|
|
The Alps: Tour du Mont Blanc
If there's a Mecca for hikers, it must be the Alps, with the famous "Tour du Mont Blanc," the circuit of Western Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc (15,771'), as the centerpiece. This incredible journey - one of the world's classic treks - ambles through an ever-changing panorama of dramatic glaciers, crenellated peaks, and heaven-reaching spires masquerading as Gothic cathedrals. Along the way you'll be hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland, each with its own distinctive flair and language (you'll soon learn the essential trailside phrases: bonjour, buon giorno, and gruetzi!).
Our experienced mountain guides bring a wonderful dimension of history, geology, and local color to every aspect of the trip. After a vigorous day hiking glacial ridges and rocky moraines, you'll welcome the creature comforts of quaint mountain inns and comfortable hotels - all featuring excellent meals and great local wines. It's not surprising that this is one of our most popular trips in Europe.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Tour du Mont Blanc - the Classic 10-day circuit of the Mont Blanc massif is a "must-do" for every mountain hiker
- Three countries, three cultures, three cuisines - all on one great trip!
- Take in views of spectacular peaks and glaciers every single day
- Charming hotels and fine dining, including gourmet picnic lunches featuring regional specialties
Note: For a nine-day version of this trip (six days hiking), check out our Mont Blanc Express itinerary. Between these two trips, there's surely a date to fit your summer schedule!
Check out our Mont Blanc Feature. Slideshows, stories, facts, and more.
|
Itinerary: Hiking the Mont Blanc Circuit
Day 1 - Meet in Geneva, Switzerland. Transfer to the mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France.
Day 2 - Hiking in Chamonix for spectacular views of the Mer de Glace (second largest glacier in the Alps), the Drus, and the Grandes Jorasses.
Days 3-4 - Enjoy fabulous views of the north face and glaciers of Mont Blanc while hiking to Les Contamines, a traditional unspoiled French village with picturesque wooden chalets and fine old churches.
Days 5-6 - Hike into Italy via grassy trails and old Roman roads, crossing three passes en route.
Day 7 - A hike with remarkable views of Mont Blanc, which appears Himalayan in scale - the mountain rising in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit 10,000 feet above.
Day 8 - Cross the Grand Col Ferret (8,300') into Switzerland. Descend to La Fouly (5,280'), then transfer to Les Champex.
Days 9-10 - Hike high above the Rhône Valley, then follow an old smuggler's path to the Col de Balme (7,188') and the border with France. Great views of the Mont Blanc massif with the Chamonix Valley stretched out below.
Day 11 - From Le Col De Montets (4,800') we will hike to Les Cheserys (7,130'), enjoying views of the Le Tour and Argentiere glaciers, and all the Mont Blanc range. Descend to Chamonix.
Day 12 - Return to Geneva and depart.
Detailed Itinerary - The Alps: Tour du Mont Blanc
Detailed Itinerary - The Alps: Tour du Mont Blanc
For more information and reservations, please contact:
Mountain Travel Sobek
1266 66th Street, Suite 4
Emeryville, CA 94608
1-510-594-6000 or
Toll Free 1-888-831-7526 (USA & Canada)
Additional International Toll Free Numbers
Fax: 1-510-594-6001
Email: info@mtsobek.com
Photo Credits
©Tara Starr-Keddle (MTS staff)
©Anne Wood (MTS staff)
|
|