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Du sparer NOK 1 224Your holiday begins at your comfortable alpine chalet. Those making their own way to the chalet should aim to arrive early afternoon for introductions. There is plenty of time to walk into Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader.
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 Aiguillette 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
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park (1500m – 4920ft) up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Nature 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
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley, 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
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6
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.
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 gelato. 7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
From our Chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère (1,860m – 6100ft). From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) that affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After spending plenty of time soaking up the panorama, we will then descend to Lacs des Chéserys (1998m - 6555ft) where, on a still day, we will see photogenic views of the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is short ladder section to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden.7 hours walking. 540 m – 1770ft up, 540m – 1770ft down - Distance covered: 9 km / 6 miles. Added to this is the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few km’s depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport. Spring and Autumn departures - La Flégère gondola is open for trips starting between 11th June and 10th Sep. Outside of this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is no longer included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, then the cable cost will be paid locally. Approx 20 euros. Alternatively, we will follow a Spring and Autumn itinerary. 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. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breath-taking. From La Flégère we descend via the charming Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added decent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning.8 hours walking. 740 m – 2430ft up, 950m – 3120ft down - Distance covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet.
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
5 days centre-based walking; 1 free dayTravel by minibus, local train and
cable carAltitude maximum 2352m, average 1525mGroup normally 4 to 14, plus UK
leader7 nights in comfortable chalet
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included in the price of
the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using
local ingredients.Typical Meals:Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast will
usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissants, fresh French
bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.Lunch: Picnic-style lunches will normally
include bread, fresh salad, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh
fruit.Evening meal: We endeavour to make dinner something to look forward
to, and each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group,
consisting of a soup, salad or similar, a main course of meat, fish or
vegetarian served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates, and a
dessert.The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled
water or soft drinks.Vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets: Although we
serve a single menu each night for the whole group, we will happily shop for
and prepare alternative menus for vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets,
but please inform us at the time of booking. Please note – to reduce food
wastage we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you
have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole
trip.
5 days centre-based walking; 1 free dayTravel by minibus, local train and
cable carAltitude maximum 2352m, average 1525mGroup normally 4 to 14, plus UK
leader7 nights in comfortable chalet
This itinerary includes 5 days hill walking with transport to and from
start/end points of walks. The maximum altitude is 2350m, with an average of
1525m. Some of the days are quite long, sometimes involving an ascent of
900/950m (3000/3120ft) followed by a similar descent. This will mean steadily
walking uphill for 2 to 4 hours and then the same down again. The paths are
rocky and steep in sections but generally well maintained. Due to the quality
of the trails, the general 'civilisation' of the area and the relative
shortness of the trek, we rate it as an Activity level 3, Moderate. That said
for those new to hill walking or not walking fit the trekking may feel quite
tough.Walking hours stated are given as approximates only and include lunch
and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group. However,
in general, days average about six to seven hours and up to nine miles in
distance. The trek should be within the capabilities of anyone good health
and is reasonably fit. We will be walking mountain paths throughout however
and this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers.Spring and Autumn
departures: Late spring and early autumn is a great time to visit Chamonix
and walk in the mountains. The air is clear, the views are stunning and paths
are quiet and tranquil. Chamonix itself is still open for business but the
bustle of the high season is replaced by a more laid back vibe. Although the
itinerary will be similar and we will continue to walk spectacular sections
of the TMB, we will need to alter some of the days. This will be due to the
cable car not running, (pre the 15th of June and post 17th September) or
(especially in spring time) to snow on the paths or due to river crossings
not being possible. Cafes on the mountain may well be closed for some
departures too. We try to make sure that any alterations stay within the
grading and overall theme of the trip but some days may be a little longer
and a little harder. We will always make sure that all walks still show off
the best this area has to offer. The lift schedule can occasionally change
which means they may actually be running for the spring/autumn on the
last/first departures. If this is the case the may be lift costs that are
payable locally.The itinerary for all departures may also be altered or
modified from time to time depending on the weather, the conditions of the
route, the abilities and/or wishes of the group, or other local factors. The
leader will discuss these changes with you if and when they occur.Due to the
popularity of this tour, on some weeks we may use more than one chalet. If we
do, the groups will be completely separate (although will share the airport
bus transfer). Please note we may adjust your itinerary order to ensure the
groups are following different walks each day.Download our Fitness Training
Guide for more information on our Activity Levels.Please note: On this trip
it is essential to have helicopter evacuation cover within your travel
insurance.
Chalet Chamonix and Chalet ChocolatThese delightful alpine chalets both have 7 rooms with private bathrooms and
are surrounded by large gardens with a Jacuzzi and Mont Blanc views. Both
have comfortable lounges and dining rooms with a large table where delicious
home cooked meals will be served and scrumptious cakes will be provided daily
for afternoon tea. Located between 15-25 minutes from the heart of Chamonix
they provide the perfect base for walking the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc
and a relaxing week in the Alps. Due to the natural layout of a chalet build,
bedrooms vary in size and shape and some, but not all, have access to a
balcony.In Chalet Chocolat one bedroom on the top floor has a Velux window as
opposed to a wall mounted window and a large private bathroom on the floor
below. This room will usually be allocated to the last 2 people to book *.In
Chalet Chamonix, two bedrooms on the top floor have Velux windows set into a
gradually sloping roof. Half the room has a full height ceiling while the
beds are positioned under the sloping section these two rooms will usually be
allocated to the last 4 people to book *. Both chalets offer complimentary
Wi-Fi in the communal areas.*Very occasionally these rooms may need to be
allocated to those other than the last 6 people to book to enable us to match
up independent travellers with a same sex roommate. On weeks where we are not
full, we will allocate these rooms to the first independent travellers as
single rooms. If you are booking and not on the same booking reference as a
friend/s that you wish to share a chalet with please let your sales
consultant know at the time of booking. Equally, if you have a preference for
one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we
will do our best to fulfil your request. Otherwise, we will select a chalet
for you automatically.The walking itinerary will be the same for both chalets
however the order of the walks may differ slightly.*Please note:* on booking
your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chamonix however you may be
allocated to Chalet Chocolat. This will be confirmed on your Final Joining
Instructions sent 4 weeks before your departure date.A Chalet is different
from a hotel and provides open and social spaces ideal for group holidays.
The atmosphere is homely and welcoming and we hope you will enjoy the chalet
as much as the stunning local walks. Outside of the bedrooms, both chalets
have living rooms with sofas and comfortable chairs and a client kitchen
which is not for preparing food but has unlimited tea and coffee making
facilities and an honesty bar. Outside there is a large and scenic decking
area with more seating, a grassy garden which we encourage you to go out and
enjoy as well as an outdoor hot tub. In the dining room meals are taken
together around a communal table and are prepared by your two resident chalet
hosts. There is no reception in the chalet. Chalet hosts live on-site and can
be contacted in an emergency. Generally, we don’t enter your rooms at all
during the week to make beds or clean, however, if you feel your room needs
to be serviced mid-week then please ask your chalet hosts and they will be
happy to help. None of the rooms have air-conditioning but we do provide
electric fans. A hairdryer is also available to borrow but we suggest you
bring your own.*Towels*: In order to look after the environment we only
change towels mid-week on request. If you feel that you need a change
mid-week please just ask your chalet host.*Laundry*: Unfortunately there are
no client laundry facilities in the chalet.
We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on
each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals. As
well as being skilled group leaders there to help assure safety on the
mountain, they also impart their knowledge of the wider mountain environment
such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local customs.
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included in the price of
the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using
local ingredients.Typical Meals:Breakfast: Buffet-style breakfast will
usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissants, fresh French
bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.Lunch: Picnic-style lunches will normally
include bread, fresh salad, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh
fruit.Evening meal: We endeavour to make dinner something to look forward
to, and each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group,
consisting of a soup, salad or similar, a main course of meat, fish or
vegetarian served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates, and a
dessert.The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled
water or soft drinks.Vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets: Although we
serve a single menu each night for the whole group, we will happily shop for
and prepare alternative menus for vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets,
but please inform us at the time of booking. Please note – to reduce food
wastage we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you
have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole
trip.
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional
excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. For the
transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach, other
Exodus groups heading out to trek in the Alps may share this transfer. Daily
transport to and from the chalet will be by the chalet's own minibus or
public transport when convenient.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from LondonWe
normally use the scheduled services of Swiss International Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Train from LondonWe can book your train travel to this trip.
Starting at London St Pancras, you'll change trains in Paris and spend the
day travelling through beautiful mountainous terrain, crossing the
spectacular Cize-Bolozon viaduct over the Ain Gorge, before arriving at
Geneva in the early evening and transferring to your hotel. We recommend
that you allow at least 1 hour to travel by Metro between Paris' railway
stations. Read more about travelling by train with Exodus here, or call our
Sales Consultants for more information. Travelling land only: 8 days
starting and ending in ChamonixYour trip normally starts in our accommodation
in Chamonix on Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start
point and confirmation of your chalet (either Chalet Chocolat or Chalet
Chamonix) are provided it the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately
two weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at
your own expense.Low cost airlinesIt is possible to fly direct to Geneva with
some budget airlines. It is likely that flights from regional airports will
arrive at different times to the group flight from London; where this is the
case a wait at the airport for the group transfer, or alternative transfer
arrangements at your own cost, may be necessary (see below).Alternative
flight options: Bristol, Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, Liverpool, Edinburgh ‐
Easyjet. Heathrow ‐ BA. City, Heathrow ‐ Swiss Air.Airport Transfers
for land only itineraryThose arriving/departing on non‐group flights can
join the group transfer free of charge (by prior arrangement only) if your
flight arrives before or, at the end of the holiday, departs after the group
flight. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on
any other flight, even if it has been booked for you by Exodus. Please check
with the Exodus office if you are unsure whether or not a transfer is
included. As mentioned group flights can be rescheduled, so you must check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this
transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense. For those arriving at different times to the group flight it is
very easy to book a bus transfer with a local company and you should do this
at least a week before your departure date. A shared transfer (with others
who have booked with them also) will cost approximately €40 one way if
booked in advance with our partner Mountain Drop Offs. Book on their website
‐ www.mountaindropoffs.com and quote the following promotional code EXOCHX
for a small discount. Unfortunately the discounted rates only run from 11th
June to 16th September. Outside this time the full price will be charged.Take
The TrainBoth Geneva Airport and Chamonix are easy to reach by train. If you
arrive in Geneva the night before your trip start date, you are welcome to
join our free group transfer to Chamonix the next day (by prior arrangement
only). There are no trains to Geneva that will arrive early enough to meet
our transfer on the start day of the trip.If you prefer to complete the
journey in one day, it is possible to get a train from Geneva to Chamonix
via Saint-Gervais-les-Bains; the chalet is a 15-25 minute walk or 5-10
minute taxi ride from Chamonix station. Tickets for this leg of the journey
must be purchased locally at Geneva railway station.Train seats to Geneva can
only be booked 3 months before your departure date. Our sales team will be
happy to book a seat for you in cooperation with Rail Europe.
From late May to late October fair weather is to be expected, but all
mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no
exception. It can and does rain and especially at higher altitudes can be
surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of
15 to 25ºC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30ºC in
July/August), 5 to 20ºC at altitude (though it will feel colder if wet and
windy) and 5 to 15ºC in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early
and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in
August.
In addition to your 'normal' daily clothes, you will need the
following:Traditional or lightweight walking boots with good ankle support
and a strong soleWaterproof/windproof jacket (preferably Gortex) and
waterproof trousersHat and gloves (even in August)A warm 2 season jacket or
sweater/fleeceWater containers or Thermos Flask to contain 2 litres of
liquidDay sack of 25/30 litre capacitySun hat (the sun in the Alps has a very
high UV factor and is very intensive), sun screen and lip salveSandals or
slippers for indoors (outdoor shoes aren't permitted inside the chalet)We
also advise using dry flow wicking clothing rather than cotton as it dries
much quicker and is more comfortable when trekkingShower gelWalking poles
(highly recommended). - there are some available in the chalet should you
wish to borrow these.If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you
should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post
Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should
not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance.
Swimming costume/trunks for the hot tubEarplugsHairdryerTupperware if you
prefer a bit more protection for your packed lunch and to reduce plastic
waste
There are a number of extra excursions available - exact prices and details
will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to what is
normally available:Tandem paragliding flight: €130 from Brevent or Aiguille
du Midi middle stations.Return ride on Aiguille du Midi cable car: €60 per
person.
Although optional, a tip for the leader and chalet staff at the end of the
trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal,
but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €20
(US$22) per guest. Smaller groups may wish to give a little more per person.
Travel insuranceVisas and vaccinationsSingle accommodation (not available)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.