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Walk the best of Mont Blanc Circuit in France and Italy
Your 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 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
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
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
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
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
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 Italian ice-cream. 7 hours of walking. 450m – 1500ft up, 550m – 1804ft down
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
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. (Due to maintenance on the Flegere cablecar this walk has been amended from our previously advertised walk to Lac Blanc. This trek is a little longer than the original and is equally beautiful). 7 hours of walking. 800m – 1690ft up, 100m – 330ft down Spring and Autumn departures - The Plan Praz cablecar is open for trips starting between 15th June and 7th Sep. Outside of this time, the cablecar 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 which is the same as above but instead of walking from Flegere to Plan Praz, we will walk off the mountain from Flegere 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
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
* 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
* Travel by minibus, local train and cable car
* Altitude maximum 2352m, average 1525m
* Group normally 4 to 14, plus UK leader
* 7 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, croissant, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.
Lunch: Picnic style lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad
vegetables, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.
Evening meal: A single menu is prepared each evening for the whole group and
this will normally consist of a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a
main course of meat or fish with rice, potatoes or pasta and vegetables,
followed by dessert and tea or coffee. 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 day
* Travel by minibus, local train and cable car
* Altitude maximum 2352m, average 1525m
* Group normally 4 to 14, plus UK leader
* 7 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 [1] for more information on our Activity
Levels.
*Please note: On this trip it is essential to have helicopter evacuation
cover within your travel insurance.
*
[1] https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/exodus_wt_fitness_training_guide_1.pdf
Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat
These delightful alpine chalets both have 7 rooms 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, croissant, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea or coffee.
Lunch: Picnic style lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad
vegetables, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.
Evening meal: A single menu is prepared each evening for the whole group and
this will normally consist of a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a
main course of meat or fish with rice, potatoes or pasta and vegetables,
followed by dessert and tea or coffee. 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 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We 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.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Chamonix*
Your 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 airlines*
It 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 itinerary*
Those 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 €31 one way if booked in
advance with our partner Mountain Drop Offs. Book on their website ‐
www.mountaindropoffs.com [1] and quote the following promotional code EXOCHX.
Unfortunately the discounted rates only run from 17 June to 10 September.
Outside this time the full price will be charged.
*Take The Train*
Both Geneva Airport and Chamonix are easy to reach by train. If you book a
train to coincide with the group flight timings there is a station inside
Geneva airport itself. You are then welcome to join our free group transfer
to your chalet (by prior arrangement only). Alternatively it is possible to
get a train direct to Chamonix and then take 15 - 25 minute walk to the
chalet or 5-10 minute taxi ride. We recommend that you allow at least 1 hour
for travel across Paris by Metro. It is only possible to reserve train seats
3 months before your departure date and our sales team will be happy to book
this for you in cooperation with Rail Europe.
[1] http://www.mountaindropoffs.com
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
sole
Waterproof/windproof jacket (preferably Gortex) and waterproof trousers
Hat and gloves (even in August)
A warm 2 season jacket or sweater/fleece
Water containers or Thermos Flask to contain 2 litres of liquid
Day sack of 25/30 litre capacity
Sun hat (the sun in the Alps has a very high UV factor and is very
intensive), sun screen and lip salve
Sandals 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 trekking
Shower gel
Walking 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 tub
Earplugs
Hairdryer
Tupperware 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 insurance
* Visas and vaccinations
* Single 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.
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