Experience contrasts that surprise and stimulate on this express version of our classic Alps Tour du Mont Blanc hiking adventure. In just 8 days you'll maximize opportunities for vigorous trekking, breathtaking scenery, and the coziest of Alpine hospitality. Follow mountain trails to soaring viewpoints and storybook villages and enjoy nuzzles from friendly Swiss cows on the way. Europe's most iconic peak has inspired and drawn mountain lovers for centuries; our world-class itinerary and expert guides make it an endlessly inspiring journey for today's hiking enthusiast.
Experience contrasts that surprise and stimulate on this express version of our classic Alps Tour du Mont Blanc hiking adventure. In just 8 days you'll maximize opportunities for vigorous trekking, breathtaking scenery, and the coziest of Alpine hospitality. Follow mountain trails to soaring viewpoints and storybook villages and enjoy nuzzles from friendly Swiss cows on the way. Europe's most iconic peak has inspired and drawn mountain lovers for centuries; our world-class itinerary and expert guides make it an endlessly inspiring journey for today's hiking enthusiast.
Realize a hiking dream in less time on this express circuit of the Mont Blanc massif
[Description] => Realize a hiking dream in less time on this express circuit of the Mont Blanc massif
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Savor the unique allure of three countries, three cultures, and three cuisines
[Description] => Savor the unique allure of three countries, three cultures, and three cuisines
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Experience nature at its most spectacular with the help of our dedicated, expert guides
Arrive at the airport in Geneva, 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, you'll have time to rest a bit or explore the town before orientation, where you will meet the guides and other members of your group. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner at a fine restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines (France)
Day 2
Starting in nearby Les Houches, climb through the forest past beautiful mountain farmhouses and through the woods to the small pass of Bellevue, overlooking the Chamonix Valley. Marvel at the peaks and hanging glaciers of Aiguille de Bionnassay (13,294') and Mont Blanc (15,777'). Descend through the thickly wooded hillside through typical alpine hamlets to the historic town of Les Contamines (3,829'), a traditional mountain village with picturesque wooden chalets and a fine old church.
Accommodation: Hotel La Chemenaz-Les Contamines
Activity: 7 hours/10 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Roman Road to Les Chapieux (France)
Day 3
A long ascent on an old Roman road takes you to the Plan des Dames, before you make the last ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641') and Croix du Bonhomme (8,100') where lunch is served. In the afternoon, hike the grassy trail downhill to Les Chapieux (5,080') with sightings of ibex, marmots, and beautiful wildflowers along the way. At the end of the day, take a short transfer to the village of Seez, where you'll stay the night. Enjoy dinner in town.
Accommodation: Hotel Autantic-Bourg-Saint-Maurice Accommodation: Base Camp Lodge
Activity: 7 hours/12 miles with 4,200' elevation gain & 3,000' elevation loss
Transportation: 35-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross Vallée des Glaciers to Courmayeur (Italy)
Day 4
After a 50-minute transfer to the end of the "Vallée des Glaciers," enjoy a relatively easy hike over the Col de la Seigne (8,245'). Take in the breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, Himalayan in its immensity, rising in a near verticality from the Veny Valley to the summit 10,000 feet above. Afterward, descend into Italy to Lac Combal and Visaille. A transfer then takes you to Courmayeur (3,800'), situated beneath the Grand Jorasses and Brenva Glacier, where you will spend the night. Dinner tonight is in town.
Accommodation: Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur Accommodation: Hotel Le Massif
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles with 2,300' elevation gain & 2,700' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.25-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Champex (Switzerland)
Day 5
A short transfer puts you on a walking trail past the spectacular Glacier de Pre-de-Bar with Mont Dolent above, the meeting point of the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Cross the Grand Col Ferret (8,300') to enter Switzerland, and descend to the scenic village of La Fouly (5,280'), located beneath the Glacier de l'A Neuve. Transfer by van to the lovely town of Champex (4,808'), a small lake resort that features typical Swiss-style chalets and charming gardens.
Accommodation: Hotel Glacier and Sporting-Champex Accommodation: Hotel Splendide
Activity: 5-6 hours/9 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 3,100' elevation loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Champex to Col de la Forclaz (Switzerland) & Argentiere (France)
Day 6
Our Tour du Mont Blanc Express takes the Bovine route. An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest brings you high over the Rhône Valley and the town of Martigny. Fabulous views await! An easy descent takes you to the Col de Forclaz (3,900'), from where you'll transfer to Argentière (4,100').
Accommodation: Hotel de la Couronne-Argentiere Accommodation: Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa
Activity: 6 hours/12 miles with 2,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Back to Chamonix (France)
Day 7
From Le Col De Montets (4,800') the hike to Les Cheserys (7,130') offers gorgeous views of the Le Tour and Argentiere glaciers, as well as the entire Mont Blanc range. After rejoining the Grand Balcon Route and La Flégère, descend to Chamonix (3,300') and a festive farewell dinner in town.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix Accommodation: Park Hotel Suisse & Spa-Chamonix Accommodation: Hotel Prieure
Activity: 6.5 hours/10 miles with 2,700' elevation gain & 3,600' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Geneva & Depart
Day 8
Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before transferring from Chamonix to Geneva airport.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic Mountain Travel Sobek adventure and a best-seller that's been perfected over 40 years.
In 8 days, you'll enjoy the best of Chamonix and hike a more than 60 miles on this express circuit, staying at unique and well-located properties along the way.
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!
Accommodations Please come prepared for the experience of sleeping in the mountains, and in old towns and villages where the architecture might date back centuries. Most guestrooms and bathroom facilities are quite small, and amenities may be fairly basic.
Dates & Prices
2025
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.
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.
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.
Arrive at the airport in Geneva, 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, you\'ll have time to rest a bit or explore the town before orientation, where you will meet the guides and other members of your group. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner at a fine restaurant in town.
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A long ascent on an old Roman road takes you to the Plan des Dames, before you make the last ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641\') and Croix du Bonhomme (8,100\') where lunch is served. In the afternoon, hike the grassy trail downhill to Les Chapieux (5,080\') with sightings of ibex, marmots, and beautiful wildflowers along the way. At the end of the day, take a short transfer to the village of Seez, where you\'ll stay the night. Enjoy dinner in town.
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A short transfer puts you on a walking trail past the spectacular Glacier de Pre-de-Bar with Mont Dolent above, the meeting point of the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Cross the Grand Col Ferret (8,300\') to enter Switzerland, and descend to the scenic village of La Fouly (5,280\'), located beneath the Glacier de l\'A Neuve. Transfer by van to the lovely town of Champex (4,808\'), a small lake resort that features typical Swiss-style chalets and charming gardens.
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Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before transferring from Chamonix to Geneva airport.
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[ActivityHighlight] => Although the trails are in excellent shape, this is a hard hike. You should be able to walk 10 miles per day for 6 days with elevation gains between 1,000\' and 4,000\'. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is essential.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Although the trails are in excellent shape, this is a hard hike. You should be able to walk 10 miles per day for 6 days with elevation gains between 1,000' and 4,000'. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is essential. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
7 hours/10 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
Day 3
7 hours/12 miles with 4,200' elevation gain & 3,000' elevation loss
Day 4
6 hours/10 miles with 2,300' elevation gain & 2,700' elevation loss
Day 5
5-6 hours/9 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 3,100' elevation loss
Day 6
6 hours/12 miles with 2,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
Day 7
6.5 hours/10 miles with 2,700' elevation gain & 3,600' elevation loss
Accommodations
Charming accommodations in alpine towns and villages, featuring comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and stellar vistas of surrounding scenery.
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.
Situated right at the start of the hiking trails, this classic family-owned chalet hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a magnificent setting facing the Mont Blanc Massif. A variety of rooms, suites and family accommodations feature "chalet chic" decor, with faux fur textiles and warm wood finishes.
Welcome to the picturesque Hotel Autantic, a 3-star establishment located in a peaceful part of the village. Its stone and wood exterior exudes a warm and inviting feel, and its period furnishings create a Savoyard ambience. Enjoy the comfort of well-appointed rooms as well as a swimming pool and sauna.
Built in 1882 by Jean Laurent Berthod, more than a century later the hotel remains family owned and operated. There is a familial atmosphere here, with cozy, personalized rooms and service designed to make guests feel right at home. Indoor spa facilities await hikers eager to relax after a vigorous day of activity.
Serving guests for over 100 years, the cozy Hotel du Glacier is a Swiss hotel tradition. Rooms are basic but spacious and comfortable, and many have views of the picturesque mountain lake. After a day of hiking, enjoy the sunny terrace or gardens.
Located just 5 minutes from the departure tracks for hikers, this classic turn-of-the-century hotel, one of the oldest in the valley, occupies a quaint Alpine-style building. It offers simple, lodge-style rooms, many with mountain views, a traditional approach to hospitality and a warm welcome. Recently renovated in 2023, La Couronne will now boast a spa with a sauna and hammam as well.
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!
This historic hotel opened its doors to guests for the first time in 1938. Passed down through four generations, the property exudes historic character combined with a modern take on Belle Epoque style. Overlooking the Grand-Combin massif which peaks at 14,150 feet, the hotel provides a tranquil retreat for guests hiking the Mont Blanc trail. Many of the stylish and comfortable rooms have balconies and views of the mountains.
Boasting sweeping views of the Vanoise National Park mountains, this modern hotel comes with warmly decorated guestrooms, each having flat-screen TVs, en suite facilities and Wi-Fi. There's an industrial-chic restaurant, a bar and a terrace.
The luxurious Alpina Electic Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Chamonix with stunning views of the Mont Blanc. Each room is individually decorated with updated mountain style to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is modernly equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a coffee & tea making station, hair dryer, and a complimentary set of bathrobes and slippers. Guests can recharge at the spa or indulge in a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range.
At the foot of Mont Blanc and the heart of Courmayeur this mountain resort welcomes you with Italian hospitality. Cozy rooms blend Italian design with Alpine architecture—walls softened with wood panels and sleek marble bathrooms. Similarly, you'll find a blend of Aosta Valley tradition and global innovation in the restaurant. The elegant spa offers a wide range of experiences from indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths to a Turkish bath and outdoor sauna.
Weather
The days can change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is even possible in the 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
Champex
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Champex
58
47
64
52
63
52
57
47
Geneva
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Geneva
74
53
79
57
78
56
70
50
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MT Sobek representative will meet you in the arrivals hall of the Geneva International Airport (GVA) between 1:30pm - 2:00pm on Day 1.
What happens if my flights are delayed en route?
We will provide your guide's phone number in the Final Bulletin, mailed to you 30 days prior to your trip. Our guides will help you to join the group and arrange transfers if necessary.
When should I plan my travel to depart from Geneva?
The transfer from Chamonix will arrive at GVA at 10AM. Please schedule your flight after 11am for European destinations and after 11:30am for all transcontinental destinations.
How is this "Express" trip different than the regular Tour du Mont Blanc trip?
The "Express" trip is shorter - 8 days vs 12 days. And there are 6 days of hiking on the "Express" trip, as opposed to the 10 days of hiking on the regular trip.
What is the food like on this trip? I'm gluten free. Will I find enough to eat?
There will be plenty of meats, cheeses, salads and fresh fruit. If you are gluten free, your guides will consult with the restaurants to ensure you have plenty to eat.
If I want to skip a day of hiking and rest, can I do so on this trip?
Yes. If you would like to skip a day of hiking, you may do so. BUT, you must be willing to take a ride with our luggage service vehicle to the next night's 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.
How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc typically takes around 7 to 10 days to complete, depending on factors such as hiker's pace and chosen route. Our express hiking tour is 6 days of hiking, which is perfect for short-on-time travelers looking for a classic experience.
How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is considered moderately difficult, featuring challenging terrain, higher altitudes, and variable weather conditions, making it suitable for experienced hikers. Mountain Travel Sobek's Tour du Mont Blanc is rated Level 4.
Is the Tour du Mont Blanc worth it?
The Tour du Mont Blanc offers breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and a unique opportunity to explore the Alps, making it a highly rewarding and memorable adventure for those who enjoy hiking.
What month is best for Mont Blanc?
The best months for hiking Mont Blanc is generally considered to be July through September when the weather is milder, the trails are less likely to have snow, and accommodations are open, providing the most favorable conditions for a successful hike. We also offer the Tour du Mont Blanc in June when wildflowers are just beginning to bloom.
Is the Tour du Mont Blanc crowded?
The Tour du Mont Blanc can be quite crowded, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. However, we work with expert local guides who are adept at avoiding the large groups. Your group will be a maximum of 16 guests and will have at least 1 guide for every 8 people on the trip.