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Experience contrasts that surprise and stimulate on this express version of our classic Tour du Mont Blanc 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 - 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.
Day 1. Arrive to Geneva
Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland. 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.
Day 2. Hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines (France)
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.
Day 3. Hike the Roman Road to Chapieux (France)
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.
Day 4. Cross Vallee Des Glaciers to Courmayeur (Italy)
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.
Day 5. Hike to Champex (Switzerland)
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.
Day 6. Champex to Col De La Forclaz (Switzerland) & Argentiere (France)
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').
Day 7. Hike Back to Chamonix
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.
Day 8. Return to Geneva and Depart
Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before transferring from Chamonix to Geneva airport.
