Alps Chamonix & Zermatt Hiking Tour
Day Hikes From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Discover the grandeur of the Alps with expertly guided day hikes from Chamonix and Zermatt
- Soak up jaw-dropping alpine scenery-from postcard-perfect villages to the towering Matterhorn and Mont Blanc
- Unwind in well-appointed mountain lodgings with prime access to trails and town highlights
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
Day 1
Arrive at the Geneva airport, Switzerland, for a 2pm pick-up. Transfer by private van to the charming mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. Upon arrival at the hotel, rest or explore the town before meeting your guides and group for a trip orientation. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner at a lovely restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix
Accommodation: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
Accommodation: Heliopic Hotel & SpaTransportation: 1.5-hours private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike Along the Grand Balcon
Day 2
Start the day with the world-famous cable car ride up to Aiguille du Midi (12,605') for breathtaking views over the Mont Blanc Massif. Ride down to Plan de l'Aiguille and follow the Grand Balcon hiking path through awe-inspiring scenery with the jagged peaks of the Aiguilles de Chamonix rising above as you descend to Montenver Upper Train Station. Enjoy a charming ride on the historic cog railway as you descend over the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, before arriving back in Chamonix for a pleasant evening in town.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix
Accommodation: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
Accommodation: Heliopic Hotel & SpaActivity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 450' elevation gain and 1,800' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour du Mont Blanc Trail
Day 3
Start the day in the charming mountain village of Les Praz de Chamonix, where a cable car will whisk you up to La Flegere ski resort (6,158'). From here you'll take the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trail to Lac Blanc (7,716') and be wowed by magnificent views of the Mont Blanc range. Take the loop trail back to La Flegere passing Lac des Cheserys, lush pastures, and mountain chalets. Return to Les Praz by cable car.
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix
Accommodation: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
Accommodation: Heliopic Hotel & SpaActivity: 4.5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey from Chamonix to Zermatt
Day 4
It's time to rest those legs with a leisurely drive to the Swiss Riviera! Explore Montreux, following a picturesque path from the castle turrets of Chateau de Chillon along the banks of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) into the delightful town, known for its lakeside promenades and cultural heritage. Experience the healing properties of Lavey thermal baths, then pass through Wallis (Valais) valley to Zermatt, a storybook mountain town at the base of the mighty Matterhorn. Settle into your hotel, where you'll spend three relaxing nights, then head to dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaActivity: 2.5 mile lakeside walk
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Matterhorn Trails in Zermatt
Day 5
Discover Zermatt's spectacular surroundings as you explore trails at the foot of Switzerland's most famous mountain: the iconic Matterhorn. Hike to the renowned Zmutt hamlet (6,352') and then to Zum See. Once at Furi mountain station (6,125') take a cable car up to Schwarzsee (8,373'), a small, picturesque lake just below the Matterhorn. If you're motivated and time allows, there's an option to push a little further to the Hirli cable car station (9,107') for an elevated view of the lake. Return to Zermatt for a well-deserved meal and rest.
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaActivity: 3.5-5 hours/5.5-6.5 miles hiking with up to 2,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the Cog Railway & Hike to Gornergrat
Day 6
Experience the Monte Rosa side of Zermatt's mountains, starting with a ride on the famous Gornergrat cog railway up to 10,140 feet. At the top, soak up gorgeous views of the Monte Rosa massif and Dufourspitze, the second-highest peak in the Alps. From here, follow trails down the sunny, northwestern side of the mountains passing shimmering lakes, pretty hamlets, and alpine pastures all the way back to Zermatt. End your mountain adventure with a farewell dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaActivity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking with 550' elevation gain and 3,500' loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Geneva
Day 7
Bid farewell to the Alps today and return to Geneva airport for your homeward-bound flight.
Transportation: 2.45-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
We've been perfecting adventures in the Alps for more than 50 years, including expert-led hiking tours such as this.
On this well-paced itinerary, you'll enjoy spectacular day hikes from the iconic alpine hubs of Chamonix and Zermatt, giving you a quintessential mountain experience in just one week.
We work with professional local guides, who are truly the best in the Alps. Many of our Alps-loving guests return to hike with them year after year!
Dates & Prices
- 2025
- 2026
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,495 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyWaitlist OnlyConfirmed - $6,495 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailableConfirmed - $6,695 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailableConfirmed
2026
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$900 Single OccupancyAvailable
Go Private
Go Private with MT Sobek
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Private Trip RequestPrivate Trip Requirements
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 13 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
June, July, August, September
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
8 to 9 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,895 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
Private Trip Pricing: 2026
8 to 10 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $7,095 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,295 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $11,395 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
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
- A limited amount of wine with dinners selected by MT Sobek
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- 1 entry per person at Lavey Thermal Pools
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities at restaurants included in the tour
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted in the Trip Planner)
- 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.
David S.
Originally from a little village in the French Alps, David grew up in the mountains and then travelled across the five continents for ten years, as a student, traveler and hiker. His studies led him to specialize in local development, organic farming and ecotourism and eventually led him to settle in Costa Rica as tour leader. After a few years, he then moved back to the Alps to manage a mountain hut in the Mont-Blanc valley. He now resides in Chamonix as a crystal hunter, organic cook, and enthusiastic trekker. David possesses deep local knowledge, and is an excellent cook!
Juliette Q.
Juliette has been a trekking guide since 2007 and lives close to Chamonix, where she leads MT Sobek’s Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and several other summer hiking trips. When she’s not guiding, Juliette works as a nurse, and you can also find her mountaineering and rock climbing during. Juliette has a legendary smile and possesses deep local knowledge, which pairs well with her hiking experience and strong leadership qualities.
Noemi D.
Noemi grew up in the Carpathian mountains of Romania but life brought her to the south of the Alps twenty years ago. Throughout the years, she has traveled to the four corners of the world and in 2013, while on a year-long journey across the globe, much of it spent on her sailboat, she decided to pursue her dream job and became a mountain leader. Ever since, she has shared her passion for the mountains with clients from all over the world.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Easy to moderate day hiking for 3-5 hours per day on mountain terrain between 6,000ft and 10,000ft elevation.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 450' elevation gain and 1,800' loss
Day 3
4.5 hours/5.5 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
2.5 mile lakeside walk
Day 5
3.5-5 hours/5.5-6.5 miles hiking with up to 2,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
4 hours/7 miles hiking with 550' elevation gain and 3,500' loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Charming accommodations in alpine towns and villages, featuring comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and warm alpine hospitality.
Weather
The days can change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is even possible at high passes. Come prepared for everything.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall of the Geneva Airport (GVA) between 1:30pm and 2pm on Day 1.
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
We have scheduled our departures during the best time of year to hike in this area. June and July are known for colorful wildflowers, while September brings the autumn colors.
Do I need prior hiking experience?
Not necessarily. This is a moderate-level hiking trip, which means you will enjoy your experience more if you have hiked previously. However, most hikes can be modified or skipped entirely, and some hikes can be assisted by cable car or lift.
Does this trip require that I purchase equipment?
You will need a properly fitting daypack big enough to carry warm layers, drinking water, a snack, and your daytime essentials (phone, wallet, keys); as well as good hiking shoes. Hiking poles are essential for this trip.
Is there Wi-Fi at the hotels?
Yes. But we hope you won't have to use it.
Is the water safe to drink in the Alps?
Yes - plan to bring a refillable water bottle, which you can fill straight from the tap at our hotel.