Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)
8 Days Starting in Chamonix, France and ending in Courmayeur, Italy
Visiting: Chamonix, Courmayeur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
832
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif and is one of Europe’s greatest long-distance trails through France, Italy and Switzerland. This eight day walking tour takes on sections of the TMB circuit in and around two of its gorgeous gateway towns, Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy. It’s a centre-based holiday, dividing your time between three-star hotels in both towns, with plenty of time to take on hiking highlights such as Grand Balcon Sud, Val Veny and Val Ferret. A perfect way to have quality time on both the TMB and in its most spectacular towns
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to the alpine town of Chamonix, which sits on the banks for the river l’Arve just 6km from Chamonix and is noted for its year-round popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts.
Day 2 : Chamonix – Tré Le Champ To Planpraz Via Lac Blanc 5-6H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the day with a short bus transfer to Tré le Champ before hiking up to Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud, one of the most spectacular sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Using a combination of fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks to reach Refuge du Lac Blanc, you'll be treated to fantastic and uninterrupted views across the Vallée de l'Arve. The day can be shortened by taking a cable car back down to the valley floor at la Flégère, or instead, continue on to Planpraz, where a cable car ride takes you back down to the mountaineering hub of Chamonix.
Walking for the day: 13.5km, 5-6h ?1,270m ?685m (easier option by cable car: 8km, 4-5h ?945m ?490m)
Day 3 : Chamonix – Planpraz To Les Houches – Train To Chamonix 5-6H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Planpraz continue on to Le Brévent, considered one of the greatest viewpoints from which to admire Mont Blanc. The descent into Les Houches is steep and challenging, but also heavily rewarding thanks to its unforgettable views. From Les Houches, a short trip on the Mont Blanc Express brings you back to Chamonix.
Walking for the day: 12.2km, 5-6h ?521m ?1,545m
Day 4 : Mer De Glace Loop Walk
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hike along forested trails with views across Chamonix valley as you approach Europe’s second longest glacier, Mer de Glace. As well as incredible views over the glacier itself, there are also optional attractions such as the Glaciorium, an exhibit dedicated to glaciology and the Ice Grotto, a man-made cave cut into the glacier. Stop in for refreshments on the way back down at Rocher des Mottets, or alternatively, take the Montenvers railway back down to Chamonix.
Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ?1,030m ?1,040m
Day 5 : Bus To Courmayeur
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take today at your own pace and enjoy the morning in Chamonix before catching a bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy, where you have the day free to explore the town.
Day 6 : La Visaille (Val Veny) – Courmayeur
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a local bus to La Visaille before making your way to Lac Combal, a glacial lake fed by Glacier de Miage which makes its way into the valley. Gain some elevation on the path to Col Chécrouit, hiking a balcony which offers magnificent views across to the snow-covered peaks on the opposite side of the valley. There is the option to shorten the day by taking the Dolonne cable car down into Courmayeur.
Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h ?800m ?1,270m
Please note: In low season a private transfer will be required between Courmayeur and La Visaille.
Day 7 : Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti – Courmayeur
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Considered one of the highlights of the TMB, today’s route rivals in beauty that of Val Veny, from the grassy slopes high up Monte de la Saxe. Take in views towards Col de la Seigne and the Grandes Jorasses as a challenging hike takes you across Col Sapin (2,436m) to the high point of Pas-entre-deux-Sauts (2,524m) before descending towards Rifugio Bonatti. A local bus ride from Val Ferret takes you back to Courmayeur.
Walking for the day: 16km, 8-9h ?1,600m ?1,135m
Please note: In low season a private transfer will be required between Val Ferret and Courmayeur.
Day 8 : Departure Or Extra Nights
Location: Courmayeur
As Courmayeur is a great place to spend some extra time, with lots of local walks and attractions to explore, we recommend taking some extra nights here to relax after your trip.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Vallée Blanche or similar in Chamonix and Hotel Croux or similar in Courmayeur, with bed and breakfast included.
-
Transportation
Local bus transfers are included for certain segments of the tour, such as from Chamonix to Tré le Champ and from Courmayeur to La Visaille.
-
Cable Car Options
Cable car rides are available as an option to shorten certain hiking days, such as from La Flégère to the valley floor and from Dolonne into Courmayeur.
-
Mont Blanc Express
The Mont Blanc Express train is included for travel between key locations like Chamonix and Les Houches.
What's Not Included
-
Private Transfers
Private transfers are required between Courmayeur and La Visaille, and between Val Ferret and Courmayeur during the low season.
-
Optional Attractions
Entrance to optional attractions such as the Glaciorium and the Ice Grotto at Mer de Glace is not included.
-
Extra Nights
Extra nights in Courmayeur for additional exploration and relaxation are not included in the standard tour package.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy convenient transportation with short bus transfers, cable car rides, and the Mont Blanc Express train, ensuring seamless travel between key locations like Chamonix, Courmayeur, and various hiking starting points.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Vallée Blanche and Hotel Croux, offering bed and breakfast services, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes of the Mont Blanc region.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes local bus transfers for certain segments, cable car rides as an option to shorten hiking days, and the Mont Blanc Express train for seamless travel between key locations like Chamonix and Courmayeur.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional attractions such as the Glaciorium and the Ice Grotto at Mer de Glace, which are not included in the standard tour package.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at Vallée Blanche or similar in Chamonix and Hotel Croux or similar in Courmayeur, with bed and breakfast services included.
-
Is it possible to shorten any of the hiking days?
Yes, some hiking days can be shortened by taking cable car rides, such as from La Flégère to the valley floor or from Dolonne into Courmayeur.
-
What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you can choose to depart or spend extra nights in Courmayeur, which is recommended for exploring local walks and attractions.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Monday - Monday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Monday - Monday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Monday - Monday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.