Go deep into the heart of the Alps for an epic one-week mountain adventure amidst extraordinary natural beauty. From the hubs of Chamonix and Zermatt, you'll enjoy perfectly paced day hikes with picture-postcard backdrops including the iconic Matterhorn — Switzerland's most famous peak! Reach new heights on thrilling cog railways and follow scenic mountain trails, including the Tour du Mont Blanc. Be dazzled by the chic towns of the Swiss Riviera and relax in Lavey's soothing thermal waters. At night, experience warm hospitality at charming hotels and raise a toast to your alpine adventure.
Go deep into the heart of the Alps for an epic one-week mountain adventure amidst extraordinary natural beauty. From the hubs of Chamonix and Zermatt, you'll enjoy perfectly paced day hikes with picture-postcard backdrops including the iconic Matterhorn — Switzerland's most famous peak! Reach new heights on thrilling cog railways and follow scenic mountain trails, including the Tour du Mont Blanc. Be dazzled by the chic towns of the Swiss Riviera and relax in Lavey's soothing thermal waters. At night, experience warm hospitality at charming hotels and raise a toast to your alpine adventure.
Experience the best of the Alps on perfectly paced mountain day hikes
[Description] => Experience the best of the Alps on perfectly paced mountain day hikes
[Image] =>
[VideoLink] =>
)
[1] => Array
(
[DisplayOrder] => 2
[HighlightText] =>
Be awestruck by epic mountain scenery, from storybook villages to the iconic Matterhorn
[Description] => Be awestruck by epic mountain scenery, from storybook villages to the iconic Matterhorn
[Image] =>
[VideoLink] =>
)
[2] => Array
(
[DisplayOrder] => 3
[HighlightText] =>
Enjoy comfort and warm alpine hospitality at luxury hotels set in spectacular locations
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: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
Transportation: 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 Blaitiere 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-Chamonix Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
Activity: 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 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: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
Activity: 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 Bella Vista Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & Spa
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 & Spa
Activity: 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 Bella Vista Accommodation: Christiania Hotels & Spa
Activity: 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.
We've been perfecting adventures in the Alps for more than 40 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!
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.
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.
Pierre-Yves M.
Pierre-Yves, or PY as his friends call him, grew up in the hilly, French countryside of the Massif Central near the city of Lyon. In 2010, after his studies and having worked professionally in one of France’s Natural Parks, he settled in the Chamonix Valley where he worked towards becoming a mountain guide. Ever since, he has discovered more of what he really needs to thrive on this planet: nature, adventure and... you!
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.
[Breakfast] => 0
[Lunch] => 0
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 1.5-hours private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 46.203
[Longitude] => 6.142
)
[1] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 2
[DayTo] => 2
[Headline] => Hike to the Grand Balcon
[ActivityOverview] => 3.5 hours/2.5 miles moderate hiking with 1,450\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
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 Blaitiere 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.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] =>
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 45.918
[Longitude] => 6.869
)
[2] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 3
[DayTo] => 3
[Headline] => Tour du Mont Blanc Trail
[ActivityOverview] => 4.5 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,800\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
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.
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.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 46.017
[Longitude] => 7.745
)
[4] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 5
[DayTo] => 5
[Headline] => Explore Matterhorn Trails in Zermatt
[ActivityOverview] => 3-5 hours/1.5-3 miles hiking with 2,620\' elevation gain and loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
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.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 1
[Dinner] => 1
[Travel_Type] =>
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 46.017
[Longitude] => 7.74
)
[5] => Array
(
[DayFrom] => 6
[DayTo] => 6
[Headline] => Ride the Cog Railway & Hike to Gornergrat
[ActivityOverview] => 4.5 hours/4 miles hiking with 500\' elevation gain and 4,900\' loss
[EstimatedLength] =>
[ActivityLevel] =>
[ItinBlock] =>
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.
Bid farewell to the Alps today and return to Geneva airport for your homeward-bound flight.
[Breakfast] => 1
[Lunch] => 0
[Dinner] => 0
[Travel_Type] => 2.45-hour private van transfer
[Quotation] =>
[Quotation_Attribution] =>
[Quotation_Location] =>
[Itinerary_Location] =>
[Latitude] => 46.206
[Longitude] => 6.14
)
)
[ActivityHighlight] => Easy to moderate day hiking for 3-5 hours per day on mountain terrain between 6,000ft and 10,000ft elevation.
[Trip_Level] => 3
)
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.
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 and beautifully renovated, offers 30 handsome rooms with extensive amenities including concierge service and afternoon tea.
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.
The Hotel Bella Vista is a beautiful family owned and operated retreat with magnificent views of the Alps, including the Matterhorn. Rooms feature modern design and wellness amenities. The onsite spa includes saunas and a steam room, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking through beautiful alpine scenery.
Experience classic Alpine hospitality in downtown Chamonix at one of the "Best Mont Blanc" unique mountain hotels. Completely renovated in 2015, chalet-style rooms feature en suite bathrooms, complimentary tea/coffee, free Wi-Fi, and mini-bar. Just a short walk to the Aiguille du Midi cable car!
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, and 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.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Chamonix
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Chamonix
64
53
70
58
69
58
63
53
Geneva
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Geneva
74
53
79
57
78
56
70
50
Zermatt
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Zermatt
66
46
69
48
68
48
61
42
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?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.