Make the most of our stunning European Alps and walk from Italy and onwards to Switzerland then France!
This is an iconic trip and rated as one of the top ten walks in the World due the impressive scenery and beautiful landscapes
Details
Join Pride Expeditions to hike the 'Best Bits' of this classic European trek. The Tour du Mont Blanc takes in three countries making an anti-clockwise circuit of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. We will be walking for five consecutive days and staying in catered mountain refuges for four nights.
Make the most of our stunning European Alps and walk from Italy and onwards to Switzerland and France! This is an iconic trip and rated as one of the top ten walks in the World due the impressive scenery and beautiful landscapes you will be travelling through.
This trek is accessible to anybody who regularly walks in mountainous areas. Our longest day is 20km with a height gain of 900m that is achievable to anyone who is mountain fit and leads an active lifestyle.
The Tour du Mont Blanc with Pride Expeditions takes the best bits of a classic walk that can vary greatly in length and difficulty.
It is a once in a lifetime experience that only takes a week. The cost for this great adventure is £1250. This includes half-board accomodation throughout.
We have designed this itinerary to be accessible to anyone who is mountain fit. We have left out some of the hardest days on the standard TdMB route and shortened some of the long days.
Dates 3rd to 10th August 2024
Full
Cost £1250
(if paying from outside UK This will automatically be converted to your currency)
Secure your Spot: Please pay a £250 deposit online to secure your spot. We accept any currency. Once you have paid a deposit and minimum numbers have been met we will send you confirmation and a kit list. The balance is payable in installments.
Lunches are not included on the TdMB. Packed lunches are provided by the huts as a packed lunch. We recommend stopping at the bakery to buy lunch for day one. You will need to pay for one evening meal at the start and one at the finish whilst in Chamonix. .
All accommodation during the trip
All buses and cable cars we will use during the trek
Evening meals and breakfasts during the trek
Four nights in mountain refuges in dormitories
Three nights in a hotel in Chamonix
An English and French speaking International Mountain Leader who will lead the trekking and give you briefings before each day about what to expect from the day and highlight any dangers to be aware of
The safety and organisational back up of local in-country experts who will be able to advise of problems you are likely to encounter and organise detours should the need arise
Upon paying a deposit for this trip a full kit list will be emailed out to you. Bedding and food will be provided in the refuges and hotels during the trek but you will need to carry all the clothing and toiletries you will need for the duration of the trek. Please pack light and bring a comfortable 40-litre rucksack for this purpose.
03.08.24 Day 1 - Arrival in Chamonix - A transfer from Geneva is included if arriving in recommended time frame
We will meet at our B&B in Chamonix. We will be getting together at 7pm to go through our kit and pack bags ready for a prompt start the following day. If you are going to make your own way to the Vert Lodge please be there by 7pm. Any extra items you bring can be left in the hotel for our return after trekking.
04.08.24 Day 2 - Courmayer to Refuge Bonatti - Distance 8km, Ascend 550m, Descend 50m. Walking Time 3.5 hours
Depart Vert Lodge at 0900. We are driven to the Italian side of Mont Blanc. From here we will hike up the Val Ferret valley, enjoying incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif along the way. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at the remote Rifugio Walter Bonatti at 2,025m of altitude.
05.08. 24 Day 3 - Refuge Bonatti to Champex-Lac - Distance 20km, Ascend 870m, Descend 1290m, Walking Time 8 hours
The day starts with a balcony walk as we continue along the Val Ferret valley. A short descent leads us to the head of the valley where we begin your ascent to the Swiss border. Stopping along the way for a well-deserved rest before heading up to the highest point on the TdMB, the Grand Col Ferret, at 2,536m. We descend into Switzerland. Along the way, you will visit a local farm where you can sample some local cheeses and refuel before you reach La Fouly. A short bus transfer takes us to Champex-Lac.. You may even get a chance to swim in the lake if there is enough time.
06.08.24 Day 4 - Champex-Lac to Trient Distance 16.5km, Ascend 810m, Descend 1000m, Walking Time 7 hours
A challenging hike leads to Bovine where we will have lunch (known for its incredible Rosti and the herd of cows). After a break, we descend to the Col de la Forclaz and on to the picturesque Swiss village of Trient, with its pink church and our refuge.
07.08.24 Day 5 - Trient to Tre Le Champ Distance 18.1km, Ascend 875m, Descend 1292m, Walking Time 7 Hours
Today we trek back into France. We make your way up to the Col De Balme, boasting some of the most incredible views of Mont Blanc. Following a break at the refuge on the col we continue with a pleasant hike down the mountain, through meadows to our accommodation in Tre Le Champ.
08.08.24 Day 6 - Tre Le Champ to La Flegere (Chamonix) Distance 8.2km, Ascend 724m, Descend 257m, Walking Time 4.5 Hours
Today we have the wonderful view of Mont Blanc on the opposite side of the valley as we have the excitement of climbing up the ladders towards Lac Blanc with marvelous views of Mt Blanc. We cross around the base of the Aiguilles Rouges and towards the ski lifts of La Flegere. From here you may choose to safe your knees and take the chairlift down (recommended) or descend the steep path back to Les Praz. We take the public bus through the centre of Chamonix and back to the Vert Lodge.
09.08.24 Day 7 Free day to explore Chamonix
There’s plenty to do in Chamonix including many adventure activities or you may choose to sit by a pool and relax your weary legs.
10.08.24 Day 8 - Departure from Chamonix to Home
The trip finishes today and you can join the shared transfer back to Geneva or stay for an extra night or two and explore Chamonix some more.
France, Italy and Switzerland are all safe and welcoming for LGBTQ travellers. This is a great trip with a gay-friendly International Mountain Leader.
Anyone is free to sign up to a Pride Expeditions trip.Most of our groups are made up of individuals, occasional couples or small groups of friends who come together to make a cohesive and fun team for the expedition.
“Marmots, Alps, Fantastic Hikes, Great Views, Awesome Company, Excellent Planning – what’s not to love!”
“The Pride Expeditions adventure is a stunning six-day hike through the European Alps, which takes in all of the best bits of the tour and saw us travelling from France, to Italy then through to Switzerland and then back into France - perfect”
“Super sociable group and with days and days of amazing views, the trip was definitely one to remember.”
“Even when a land slip blocked part of the route one day, Nick’s expertise, local knowledge and contacts meant that an alternative plan was in place before we realised it. Great fun!”
