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Encounter the highest mountain range in the Alps that connects the beautiful countries of France and Italy. Traverse Geneva to Mont Blanc and Chamonix as you hike charming villages, spectacular glaciers, and enjoy delectable regional specialties on this 6-day adventure through two breathtaking alpine perspectives.
Your adventure begins in Geneva. Head to Combloux, and get your first glimpse at the famed Mont Blanc as you climb the hills above Combloux to an alpine field. Visit the quaint, traditional village of Megève, nestled in the winding Mont Blanc foothills. At Aiguille du Midi, stroll along a gorgeous balcony trail to the Signal de Forbes, and gaze down over the Alps' second-largest glacier, the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). From one alpine paradise to another, leave breathtaking moments of the Swiss Alps ...
Your adventure begins in Geneva. Head to Combloux, and get your first glimpse at the famed Mont Blanc as you climb the hills above Combloux to an alpine field. Visit the quaint, traditional village of Megève, nestled in the winding Mont Blanc foothills. At Aiguille du Midi, stroll along a gorgeous balcony trail to the Signal de Forbes, and gaze down over the Alps' second-largest glacier, the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). From one alpine paradise to another, leave breathtaking moments of the Swiss Alps and into the spell bounding Italian Alps. Walk with professional high-mountain guides across the Dente del Gigante (Giant's Tooth) glacier and savour a picnic lunch at 3350 metres (11,000 feet). Visit the Italian town of Courmayeur and linger over a festive meal. Enjoy a cappuccino before traversing the stunning Val Ferrer on the Italian side of Monte Bianco. Follow a section of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, and admire the peaks that seem to stretch forever above the valley and glacial below. Admire Monte Bianco one last time and hop aboard a shuttle to Geneva, where your spectacular adventure comes to an end.
Away from the thrill of exploration, relax in your chic resorts; sunbathe in Les Fermes de Marie's bubbling wooden hot tub as you sip a luscious aperitif. In Hotel Mont Blanc, enjoy a laid-back time at the lounge with its famed pastries and hot chocolate. At the Auberge de la Maison, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or take a dip in any of its glistening pools.
This luxury package includes 5 nights’ accommodations in luxury hotels on a twin-share basis. All meals and transfers are included as specified. You will be escorted by two support vans and three tour leaders on each departure for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. With multiple walking options to choose from each day, accommodation varied activity levels and giving you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. An experience tailored to suit your priorities and personal style; walk in true comfort.
Fill your sights and cameras with more than enough gorgeous views. Be captivated on and off glaciers on this 6-day exploring the magnificence of the Italian and French alpine regions that will truly enchant you in every step.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft) )
To start the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 am at the Gare Routière Genève, the central bus station in Geneva, Switzerland. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and that you come with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations).
Welcome to Geneva! After meeting, we shuttle to Combloux, outside the famed resort village of Megève, which occupies the edge of the French Alps. We see wholesome views of the foothills leading to Mont Blanc and Chamonix.
At this point, we begin our hike in the hills above town (they double as ski slopes in winter!) and journey through alpine fields, green forests, and bushes of blueberries to our lunch spot. The Mont Blanc massif vista is breathtaking when the weather is just right. A mountain refuge welcomes us with a meal of homemade specialties.
After lunch, you could hike back to the hotel, going through alpine pastures and forests, or choose a more peaceful route back to Combloux, where you will join the shuttle for a quick lift to Megève. Megève, nicknamed the "21st arrondissement of Paris", is decorated with picturesque cobblestone lanes overflowing with fashionable boutiques and restaurants and is a favourite destination of the Parisian glitterati. Our charming home for tonight is Les Fermes de Marie^, a 5-star alpine abode close to the town's centre. You can tour the hotel or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment. (Spa treatments at own expense). ^We also use Alpaga Alp Hotel for the itinerary. An elegant mountain retreat made up of traditional chalet-style rooms with contemporary décor and views of Mont Blanc.
We convene for a welcome reception in the evening, after which we enjoy our first dinner of rich seasonal French cuisine together.
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 640 m (2100 ft)
We take a quick shuttle to St-Gervais-Les-Bains, where we board a historic cog train to our trailhead in the foothills of Mont Blanc. The train is the preferred mode of transportation by alpinists and many others to Mont Blanc summit, the highest mountain in Western Europe at a height of 4810 metres (15,781 feet). We stop close to the Col de Voza area, accessorized by a forested trail that leads to enchanting views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Bionnassay glacier. En route, we stop at a mountain farm to sample fresh goat cheese before enjoying lunch in an alpine hut.
Hike the Mont Lachat summit for more heart-stopping views of the legendary mountain and its neighbouring peaks. Following our hike, we visit the famed mountaineering centre of Chamonix, situated in the French Alps. Nestled in the Arve River Valley, Chamonix is decorated with a captivating castellation of rocky spires, glaciers, and saw-edged summits, most striking, the majestic Mont Blanc. Once you've covered enough distance for the day, join the shuttle for a lift to our next accommodation.
We arrive at the historic, 5-star Hôtel Mont-Blanc, in the heart of town. Take some time to tour the area, stroll through picturesque streets, or relax at the spa before reconvening for dinner at the hotel.
THREE HIKING OPTIONS:Level 1, Approx. 2 km (1 mile), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)Level 4, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
We set out early and ascend to the Aiguille du Midi by cable car. The Aiguille du Midi is a 3895 metre (12,777 feet) single needle of rock hovering above ice fields and moraine-strewn cliffs. A display of the genius of the Italian Engineer Count Dino Lora Totino is that the cable car runs from Chamonix to the Aiguille du Midi in two sections, one continuous with no pylons supporting the cable for a total of 1372 metres (4,500 feet). At the peak, you'll be captivated by jaw-dropping panoramas of the Chamonix Valley and famed summits like Aiguilles de Chamonix, the Aiguille du Géant, and the Grandes Jorasses.
After soaking in the sublime views of Mont Blanc and the vast Alps range (on a very clear day, you can see the Matterhorn!), ride the cable car back to Plan de l'Aiguille, where our hike begins. Our route takes us to the Signal de Forbes viewpoint, where you can enjoy a sumptuous lunch accompanied by captivating views of the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), the Alps' second-largest glacier, far below. Go further to Montenvers railway, and stop for more spectacular vistas from the rugged ridge.
When you are ready to retire for the day, indulge in a scenic descent to Chamonix, or hop aboard the historic cog railway train for a remarkable ride to town. Use tonight to explore the lively mountain town of Chamonix. Maybe sip an aperitif at a café along the main strip before deciding on one of the many fine restaurants for a delightful dinner on your own.
Andiamo in Italia! Let's go to Italy! We shuttle through the famous Mont Blanc tunnel, a cardinal transalpine route linking Chamonix, France, to Courmayeur, Italy, completed in 1965.
Prepare for a mind-blowing experience where we take in the heart-stopping landscape on a glacier walk! As we arrive on Italian soil, ascend on the brand-new Skyway Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) cable car to the glacial snow field. Our adept Haute-Montagne (high-mountain) guides teach us how to use crampons, and if the weather permits, we rope together in teams of four to six to explore the glacier.
Walking on this expansive glacier surrounded by saw-edged peaks and exceptional mountain scenery is a memorable experience usually enjoyed by seasoned mountaineers only! We soak in all the scenic grandeur as we enjoy lunch with an enchanting view of Dente del Gigante (Giant's Tooth). This massive summit is well known in France and Italy for its unique jagged pinnacle that resembles a giant's tooth.
Please note: while this is the activity planned for the day, the weather may alter our itinerary. If we cannot access this part of the mountain due to the unfavourable weather, your tour leaders and local mountain guides will provide an alternative hike.
Following our amazing glacial adventure, we say au revoir to our French mountain guides and ciao to the charming Italian mountain town of Courmayeur. Our home for tonight is the majestic alpine resort, Auberge de la Maison, situated in Courmayeur's authentic Entrèves village. Spend time enjoying a spa treatment adventure into town before joining together for an Italian wine tasting and mouth-watering dinner in the heart of Courmayeur.
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)Level 4, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 579 m (1900 ft)
After a delightful breakfast, get your cameras as you explore the scenic balcony trail over Val Ferret on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The view is truly breathtaking as the towering Monte Bianco massif encircles you and reaches nearly to the sky, while the valley below is a stunning burst of a million shades of green. A forested climb brings us to postcard-perfect alpine pastures.
Take a break to feel reenergized before continuing along a small trail that connects to the famous Tour du Mont Blanc ridge trail. This route, which is a popular favourite, circumvents the whole Mont Blanc massif and is considered one of the best hikes in the world. Stroll along the path and admire the prominent peaks that seem to stretch beyond your vision and the valley below, decorated with alpine homes with slate rooftops and towering a crystal blue river.
Carry on to the picturesque Rifugio Bonatti, an unparalleled mountain hut, where we stop to savour a classic Northern Italian pranzo (lunch). Following that, we descend back into the Val Ferret on foot before boarding the van for a lift back to town. You can continue your hike if you want to soak in more of the exceptional scenery.
Tonight you have the time to freshen up before our final aperitivo. Then we celebrate our alpine adventure as we feast on a delectable dinner at the hotel's elegant restaurant. Buon appetito!
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
If you still want a final moment with Monte Bianco, set out this morning to the trails for the last excursion through the quiet woods and into the fascinating field that perfectly frames our adored mountain.
After that, freshen up at the hotel before enjoying a final lunch together in the Alps. Then say goodbye to your leaders and board a shuttle to Geneva, where our trip ends.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- The departure and finish point is Geneva
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Geneva.
While generally sunny and mild, alpine weather in France and Italy can quickly change, even in summer. A typical day begins with clear blue skies, but by the late afternoon showers often occur. In the summer, average daytime temperatures are in the 70s and 80s; evening temperatures drop to the 40s and 50s. During the glacier walk, temperatures can range from 30 to 60 degrees, depending on the sun and wind. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for all types of conditions —even snow and hail—to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. Don't forget to bring waterproof, breathable rain gear with you.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.