Tour du Mont Blanc

An Active Alpine Journey

TRIP DETAILS

10 days from $5,999

June 12–21, July 10–19, Aug. 29–Sept. 7, 2024

Maximum Travelers: 12

Highlights

• Switzerland: Hike to the turquoise waters of the Cleuson Dam reservoir in Switzerland, and enjoy a lunch of Swiss specialties.

• Italy: Visit the Roman ruins of Aosta, then set out on a foodie tour, sampling local specialties from lard d’Arnad to fonduta—the Italian version of fondue.

• France: From your base in Chamonix, ride a cable car to the top the Aiguille du Midi pinnacle and enter an ice-blue tunnel carved into France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace.

• Alpine History and Culture: Explore the history, traditions, and ecology of the Alps on visits to the Alpine Museum in Courmayeur and the Maison du Lieutenant near Chamonix.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Geneva, Switzerland/Nendaz

Fly overnight to Geneva and transfer to your hotel within the Haute-Nendaz mountain resort. After time to settle in, gather for a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel. (D)

HotelNendaz4Vallées&Spa

Day 3: Switzerland: Cleuson Dam and Nendaz

Set off on foot with a Swiss hiking guide, following roads and forest trails to the Cleuson Dam. Cross the dam, admiring views of the brilliant turquoise reservoir and the jagged peaks that surround it. Later, enjoy an optional lunch of Swiss specialties and take part in a wine tasting if you wish. (B,L)

HotelNendaz4Vallées&Spa

Day 4: Italy: Valle d’Aosta and Courmayeur

Journey to the ancient Italian city of Aosta and visit its impressive Roman theater. On a food tour, sample an array of local delicacies, from cured meats and fonduta to tegole valdostane cookies. After free time to explore Aosta, continue to your hotel in Courmayeur, a resort town in the shadow of Mont Blanc. (B,L) Hotel Lo Scoiattolo

Day 5: Italy: Val Veny and Courmayeur

Hike through the Val Veny at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, enjoying views of Miage Glacier, Combal Lake, and the limestone crags known as the Pyramides Calcaires. Ascend to Rifugio Elisabetta for lunch and magnificent views. Hike back through the valley to La Visaille where your coach awaits. During a free evening, consider indulging in a sauna session or soak in thermal whirlpools at a local spa. (B,L) Hotel Lo Scoiattolo

Day 6: Italy: Val Ferret and Courmayeur

Experience the splendid Val Ferret today. Zigzag up the slope from Lavachey to the Rifugio Bonatti (6,750 feet) and sit down to lunch with views of some of the highest peaks in the Alps. Then trace Mont Blanc’s balcony to Pra Sec Dessous for an incredible vista. Back in Courmayeur, meet an Alpine guide for a tour of the Alpine Museum. (B,L) Hotel Lo Scoiattolo

Day 7: France: Chamonix and the Mer de Glace

Travel by private vehicle to Chamonix, France. After free time to explore the town and its trails, ride a cog train to Montenvers. Take a cable car over the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and venture into a stunning ice cave. Alternatively, learn more about glaciers at the Glaciorium or visit the Refuge du Montenvers, built in the 1800s to house mountaineers. (B) Mercure Chamonix Center Hotel

Day 8: France: Aiguille du Midi and Chamonix

Ascend by cable car to the iconic Aiguille du Midi, a 12,600-foot rock “needle” that is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing. Then ride a cable car to Planpraz-Brevent for lunch and a hike along the Grand South Balcony. Descend by cable car and transfer back to Chamonix. (B,L) Mercure Chamonix Center Hotel

Day 9: France: Aiguilette des Posettes and

Chamonix

Take the Vallorcine cable car up to the Aiguillette des Posettes trail, one of the most beautiful hikes on the Tour du Mont Blanc. After lunch, tour the Maison du Lieutenant, an interpretation center for the agriculture, culture, and ecology of Mont Blanc. Gather for celebratory farewell dinner at a restaurant in Chamonix. (B,L,D)

Mercure Chamonix Center Hotel

Day 10: Geneva/Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Geneva for your flight home. (B)

Activity Level: Energetic

This journey includes hiking options from 3–8 miles per day over rocky and uneven terrain, with significant ascents and descents on several days.