Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)

Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)

21 Views
8 Days From

$1535

Classic Tour du Mont Blanc (Centre-based)

8 Days Starting in Chamonix, France and ending in Courmayeur, Italy

Visiting: Chamonix, Courmayeur

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

832

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Challenging

Tour operated in:

English , French
From: $1535

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Chamonix, a popular alpine town for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Hike to Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud for spectacular views.

  • Admire Mont Blanc from the viewpoint at Le Brévent.

  • Explore the Mer de Glace, Europe's second longest glacier.

  • Visit Courmayeur in Italy, with free time to explore the town.

  • Hike to Lac Combal and enjoy views of the snow-covered peaks.

  • Experience the beauty of Monte de la Saxe and Rifugio Bonatti.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

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Book 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.