The Tour du Mont Blanc is undeniably one of the world’s greatest inn-to-inn hikes, and a classic mountain adventure. This circuit around Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest peak at 15,770 feet, is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring mountain views and the vibrant cultural influence of both France and Italy. On this adventure, you will experience the best hikes of the “TMB”.
Our routes wander through alpine meadows, over barren passes, into small hamlets, and beneath gigantic glaciers as we hike in the French and Italian Alps. Our expert guides lead us as we discover a new section of the classic route each day, delighting in the changes in language, landscape, architecture, and cuisine. We’ll spend four nights in the vibrant French village of Chamonix and three nights medieval town of Courmayeur, Italy. After rewarding days of hiking, we’re ready to relax and refuel as we savor the hearty specialities of the Alps’ Savoyard cuisine.
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Arrival in Chamonix
We meet at our mountain hotel in Chamonix, France, an idyllic mountain town nestled under the flanks of snow-covered Mont Blanc (15,780’), the highest mountain in western Europe. Chamonix is the “mountaineering capital” of Europe, and has been a climbing and skiing center for more than 100 years. This wonderful town has a charming atmosphere and is well-preserved with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafés. This evening, we have a trip briefing and welcome dinner at one our favorite restaurants in town.
Hôtel PrieuréChamonix-Mont Blanc, France
The Prieuré is a Savoyarde style chalet hotel with great balcony views of the Mont Blanc massif and Aiguilles Rouges, known for their local charm, service, and spa with sauna, hot tub and steam room.
Le Tour - Col du Balme
Today we venture up the Chamonix valley to the small village of Le Tour. We'll take a gondola to Charamillon and then continue upward with the chairlift des Autannes. Our first hike will bring us to the Col de Balme (7,220’), along the Swiss border on the famous Tour du Mont-Blanc trail. From here we'll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Alps, Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley below. Continuing to the Col des Posettes (6,550'), we press on to the top of Aiguille des Posettes (7,220') for a 360° view over France and Switzerland. Descending either by foot or by gondola to the village of Le Tour, we'll head back to Chamonix, for some much needed rest and relaxation and a well earned dinner together.
Aiguille du Midi to Montenvers
From Chamonix, we start early to take the most famous cable car in the Alps up to the dramatic, pointed rock formation of the Aiguille du Midi (12,579’).
The top of the Aiguille offers breathtaking views of the snow covered peaks, Mont Blanc and the entire region. After soaking in the panorama, we ride back down to the mid-station, Plan de l?Aiguille (7,029’) and hike along a fairly level trail called the “South Balcony.” A short climb up to Le Signal (7,254’) gives us a beautiful view of the Mer de Glace, one of the longest glaciers of the Alps.
We then hike down to Le Montenvers (6,313’), the top station of Chamonix’ cog train, and have the opportunity to visit the glacier museum before taking the train back down to the village. You’re free this evening to choose among Chamonix’ many restaurants.
Lac Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges
Today, we start with a ride on the Flégère cable car to venture into to the Aiguilles Rouges. We may gain more altitude via the Index chairlift, then follow the scenic and rocky trail to Lac Blanc (7,720’) and its refuge, a famous and unique chalet within the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve.
We get a dazzling view of many of the highest peaks in the Alps, with spectacular vistas over the entire Chamonix Valley and the massif, Mont Blanc towering above its neighboring peaks. We then return to gondola La Flégère for the ride back down to the valley.
This evening we enjoy dinner together at a favorite local Savoyard restaurant.
Val Veny and Lac Checrouit
Off to Italy! We get an early start this morning for our journey through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy’s Aosta Valley, and our next town for three nights, in Courmayeur.
We continue to the tiny hamlet of Dolonne, from where we take the gondola and chairlift to Col Chécrouit and Rifugio Maison Vieille and start our hike towards Lac Chécrouit (7,152'), a famous and picturesque lake facing the full Monte Bianco mountain range.
The hike continues to the high ridge of Arp Vieille (7,940') before a descent to the end of Val Veny and Lac Combal. The day finishes on an old road now closed to traffic to reach the bus stop for our return to Courmayeur.
This evening we settle into the resort town of Courmayeur, beautifully nestled beneath the Grand Jorasses and Monte Bianco. Our hotel for the next three nights is ideally situationed just steps away from the town's pedestrian center. We dine together at one of our guides' favorite restaurants this evening.
Hotel BerthodCourmayeur, Italy
Hotel Berthod is a converted old country house in an ideal location in the center of lively Courmayeur, the "Italian Chamonix". The Berthod family who has operated the hotel for many years, embraces all guests with a gracious welcome and service. Balconies offer impressive views of Mont Blanc, and many shops and cafes are just a few steps away to immerse yourself in Italian culture for the evening.
Mont de la Saxe to Refugios
Today we discover the Tour du Mont Blanc route above Courmayeur, overlooking the Val Ferret and enjoying the views from the Italian side. We drive up the valley to start our hike, which begins with an hour-long ascent to reach the famous Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc. A more smooth and undulating trail reveals panoramic views around each turn, as we parallel the Mont Blanc range and the steep and impressive south faces, otherwise known as the “wild side”, with no cable cars or lifts - just alpine wilderness of glaciers, high peaks, mountain lakes and low forests.
Val Ferret and Rifugio Bonatti
Today, we transfer to the end of the Val Ferret and hike up to reach the high alpine pasture of Arp Nouva Damon (6,570'). From there we follow the smooth and gently undulating trail along the hillside towards Refugio Bonatti (6,647'). This “balcony trail” offers more spectacular views of the south faces of the Mont-Blanc range, including the Grand Jorasses and Mont Dolent, a significant peak where France, Italy and Switzerland share a border. An optional detour can take us to Malatra, a beautiful plateau between mountains where cows and sheep graze during summer months. We then hike down to the alpine hamlet of Lavachey (5,387'), and transfer back to Cormayeur for the evening.
Tonight we have dinner together to celebrate a week of incredible hiking! We raise a glass and enjoy a delectable Italian dinner at Ristorante Cadran Solaire, one of Courmayeur's finest restaurants.
Departure from Courmayeur
Today, we bid arrivederci to Courmayeur and Italy. Our trip ends after breakfast, and you are free to depart for your next destination at any time.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
8 Days
Jun 27-Jul 4, 2027
Jul 31-Aug 7, 2027
Sep 9-16, 2027
From $5,195 Per Person
First one reserved:$325
Additional:$825
See single supplement policy below.
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Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email [email protected]
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. As a more Moderate version of the Tour du Mont Blanc trip, this trip is rated is rated 3+, moderate to strenuous, on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the most strenuous), yet offers many options to vary the degree of difficulty. Each rewarding day includes spectacular mountainous terrain, with use of cable cars to shorten the ascents or descents. Hiking duration from four up to to eight hours, and mileage ranging from 4-8 miles, and elevation gain/losses up to 1700' gain and 3000' loss, depending on your choices. Most hiking is at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.
Trail conditions vary greatly, including a mix of wide dirt paths, hiking trails with rocks and roots, rough, large rocky steps, loose scree, and shallow stream crossings. Uneven terrain underfoot requires agility, strength, and stable footing. We request that you bring hiking boots with full ankle support and two trekking poles, which help provide comfort and stability. Our hikes take us through farmland, forest, rocky glacial terrain, and over mountain passes. Each hike includes sustained climbing and descending, sometimes steeply. The route does not travel through exposed sections with drop-offs, but does include limited sections of trail traversing steep hillsides, which may pose an issue for those with vertigo or a fear of heights. Feel free to call our office for further details.
It is imperative that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more physically prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in moderate to strenuous aerobic activities (such as hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 45 minutes to one hour 5-6 times a week for at least 6-8 weeks before the trip. Considering this is a strenuous hiking trip, we encourage you to consider adding longer activities on weekends—hiking in hilly or mountainous terrain is ideal, but longer bike rides or other moderately strenuous activities will also be helpful.
For those who do not regularly engage in full day hikes in mountainous terrain, we highly recommend you experience at least two back-to-back full-day hikes before your trip, to best prepare for consecutive days of hiking. If you live in a flat area, incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability, in addition to as much outdoor hiking as possible (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour, and/or would like to discuss your fitness level and routines relative to requirements for this trip.
This tour includes fairly full days on the trail, however with flexibiltiy to opt for a day off or a shorter hike as opportunities allow. Although we are on the trail most of the day, we will experience some Mont Blanc mountain culture during the tour. Each day your guide will brief you the day's hike and its timing. In general, you may expect to have breakfast in the vicinity of 7:30-8:30 am, and to start the day's hike around 8:30 am. You may expect to conclude your days’ hikes in the vicinity of 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Dinners typically begin at 7:00 to 7:45 pm. Your guide will brief you each day on the next day’s adventures and may adjust plan accordingly.
July is an idyllic time to experience the alps, with comfortable summer temperatures (cooler at higher elevations!) and wildflowers in peak bloom. In an alpine environment, weather is variable throughout the day and by elevation. A warm, sunny day in the valley can be anywhere from delightfully refreshing to downright brisk at higher elevations. Therefore, dressing in layers will be essential to your comfort throughout the day. Rain and snow are possible at any time, and weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so having rain gear and thermal layers on hand is advisable. The sun is surprisingly strong at higher elevations, and therefore adequate precautions should be taken to prevent sunburn, even on cool days.
Typical low and high temperatures by month:
June: 46 F to 72 F
July: 49 F to 75 F
August: 48 F to 74 F
September: 42 F to 69 F
At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, as a custom itinerary with only your first an last dinners included, we will include local beer and wine with your dinners. If you prefer premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal.
We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other destinations, where tap water is safe to drink (please review Immunizations & Health Concerns for more information). In parts of the world where water must be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we visit.
Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more about TAP's efforts at travelersagainstplastic.org.
Savoyard cuisine is centered around the incredible bounty of fresh foods available in the alpine valleys of the region. You'll enjoy plenty of local cheeses and wines and most menus will feature soups, pasta, fish, meat, and salads. Breakfasts, lunches, and all but two dinners are included; your guide can make recommendations for wonderful local restaurants for those two evenings. Breakfasts include fresh fruit, sliced meats and cheese, yogurt, cereal, and pastries. A substantial variety of hiking snacks are offered each morning to carry in your own pack. Picnic lunches usually include fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, fresh bread, 2 or 3 local cheeses, and cookies or chocolate for dessert. Most dinners are at our hotels and consist of a good variety of Savoyard choices.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices may be more limited. Contact our office with any questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs.
As a trip participant, you have responsibilities to Boundless Journeys, your fellow travelers and guide, and the local people you encounter. This includes understanding and preparing for the conditions described in the itinerary, ensuring it meets your interests and abilities, and following the health and safety guidelines of Boundless Journeys, local authorities, and/or the CDC. At their discretion, a guide may ask a guest to leave the trip if further participation may be detrimental to the individual or other participants.
Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Your trip is unique in that it’s a hand-crafted itinerary for up to 8 guests maximum. The nature of group travel is such that not all participants may not have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure, is all part of this shared experience. Boundless Journeys asks that participants be physically fit, experienced hikers who are seeking a hiking-focused trip. This is for the enjoyment and safety of all participants.
We use a variety of transport methods throughout this trip, including private passenger vans, local buses, cable cars and chairlifts.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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