Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Express Hiking Tour
The Classic Three Country Loop in just one week
- Available: June-September
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
5-16 Guests
Min Age: 18
Highlights
- Realize a hiking dream in less time on this express circuit of the Mont Blanc massif
- Savor the unique allure of three countries, three cultures, and three cuisines
- Experience nature at its most spectacular with the help of our dedicated, expert guides
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
Day 1
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-ChamonixTransportation: 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 we'll stay the night. Enjoy dinner in town.
Accommodation: Auberge du Val Joli
Accommodation: Base Camp LodgeActivity: 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
Activity: 6 hours/10 miles with 2,300' elevation gain & 2,700' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.25-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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
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
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-ChamonixActivity: 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.
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- 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.
- $5,645 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $5,595 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,245 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,145 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $6,145 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $5,995 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
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.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
5 to 7 guests from $5,695 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $5,595 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
-
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
- 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.
David Sivriere
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 Latil
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 Qualizza
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 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 highly recommended.
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.
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 La Chemenaz-Les Contamines
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.
Hotel Berthod-Courmayeur
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.
Hotel Glacier and Sporting-Champex
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.
Hotel de la Couronne-Argentiere
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.
Auberge du Val Joli
Beautifully surrounded by towering peaks, this accomodation also has a wonderful view of the valley below. Travelers can travel to the city center of Seez in just a few minutes and also explore the shopping areas of Bourg St. Maurice. A delicious breakfast buffet is served each morning, and guests can enjoy drinks each evening at the bar & lounge. The furnishing and decoration of this property is immaculate. Embodying the Frank Lloyd Wright ideal of organic architecture, the Auberge du Val Joli is a hidden gem deep in the Alps.
Base Camp Lodge
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.
Weather
The days can change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is even possible in the high passes. Come prepared for everything.
Know Before You Book
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 bathrooms facilities are quite small, and amenities may be fairly basic.
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.
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Guest Reviews
"My wife and I have been traveling with MTS for 10 years. Surely there are other great travel companies but when your on a winning horse you don't get off. Do you want incredible guides, adventures, getting off the beaten trails away from the tourists? Then this is your company. Be prepared for adventure and rest when you get home."
Andrew G.
MT Sobek Guest, Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Express Hiking
"The Sobek company has been the most professional, accurate, friendly and honest information we've experienced about each trip. Our experience with the Tour to Mont Blanc was a 5 star rating. The guides were knowledgeable about the terrain, and kept everyone safe and informed each day. The details were exceptional."
Jackie C.
MT Sobek Guest, Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Express Hiking