Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer to Chamonix, France at 1:00 pm. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860′). (hide)

Day 2: Short transfer to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue. Here we begin today’s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the col, we arrive at our refuge.

Day 3: From our refuge we continue to the village of Les Contamines where we have time to linger and buy lunch items for the next day. Departing Les Contamines, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.

Day 4: Departing our refuge we begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme and to the Col des Fours (8,960′). After a long descent passing though the Ville des Glacier and maybe stopping to buy some beaufort cheese at a farm, we will end our day at the remote and rustic refuge.

Day 5:Today’s hike will lead us to the Italian border at the Col de la Seigne (8,300′). Hiking down the Val Veny, the Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif and Mont Blanc itself will dominate the scene with its myriad of glaciers and towering rocky peaks. Transfer by bus to our hotel located in the village of Courmayeur, Italy.

Day 6: Rest day in Courmayeur. The day can be spent exploring the town’s narrow streets, sampling the local pastries and cuisine, day hiking, or taking a series of cable cars up to Point Helbronner and into the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Day 7: Transfer by bus to the end of the spectacular Val Ferret. Hike to Ferret, Switzerland over the Col Grand Ferret (8,372′). Stopping for lunch en route we are offered views of the Val Veny, Val Ferret and the skyline is dominated by the Grandes Jorasses, Aiguille Talefre and Mont Dolent. This wonderful day of hiking ends in the Swiss Val Ferret.

Day 8: A moderate day of hiking leads us down the Ferret Valley through small Swiss hamlets and beautiful gardens. The hike ends with a climb up to the picturesque lake village of Champex.

Day 9: There are two hiking options for today, one via the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and the other more difficult route up and over the ruggedly beautiful Fenetre d’Arpette. Both route offer wonderful views of the majestic Swiss Alps.

Day 10: Hike from Trient to le Buet, France over the Col de Balme (7,230). Crossing into France at the col, once again the spectacular sight of the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc Range with its dramatic peaks and glaciers will be breathtaking. We will end our day in Argentiere.

Day 11: Argentiere to Chamonix via the “Grand Balcon Sud” with ever-changing views of the Aiguille Verte, the Aiguilles des Chamonix, the glaciers of le Tour, Argentiere and the Mer de Glace.

Day 12: Depart Chamonix at 6:30 am for group transfer to the Geneva Airport, arriving at about 7:30 am.

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