Alps Tour de Monte Rosa Trek Tour
Circle Europe's Second-Highest Peak
- Available: July-September
- Activity: Level 5
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
6-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Circumnavigate Monte Rosa, Europe's second-highest peak, on one of our most challenging treks!
- Be rewarded with spectacular alpine scenery including views of Mont Blanc and Cervino, Italy's Matterhorn
- Relax in charming family-run hotels and cap your journey in Zermatt, renowned for its gemutlichtkeit, warm hospitality
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva & Head to Saas-Almagell
Day 1
Welcome to Switzerland! Arrive at Geneva International Airport, where you will be met by your MT Sobek guide for a transfer to the resort town of Saas-Almagell near Saas-Fee. Sitting at 6,004 feet, this pretty alpine town marvels at the magnificent amphitheater of peaks like Dom, Allalinhorn, Alpubel, and their glaciers. In late afternoon, gather with the group for an orientation followed by dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Kristall Saphir
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Warm-Up Hikes Around Saas-Fee
Day 2
Spend the day hiking the trails around Saas-Fee to help you to acclimatize to the altitude. Depending on the weather, enjoy a tram ride to take in the views of Passo del Moro (which you will conquer the next day) or hike the lower trail around Saas Valley and spot wildlife like deer and chamois. The trip participants who wish to take it easy for the day can unwind at the hotel or explore the enchanting Walser culture and architecture on their own.
Accommodation: Hotel Kristall Saphir
Activity: 3-5 miles/ 5-7 hours optional hiking (hikes vary on this day)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Soar to Monte Moro Pass & Discover the Walser Culture
Day 3
Along the shores of Stausee Mattmark Lake, walk to the Walser Trail that ascends over rocky outcrops to the highest point of the day, Monte Moro Pass, at 9,500 feet. Step into the Italian Piedmont and gape at the 16-foot golden statue of Mary of the Snow, and Monte Rosa's imposing 6,000-foot rock wall at the head of Valle Anzasca. After a light lunch at 9,173 feet, descend by tram to Staffa/Macugnaga and visit the Walser museum, dedicated to a culture known for its unique language and ingenious architecture.
Accommodation: Zumstein Hotel
Activity: 5 miles/4.5 hours hiking with a maximum elevation gain of 2,294'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Scenic Passo el Turlo
Day 4
After transferring to the trailhead in the town of Borca, hike up well-maintained mule paths to the Passo del Turlo at 8,981 feet. Along the way, pass the Fairies Lake, brooks and waterfalls like La Pissa, and keep an eye out for ibexes and marmots. Weather permitting, savor a picnic at the pass. Descend 5,000 feet into the village of Alagna Valsesia, taking in the views of the soaring summits of Corno Nero (14,392'), Punta Parrot (14,772'), and Punta Gnifetti (15,165') along the way.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterosa
Activity: 15 miles/8.5-9 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 5,001' and loss of 5,078'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tackle Colle d'Olen, the Highest Pass of Trek
Day 5
Hike through gorgeous wildflower fields and a string of charming hamlets - Follu, Scarpia, and Pianmisura. Skirt the Sasso del' Diavolo rock ('Devil's Stone'), then tackle a steep trail to Colle d'Olen pass, at 9,594 feet. The highest point of the tour showcases astounding views of ibexes grazing below the pass. After lunch, follow along a dirt road down to the delightful village of Gressoney-La-Trinité, where, if time permits, you can visit the Walser Cultural Center. Bid farewell to Piedmont and say hello to Valle D'Aosta.
Accommodation: Jolanda Sport Hotel & Spa
Activity: 12 miles/9 hours hiking an elevation gain of 5,822' and loss of 4,265'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at Mont Blanc from Colle del Pinter Pass
Day 6
From the postcard-pretty Gressoney Valley over wildflower pastures dotted with farmhouses, venture to the Colle del Pinter pass at 9,247 feet. Savor a picnic on a backdrop of three glorious peak, the Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, and the Dent d'Hèren. As you descend into the Walser hamlet of Cuneaz, marvel at the Italian side of the Matterhorn, the Breithorn, and Monte Rosa massif. Relax overnight in the quaint Champoluc, a village where the Walser people have blended in harmoniously with the local culture.
Accommodation: Hotel Castor
Activity: 12 miles/8 hours hiking with elevation gain of 4,585' and loss of 3,680'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascend to Col de Nana & See Cervino, the Italian Matterhorn
Day 7
Transfer to the Alpe di Nana Alta trailhead and start hiking over dirt roads and alpine trails to the Col de Nana pass at 9,241 feet. Descend along the Colle di Croux route - an adventure filled with resplendent views of Cervino, the Italian side of Matterhorn, and the stunning series of peaks beside it. Refresh with a beverage in the hamlet of Cheneil, then embark on the final but steep and forested descent to Valtournenche, one of the most popular resorts in the Val d'Aosta region.
Accommodation: Hotel Tourist
Activity: 11.5 miles/6.5 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 1,935' and loss of 4,243'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Savor Fantastic Vistas of Monte Rosa & Stay in Zermatt
Day 8
Transfer to the popular ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, and hop on a gondola up to the 11,588-foot Plateau Rosa panoramic point in the midst of the Monte Rosa glaciated peaks. Meet up with a licensed glacier guide for the grand finale, and cross the untouched Theodul Glacier to Trockner Stegg peak. Descend to Füri and take the tram into Zermatt. Spend the rest of the day exploring the idyllic car-free town of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Activity: 2.5 miles/1.5 hours glacier crossing and 2 miles/1.5 hours hiking with an elevation loss of 5,381'
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Geneva
Day 9
After a transfer to Geneva International Airport, say goodbye to your trip leader and fellow travelers. Flights departing on this day should be scheduled after 1pm.
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- Jul 15 - 23, 2023$5,595 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
- Aug 26 - Sep 03, 2023$5,595 price per person dbl occ+$700 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Choose from the selection of dates below for your group or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
8 to 9 guests from $5,795 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Laurent Langoisseur
Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.
Florence Simond
A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area's oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, "Flo" spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.
Beatrice Mugnier
Beatrice is a native of Chamonix, France, and has been guiding professionally in the Alps since 1989. She comes from a family of mountain climbers and her grandfather was also a professional mountain guide. Aside from being an expert hiking guide, Beatrice is also an avid climber and accomplished skier, and is a ski instructor during the winter months. She loves the mountains and will share her enthusiasm and in-depth experience with you during your trip.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. Challenging hikes from 5 to 9 hours a day at a slow to moderate pace, up and down mountain trails that are steep and rocky, and at elevations of up to 9,787 feet. Ascents and descents exceed 5,000 feet, with no assistance from trains or lifts. To enjoy this experience, you need to be an experienced hiker in excellent condition.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3-5 miles/ 5-7 hours optional hiking (hikes vary on this day)
Day 3
5 miles/4.5 hours hiking with a maximum elevation gain of 2,294'
Day 4
15 miles/8.5-9 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 5,001' and loss of 5,078'
Day 5
12 miles/9 hours hiking an elevation gain of 5,822' and loss of 4,265'
Day 6
12 miles/8 hours hiking with elevation gain of 4,585' and loss of 3,680'
Day 7
11.5 miles/6.5 hours hiking with an elevation gain of 1,935' and loss of 4,243'
Day 8
2.5 miles/1.5 hours glacier crossing and 2 miles/1.5 hours hiking with an elevation loss of 5,381'
Accommodations
Charming family-run inns and alpine hotels with well-appointed rooms, wellness amenities and regional cuisine.
Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
A part of the Best Western Signature Collection, Hotel Butterfly hogs a quiet location in the center of Zermatt. Alpine-style rooms have en-suite bathrooms, and all come equipped with flat-screen TVs. Guests can unwind at the wellness area with a Finnish sauna, an infra-red cabin and a steam room, and enjoy the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar.
Zumstein Hotel
Built in the 1940s, Zumstein Hotel is a historic getaway at the foot of Monte Rosa. Surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, its 40 rooms with a clean-lined, simple look all feature balconies. The hotel's sauna is a great place to warm up after a long day of hiking, and its garden is a lovely spot to soak up the grand surrounds of this classic mountain hotel.
Hotel Monterosa
Dating back to 1865, the historic Hotel Monterosa has seen the 19th-century Queen of Italy Margherita of Savoy come through its doors. Today, the renovated hotel offers ten comfortable rooms and three apartments for four to six people. The premises comprise a spacious lounge, sauna, a heated ski room, and a restaurant and bar that serve typical Piedmont dishes and wine.
Jolanda Sport Hotel & Spa
With its genuine alpine vibe, Hotel Jolanda's rooms feature wooden interiors accentuated by refined fabrics and rugs. Spa and wellness experiences abound, from the swimming pool with Jacuzzi to several saunas and a variety of aromatic baths. At the rustic restaurant, guests can enjoy Gressoney's culinary traditions, paired with a wine list of over 100 Italian and French labels.
Hotel Castor
This family-run hotel in the historic heart of Val d'Ayas' Champoluc sits minutes away from the ski lifts. Its mountain-style, timber-paneled rooms feature fantastic views of the scenic surrounds, as do the garden and terrace. Savor the region's wines on a wine tasting and enjoy discounted access to Monterosa Spa with three swimming pools, three saunas, a Turkish bath, and a menu of massages.
Hotel Tourist
Run with warm hospitality by the experienced Herin family, Hotel Tourist has a charming, local vibe. Its 34 modern rooms come with en-suite bathrooms; most also have balconies. At the restaurant, guests can feast on Italian cuisine with an Aosta Valley twist. The hotel's serene garden is the perfect spot to soak up the mesmerizing beauty of the Alps.
Hotel Kristall Saphir
The Hotel Kristall-Saphir is located in front of the village of Saas-Almagell. Renovated in 2021, this elegant hotel provides 53 rooms with awe-inspiring alpine views. The hotel's sauna and steam bath are a great place to warm up after a long day of hiking, and its new dining hall, Restaurant 1659, will enchant you with culinary experiences.
Weather
Mountain weather can quickly change from warm to cold and from wet to windy. Snow is possible at higher passes. Come prepared for everything.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
A MT Sobek representative will meet you in the arrivals hall of the Geneva International Airport (GVA) between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on Day 1.
Do we need to carry a big backpack?
No, you will only need to carry a daypack large enough to hold your all-weather layers, a picnic lunch, your drinking water, camera and essentials.
Is this a high altitude trip?
Monte Rosa is the second-highest peak in both Western Europe and the Alps at 15,203 feet, but we will not hike above 9,800 feet.
Can you accommodate a gluten-free diet?
While Switzerland is a mecca for delicious breads and pastas, with advance notice, we can accommodate most diets, including gluten-free.
Who is this trip perfect for?
People who love to hike! This is a trip designed for strong hikers who are looking for more time in nature than in towns and cities.
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Guest Reviews
"Amazing scenery, challenging hiking, minimal transfers!"
Bob G.
MT Sobek Guest
"The trip affords challenging trails through some of the most beautiful countryside I've ever seen. All of the hotels were lovely. Transfers to trailheads were short which is good. Well planned. Great guides!"
Linda C.
MT Sobek Guest