length

8 Days

difficulty

Strenuous

trip cost

From $3395 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

8 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Strenuous

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $3395 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

our walk expert

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Guided Trip
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • On the trail
  • Your leaders
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar walks

Overview

The Highlights Trip

The Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights Trip is a condensed version of the Mont Blanc Circuit. Our trip passes through France, Italy and Switzerland with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif: the French side with its huge glaciers, Italy and its sheer cliff faces and the Swiss side with its rolling valleys, truly are a delight.

This trip is guaranteed to depart with 6 people (we limit numbers to 12 on each departure).

Yellow hiker icon We are Australia’s most trusted company for guided TMB trips and have been operating in the European Alps for nearly 16 years! 

Male hiker enjoying the view over the beautiful landscape of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur, Italy

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • An exceptional hike through France, Italy and Switzerland
  • Fully supported by our expert mountain guide
  • Jaw-dropping alpine scenery and friendly wildlife encounters
  • Culinary specialities and fascinating history
  • Picturesque and charming Chamonix and Courmayeur

Download Itinerary

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Guided Trip

A supported trek

This is a supported trek so that you carry just your daypack and stay in accommodation where your main luggage meets you at the end of each day (apart from one night). Having an experienced Mountain guide and luggage transfer vehicle means maximum flexibility during bad weather days. This trip is different from the full circuit as you will take vehicle transfers along some of the valley sections but still take in all the passes and highlighted sections of the route.

Itinerary

Daily Details

IMPORTANT INFO

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very popular walk and refuges are sometimes overbooked. This itinerary is a guide to the route. Details may change and the actual refuges booked may vary from what is written here, dependent on client numbers, wishes, and availability. This adjustment with refuges may alter the exact distance walked in a day so the itinerary should be used as an indication of overnight stops/distances.

Accommodation We use long-established family run 2-star (equivalent) rustic hotels and refuges, which we have chosen for their stunning location. Most offer spectacular mountain views. They are representative of the country, culture and environment in which they are located. All are clean, well-run and set up with the trekker in mind. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as hikers from many nationalities gather to spend the night. Please be aware that room sizes (twin, double or very occasionally triple or quadruple rooms) and facilities will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room in the same hotel. On some nights, facilities are ensuite while others have the possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and toilet facilities. Some nights you may be in triple or quad share dependent on tour selected.

Day 1: ARRIVE CHAMONIX

Welcome to Chamonix! The afternoon is free for you to explore the town and its amazing mountain surroundings. Take a cable car up the famous Aguille de Midi for spectacular views over the Alps or relax in the many street cafes offering excellent cuisine. You will meet with your leader at 5pm in the hotel for a briefing to go over the trip, you then have a chance to purchase any last-minute items for your hike. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel.

Meals: D

Day 2: TRANSFER TO LES HOUCHES. TREK LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES (18KM, 7 hours)

Starting by the Col de Bellevue, from where there are great views of the Aiguille du Gouter. A charming traverse passes right at the foot of the Bionnassay Glacier. We cross a bridge over a river and then ascend up to the Col du Tricot (2120m) from where a zigzagging path leads us down to the Chalets de Miage before descending down to the Val Montjoie. In poor weather, your guide may decide to use another route via Bionassay instead.

Ascent 1478m / Descent 1318m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: TREK LES CONTAMINES TO LES CHAPIEUX (19KM, 7 hours)

From the village of Les Contamines, we will walk up to the Col du Bonhomme. The path at this stage leads gently up the valley to the beautiful church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, a picturesque rest stop. The track that was originally constructed by the Romans is roughly paved with large slabs and flagstones. Once past the church, the path winds steeply through pines beside a narrow gorge where the blue-tinged waters of the Torrent de Tré la Tête boil and thunder between smooth rock walls. We leave the Val Montjoie to cross over to the Beaufortain Valley via the high Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We arrive at les Chapieux via the petit Mont Blanc pasture.

Accommodation this evening is in a refuge in a remote location and will be on a triple or quad share basis and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Ascent 1316m / Descent 929m

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 4: TREK FROM LES CHAPIEUX TO COURMAYEUR (16KM, 6 hours)

We take a short transfer by shuttle bus to the end of the Vallée des Glaciers. We then enjoy a relatively easy hike over the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and down a long open descent into Italy to La Visaille. From Val Visaille we transfer by vehicle to Courmayeur where we spend the end of the afternoon exploring this small Italian resort town spectacularly situated beneath the Grand Jorasses and Brenva Glacier. Here the views of Mont Blanc are Himalayan in scale – the mountain rises in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit over 3000m above.

Ascent 850m / Descent 900m

Meals: B, L

Day 5: TREK ITALIAN VAL FERRET TO FERRET (SWITZERLAND) (20KM, 7 hours)

This day starts with a short journey by public bus. We then walk up the valley to Refugio Elena where the more demanding climb to the pass begins. The ascent to the Col Ferret (2537m) is steep but enjoyable. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret takes you out of Italy and into Switzerland along the eastern edge of the Mont Blanc Range. The walk down into the Swiss Val Ferret is on a mixture of narrow paths, tracks and through lush pastures to the charming hamlet of Ferret (1620m) where we stay overnight.

Please note that there is no luggage transfers today so you will need to carry a change of base layer clothes and basic toiletries for one night and bathroom facilities will be shared this evening.

Ascent 895m / Descent 940m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: TRANSFER LA FOULY TO TRIENT, TREK TO ARGENTIERE (13KM, 6 hours)

We transfer this morning to Trient. We head towards the Col de Balme (2131m) via les Herbageres. It is a long and gradual ascent up to the Col De Balme with its picturesque refuge on the pass that marks the border with France. Superb Views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley are stretched before you. Returning to the Chamonix Valley from here is a very pleasant walk. Col de La Balme is the furthest point from the summit of Mont Blanc. We’ll enjoy panoramic views of lovely snow domes that will remain in sight for most of the descent into Argentiere.

Ascent 1069m / Descent 1778m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: TREK ARGENTIERE TO GRAND BALCON TO CHAMONIX (13KM, 5 hours)

Grand Balcon Sud takes you on a spectacular walk above the Chamonix Valley with stupendous views of the Mont Blanc massif opposite. It is one of the most scenic walks imaginable and a fantastic way to end your Mont Blanc hiking adventure. All those rewards require a little effort though and there is a steep climb on a zigzagging path from the valley up to reach the trail. Walking along the Grand Balcon Sud is your best chance of seeing ibex which are common in this area. In good conditions you may choose to walk up to the refuge at Lac Blanc with its cerulean blue waters and fabulous viewpoint for a great lunch in the cafe. At the end of the afternoon descend to the cable car at either La Flegere or Plan Praz (dependent on group wishes and ability) and then descend to Chamonix.

**Please note that dinner on the final night is at your own expense. Your guide will make a booking for your group in Chamonix for dinner if you would like to have a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.

Meals: B, L

 

Day 8: DEPART CHAMONIX

The trip finishes today and you are free to stay on or we can help arrange a transfer by private vehicle or shared transfer this morning from Chamonix to Geneva airport (not included in trip price).

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Map

Explore

Chamonix

This town is dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc massif with tumbling glaciers visible from the main street. There are many attractions including the Aguille Du Midi cablecar with its stupendous views and restaurant, the glacier express railway, and whitewater rafting right in the town. Plus Europe’s best selection of outdoor gear shops along its attractive streets.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Les Houches

A small town situated at 1000m of altitude and lying at the foot of Mont-Blanc (4810m), Les Houches offers an exceptional panorama of the peaks surrounding Chamonix. The village itself boasts charming chalets, hotels and restaurants where you can savour delicious Savoyard cuisine including fondue, raclette and and hearty mountain dishes.

Les Contamines

This small picturesque village has a beautiful Baroque church in the nearby wooded valley and a Roman Bridge on the TMB Trail which leads to the Col du Bon Homme. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and alpine meadows. It offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps.

Les Chapieux

Les Chapieux is an idyllic hamlet and one of the last stops in France before you cross to Italy. Situated at an altitude of about 1,550m, it serves as a gateway to the stunning Mont Blanc Massif and the Tarentaise Valley. The village exudes tranquility and offers a glimpse into traditional alpine life with its charming wooden chalets and breathtaking alpine vistas.

Col de la Seigne

This pass (2516m) straddles the border between France and Italy connecting the Italian Valle d’Aosta region with France’s Savoie region. If offers awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the Mont Blanc Massif, including the imposing Mont Blanc itself, and the long valley descent to Courmayeur. The breathtaking alpine landscape, with rugged peaks, pristine glaciers, and alpine meadows stretches as far as the eye can see.

Courmayeur

This charming Italian ski town is nestled in the heart of the Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc. It provides a welcome taste of civilisation at the midway point of the trek. Courmayeur has a vibrant culinary scene, offering delicious Italian cuisine, including regional specialties like hearty pasta dishes and delectable cheeses.

Rifugio Bonatti

Named after renowned Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti, this mountain hut is situated in a truly spectacular setting, perched at an elevation of approximately 2,025m above sea level in the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif. The welcoming hosts ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere for guests.

 

 

 

La Fouly

Your first stop in Switzerland lives up to the hype! The picture-perfect scenery of the Val Ferret is hard to overstate. La Fouly sits at the head of a verdant forested valley, populated by small hamlets of old Swiss wooden chalets. It is one of the most enjoyable sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Champex

The charming village of Champex is ocated in the French-speaking Swiss canton of Valais and one of our overnight stops on the TMB. The village lies at 1,470m on the shore of Lac de Champex, at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is a starting point for many hikes into the surrounding mountains and huts.

Trient

Trient is a small village in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is the last stop in Switzerland before heading over the Col de Balme back into France. The village has retained much of its historical charm. Its traditional wooden chalets, many of which date back centuries, showcase the region’s architectural heritage.

Argentière

Laidback Argentière, at the foot of the impressive Argentière Glacier, is surrounded by majestic peaks, including the iconic Aiguille Verte. In summer it’s a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, mountain bikers and rockclimbers.

Inclusions

What's Included?

Included
  • 5 nights accommodation in small hotels or the best refuges available on the TMB
  • 2 nights B&B accommodation in Chamonix
  • Daily meals as outlined above
  • Twin-share accommodation (one location will be triple or quad accommodation)
  • Local briefing in Chamonix
  • Experienced, licensed, English-speaking International Mountain Leader
  • RAW Travel local support
  • Luggage transfers on all trekking days except for night 5 (La Fouly)
  • Lift passes
Excluded
  • Flights to and from your destination
  • Local bus and train tickets
  • Drinks other than water at meals
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Dinner not included on nights 4 and 7
AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Chamonix Valley Transfers is our preferred partner and bookings can be made via their website: https://chamonix-valley-transfers.co.uk/book/ This is pick up and drop off at the airport in Geneva to our base hotel in Chamonix.

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On the trail

The experience

The Mont Blanc circuit is a well-defined trail that has intermittent signposts at various junctions and offers some route variations on selected days. The terrain underfoot can vary from narrow dirt paths and rock trails on the mountain sections, to unsealed or tarmac roads in the valleys. The trek will take you over a number of passes which will involve some long and challenging ascents and descents however the stunning views will be reward for your effort.  A high level of walking fitness is required to complete all days of the Highlights trek – it is no Sunday stroll and will require training and preparation.

Mont Blanc IML

Your leaders

International Mountain Leaders

We have our own staff of experienced and qualified International Mountain Leaders. Not only do they know the trek routes exceptionally well but they will excel in looking after you; your safety is our priority in an alpine environment. All our guides are native English speakers, so clear communication is never an issue.

Meet & find more about our leaders here

Alps Destination guide cover

Exclusive Guide

get inspired

Our comprehensive Destination Guide is bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, background information and more! Essential reading to help you plan, prepare and enjoy a memorable trip in the Alps.

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Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Extraordinary, empowering, delightful, exhilarating! I loved taking my shoes off and having a glass of Prosecco at the completion of each day. Walking across the border from France into Italy on my birthday was pretty spectacular!

Jen Mannell, Bathurst (NSW) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Memorable and tremendously rewarding. The scenery was awe inspiring, the accommodation comfortable and better than expected, and the organisation / administration of the trip was fantastic, but it was the guide and company that really made this an exceptional experience. Diane was so capable and generous in sharing her experience and knowledge on any given topic from history and culture to flora and fauna to how to prepare and get the most from the hike.

Alison Standen, Bellerive (TAS) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Fabulous – loved it! It was tough but it was great to experience as a group. Our tour guide was a gem – patient, friendly and funny. I will be recommending RAW Travel.

Christine Porter, Gormans Hill (NSW) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

The guide was incredible!!!!! It was excellently organised and managed, and our guide David was superb! A wonderful experience.

Mimi Marcus, Fitzroy North (VIC) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Our guide Rob Gale was fabulous. As a Chamonix local he knew the area and the people really well so we got an insight into the mountain community as well as enjoying the awesome scenery. Really appreciated staying in charming locally owned hotels.

Caroline Lock, Crafers (SA) - September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Excellent trip! Awe inspiring walking in vast alpine scenery. Rob Gale our tour leader was exceptionally good and greatly added to our positive experience. His local knowledge is outstanding. He made all arrangements without a problem. His knowledge of flora and fauna is extensive and this provided insights along the way. He has a great sense of humour too!

Helen Simson, Southbank (VIC) - September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Rob Gale is an excellent guide who really made me feel safe, has great knowledge of the area, and kept the days working seamlessly.

Juliet Humphris-Clark, Merewether (NSW) - September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Fantastic experience. Enjoyed the beautiful views, the challenge of the walk, and being assisted by a knowledgeable and really supportive guide. Rob Gale was always approachable, helpful, friendly, and fun. Thank you!

Susan Bailey, Paddington (QLD) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Sensational trip! Our tour guide Rob Gale had extensive knowledge and ensured the trip exceeded expectations.

Stephen Wolf, Camberwell (VIC) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Loved the scenery and achievement of this hike. David Potter is an exceptional and excellent guide.

Catherine Laffey, Christchurch (NZ) – September 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

We loved every minute of our Mont Blanc hike. We had a great group of 11 hikers and guide, Julien, who did a very good job managing the very different levels of fitness. The food was excellent and the accommodation was great. The highlight was the spectacular scenery with valleys, passes, mountains, farms and often cows as our backdrop. To see majestic snow-capped Mont Blanc was an experience we will always cherish. We are very grateful for the experience.

Bronwyn & Lachlan Cameron, Glen Iris (VIC) - August 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

This was our first experience of a guided trek and we were more than satisfied with all aspects. Loved the combination of the location, the physical activity involved, the attention to detail such as accommodation, and the expertise and experience of our guide.

Jim McMahon, Wellington (NZ) – August 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Fantastic experience. Great scenery, great itinerary, good accommodation and excellent leader.

Michelle Nottage, Kensington (SA) - August 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Best hike I have done so far! Dave the guide was fantastic and got us all to the end. Highly recommend this trip. Make sure you have done the training so you can enjoy it.

Ben Drummond, Shepparton (VIC) – July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Loved the camaraderie of the group and guide together with amazing scenery. All accommodations were excellent.

Stephen Youla, Pascoe Vale South (VIC) - July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Exciting challenge that was doable. Knowing we had an experienced guide meant we could just enjoy the trip.

Jane Tierney, Malvern East (VIC) - July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

Absolutely excellent trip! Loved the scenery, the mixed age group of fellow hikers, and trip leader Julien’s gentle manner.

Frances McDonald, Armidale (NSW) – July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

A most enjoyable walk that exceeded my expectations. Magnificent scenery and variety of terrain.

Dave Heale, Mt Eliza (VIC) - July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

A memorable walk through some of the best mountain country I have seen! Loved the mountains, meadow flowers, the sound of water.

John Scarlett, Traralgon (VIC) - July 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

I was completely blown away by the stunning scenery and the joy of getting to the top of some steep climbs. Loved being in the mountains.

Rhonda Scarlett, Traralgon (VIC) - July 2023

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
17/06/2024 - 24/06/2024
availability
Guaranteed
price
$3,490
single occupancy
$0
dates
26/06/2024 - 03/07/2024
availability
Guaranteed
price
$3,590
single occupancy
$0
dates
17/08/2024 - 24/08/2024
availability
Guaranteed
price
$3,650
single occupancy
$0
dates
16/06/2025 - 23/06/2025
availability
price
$3,670
single occupancy
$0
dates
26/06/2025 - 03/07/2025
availability
price
$3,770
single occupancy
$0
dates
13/07/2025 - 20/07/2025
availability
price
$3,770
single occupancy
$0
dates
18/08/2025 - 25/08/2025
availability
price
$3,770
single occupancy
$0
dates
01/09/2025 - 08/09/2025
availability
price
$3,770
single occupancy
$0
dates
10/09/2025 - 17/09/2025
availability
price
$3,770
single occupancy
$0

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