group leader? Egle was excellent. Patient and good humoured at all times Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack light but take at least three pairs of socks! Yes you can wash them but we found they didn't dry overnight. Synthetic t shirts are a must. Don't forget fresh clothes for Chamonix. Do take gloves and hats. We had snow! For the same reason good boots essential. Is there anything else you would like to add? Budget approximately 150 Euro in cash per person unless you like drinking water only.... More if you're fond of beer and wine! No need for Swiss francs
Reviewed September 2019 Anna-Maria Veckman Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Excellent trip I loved this hiking holiday!! We had some serious hiking on this trip. Long days, some days with really high mileage and good ascent. Our hike leader was excellent, she really knew the area very well and was extremely helpful with practical tips throughout the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational moment was realisation of doing all that ascent to reach the top of the mountain
Reviewed August 2019 Tom King Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week A Brilliant Week of Hiking! This was great trip - we continually had spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding area. There was a relatively consistent amount of trekking each day but it never felt like a chore. The hiking routes were well thought out and you were never too far from a mountain coffee shop for a well deserved rest. Our guide Egle was excellent and really made the holiday a lot of fun! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to choose just one but the passes over from Switzerland to Italy and then Italy into France were phenomenal. The last day hiking around the Chamonix valley was also amazing with clear views of Mont Blanc. What did you think of your group leader? Spending a week with Egle was a real treat. She was knowledgeable, fun and looked after the group brilliantly. She really made the holiday and brought the group together. 10 out of 10. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Plan to make your hiking bag as light as possible, its weight will make real difference to the enjoyment of the hiking. You also do not need to carry gallons of water - there are fairly regular opportunities to refill each day. Is there anything else you would like to add? The breakfast buffets provide a great opportunity to make a nice lunch but I'd recommend bringing some snacks along from home as there are not a lot of opportunities for food shopping.
Reviewed July 2018 Emily Merrick Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week The Alps Are Wonderful We have always wanted to hike the Mont Blanc Circuit, but didn't want to hike it alone. We wanted to go with an international group as we love meeting new people, especially from outside the US. Our group members were funny and interesting, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people. And the mountains! This trip does a great job of giving you the highlights of the circuit. I'd highly recommend it and do it again. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hiking from Switzerland into Italy over the Grand Col Ferret was one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen. What did you think of your group leader? Peter M. was kind, knowledgeable, and a delight as a human being. He dealt with some difficult situations with humor and grace. His knowledge of the Alps and trekking was vast. He managed the snowy portion of the route with excellent guidance and advice. I feel my hiking is much improved over that type of terrain, which previously scared me. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We are very physically active and hike a lot in our home state of Colorado and still found the hikes challenging. The elevation gain and loss each day are significant. Also, these are long days on your feet, so bring dependable hiking boots. When Exodus recommends that you bring specific gear, I'd heed their advice as you'll need it. I'd also try to pack as light as possible.
Reviewed September 2017 Rachel Harrison Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week A superb trip with breathtaking views..... This is a superb trip. Fitness tested but did improve as the week went on. A "fast and light" way to achieve the Tour du Mont Blanc with only a weeks leave. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Many thanks Exodus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking down into Orzieres and finding our quirky little hotel with a friendly manager and lovely food. A beer in the local cafe rounded off the day. Waking up in Italy to bright blue skies and phenomenal views that we hadn't seen the day before. The coffee in the refuges was a highlight and a welcome pit stop. This is a challenging trek and completing each day left you tired but happy (and nursing the odd blister!) What did you think of your group leader? Nick was an excellent leader with extensive alpine knowledge. He looked after the group well, altered plans as required and kept us entertained! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Travel light! The hardest bit is carrying 10 kgs on your back. You really do not need much. I managed to wash a tee shirt and trousers and they dried (just) overnight. If your feet are at all vulnerable, protect heels and toes with tape (zinc oxide/kinesio tape - learnt from my fellow travellers) as walking with open blisters can be very challenging! Is there anything else you would like to add? Excellent trip. Made all the more fun by a really great group of people who got on well and supported each other.
Reviewed September 2017 Claire Swarbrick Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Tour Du Mont Blanc Week Great people and beautiful scenery on a challenging but very enjoyable trip. Shame about the poor Exodus admin prior to the trip and the failure of any Exodus representative to meet us upon arrival at the airport (as promised). What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Just being in the mountains with such magnificent views. What did you think of your group leader? There were 11 in the group and only 1 leader. At times the leader seemed oblivious to the fact that some members of the group had fallen so far behind that they could no longer be seen. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack light! Is there anything else you would like to add? It was a wonderful trip but I was quite disappointed in the service provided by Exodus as I had heard many good things about the company and this was my first time on an Exodus adventure. One of the ladies on the trip arrived at the airport to find that she hadn't been booked on to her flight and had to make last minute arrangements herself. This has put me off travelling with Exodus again
Reviewed September 2017 Mark Thompson Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Great exercise, top food and an excellent guide The Tour surpassed my expectations. The days can be long and the climbs can go on, but it's worth it for the incredible views, excellent food and the stories and jokes along the way. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Dropping from Switzerland into France and having an espresso next to a glacier. Stunning. What did you think of your group leader? Nick was excellent. He knew the name of just about everything we pointed at - and we did a lot of 'what's that' pointing! He was also excellent at describing the regions' nuances and accommodating requests. With a relatively large group, you're going to have people of different abilities and fitness levels. Nick did a great job of making sure everyone remained part of the group while letting some people have moments to run off on their own or have a breather. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack light. You don't need that extra t-shirt. Just take a bottle of travel detergent and use the sinks and showers to refresh your clothes. After 30 minutes walking you're going to be sweaty anyway!
Reviewed September 2017 Mark Hooper Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Fantastic week! Fantastic week! The whole week was brilliant from start to finish, the hotels were cosy and welcoming. The food was lovely especially the surprising stops that were sometimes at the top of a col. The scenary was beautiful, we especially loved seeing the snow capped peaks! We were very lucky to have a small group and we got on very well. We also had amazing weather, sunny everyday! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Everyday was so different, we loved seeing the differences when walking through Switzerland, Italy and France. The final day views of Mont Blanc were spectacular! What did you think of your group leader? Rupert was a great leader, he was so knowledgable and passionate about the trip. He always made sure everyone was happy and okay. We especially enjoyed his games and local knowledge of where to get the best cheese from! He really did go above and beyond! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Pack lightly as you do need to carry everything and you can wash things in the evening. Most hotels have shampoo and shower gel so you don't need to carry much. You have two nights in the same hotel at the end so you can take extra clothes for those nights. Is there anything else you would like to add? Absolutely loved this trip, was one of the best holidays that we have had!
Reviewed August 2017 Barbara Rausch Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Week Tour du Mt.Blanc As a newcomer to Exodus travels I was pleasantly surprised how well structured and organised this trip was. The team John B. (our intrepid hike leader) and Emily S.( camp organizer and chef par excellence )was exceptional with their cheerful ,easy going approach yet professional on every level.I so appreciated the smiles and jokes- even in adverse weather conditions . Their engagement made this tour through this magnificent landscape even more memorable.Thanks again to both !! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? To experience the peace in magnificent surroundings and the friendship of like minded people. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was at all times aware and attentive. He is very knowledgeable and was helpful in all questions that came up. John made the hike enjoyable in knowing when to motivate and lead by example with a cheerful calmness. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Have clothing for all seasons and try to swim in some of the pristine lakes ! Is there anything else you would like to add? I will use Exodus in the future ,
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