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Chamonix Mont Blanc Highlights
Sample Itinerary

Actual hikes vary from trip to trip, but our itinerary will go something like this:

On this guided variation of the Tour of Mont Blanc, we'll focus on our absolute favorite corners of the classic tour. We'll slow the pace a bit, spending extra time in the quiet side-valleys around Chamonix and Courmayeur, visiting world-class hotels and quaint inns, and hiking across enjoying unparalleled vistas. We'll have 3 stops in 6 nights, mixing nice village hotels with one night in a remote mountain hut. We'll start with 3 nights in Chamonix, hiking the nearby stages of the TMB. Then we'll travel to the distinctive village of Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, for a hike through one of the most spectacular valleys in the Alps, the Italian Val Ferret, to the very comfortable Bonatti hut. Finally, hike to the Ferret pass to peer into Switzerland before returning by bus to Courmayeur for 2 final nights. We'll stay in very nice 3-star hotels in each village with one night at Bonatti hut. Bonatti hut is a comfortable inn with some private rooms, showers, and gorgeous views. No luggage this night. Our typical day starts with a continental buffet breakfast at our inn - delicious fresh baked bread, local cheeses, cereal, fruit, coffee and juice - which gives us the energy needed for a full day of inn-to-inn hiking. Soon we'll be out on the trail for 6-8 hours, where often you'll get to choose between an easier or more strenuous hike for the day. Each morning, you'll be handed a lunch to carry, and at a mid-point along the way we'll choose a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy our picnic. We get a lot of compliments on our imaginative lunches - making them something to look forward to as well! We should finish our hike around 4-5 pm, giving you time to wash up, relax, and gaze upon Mont Blanc and the surrounding scenery. You'll have your own room every night, with private bathroom for all nights except at Bonatti. Each evening we'll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. These are multi-course feasts, featuring local specialties and will definitely be hearty, filling, well-earned and very delicious.

Day 1
Arrive in Geneva, and we will arrange your transfer to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center in France. Enjoy your first impressive views of Mont Blanc, with perhaps time to relax at the pool and outdoor patio of our charming Chamonix hotel before meeting the group for dinner. (Hotel les Aiglons)

Day 2
One of the classic hikes in the region leads to Lac Blanc for an introductory dayhike. This high-mountain lake sits in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Preserve, a rugged ridge across the valley from Mont Blanc, and commands one of the greatest mountain views anywhere. We'll make good use of local cablecars to enjoy more time hiking near the lake, and keep an eye open for bouquetin - a mountain goat with long curved horns that are frequently sighted in this region. Return to Chamonix for a 2nd night. (Hotel les Aiglons)

Day 3
Hiking the traditional first stage of the Mont Blanc tour brings us to the minor Voza pass to the lovely Bionnassay valley, a wooded region with impressive glaciers and waterfalls, and capped by blinding peaks. Return to Chamonix for our 3rd night. (Hotel les Aiglons)

Day 4
A morning transfer by private taxi through the Mont Blanc tunnel brings us to the charming, cobblestoned village of Courmayeur, the heart of the Italian Mont Blanc region. We'll tackle one of the most spectacular hikes in the Mont Blanc region from Courmayeur above the Val Ferret, with the vertical cliffs of Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses towering above us to the west while the valley falls away below. Serious hikers can climb to the top of the Mont de la Saxe ridge, while lower trails make an easier, scenic traverse. Truly a magnificent day, and one of the highlights of the Mont Blanc circuit. Stay in a comfortable alpine hut. (rifugio Bonatti)

Day 5
Hiking toward the Grand Col Ferret, we'll descend down to the valley floor with time for an optional hike to the Grand Col Ferret pass separating Italy from Switzerland, and returning by bus to Courmayeur. (Hotel Bouton d'Or)

Day 6
A second day in Courmayeur gives us time for one last spectacular dayhike, either up the Veny valley to Elisabetta hut, or ascending a scenic ridge to the peak of nearby Mont Chetif. Stay in a friendly and comfortable 3-star hotel and enjoy a night of la dolce vita while exploring the village center on the final night of our Chamonix Mont Blanc Highlights tour! (Hotel Bouton d'Or)

Day 7
After breakfast, return by van to Geneva

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