Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

One-week circuit of Mont Blanc - One of the most famous Alpine treks - Trekking across the Fenetre d'Arpette - Hotel-based trek with vehicle support

At the heart of the European Alps, the massif of Mont Blanc straddles the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland and includes some of the most spectacular mountain scenery and trekking imaginable. With its rich mountaineering history and unsurpassed cultural diversity, this corner of the Alps has an irresistible attraction for the world's adventurers, climbers and hikers. Mont Blanc itself, at 4807 metres (15,770 feet), is the high point of the range and the biggest peak in Western Europe. This great new walking holiday picks out the best of the daily stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc and links them by short vehicle transfers. During 6 days of trekking, we will get to see all of the highlights of this famous long-distance walk, including all of the best mountain views. Our route will tackle several major pass crossings, such as the Col de Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne and the highest of all, the Fenetre d'Arpette (2670m). And, as a finale, we have also included the superb day-hike to picturesque Lac Blanc, with its panoramic views across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc. For those with limited time, this one-week trekking version of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers superb trekking in 3 countries; France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as a wealth of unforgettable Alpine experiences.

Trip guide: This is a well established Alpine walking holiday on good trails throughout. In this trip we walk the best sections of the classic Tour du Mont Blanc trek, linking these with short bus journeys. The average distance covered during each day's walk is around 15 kilometres (9.5 miles) and there is a fair amount of ascent and descent. However, the pace of the walking is quite leisurely and regular hillwalkers will find this Mont Blanc trek to be well within their capabilities. Additionally, vehicle transport for your KE trek bag, means that you need carry no more than a small daypack.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: We rendezvous at our chalet accommodation in Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley. KE group package services begin with dinner. Your guide will chat about the days ahead and check out your equipment.

Day 2: Leaving Argentiere, we climb to Bellevue and on to the Col de Tricot. We descend to the Chalet de Miage and continue on to Les Contamines where we spend the night.

Day 3: We follow the valley to the refuge at Le Balme and continue to the Col de Bonhomme (2469m). Traverse the Croix de Bonhomme before gentle descent to Les Chapieux.

Day 4: We leave France via the Col de la Seigne (2513m.) and descend into Italy and Courmayeur. Public transport to Arnouva.

Day 5: We climb to the Col du Grand Ferret (2530m) for great views of the Grand Combin (4090m) and Mont Dolent (3823m). Entering Switzerland we descend to La Fouly. Transfer to Champex.

Day 6: Two options today, depending on conditions. Either climb up to the Fenetre d'Arpette (2670m / 8760ft) with its spectacular views across the Trient Glacier from the pass before descending to the village of Trient. Or, take the Bovine Trail through high Alpine meadows. Overnight at our chalet in Argentiere.

Day 7: We take the path up through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to reach the start of a ridge-walk that leads upwards to picturesque Lac Blanc, with its Mont Blanc views. En route we often see ibex, chamois and marmots - a great chance to get up close to some of the Alpine wildlife. Overnight in Argentiere.

Day 8: KE group package services end after breakfast.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

During this trip, the group will start and finish the trek at the comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, a few minutes from Chamonix. Offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and facilities which include Hot Tubs, Saunas and in-house computers & WIFI, Yeti Lodge is the perfect base to start and end your trek. On trek, the group will spend 4 nights in very comfortable hotels, chosen for their location, charm and character. All accommodation is in twin rooms, either en-suite or with shared bathrooms. ** depending on availability, we may have to use larger rooms in le Chapieux where accommodation is limited. Single rooms are available on request - subject to availability.