- Spend a week hiking the most scenic trails on the Mont Blanc Circuit
- Join a small group guided by an International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge of the area
- Challenge yourself against cols and passes with glorious views along the way
- Experience three countries and cultures in one week: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Finish the adventure in Chamonix, a world-famous hub for mountain activities
Tour du Mont Blanc Week
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
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.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (hotel)
- Six days of trekking, carrying all your belongings for these days (no vehicle support)
- Light backpacking; some steep ascents/descents
- Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
- Countries visited: France, Italy, Switzerland
What's Included
- All breakfasts and six dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (not available)
- Visas or vaccinations
6 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately eight to nine hours’ walking per day
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Altitude maximum: 8,323ft (2,537m); average: 4,595ft (1,400m)
Day 2
18 km / 11.2 miles
Day 3
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 4
20 km / 12.4 miles
Day 5
19 km / 11.8 miles
Day 6
17 km / 10.6 miles
Day 7
16 km / 9.9 miles
Itinerary
Col de la Forclaz Chamonix
Adventure starts at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
Your adventure begins at the Hotel Col de la Forclaz. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to take a short, unguided walk to view the Trient Glacier.
Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.
Today you can split items between bags to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you.
Want more time? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz (or similar)
Follow the Bovine Route to the pretty village of Champex Lac and on to Orsières
We leave the Col de la Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) 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 (6,720ft/2,049m) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch, we descend to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m) and the east side of the Mont Blanc massif. Walking south, we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and onto Orsières (2,910ft/887m), a pretty alpine village in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Union (or similar)
Short bus transfer to La Fouly and climb to the highest point, Grand Col Ferret, and descend into Italy
We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which is 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 (8,320ft/2,537m), 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 (5,770ft/1,760m) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Trek from Val Veny over Col de la Seigne to Les Chapieux
We travel by bus to La Visaille (5,450ft/1,660m) 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 (8,250ft/2,516m), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally, after a long walking day, to Les Chapieux (5,100ft/1,553m), a small hamlet inhabited only during summer (on some departures, we stay in Bourg St Maurice, so need to take a private transfer to our accommodation).
Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova (or similar)
A tougher day over two cols; Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme; descend to Les Contamines
A morning transfer back to Les Chapieux, where we have 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 (8,130ft/2,479m), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft/2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (3,860ft/1,175m). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink.
Accommodation: Auberge Gelinotte (or similar)
Over the Col du Tricot to the Chamonix Valley
Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (5,120ft/1,560m), a great spot to sample home-cooked delicacies. From here, we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) 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 (5,420ft/1,652m) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (3,260ft/993m) and take the bus to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers (or similar)
Final day trekking past Lac Blanc 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 (7,715ft/2,352m) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route then drops sharply down to Chamonix (3,380ft/1,030m) and the end of our trek.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers (or similar)
Adventure ends in Chamonix
Invigorated after treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, La Forclaz 2, 1929 Trient
Phone: +41 27 722 26 88
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Geneva (GVA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 40min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel easily by taking a train from Geneva to Martigny then onwards by bus or taxi to the Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz. Tickets for this leg of the journey must be purchased locally at Geneva railway station or online here.
Alternatively, if arriving the evening before, you could spend the night in Chamonix and then be picked up by the group transfer in the early afternoon, as it passes through on the way to the start hotel.
You can reach Chamonix easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company – make sure to book at least a week before your departure date. A one-way transfer (shared with other travellers) costs from €46 for a flexible booking and €41 for a fixed booking with our partner Mountain Dropoffs. Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX for a €1.50 discount. Discounted rates apply to transfers taking place between 14 June and 15 September.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join this transfer. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (as above). Shared transfers are not available for flights departing Geneva before 9:30am – in this case you would need to request a private transfer with Mountain Drop-offs, which is considerably more expensive (from €295 one-way).
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Col de la Forclaz
Location end: Chamonix
Hotels and auberges
Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. For the uninitiated, an auberge is equivalent to an inn: modest accommodation (often in a rural setting) that provides a warm, welcoming place to stop for travellers and hikers.
Most of the properties in which we stay offer panoramic views over the Alps, while culturally reflecting the local community. Though most are relatively basic, all are clean, well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind, while acting as a vital source of income to the local people.
Worth knowing
- Room sizes are – twin, double, triple or quad. Facilities vary between accommodations and sometimes between rooms within a property.
- On one night, bathroom facilities may be on the landing rather than inside the room (dependent on availability and group size).
- Couples always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be a twin or double.
- Solo travellers maybe required to share twin, triple or quad rooms.
- We can’t accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact we are usually staying only one night in each property.
- Due to limited availability, occasionally we may need to change a hotel to one further down the valley, and will provide a bus or taxi transfer.
Reviews
Add your own reviewTour Of Mont Blanc Hike. A Dream Come To Reality
Our guide and group completed this awesome-inspiring adventure with joy, satisfaction and with memories that will last a lifetime.
Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the high point of every day. In particular reaching the Col De Tricot. Wild flowers lining the countless zigzags to reach the Col, with incredible views of the higher mountains on multiple sides and with a supportive group and leader.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eagle was a confident, resourceful, and king group who led our group and kept us going at a satisfactory pace that balanced the schedule with the physical abilities of our group, the personal preferences for enjoying the journey, landscape and food, and doing it with tactful and considerate guidelines for achieving our daily hike goals. I have only praise for Eagle, would recommend her to hikers from any level and would gladly journey with her at the next opportunity. She has incredible resilience, physical endurance, a fine sense of humor and always a thoughtful word for the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light, and then lighten your selections. Worry not about having all you might need but learn to make do with the bare minimum in your backpack. Simply focus on enjoying the hike itself by not being overly burdened. Ask for Egle as your guide!!!
Awesome holiday
A great week walking in the Alps, magnificent views, changing terrain, good company and food, pleasant accommodation and a very competent leader
Most Inspirational Moment
It was all great, with a new highlight everyday. Lac Blanc on the final day was magnificent but some of the quieter locations were also very special
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group leader was great, clearly a very competent mountaineer, with strong knowledge of the flora and fauna as well as the local terrain. Egle also had a great good humoured manner of keeping the group together whilst letting people find their pace.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Consider also the other variant TMB holidays that Exodus offer. This one is probably the toughest! Carrying all you kit in a backpack in hot weather is hard work, believe most of us wish we had packed lighter!
Do not miss this trip
A challenging, awe inspiring hike!
Cool evenings and unseasonably warm days in the valleys. Great friends made. Wildlife discovered. Windy cold and amazing summits. Fresh local produce and cheeses.
Most Inspirational Moment
Looking down on field after field of lush green pastures full of wild flowers and being surrounded by snow covered peaks, while hearing the streams rushing by and cow bells over the next ridge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Egle is exceptionally suited to lead groups through these mountains. She truly loves them and shared that love of the mountains with her group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take training for this hike very seriously. Be sure to practice ascents and even more descents on loose footing.
Challenging and Rewarding Trek
This was my first group trek and my first multi day hike. It was absolutely gorgeous and also very challenging at times. The scenery was stunning. Every day was very long with a lot of climbing and descending which came with some extremely rewarding views. There were 10 of us in the group and we all got along great. At the end of the day we all looked forward to a shower and sitting together having a beer before dinner.
Most Inspirational Moment
On the second to last day there is a 600m vertical to climb via switchbacks. It was hot and challenging but at the top we sat and enjoyed our lunch looking out over the valley and really just soaking in what we had accomplished. Then the hike continued along a ridge between a glacier and another valley. The entire day was just soul healing from the exertion from the climb and being surrounded by the natural beauty.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Egle was exceptional. She was extremely professional and had a very strong quiet leader approach. She could answer any questions that were posed to her about the wildlife, flowers, or landscape. She really let us have the hike each of us needed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Training for this trek is absolutely necessary. It is important to make sure you can enjoy the experience and not just get through it.
Challenging and so rewarding!
This was my first time on a group trip, and I signed up with a few friends. Loved everyone in the group, and meeting so many different people really added to my experience. The sections of the TBM are challenging and gorgeous. It is an incredible area of the world.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many, but the non-stop views, wildflowers, and wildlife spotting!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Egle was an excellent guide! I can't recommend her enough. All of us on the trip kept saying how her energy and knowledge really added to our experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Several of the days are straight up and then straight down, so train to be prepared for lots of elevation gain and loss. And pack light! We washed clothes in the sink each evening so we only needed two outfits.
Feedback about the tour
A very well arranged tour. Really beautiful mountains and landscapes. Some days were tough but inspiring and at the end a great sense of accomplishment and adventure.
Most Inspirational Moment
Crossing over from Switzerland into Italy over a beautiful pass and then again from Italy into France over another beautiful pass.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eagle. A very good and knowledgeable guide. Very professional and experienced person.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Travel light and use good quality shoes.
Beautiful week in the Alps!
I booked this trip last minute to join my mum and cousin and I have no regrets! It was an amazing week of trekking in the most glorious scenery, with an utterly lovely bunch of people. I spent lots of time in the Alps as a child, so this trip was not only nostalgic but also brought me to brand-new places. It was definitely a challenging week but in the best way possible. We were very lucky to have Mariá as our guide, he was generous, kind and patient with us all, sharing his extensive knowledge of the mountains, ecology and wildlife along the way and making us all feel part of the team. The accommodation and food were amazing, despite my awkward dietary requirements, each hotel was a delight in its own way and offered far more comfort than I was expecting. I left the week feeling heart-full and accomplished. What more could you ask for. I highly recommend this trip!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mariá was a brilliant guide, he showed consistent care for each member of the group, patience and kindness throughout. He was great company and shared his extensive knowledge along the way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack light, wear in your boots and size up a little to avoid blisters, embrace the grind uphill, the views are worth it!
Amazing, challenging and rewarding
We’ve just returned from this trip and it was amazing. The views are stunning on this trip, Maria was our guide and he was just great. He got us safely round, motivated us when we needed it and was a pleasure to spend time with. The lodges are great, there’s towels and shower gel provided. Some had hairdryers but not all. After a days trekking it was great to have a few drinks and a nice meal with the group, we did the pack ups just for easiness which were pricier but good, there were more options for buying your own stuff the second half of the trek. We ended up with 8kg in our bags and we had everything we needed, packing lightly is the key as you’ve also got water and pack up to carry! Fitness wise it’s a hard but doable trip, the fitter you are the more you’ll enjoy it, the uphills are a slog but the views are worth it. We personally found walking poles a necessity, they saved my joints a lot especially on the downhills. We had a few dips in the rivers but just in our walking gear, it was cold but very refreshing at the end of the day! The last two nights we spent in Chamonix and it was great to have your spare bag for fresh clothes and a few little luxury’s. Highly recommend this trip, if your in doubt just book it, Exodus are a great company to travel with, thanks again Maria for being a great guide!
Most Inspirational Moment
The views on the high passes are just stunning! Finishing everyday feeling like you’ve accomplished something.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Maria was just brilliant, he had the right level of letting us get on with it and managing us when we needed it. He was friendly, personable, funny, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around. We had some lovely evenings with him, he was great with anyone that was struggling and went above and beyond to help them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack lightly, follow the trip notes for what you need. Walking poles helped massively. The pack ups are pricier but nice, bed your boots in, take blister plasters if in doubt!
Tour du Mont Blanc Week-Sept 2023
The most epic adventure of my life! Booking and traveling with Exodus was so easy. The communication and responsiveness by the agents was so very helpful in planning my trip. The packing and training tips provided were extremely helpful also. The spectacular views were non-stop. The accommodations were lovely and comfortable and our guide, Hristian, was an absolute rockstar!
Most Inspirational Moment
The views were spectacular and inspirational every day but the defining moment for me was the 5th day ascent to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. It was the longest and most difficult climb of the trip and making it to the top was a defining moment for me personally. All of the people in my group were supportive of each other the whole entire week and some life long friends were made.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We could not have asked for a better group leader. Hristian was knowledgeable about the area, the terrain, each day's challenges, the history and so much more. His extensive experience was very evident and comforting. His friendly, calm demeanor made everyone feel comfortable and he made sure to keep the pace suitable to everyone in the group. Hris truly went over and above for me and the others in the group. The best example is when he carried the packs of 2 of us so that we could make the final cable car of the day down on day 5! His ever present smile and his sense of humor made my experience one I will never forget! Our group became a family for the week and we can thank Hris for that!
Advice for Potential Travellers
TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN!! Follow the training guidelines at a minimum and do not pack or plan to carry anything that is not absolutely essential for the 6 days. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the people and the scenery that surround you every day!
A superb week in three countries
This is a great trip hiking through three countries and experiencing the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We had a great guide – Augustine – who led us safely through all the hikes. We had variable weather – but this was fine. However, come prepared for all weathers, even in the height of summer. The walking is quite challenging and the fitter you are, the more the walks will be enjoyed. Make sure you come with spending money – and Swiss francs are useful for the first couple of days in Switzerland, even though the trip notes say euros are fine (you’ll get a better deal with francs). Switzerland is, obviously, more expensive than Italy and France. Self-catering for packed lunches is quite easy, with local shops etc. If you buy packed lunches, they are over-priced, although generally very good. Included breakfasts and dinners are, overall, excellent. Accommodation – very comfortable and fit for purpose. The hotel in Forclaz, on day one, is the least impressive. Some trip notes details are not as accurate as they could be. This is a superb walking trip through a beautiful area of Europe. It is well worth the expense.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in stunning locations and feeling humbled - too many to mention!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent - Augustine clearly loves his job and this was obvious from day 1 to departure day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take sufficient spending money in euros and some francs, too. Make sure you have enough warm clothes, as well as waterproofs. I recommend a pair of slippers/sandals in your day pack for evening wear. Make sure your walking boots/shoes are supportive and very comfortable. And - enjoy it!
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Saturday Saturday
19 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 3 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 4 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Availability Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 638 €Now 2 460 €Saving 178 € Usually 2 638 €Now Saving 178 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
27 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026
Saturday Saturday
18 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026
Saturday Saturday
01 Aug 2026 01 Aug 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
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Tour du Mont Blanc Week
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from