length
8 Days
difficulty
Strenuous
trip cost
from $3075 pp

Highlights
Get Ready For
- Trek through three countries: France, Italy & Switzerland
- Trek Highlights of Europe’s most classic walk
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Walk with an experienced English speaking guide who will bring the trail to life with stories and information

Training
Training
This trip lives up to its name of being a good challenge! We cross passes above 2500m walking an average of 6 to 8 hours a day so you need to be in good physical condition. We can help you with training for this incredible walk. We recommend you undertake a training program for at least 3 months leading up to your departure. Check out our essential free training guide to help you get walking fit.

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. 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
The Highlights Trip
ARRIVE IN 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 you may have forgotten.
TRANSFER TO LES HOUCHES. TREK LES HOUCHES TO LES CONTAMINES (18KM)
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. A bridge across a river and we 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. Overnight in Les Contamines.
7 hours walking – Ascent 1478m / Descent 1318m
Meals: B L D
TREK LES CONTAMINES TO LES CHAPIEUX (19KM)
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, which will be 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.
Please note: Accommodation this evening is in a remote location and as a result, bathroom facilities will be shared.
7 hours walking – Ascent 1316m / Descent 929m
Meals: B L D
TREK FROM LES CHAPIEUX TO COURMAYEUR (16KM)
We take a short transfer by shuttle bus to the end of the Vallée des Glaciers, 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 the Mont Blanc are Himalayan in scale – the mountain rises in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit over 3000m above.
Overnight in Courmayeur
6 hours walking – ascent 850m / descent 900m
Meals: B L
Note – dinner not included in Courmayeur
TREK ITALIAN VAL FERRET TO FERRET (SWITZERLAND) (20KM)
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.
7 hours walking – ascent 895m / descent 940m
Meals: B L D
TRANSFER LA FOULY TO TRIENT, TREK TO ARGENTIERE (13KM)
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 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 enjoy panoramic views of lovely snow domes that will remain in sight for most of the descent into Argentiere.
6 hours walking – ascent 1069m / descent 1778m
Meals: B L D
TREK ARGENTIERE TO GRAND BALCON TO CHAMONIX (13KM)
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. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
5 hours walking
Meals: B L D
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).
Meals: B
Important note: The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very popular walk and refuges sometimes get overbooked. This is just a guide to route & details may change and the actual hotels & 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 above itinerary should be used as an indication to overnight stops/distances.
Accommodation: We use long-established family run 2 star (equivalent) rustic hotels and refuges which are chosen for their stunning location and most offer spectacular mountain views. Whilst 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 hotels to hotel and sometimes from room to room in the same hotel. On some nights, facilities are ensuite whilst 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, please refer to itinerary for full details.
Inclusions
What you get
- 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
- Lift passes
- 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 night 1 in Chamonix and on night 4 in Courmayeur
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
“Mountain Drop Off’s” is our preferred partner and bookings can be made via their website: www.mountaindropoffs.com Choose the super saver option and use promo code ‘RAWTR’.
This is pick up and drop off at the airport in Geneva to our base hotel in Chamonix.

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.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Mont Blanc Circuit – Tour du Mont Blanc
- Europe’s most classic mountain walk
- Experience spectacular Alpine scenery
- Walk with an experienced English speaking guide
- Trek through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland
$4,500.00
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Self-Guided Trip – Tour du Mont Blanc
- Trek through France, Italy & Switzerland
- Culinary specialities from each country
- Experience spectacular towering mountain scenery
$3,550.00
Dolomites
Dolomites Circular Trek
- Italian hospitality at its finest
- Local specialities, perfect coffee and great company
- Visit the trenches from the mountain frontline of WWI
$3,150.00
Dolomites
Dolomites Traverse
- Italian hospitality at its finest
- Local specialities, perfect coffee, great company
- Some of the best sections of the Alta Via1 and Alta Via 2
- Embrace the challenge of this strenuous trekking
$5,030.00
Slovenia
Julian Alps and Coast – Slovenia
- Hike around the postcard-perfect setting of Lake Bled
- Discover underground world of the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves
- Atmospheric alleyways in the medieval Venetian port of Piran
- Local wines during a tasting and a delicious home-made lunch
$3,700.00
Slovenia
Julian Alps Highlights – Slovenia
- Walk Slovenia’s best hiking trails
- Hike around the postcard-perfect setting of Lake Bled
- Indulge in local cheeses, cherries and decadent desserts
- Discover Julian Alps, Soča Valley and Triglav National Park
- Stunning and tranquil Lake Bohinj and quaint villages
$2,900.00
Slovenia
Vineyards, Karst and Coast – Slovenia
- Hiking trails that take you through inspiringly beautiful scenery
- Atmospheric alleyways in the medieval Venetian port of Piran
- Stroll through story-book villages and engage with friendly locals
- Discover the underground world of the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves
- Sample local specialities; Teran wine, Karst Pršut (prosciutto), olive oil and truffles
$2,295.00
Swiss Alps
The Discovery Trip – Swiss Alps
- Enjoy the creature comforts
- Spectacular scenery and stunning mountain views
- For active travellers who love exploring and having fun
- A rewarding combination of physical challenges, new cultures, natural wonders, and time to relax
$3,980.00
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