Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Tour du Mont Blanc Week, a guided hiking experience through the breathtaking landscapes of the Mont Blanc Circuit. Traverse the scenic trails of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, guided by an International Mountain Leader. This tour offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself against cols and passes, all while soaking in the glorious alpine views. Experience the diverse cultures of three countries in just one week, culminating in the vibrant mountain hub of Chamonix. Stay in charming family-run hotels and auberges, each offering a warm welcome and panoramic views. With all breakfasts and most dinners included, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching journey through one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges. Whether you're an avid trekker or a nature enthusiast, this adventure promises an exhilarating and culturally rich experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
Location: Col de la Forclaz, Trient Glacier
Accommodation Name: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
Meals Included: Dinner
We start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening, there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt items between bags to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you.Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz (or similar) ...more ...less
Day 2 : Follow the Bovine Route to the pretty village of Champex Lac and on to Orsières
Location: Col de la Forclaz, Martigny, Bovine Route, Champex, Mont Blanc massif, Val Ferret, Orsières
Accommodation Name: Hotel de l’Union in Orsières, Switzerland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave the Col de la Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season), the Bovine Route (6,720ft/2,049m) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch, we descend to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m) and the east side of the Mont Blanc massif. Walking south, we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and onto Orsières (2,910ft/887m), a pretty alpine village in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass.Accommodation: Hotel de l'Union (or similar)
Day 3 : Short bus transfer to La Fouly and climb to the highest point, Grand Col Ferret, and descend into Italy
Location: La Fouly, Mont Dolent, Grand Col Ferret, Val Ferret, La Palud
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria in La Palud, Italy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which is dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still following the valley and the river, La Drance, we climb steadily to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320ft/2,537m), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called Val Ferret (5,770ft/1,760m) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.Accommodation: Hotel Astoria (or similar)
Day 4 : Trek from Val Veny over Col de la Seigne to Les Chapieux
Location: Val Veny, Col de la Seigne, La Ville des Glaciers, Les Chapieux
Accommodation Name: Auberge de la Nova
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel by bus to La Visaille (5,450ft/1,660m) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today’s pass: the Col de la Seigne (8,250ft/2,516m), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally, after a long walking day, to Les Chapieux (5,100ft/1,553m), a small hamlet inhabited only during summer. For departures on the 5/7/25 and 6/9/25 from here we take a private transfer down the valley to our accommodation in Bourg St Maurice.Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova (or similar)
Day 5 : A tougher day over two cols; Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme; descend to Les Contamines
Location: Les Chapieux, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Col du Bonhomme, Les Contamines
Accommodation Name: Auberge (inn) Gelinotte in Les Contamines, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A morning transfer back to Les Chapieux, where we have reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130ft/2,479m), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft/2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (3,860ft/1,175m). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink.Accommodation: Auberge Gelinotte (or similar)
Day 6 : Over the Col du Tricot to the Chamonix Valley
Location: Chalets de Miage, Col de Tricot, Glacier de Bionnassay, Col de Voza, Les Houches
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (5,120ft/1,560m), a great spot to sample home-cooked delicacies. From here, we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually, we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (5,420ft/1,652m) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (3,260ft/993m) and take the bus to our hotel.Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers (or similar)
Day 7 : Final day trekking past Lac Blanc before descending to Chamonix
Location: Lac Blanc, Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route then drops sharply down to Chamonix (3,380ft/1,030m) and the end of our trek.Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers (or similar)
Day 8 : End Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home.
What's Included
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All breakfasts and six dinners
All breakfasts and six dinners are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.
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Group arrival and departure transfers available
Group arrival and departure transfers are available as part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation not available
Single accommodation is not available on this tour.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately if required.
Food
All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on Day 7 of the itinerary.
Typical meals
Breakfast: Usually coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves.
Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either shops or the hotel
efuge.
Evening meal: Generally, a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking.
Vegans: You may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.
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Accommodation
Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. Most of the properties offer panoramic views over the Alps, reflecting the local community. Though basic, all are clean, well run, and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transport and listed activities, with group arrival and departure transfers available. A local bus is used to rejoin the TMB at La Fouly, and private transfers are provided when necessary, ensuring seamless travel between destinations.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Tour du Mont Blanc Week?
During the Tour du Mont Blanc Week, you will stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, which are similar to inns. These accommodations are modest but provide a warm and welcoming place for travelers and hikers. Most offer panoramic views over the Alps and reflect the local community's culture. While the facilities vary, all accommodations are clean, well-run, and cater to the needs of trekkers. ...more ...less
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What should I know about the room arrangements during the tour?
Room sizes vary and can be twin, double, triple, or quad. Couples will always have their own room, but it may be a twin or double. Solo travelers may need to share twin, triple, or quad rooms. Single room bookings are not accepted due to the small size of the hotels and the fact that the group usually stays only one night in each property. ...more ...less
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What is the highest point we will reach during the tour?
The highest point reached during the tour is the Grand Col Ferret, which stands at 8,320 feet (2,537 meters).
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Is there any transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, all transport and listed activities are included in the tour. This includes group arrival and departure transfers, as well as local bus transfers to rejoin the Tour du Mont Blanc at certain points.
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What kind of meals can I expect during the tour?
Breakfasts typically include coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, and conserves. Evening meals generally consist of a first course of soup, salad, or charcuterie, a main course of meat with vegetables, rice, or pasta, and a dessert. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals. Vegetarians are catered for, but vegans may find the variety limited. ...more ...less
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Tour du Mont Blanc Week
8 Days Starting in Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland and ending in Chamonix, France
Visiting: Col de la Forclaz, Trient Glacier, Martigny, Bovine Route, Champex, Mont Blanc massif, Val Ferret, Orsières, La Fouly, Mont Dolent, Grand Col Ferret, La Palud, Val Veny, Col de la Seigne, La Ville des Glaciers, Les Chapieux, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Col du Bonhomme, Les Contamines, Chalets de Miage, Col de Tricot, Glacier de Bionnassay, Col de Voza, Les Houches, Lac Blanc, Chamonix ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TWP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
