Mont Blanc Highlights

Mont Blanc Highlights

2,183 Views
8 Days From

$2773

$2355

Mont Blanc Highlights

8 Days Starting and ending in Chamonix

Visiting: Chamonix, Col de Balme (Chamonix-Mont Blanc), L'Aiguillette des Posettes, Rue de la Tour, Les Houches, Aiguillette des Houches, Aiguillette du Brévent, La Flatière, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Gare du Col de Voza, Mont Blanc, Refuge Walter-Bonatti, Foyer Val ferret, Courmayeur, Les Praz, Grand Balcon sud

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TWN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 14

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, Photography

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

From:
$2773
$2355 Operator discount: -$418 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The circuit of Mont Blanc is one of the finest walking routes in the Alps. It is in reality a series of paths linking the seven valleys that surround the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc. It normally takes a fortnight to complete the whole circuit, but for those with less time this one-week Exodus tour takes in the most outstanding sections with beautiful mountain highlights each day. Throughout this walking holiday we are based in the delightful chalet with dramatic views of Mont Blanc, and use a mix of private bus and local trains and buses to travel out each day to re-join the next stage of our walk covering beautiful sections of the famous circuit. At the end of each day we return home for afternoon tea, or for those who wish, a dip in the chalet’s bubbling Jacuzzi.

Highlights

  • Walk surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery

  • Walk with IML qualified Mountain Leader

  • Stay in a comfortable chalet with outdoor hot tub

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Chalet Chamonix Or Chocolat.

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Dinner

Your holiday begins at your comfortable alpine chalet. Those making their own

way to the chalet should aim to arrive early afternoon for introductions.

There is plenty of time to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon before a

pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader.



Day 2 : Drive To The Head Of The Chamonix Valley; Walking Towards Switzerland Via The Trekking Peak L'aiguillette Des Posettes And Onto Col Des Possettes And Then Descend Back Towards La Tour.

Location: Col de Balme (Chamonix-Mont Blanc), L'Aiguillette des Posettes, Rue de la Tour, Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we

will have views back to Mont Blanc as well as into Switzerland. From the

small hamlet of Montroc (1380m – 4400ft) we have a short warm-up walk

before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin out,

the views get even better and by late morning we reach Aiguilette des

Possettes (2200m – 7220 ft). This is a peak from where we are rewarded with

a panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille Rouge national park,

and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Possettes

and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La

Tour. (1450m – 4750ft).

6 hours of walking. 820m - 2700ft up, 730m – 2400ft down



Day 3 : Transfer Above Les Houches; Ascend To The Bel Lachat Refuge, Before Crossing The Carlaveyron Natural Reserve And Summiting The Aiguillette Des Houches And The Aiguillette Du Brévent

Location: Les Houches, Aiguillette des Houches, Aiguillette du Brévent, La Flatière

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a spectacular walk from (1370m – 4450ft) up to the Bel Lachat

refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron

Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m – 7500ft) for

one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix

Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by

a different route to La Flatière (1370m – 4500ft).

7 hours of walking. 900m – 2950ft up, 930m – 3050ft down



Day 4 : Starting From The Les Contamines. Valley We Cross The Col De Voza And Continue Towards Les Houches.

Location: Les Contamines-Montjoie, Gare du Col de Voza, Les Houches

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to the Les

Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix

Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb

up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge

spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier a few

100 meters higher up. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza

(1653m – 5360ft) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the

afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car

option (payable locally) for those with tired legs.



7 hours of walking, 11km – 7 miles, 560m –1840ft up, 610m – 2000ft down



Day 5 : Free Day For Optional Walks, Activities Or Sightseeing.

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be

able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the

bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars,

restaurants and cafés. There are several cablecar excursions you can make

from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du

Midi (3842m - 12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and

surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up

to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace or if you are

feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight. 



Day 6 : Drive Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel To Italy; Climb To Bonatti Refuge And Traverse High Above The Spectacular Ferret Valley To Courmayeur.

Location: Mont Blanc, Refuge Walter-Bonatti, Foyer Val ferret, Courmayeur

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva (1770m –

5805ft) we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (2000m –

6560ft), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc

itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that

crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a

dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending

towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the

perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice-cream.

7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down



Day 7 : Starting From Argentiere; Walk Up To And Along The Grand Balcon Sud To Plan Praz Then Descend By Cable Car.

Location: Chamonix, Les Praz, Grand Balcon sud, Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Argentiere (1250m – 4100ft) we start our day following the petit

Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that

contours the Chamonix valley to Plan Praz (2000m – 6560ft) from where we

descend by cable car back to Chamonix. The Grand Balcon Sud is an impressive

walk in the valley and looks over to Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc massif. 

The views of snowy peaks, soaring cliffs, fractured glaciers and lush green

forests ensures this trek is not just a highlight in the valley but the whole

of the Alps.



(Due to maintenance on the Flegere cablecar this walk has been amended from

our previously advertised walk to Lac Blanc. This trek is a little longer

than the original and is equally beautiful).



7 hours of walking. 800m – 1690ft up, 100m – 330ft down 



Spring and Autumn departures - The Plan Praz cablecar is open for trips

starting between 15th June and 7th Sep. Outside of this time, the cablecar is

due to be closed and its cost is no longer included in the price of the

holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, then the cable cost

will be paid locally. Approx 20 euros. Alternatively, we will follow a

Spring and Autumn itinerary which is the same as above but instead of

walking from Flegere to Plan Praz, we will walk off the mountain from Flegere

via the charming Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due

to the added decent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary but

the views are equally stunning.



8 hours walking. 740 m – 2430ft up, 950m – 3120ft down  - Distance

covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles



Day 8 : End Chamonix.

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes.



What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.


* All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 6 home cooked dinners
* Afternoon tea and cake on walking days
* All accommodation
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (not available)

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

Food


All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included in the price of
the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using local ingredients.

*Typical Meals:*

Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will usually consist of cereal, eggs,
orange juice, croissant, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.

Lunch: Picnic style lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad
vegetables, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.

Evening meal: A single menu is prepared each evening for the whole group and
this will normally consist of a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a
main course of meat or fish with rice, potatoes or pasta and vegetables,
followed by dessert and tea or coffee. The price of the evening meal does not
include wine, beer, bottled water or soft drinks.

Vegetarian, gluten and dairy free diets: Although we serve a single menu each
night for the whole group we will happily shop for and prepare alternative
menus for vegetarian, gluten and dairy free diets, but please inform us at
the time of booking. *Please note – to reduce food wastage we shop to exact
quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you have requested a certain
diet please remain with that diet for the whole trip.*

Accommodation

We use three alpine chalets with comfortable lounges and dining rooms. All have a large table where delicious home-cooked meals are served and scrumptious cakes are provided daily for afternoon tea. Chalupa and Chocolat have a private outdoor area and a hot tub, and Bediere has access to communal gardens and is only a five-minute walk to the centre of Chamonix.



Chalets provide a more intimate experience than traditional hotels and the dining room often becomes a hub of living in the evening and a space to share stories from the day. Meals are prepared by the chalet hosts and enjoyed around a communal table.



Additionally, the hosts live on site meaning they are available for any situation that arises. Generally, they won’t enter your rooms to change towels, make beds or clean, but they are happy to help if you feel your room needs a midweek service. None of the rooms have air conditioning but we do provide electric fans.



Friends and family can typically be allocated to the same chalet, even if you have different booking references. Please notify your sales representative at the time of booking if this applies to you.



Chalet Chocolat



A seven-minute train ride (or 25-minute walk) from the heart of Chamonix, this seven-room chalet has a traditional alpine feel, plus a lovely garden and cosy atmosphere. Bedrooms vary in size and shape and some (not all) have access to a balcony.



Chalet Chalupa



In the pretty resort of Les Houches, Chalet Chalupa provides modern chalet accommodation in the Chamonix Valley. It has six well-proportioned rooms and an extensive deck with a fire pit. Twenty minutes from central Chamonix by bus, the chalet provides a spacious and comfortable living space with the amenities of Les Houches nearby.



Chalet Bediere



Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix, this 1920s mansion has five stylish rooms and a communal outdoor space with mountain views. It is decorated in an art deco style and was refurbished in 2023, keeping the original character of the property.



Worth knowing



On booking, your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chalupa; however, you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat or Chalet Bediere. This is confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent four weeks before your departure date.

If you prefer one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Requests for a specific chalet must be made to our customer operations team six weeks before departure at the latest. The walking itinerary is the same for all chalets; however, the order of the walks may differ slightly.

In Chalet Chocolat, one top-floor bedroom has a window in the roof rather than a wall-mounted window, and a large private bathroom on the floor below. There is also a smaller twin room on the ground floor of the property with a private bathroom. Both of these rooms are used as single rooms and are usually allocated to the first single people to book.

There are no guest laundry or parking facilities at the chalets. If you are driving, please speak to your operations executive about parking options.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    14

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    7 nights in comfortable chalet

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 year age people can go on this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Hiking the French (Swiss and Italian) Alps

Another great Exodus trip under my belt, and I'm l

Another great Exodus trip under my belt, and I'm looking ahead to see where I want to go next. The Highlights of Mont Blanc seemed to be the perfect blend of exercise and comfort for me. Our guide, shaun set a great pace that we were all able to maintain. We had several opportunities to go higher and further or shorten the day with a descent or cable car ride. The food at the chalet was the best I've ever had on a group tour. Thanks to Rich and Sarah! My only complaint was the weak and unreliable wifi in the chalet. Couldn't get a connection in my room, only in the lounge.

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Unique! A week wirh some of the friendliest people

Unique! A week wirh some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Walking with Oliver was a special experience, he is an expert in so many fields, but he was ever watchful of his group. He was always bubbling with humour. After our walks there was always a warm welcome home by Elaine, with her delicious food and twinkly good humour. Not to mention the hot tub, Dylan-the-dog, and the puns!

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A thoroughly enjoyable and well organised week. Ol

A thoroughly enjoyable and well organised week. Oliver and Elaine are excellent hosts, the Chalet Savoy is a comfortable and homely base for the trip with amazing views, and the food is excellent. The five treks are all different, varied and well planned. All in all, this is a fantastic trip to see the best of the Mont Blanc area.

Mont Blanc Highlights July 2015

An amazingly well organized week in stunning surro

An amazingly well organized week in stunning surroundings of Chamonix, definitely worth every penny. Enjoyed the chalet, the company, the hikes and the catering + free time in the alpine village - recommendable to all fit enough for the ascents and descents ;)

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

An excellent holiday in every way. Absolutely love

An excellent holiday in every way. Absolutely loved it all - the trekking, scenery, chalet style of holiday, everything.

Chalet Chocolat Chamonix Delight

Staying at Chalet Chamonix was the icing on the ca

Staying at Chalet Chamonix was the icing on the cake for me. If you "live to eat" rather than "eat to live", then you'll appreciate home made cakes every day, delicious, freshly prepared salads, cheese, hams, baguettes, fruit etc for lunch. Zohi was a fabulous chalet host and superb chef. I enjoyed all of our three course dinners. Popular with our group were the haricot beans, cheese souffles, tartiflette, meringues, panacotta, cheesecake, well, pretty much everything really! There was much interest in recipes:) I particularly appreciated how Zohi accommodated my preference for vegetarian/fish at short notice. Ben was quietly efficient and ensured all the "behind the scenes stuff" worked and was on time. The bar arrangement in the chalet worked well too.

TMB Highlights - Chalet Chocolat

The chalet is a perfect lodge for this trip, easy

The chalet is a perfect lodge for this trip, easy access to the local bus and train and only 10-15 minutes walk into the centre of Chamonix, with fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif. The walking holiday itself was a fantastic chance to sample some sections of the full tour route of Mont Blanc, Sally our guide was great, full of local knowledge on the mountain range, plants and flowers and we couldn't ask for more from our guide for looking after our group. The assents at times were quite tough but doable and Sally kept a steady pace and the team together, the descents at times were quite steep but again doable (make sure your boots are broken in if new). The chalet was warm and welcoming due to the fact that at it's heart were the hosts Zohi and Ben, it was clean and tidy. The food was AMAZING, continental breakfast, pack-up for lunch with a great selection of salads, rolls, fruit etc. A fantastic surprise was a delicious and different type of cake waiting for us back at the chalet every day after a day's walking. The finale of every evening was a three course dinner thanks to Zohi and Ben which was just superb.

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacul

This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent - they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Excellent week. Oliver was a fantastic guide and l

Excellent week. Oliver was a fantastic guide and looked after the whole group professionally and expertly. Elaine provided fabulous food the whole week and although I don't usually eat cake - her cakes are so delicious I had one everyday.  

Mont Blanc Highlights

Fabulous holiday! Good hiking, splendid scenery,

Fabulous holiday! Good hiking, splendid scenery, central location, comfortable accommodation with very welcoming hosts, plenty of delicious locally sourced food, knowledgeable leader and great company!

Read all 276 reviews

1 Dates & Availability

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 29, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
$2773 $2640

Operator discount: -$133

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
$2773 $2370

Operator discount: -$403

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
$2773 $2355

Operator discount: -$418

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
$2773 $2505

Operator discount: -$268

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
$2773 $2355

Operator discount: -$418

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
$2773 $2355

Operator discount: -$418

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024
$2698 $2400

Operator discount: -$298

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$2700
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
$2698 $2400

Operator discount: -$298

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2850
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2775
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2775

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.