length
8 Days
difficulty
Moderate - Challenging
trip cost
from $3670 pp
Nature Immersion
Cultural Interest
Overview
Chamonix-Courmayeur Twin Base Trek
Prepare to be challenged and amazed as you embark on an unforgettable centre-based trek, exploring the breathtaking trails of Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, these lively mountain towns make the perfect base for world-class hiking – without the hassle of changing accommodation each day. Wander through alpine meadows, marvel at dramatic glaciers, and soak in the iconic Mont Blanc scenery. After each day’s adventure, relax in cosy hotels and enjoy delicious local cuisine. It’s the perfect balance of challenge and comfort.
We are Australia’s most trusted company for guided TMB trips and have been operating in the European Alps for nearly 16 years!
Highlights
Get Ready For
- Perfect for couples or friends if one traveller is less confident about tackling the full Tour du Mont Blanc
- Carefully selected hikes offering the best Alpine views
- Two lively mountain towns: Chamonix in France and Courmayeur in Italy
- Optional crossing into Switzerland
- Insights from our experienced International Mountain Leader
- Flexibility to hike each day or simply relax and take in your surroundings
- Memorable final evening with a dinner featuring delicious Savoyarde specialties
On the trail
The experience
This hike features gentle ascents as well as contouring paths offering magnificent views of the surrounding Alps, and some steeper ascents. The terrain underfoot can vary from narrow dirt paths and rock trails on the mountain sections to unsealed or tarmac roads in the valleys. Sometimes you will be walking through meadows filled with wildflowers. The terrain is often uneven, rough, rocky and hard underfoot, so training on a variety of surfaces is highly recommended. We use a combination of private van transfers, buses and cable car rides throughout the itinerary.
Itinerary
Daily details
- This is a centre-based trip. You are under no obligation to hike each day if you don’t feel like it. However, it is the Trip Leader’s responsibility to lead the hiking group, so if you opt out of one or more of the hiking days, you will need to look after yourself.
- If you do not want to hike to the rustic restaurant on the final night, you can catch a bus or train to Argentiere and follow a small road uphill for 30–40 minutes to join the group. You will need to find your own way as the leader will be with the hiking group.
- Hikes are subject to variation according to the weather, the local transport and the abilities of the group.
- The Trip Leader may swap the free day from Day 4 to Day 5, in order to allow the group to complete the Bertone/Val Ferret hike in the best weather possible.
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 and you then have a chance to get any last-minute items you may need for your hike. Tonight we will eat dinner as a group at our hotel.
Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: D
We will start the day today by catching a morning train to Montroc, then ascend Aiguillette des Posettes for magnificent all-round views. Depending on group strength, we may be able to continue to the Col de Balme and the Swiss border, where we can stand with a foot in each country! The descent is relatively easy as we make our way down to the charming hamlet of Le Tour and back to Montroc via the old village.
Ascent 850m / Descent 1050m
Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: B, L
Our private minibus takes us through the Tunnel du Mont Blanc to Italy and the town of Courmayeur. After offloading the baggage at our hotel, we hop back in our transfer van and are taken up to the head of Val Veny, where we begin our hike with a gentle 4km ascent to Lac Combal. Then we ascend via the Tour du Mont Blanc route to reach a contouring path with magnificent views of the steep Italian face of Mont Blanc. We then descend, at first gradually to the mountain refuge of Maison Vieille, then steeply down through forest to Dolonne, a beautifully preserved old village, and on to Courmayeur.
Ascent 830m
Overnight: Courmayeur
Meals: B L D
Today you have a full day to explore this stunning Italian Alpine town, enjoy an espresso in one off the street cafes or take the incredible cable car ride from Le Palud to the point Helbronner at 3470m. There is also an excellent thermal bath and spa at Pre St Didier, just 5km away (regular buses). Or you could take a trip to the provincial capital of Aosta (1 hour by bus) with its Roman remains and medieval streets. Your leader will be able to offer some suggestions, so please do not hesitate to have a chat with her.
Overnight: Courmayeur
Meals: B
We hike straight from the hotel and ascend steeply through forest to the Rifugio Bertone at nearly 2000m. The views across to Mont Blanc are just superb. After a welcome coffee stop, we continue on a delightful balcony path high above the Val Ferret, through meadows of flowers, and with the steep south face of the Grand Jorasse on our left. Eventually we descend to Lavachey and return to Courmayeur by bus.
Overnight: Courmayeur
Meals: B L D
Our private transfer whisks us through the Tunnel and back to Chamonix, from where we begin our hike up through woods, past the beautiful buvette (mountain café) of La Floria, and ascend to the cable car station at La Flegere. Then we traverse the Grand Balcon Sud, with stunning views across to the Mont Blanc, and finally we reach the cable car station at Plan Praz, where we descend for the short stroll back to our hotel. You have a free evening to enjoy the delights of Chamonix.
Overnight: Chamonix.
Meals: B L
The morning is free for you to try some of the many tourist attractions and activities for which Chamonix is famous, including tandem paragliding with a qualified pilot, ascending the Aiguille du Midi cable car, or taking the scenic cog railway to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace.
Mid-afternoon, we regroup in Chamonix and set out for the final hike, via the historic village of Le Lavancher and the Petit Balcon Nord, to a dinner of local specialties in a lovely and hospitable rustic cabin, hidden in the woods above Argentiere.
After dinner, we return to the hotel by bus.
Overnight: Chamonix
Meals: B D
The trip finishes today. You are free to stay on or you can transfer by private vehicle or shared transfer this morning from Chamonix to Geneva Airport (not included in trip price).
Meals: B
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
La Flegera
La Flégère is a renowned ski resort and hiking area located in the French Alps. During the summer months, La Flégère becomes a popular base for hikers, as it offers access to a variety of scenic trails, including those that lead to the Aiguille du Midi and the Lac Blanc. La Flégère can be accessed by a cable car from the Chamonix Valley,
Aiguillette des Posettes
This prominent peak is located in the Mont Blanc Massif in the French Alps. It’s part of the Chamonix Valley region and is a popular destination for hikers . The peak is notable for its rugged, sharp summit, which offers stunning views of the Mont Blanc range and surrounding mountains.
Col de Balme
This high mountain pass is located on the border between France and Switzerland, and it is a key point along the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) route. Situated at an altitude of around 2,195 meters (7,201 feet) it offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguille du Tour, and the surrounding valleys.
Val Ferret
One of the most famous routes in Val Ferret is the trail leading to the Grand Col Ferret, which connects the Italian side of the Alps with the Swiss side, part of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc circuit. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley’s forests, alpine pastures, and the traditional chalets dotted across the landscape.
Rifugio Bertone
Refugio Bertone is a well-known mountain refuge located in the Italian Alps. Positioned at an elevation of around 1,983m, it offers spectacular views of the Mont Blanc range, including its glaciers and rugged peaks.
Courmayeur
This charming alpine town is located in the Aosta Valley of northern Italy, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s a popular destination for summer hikers. The town is known for its stunning views of Mont Blanc, lively atmosphere, and traditional alpine architecture. It’s an excellent place to stay, recharge, and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine after a day of hiking.
Dolonne
This village has a rich history and is home to the impressive ancient Dolonne Castle. With its close proximity to Courmayeur, Dolonne serves as a peaceful base for those exploring the Mont Blanc region, combining natural beauty with a sense of tranquility.
Val Veny
Val Veny is a picturesque valley nestled in the Italian Alps, near the famous Mont Blanc massif. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the valley is surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear streams. The valley also offers a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the mountains while exploring the diverse flora and fauna.
Inclusions
What's included?
- 4 nights’ accommodation in Chamonix (twin share)
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Courmayeur (twin share)
- Daily meals as outlined above
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Local briefing in Chamonix
- Experienced, licensed, English speaking International Mountain Leader
- RAW Travel local support
- Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker
- Flights to and from your destination
- Airport transfers
- Local bus and train tickets
- Drinks other than water at meals
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
Your trip leader
Diane McGuinness
Your International Mountain Leader Diane McGuinness is an English-speaking guide who lives in Chamonix. She has also lived in Italy, where she spent many years building up a formidable knowledge of Italian mountains as well as becoming an enthusiastic connoisseur of Italian food and wine. With many years experience leading trips on the Tour du Mont Blanc and in the Italian Dolomites, Diane has unrivalled knowledge of terrain, history, and natural beauty of this region. Her local expertise ensures a safe and enriching journey, offering insightful stories, hidden gems, and the best viewpoints along the way. Whether it’s sharing fascinating alpine facts or adjusting the pace to suit the group, our guide’s familiarity with the area will enhance your adventure and provide a truly immersive experience.
Accommodation
Where you stay
During your time in Chamonix and Courmayeur, you will stay in hotels that have been carefully selected for their comfort, quality and excellent service. These hotels offer a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, ensuring a restful stay after our daily adventures. With well-appointed rooms, convenient amenities, and a warm alpine charm, they provide the perfect setting to unwind and recharge. Whether in the heart of Chamonix or the picturesque town of Courmayeur, our accommodations have been chosen to enhance your experience and make your journey even more enjoyable.
The Food
Culinary delights
Savour the authentic flavours of both France and Italy on this trip. Breakfast features cereals, yogurt, fresh fruit, bread, and spreads, along with tea and coffee. Lunch is a simple yet satisfying picnic-style meal, typically consisting of a fresh baguette with cheese and cured meats, along with a piece of fruit. Evenings are a highlight, with a three-course dinner that often starts with a light soup, salad, or charcuterie, followed by a hearty main course – such as meat served with seasonal vegetables, rice, or pasta – rounded off with a delicious dessert!
REVIEWS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Customer Testimonials
I had an amazing experience with RAW Travel on the Tour du Mont Blanc! The trip was well-organised, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The balance of challenging hikes and stunning scenery was perfect, and the accommodations were comfortable throughout. Highly recommend RAW Travel for anyone looking to explore the TMB. This was an unforgettable journey, and I look forward to booking with them again!
Samuel Man, Killara (NSW) – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
It was a fantastic walk and we would recommend it to others. We loved the scenery, particularly on the days when the weather was clear. Gary was an excellent guide, he kept us well informed and made great decisions re changing the route when necessary due to weather conditions. We learnt a lot from him and enjoyed his cheerful banter. He was very skilled at handling the different levels of fitness in the group. We also enjoyed meeting the other walkers.
Janet Hoyer, Pennant Hills (NSW) – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
Excellent experience. This trip was above expectations in every way! Loved the professionalism of our guide, Diane. Nothing left to chance. Thank you!
Troy White, Myrtleford (VIC) – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
We had a lovely group, an experienced guide and a range of wonderful experiences. It went as planned, and your training guidance ensured we were up to the challenge every day.
Richard Shortt, Hughes (ACT) – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
I enjoyed my hike. Having taken the RAW advice on training and fitness on board, I felt well prepared for the challenge. The accommodations were good, and the locals I met were lovely and mostly very helpful.
Leonie Mack, Hughes (ACT) – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
It was an excellent lifetime experience. Loved hiking on the tracks with beautiful scenery with good weather.
Samuel Man, Killara, NSW – September 2024
Customer Testimonials
Amazing adventure and memorable experience. We have joined two RAW tours so far (Kumano Kodo self-guided and TMB guided) and are really happy with the experience. The accommodation, food and information provided are all excellent and both journeys were hassle-free. We particularly appreciate the pre-trip communication Amanda, RAW Travel’s Alps specialist, who is very knowledgeable and responsive. We will definitely will come back again to join other tours in the future.
Joey & Susanna Tang, Telopea (NSW) – August 2024
Customer Testimonials
Thank you, Amanda, Diane and Julien. Without your help we wouldn’t have had such a wonderful trip. We liked Julien very much – his excellent knowledge about the track, his skills and strength, his patience with us, his French humour and his flexible approach. He was very caring with every team member.
Gary Leung, Liberty Grove (NSW) - July 2024
Customer Testimonials
An unforgettable experience! Ours was a private group and we supported one another during the walk. The weather turned out to be extremely good and, despite the steep climb, the views at the top were stunning. Moreover, we had a very good guide, Julien, who was caring, paid attention to each of our weaknesses and helped us all along. I hope we will be able to get him as our guide for our future trips! Completing this hike was was extremely rewarding.
Lanna Leung, Liberty Grove (NSW)
Customer Testimonials
I loved every minute of this trek and being able to complete it made me extremely proud of my achievement. Booking a guided group tour took the stress out of doing a challenging hike of this kind. Our experienced guide, Dave Potter, made everyone in the group feel safe and included. He was very aware of the weather and track conditions and kept us all safe. I had a lot of trust in Dave to keep us safe. He kept the group together and helped me greatly as I struggled at times with fatigue and anxiety when crossing expanses of snow and streams. I loved the mountain scenery and staying in the village refuges.
Patricia Watkinson, Campania (TAS) – June 2024
Customer Testimonials
David Potter was a wonderful guide. This was a very challenging hike that gave a lot of satisfaction. Being early in the season there were a variety of situations not available once all the snow melts. Day 3 was both the most intimidating and most satisfying day. Sharing a room worked well.The person I was paired with was extremely easy to get on with.
Chris Archibald, Wembley (WA) – June 2024
Customer Testimonials
A unique and challenging experience with scenery that was spectacular and sublime.
Angela Freeman, Tamworth (NSW) – June 2024
Customer Testimonials
AMAZING!!! The views and scenery were simply stunning. Could not begin to capture the experience in photographs. Definitely challenging at times but completely doable. Our guide David Potter was an absolute LEGEND! Not only a lovely and very engaging person, David often took us off the traditional track so that we could experience the best of the best. Could not rate David highly enough. This trek will definitely go down as life’s highlight for me.
Nadia Baker, Hunters Hill (NSW) - August 2023
Customer Testimonials
Fantastic trip and excellent guide. The best part was hiking up and down through the Alps with stunning views every day. Accommodation in Les Houches was excellent – the best of the whole trip.
Shane & Jillian Henderson, Waurn Ponds (VIC) - July 2023
Customer Testimonials
Best hike ever. Loved the scenery and the accommodation was really good.
Debra Henderson, Cottelsoe (WA) - July 2023
Customer Testimonials
Great weather, an interesting and informative guide, spectacular scenery and challenging ascents and descents – traversing famous cols.
Duncan Garvie (New Zealand) – July 2019
Customer Testimonials
I had a wonderful trek, immersed in the magnificent scenery together with my fellow trekkers. Our guide, David, was the best. His generous nature, patience, knowledge, experience and humour made all the difference. It was a great trip.
Jennifer Trethowan (VIC) – June 2019
Customer Testimonials
We enjoyed the whole experience; including the challenging walks every day, the magnificent views and great company. Our guide, Julien, did a terrific job – planning the best routes, arranging lunch, booking dinners and most importantly, guiding us safely through the whole trek.
Peter Ronald Tunks (VIC) – June 2019
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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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