Tour du Mont Blanc Week Trek

A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit

The Mont Blanc Circuit – also known as the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) – is deservedly one of the world’s classic walks, circumnavigating the highest mountain in western Europe. This exciting itinerary concentrates on some of the most spectacular sections, enabling us to produce a hard and exhilarating one-week trip for the trekking enthusiast who can pack lightly. Overnighting in family-run accommodation, we trek clockwise around the Mont Blanc massif, enjoying hearty local cuisine from three countries, phenomenal views and some of the best walking in Europe.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking profile: Our route is non-technical, although there is a short section with a fixed sloping ladder and metal footsteps to help traverse what would be a steeper section. Some days involve ascents of 3,000ft-4,000ft (900m-1,200m), equivalent to three to four hours walking uphill, followed by similar descents, amounting to eight to nine hours of walking each day (including rest stops and lunch).

Terrain: We take mountain paths throughout, so this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers. The paths are well maintained, but there are sections that are rough underfoot, sometimes with loose rocks, so you need to be confident in your footing and balance.

GPS measurements: All ascents, descents and distances listed have been measured by our local partner using satellite-based mapping software. Please note, GPS measuring devices can give differing results, especially in mountainous terrain and on winding paths. Measurements stated throughout these Trip Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group pace.

Fitness: As this is a group trip, you should be able to walk at a consistent, steady pace that matches the group average, allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease. You must carry your own gear with you (there is no vehicle support), but this need not weigh more than 17lb-22lb (8kg-10kg) if you pack carefully.

Opting out: If you cannot walk during the itinerary and want to opt out of a day, please note this can sometimes be a little tricky dependent on where on the circuit you are. To reach the next point you need to take a public bus (which runs at limited times) or taxi (which can be expensive in more remote locations). If you miss any part of the itinerary, any extra transport, hotel and food cost will be at your expense.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Switzerland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Switzerland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on Day 7 of the itinerary.

Typical meals

• Breakfast: Usually coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves.
• Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either shops or the hotel/refuge.
• Evening meal: Generally, a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.
• Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking.
• Vegans: You may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.

Weather

Expect fair weather from late June to early October, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and it can be surprisingly cold at times, particularly on the high passes. Expected daytime temperatures are:

• 15C-25C (59F-77F) in the valleys, although it can sometimes reach 30C (86F) in July/August
• 5C-15C (41F-59F) on the passes, though it will feel colder if wet and windy
• 5C-15C (41F-59F) in the valley at night, possibly a little lower early and late in the season

There is always the possibility of lying snow, especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September when we may find new snow on the passes. On late season treks (September), the days are shorter and we need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours.