Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking

Leaving Les Houches, climb through the forest past beautiful mountain farmhouses and into 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.

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 Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where we'll stay the night. Enjoy dinner in town.

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.

Today's beautiful mountainside walk offers fabulous views of Mont Blanc, hanging glaciers and glacial moraines. As you climb the trail through larch and alder it's not unusual to see the deer and chamois that make this area their home. A continued ascent to the Rifugio Bonnatti offers yet more unforgettable views on the way up. Your descent takes a steep trail to the valley floor and then continues to La Vachey (4,500'). ). At the end of our hike, we take a 15 minute transfer back to Courmayeur for another night at Hotel Berthod.

After breakfast this morning, we'll transfer back towards La Vachey and today's trailhead. We'll start our hike 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.

An hour and a half of moderate hiking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest brings you high over the Rhône Valley overlooking the town of Martigny. Fabulous views await! An easy descent takes you to the Col de Forclaz (3,900'), from where you'll take a short transfer to Martigny. Here you'll visit the Fondation Pierre Gianadda - an impressive art exposition featuring a sculpture garden and museums. Dinner tonight is on your own in town.

After breakfast, take a short transfer to nearby Trient. Climb steeply on an old smuggler's path through the forest to the French border and an unforgettable view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix valley. Your descent takes you deep into the Vallorcine Valley East of Chamonix, and to your hotel in Argentière (4,100').

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.

Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before transferring from Chamonix to Geneva airport.