Breakfast at your leisure at the hotel.

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 as well as into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc (1380m – 4400ft) we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin out, the views get even better and by late morning we reach Aiguilette des Possettes (2200m – 7220 ft). This is a peak from where we are rewarded with a panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille Rouge national park, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Possettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour. (1450m – 4750ft).
 

6 hours of walking. 820m - 2700ft up, 730m – 2400ft down

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Transfer above Les Houches; ascend to the Bel Lachat Refuge, before crossing the Carlaveyron Natural Reserve and summiting the Aiguillette des Houches and the Aiguillette du Brevent.

Today we have a spectacular walk from (1370m – 4450ft) up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m – 7500ft) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière (1370m – 4500ft).
 

7 hours of walking. 900m – 2950ft up, 930m – 3050ft down

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Starting from the Les Contamines we cross the Col de Voza and continue towards Les Houches.

Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to the Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier a few 100 meters higher up. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (1653m – 5360ft) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) for those with tired legs.

7 hours of walking, 11km – 7 miles, 560m –1840ft up, 610m – 2000ft down

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Breakfast at your leisure at your hotel.

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several cablecar excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m - 12600ft), 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. 

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy; climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley to Courmayeur.

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva (1770m – 5805ft) we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (2000m – 6560ft), 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.
 

7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Starting from Argentiere; walk up to and along the Grand Balcon Sud to Plan Praz then descend by cable car.

From Argentiere (1250m – 4100ft) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley to Plan Praz (2000m – 6560ft) from where we descend by cable car back to Chamonix. The Grand Balcon Sud is an impressive walk in the valley and looks over to Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc massif.  The views of snowy peaks, soaring cliffs, fractured glaciers and lush green forests ensures this trek is not just a highlight in the valley but the whole of the Alps.

7 hours of walking. 800m – 1690ft up, 100m – 330ft down 

7:00 PM dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes. We will provide transportation for you back to Geneva for your onward journey home.

Meals included: breakfast