Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Tour du Mont Blanc Express Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
1.5-hour private van transfer
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: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
(D)
Day 2 Hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines (France)
7 hours/10 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 2,800' elevation loss
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
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike the Roman Road to Les Chapieux (France)
35-minute private van transfer
7 hours/12 miles with 4,200' elevation gain & 3,000' elevation loss
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 you'll stay the night. Enjoy dinner in town.
Accommodation: Hotel L'Autantic
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Cross Vallée des Glaciers to Courmayeur (Italy)
1.25-hour private van transfer
6 hours/10 miles with 2,300' elevation gain & 2,700' elevation loss
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 Le Massif
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike to Champex (Switzerland)
1-hour private van transfer
5–6 hours/9 miles with 2,500' elevation gain & 3,100' elevation loss
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 du Glacier
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Champex to Col de la Forclaz (Switzerland) & Argentiere (France)
30-minute private van transfer
6 hours/12 miles with 2,400' elevation gain & 2,300' elevation loss
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
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike Back to Chamonix (France)
6.5 hours/10 miles with 2,700' elevation gain & 3,600' elevation loss
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: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Return to Geneva & Depart
1.5-hour private van transfer
Enjoy your final breakfast with the group before transferring from Chamonix to Geneva airport.
Accommodation: Chalet Hotel Le Prieure
(B)
