Itinerary
Bonjour
Chamonix!
Welcome to your comfortable alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible walking holiday. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Meals included: Dinner
Walk To
Col de Balme
Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Ascent: 2,690ft (820m); Descent: 2,395ft (730m);
Activity hours: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aiguillette des
Houches
Passerelle de
Bionnassay
Day To
Yourself
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Val Ferret To
Courmayeur
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream.Ascent: 1,500ft (450m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); walking time: seven hours
Distance covered: 9mi (15km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lac Blanc &
Grand Balcon Sud
From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. We will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. Distance: 5.6mi (9km); ascent: 1,770ft (540m); descent: 1,770ft (540m); walking time: seven hoursPlease note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola. Alternatively, we may take public transport.
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Au Revoir
Chamonix!
Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.
Meals included: Breakfast
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
