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Self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc highlights walking holiday
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Tour du Mont Blanc Express, Self-guided 2024

The highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc with 7 days independent, self-guided walking, starting and finishing in Chamonix.

On the Tour du Mont Blanc Express you'll sample the highlights of the classic tour du Mont Blanc, visiting all 3 countries (France, Switzerland and Italy) but linking a few sections using transportation. You'll walk the tour independently and at your own pace, staying in comfortable accommodation along the way.
The self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc Express trek is perfect for people on a limited time schedule who wish to experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc in a one week window.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Meeting in Chamonix
You arrive in Chamonix and check in at your hotel. Your evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Chamonix.

Day 2: Above Chamonix to Les Houches
Your trip starts with a cable car ride that takes you up to nearly 2000 meters. Here, above the tree line, you begin a stunning high level traverse above the Chamonix valley with exceptional views of Mont Blanc. You descend to the village Les Houches and your hotel for the night. (B+D)

Day 3: From Les Houches to Les Contamines
You walk (or take a cable car) up through the ski area of Les Houches. A lovely traverse below the Aiguille du Gouter takes you to the snout of the Bionnassay glacier, which you cross via an airy suspension bridge. You climb to the Col de Tricot and descent to the Miage mountain pastures for lunch. After lunch, you have another short climb to the Chalets du Truc before the final descent to Les Contamines. (B+D)

Day 4: From Les Contamines to Vallée des Glaciers
From Les Contamines you climb steadily up an old roman way towards the top of the Contamines valley. A stunning and wild walk takes you over a succession of mountain passes before your descent to the Vallée des Glaciers (the Glaciers Valley) and the final short stretch to your charming mountain hut. (B+D)

Day 5: From Vallée des Glaciers to Courmayeur
You leave the hut and ascend to the Seigne mountain pass, where you cross the border into Italy and get the first views of the dramatic Italian side of Mont Blanc. It's a gentle descent into the beautiful Val Veny, before another climb takes you to Col Checrouit and, finally, the long descent into Courmayeur. Your evening is free to explore the many bars and restaurants in Courmayeur. Night in hotel. (B)

Day 6: From Courmayeur to la Fouly and Champex
From Courmayeur, a short bus transfer takes you to the top of the Ferret valley where your hike begins. The trail goes steadily upwards through scenic mountain pastures. A last Italian coffee stop is possible before you reach the Grand Col Ferret mountain pass. You now enter Switzerland and descend through the idyllic Swiss Ferret valley to the village of La Fouly, where you catch another bus transfer to the charming lake-side village Champex. (B+D)

Day 7: From Champex to Trient
Leaving Champex, you have a choice of two routes. You can hike over the notorious Fenêtre d’Arpette - a narrow mountain pass cut into a rugged alpine ridge, or you can walk via the gentler and more idyllic Bovine mountain pastures. You descend to the small village Trient, where you spend the night in a bustling auberge, where you can share your experiences with other hikers. (B+D)

Day 8: From Trient to Argentiere and Chamonix
You leave the Auberge in Trient for the last leg of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Today’s walk goes up to the Balme pass, where you cross the border back into France. You descend into the familiar surroundings of the Chamonix valley and the jagged peaks of the Mont Blanc chain above you. At Argentiere, you jump on a bus for a short transfer to Chamonix and your hotel. (B)

Day 9: Departure day
Breakfast in the hotel and the official end to your Tour du Mont Blanc Express trek. (B)

Trip details

Grade:
Suitable for expereienced, independent mountain walkers with good fitness and an adventurous spirit.

Duration:
9 days holiday with 7 days walking

Accommodation:
6 nights in hotels, 1 night in auberge and 1 night in mountain hut.

Group size and guides:
Min 2 people. No max sizes and no guide.

Dates & prices

Dates:
Any dates between mid-June and mid-September 2024.

Price: £ 1795 p.p.

Price based on min. 2 people joining.

Book now >>

Standard inclusions & exclusions:

Inclusions:
- Expert tour planning and organisation by Alpine Treks
- Detailed route cards
- Topographic maps (1:25000), NOT photo copies
- Practical information pack
- 8 nights accommodation (6x hotel, 1x auberge, 1x mountain hut)
- Meals (8x breakfast and 5x dinners)

Exclusions:
- Travel to and from Chamonix
- Lunches, snacks, drinks and meals not mentioned above
- Cable cars and transportation along the route

Option and Extras

Accomodation upgrade:
Add private rooms for ALL nights to avoid dorms. Contact us for details.

Rest days
Trek at your own pace and take as many rest days as you prefer. Contact us for details.

Luggage transfers:
Add bag transfers on some or all stages.
Contact us for details.

Mont Blanc Ascent:
6 days course to climb Mont Blanc after your trek. Click here for more information.

Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Express trip:
This trip is available as a guided trip. Click here for details.

View TMB Express on Google map

Frequently asked questions about our trekking and walking holidays

Alpine Treks Limited
2 The Abbey Coach House, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LR, UK
UK company no. 06957454

Copy right Alpine Treks 2014 -

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