Alps Chamonix & Zermatt Hiking Tour
Day Hikes From Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-16 Guests
Highlights
- Experience the best of the Alps on perfectly paced mountain day hikes
- Be awestruck by epic mountain scenery, from storybook villages to the iconic Matterhorn
- Enjoy comfort and warm alpine hospitality at luxury hotels set in spectacular locations
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
Day 1
Arrive at 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-ChamonixTransportation: 1.5-hours private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike to the Grand Balcon
Day 2
Today begins with a fun cog railway ride up to Montenvers (6,276'), high above the Mer de Glace glacier. From here, head up to Signal Forbes (7,215') for fabulous views of the towering Chamonix Aiguilles. Next, follow trails towards Blaitière and join the famous Grand Balcon for a hike that leads to Plan de l'Aguille. Return to Chamonix from here or opt to visit the Aiguille du Midi. Enjoy an evening of warm alpine hospitality.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-ChamonixActivity: 3.5 hours/2.5 miles moderate hiking with 1,450' elevation gain and 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 Flégère 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 Flégère passing Lac des Cheserys, lush pastures, and mountain chalets. Return to Les Praz by cable car.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-ChamonixActivity: 4.5 hours/6 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! See the delightful towns of Vevey and Montreux on the east side of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), and experience the healing properties of Lavey thermal baths. Continue the day with a drive through Wallis (Valais) valley to Zermatt, a storybook mountain town at the base of the mighty Matterhorn. Check in for three nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaTransportation: 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 famous 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 feel like it, there's an option to hike up to Hörnli mountain hut at 8,490 feet. This is where all alpinists overnight before a Matterhorn ascent! Return to Zermatt for a well-deserved meal and rest.
Accommodation: Hotel Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaActivity: 3-5 hours/1.5-3 miles hiking with 2,620' 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 Butterfly-Zermatt, Switzerland
Accommodation: Hotel Bella Vista
Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & SpaActivity: 4.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and 4,900' 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
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 16.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
5 to 9 guests from $6,295 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $6,595 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $7,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
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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June, 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
- 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!
Marc L.
Marc began his outdoor career as a cartographer and eventually became a guide, leading trips around the world-in the Alps, Asia, New Zealand, and the Americas. After realizing a deep passion for American landscapes, he settled in California and helped French trekkers discover the wonders of the West. Eventually he decided to return home to Chamonix, where he currently resides. Marc takes great pride as a tour leader in his home region and loves sharing the trails around Mont Blanc, the history of the world-famous mountain, and its numerous cultures and traditions. rn
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.
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
3.5 hours/2.5 miles moderate hiking with 1,450' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
4.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
3-5 hours/1.5-3 miles hiking with 2,620' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
4.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and 4,900' loss
Accommodations
Charming accommodations in alpine towns and villages, featuring comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and warm alpine hospitality.
Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc in the heart of Chamonix, the Grand Hotel des Alpes is centrally located, just minutes from the lake, the lift to the Aiguille du Midi, and the old town. The traditional blue shuttered building, built in 1840 but newly renovated, offers 30 handsome rooms with extensive amenities including concierge service and afternoon tea.
Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix
Enjoy upscale comforts and warm hospitality at the Park Hotel Suisse & Spa, perfectly located in the heart of Chamonix. In addition to well-appointed rooms, guests are treated to a spa area located on the hotel's roof top. This comes with a steam room, two saunas, a Jacuzzi and heated outdoor swimming pool, plus a panoramic terrace.
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.
Hotel Bella Vista
The Hotel Bella Vista is a beautiful family owned and operated accommodation near the Matterhorn. With magnificent views of the Alps, including the Matterhorn, this hotel has a beautiful aura. Travelers can enjoy coveted "Cheese Evenings" and unwind with wine and fondue in the onsite restaurant, which also offers a variety of delicious homemade specialties. The property also boasts an eloquently designed spa, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking amidst the beautiful alpine scenery. Each room is nicely designed with wood furnishing and comfortable bedding, creating a cozy environment complimented by the very quiet outside surroundings.
Christiania Hotels & Spa
Christiania Hotels & Spa, is a lovely, family-run hotel and a guest favorite, complete with cultural Zermatt décor and friendly service. The hotel has amenities that include a spa, wellness services, fitness center, restaurant & bar. All rooms have a panoramic view of the Matterhorn, free Wi-Fi, cable TV with radio, coffee machine and minibar.
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. We also recommend hiking poles.
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.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
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Guest Reviews
"A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure travel company has been the excellent travel guides."
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MT Sobek Guest
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