Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Chamonix
Trip Finishes
Chamonix
Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Challenging
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZFXM
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day Mont Blanc Highlights. If you’re looking for unforgettable alpine views, rewarding hikes and a fantastic place to rest your head each night, you’ve come to the right place. Set out on an eight-day hiking adventure through the Alps where you’ll explore the white landscapes on foot each day before returning to your base in Chamonix. With cable car rides included on several days, you’ll spend more time exploring and less time tackling tiring climbs – and with an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, you can trust that you’re in safe...read more hands.
Itinerary
Bienvenue! Welcome to the French Alps. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix – the French town where you’ll be based for this adventure. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation – a historic and scenic hotel, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, that’s been run by the same family since its opening in 1914. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and the other traveller. After, maybe get to know each other over dinner in one of Chamonix’s local restaurants.
This morning you’ll take a cable car up to Bellevue. Not only does this cable car journey make the day’s hike more pleasant, you’ll also be treated to spectacular sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Chamonix Needles, the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis Range. Hike along the path of famous Tour du Mont Blanc, in the forests below the Bionnassay glacier, before hiking up the little summit of Tete de la Charme (1882 m). Descend to the village of Bionnassay for a taste of typical life in the mountains, and perhaps visit the local museum. Transfer back to your accommodation in Chamonix and enjoy a relaxing evening. (B/L/D)
Wake up and breathe in the fresh mountain air before heading out for another active day. Catch a train to the village of Le Tour, then start your hike through the Balme mountain pastures, first crossing through the untamed Posettes pass. Take some time to admire the iconic needles of the Mont Blanc massif, stretching from the Aiguille du Tour through the Drus and the famous Aiguille du Midi. You’ll also be able to see across to Switzerland and the Emosson Dam. Return to Chamonix by train and enjoy and evening at leisure. (B/L/D)
Today is a free day to take on your own adventure. You may like to spend some time exploring the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Chamonix. Or perhaps you’d rather set out in search of breathtaking views – there are several cable car excursions available from Chamonix, one of the most spectacular being the ascent to Aiguille du Midi (3842 m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. If you fancy getting active, there are loads of mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding and hiking options in the area. (B)
Today’s hike will lead you to Lac Blanc, also known as the mirror of Mont Blanc. First, climb into the mountains on the Flegere cable car, which offers amazing alpine views that can only be seen by those travelling this way. After your ride, begin your hike towards the lake – one of the most beloved and celebrated walking routes in the region. Follow a high balcony path while keeping an eye out for wildlife – marmots, ibex and eagles are all frequently spotted along this trail! When you arrive at Lac Blanc, take some time to admire the snowy peaks in the reflective water – this is one scene you won’t forget. Give your legs a well-earned rest and return via the Flegere cable car, descending into the beautiful valley below. (B/L/D)
Your hike today will lead you from Chamonix to Mer de Glace – France’s largest glacier. Lying above the Chamonix valley, this sprawling stretch of ice is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Walk uphill through dense patches of forest, taking in fantastic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. After reaching the glacier, you have the option to continue a downhill loop back to Chamonix, or you may prefer to take the Montenvers train for a shorter scenic trip back. (B/L/D)
Today, you’ll take the cable car up to Brevent Station for perhaps the best view of Mont Blanc and the expansive Chamonix Valley – what better way to celebrate your last full day in the French Alps! Look over the Brevent Pass, then continue hiking to the Bel Lachat refuge and up to Brevent Lake, the perfect spot to pause and admire the landscape. Soak in views of the Mont Blanc massif and a land of ice and rock below. In the afternoon, take a scenic cable car ride, dropping from 2500 m all the way to Chamonix, sitting at 1000 m above sea level. Tonight, you may like to gather with your group for a final dinner to look back on everything you’ve seen and achieved over the past week. (B/L)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, but for those keen to keep the fun going, there’s time for one last walk. Speak to your leader about the option of an unaccompanied bus ride and 1-hour signposted walk through flower-covered meadows to the Col des Montets. If you would like to extend your stay and need help organising additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Spend a week hiking the French Swiss Alps to see some of Europe’s most beautiful natural sights, including glaciers, lakes and mountains.
- Soar over spectacular scenery and soak in unbeatable views during a series of cable car rides, meaning you can walk through the region’s best landscapes without the tiring climbs.
- Explore with an experienced International Mountain Leader – a highly qualified guide who will ensure the group’s safety while bringing the scenery to life.
- Stay in a historic hotel in the heart of Chamonix , surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Unpack just once and enjoy an epic location that can’t be topped.
- Hiking can really work up an appetite, which is why all meals are included on hiking days, ensuring you’re fuelled up for your adventures.
- Hotel (7 nights)
- 7 Breakfasts included
- 5 Lunches included
- 4 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Availability
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
