France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit
For two centuries, adventurers have walked the celebrated Tour du Mont Blanc, reveling in its snowy rock spires, rustic rifugios, and colorful meadows of martagon lily, purple saxifrage, and vivid blue gentian. In this spectacular setting—where Alpine travel was born—you follow narrow paths through coniferous forests, Roman roads ascending glacial saddles, and a suspension bridge across a plunging valley. Enjoy the best of three distinct cultures, stopping by French pilgrimage sites, Italian mountain villages, and Swiss farms full of bell-wearing cows. Exhilarating walks lead to stunning views: the imposing granite peaks of Mont Dolent, the green and red hues of Aiguille Verte and Aiguilles Rouges, the swooping arc of Col de Tricot, and, of course, the colossal serrated edge of the Mont Blanc massif, ever present throughout the region. Along the way, you cool your feet in glacial streams, spot ibex in remote mountain passes, and sip hot chocolate in rustic lodges. It’s the ideal way to experience the birthplace of mountaineering, in the company of expert guides.
Tour Highlights:
Ride the La Flégère cable car into the Chamonix Valley and enjoy its breathtaking panoramic views of impossibly green hillsides, fragrant forest, and the curving Arve River.
After an energetic day on the trail, savor the best of rich Savoyard cuisine: creamy fondue, raclette with potatoes, savory stews, and delicious tarts.
Enjoy the mountaineering culture of the Alps in the quaint town of Courmayeur, as you visit local shops or sip a panaché (beer and lemonade) at a sidewalk café.
Reading List:
View our suggestions on our partner site. A special note regarding luggage allowances while on tour: Due to the mountainous terrain, luggage transport vehicles for this tour have a weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs) per person. This is roughly one medium sized suitcase and one small carry-on bag. Please know that for those traveling throughout Europe before or after this trip, storage is available for any additional luggage.
Flight + Tour Combo
12 days, 11 nights
FROM$5,898USD
per person, double occupancy
Tour extensions available Chamonix 1 nights $98-198†*
Starting above Chamonix, today’s seven-mile hike offers exceptional scenery, including soaring rock spires and Alpine villages with picture-perfect vegetable gardens. Sleep tonight at a cozy family-run hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Climb through conifer forest and chalet-dotted Alpine pastures to the summit of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180 feet). Then, descend to Chapieux, a village near Mt. Blanc’s southern flank.
Accommodation: Hotel l’Autantic, Bourg Saint Maurice, France
This comfortable, 3-star hotel constructed of local stone and wood stands at the southern limit of the Massif du Mont Blanc. It has period and antique furnishings, as well as a sauna and swimming pool.
Say au revoir to France and buongiorno to Italy at 8,300-foot Col de la Seigne. Pause to admire some of the Alps’ most impressive summits before descending to the elegant Italian resort of Courmayeur.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
Enjoy views of imposing granite peaks and glaciers and watch for marmot and chamoix as you climb towards Grand Col Ferret (8,321 feet). Wildflowers and cowbells welcome you on your descent into Switzerland to crystal-clear Lake Champex.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Glacier, Champex-Lac, Switzerland
This 3-star, family-run, classic Swiss mountain hotel is ideally situated on Lake Champex. Enjoy its Jacuzzi, sauna, fireside lounge, and reading room.
Today’s trail winds towards Col de la Forclaz, offering views of Rhône Valley vineyards and Bernese Oberland peaks. Upon reaching your family-run inn at the summit, celebrate with a glass of local Fendant wine.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
This simple Alpine hotel prides itself on serving the typical cuisine of the Valais region of Switzerland. In the same family for six generations, the hotel is located at the Swiss entrance to the Mont Blanc region. Please note: not all rooms have private baths.
Climb from the lush, secluded valley of Trient, Switzerland to Col de la Balme in France. Up top, enjoy tremendous views over the Chamonix Valley, flanked by the needle-like peaks surrounding Mont Blanc. This afternoon, walk or take the cable car down to Argentière.
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Couronne, Argentière, France
A simple, traditional mountain hotel nestled in the heart of the authentic mountain village of Argentière, the Hôtel de la Couronne has warm wooden décor and chalet-style furnishings, a welcoming bar, and an outdoor terrace café.
Today’s final stage offers magnificent perspectives on the Mont Blanc massif from the Chéserys lakes. This afternoon, enjoy a cable-car descent into Chamonix. Celebrate your 60-mile walking adventure with tonight’s farewell feast at your hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Join Your Country Walkers France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit tour
Your guide(s) will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of Hôtel Le Morgane. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt.
Starting above Chamonix, today’s 10-mile hike offers exceptional scenery, including soaring rock spires and Alpine villages with picture-perfect vegetable gardens. Sleep tonight at a cozy family-run hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Climb through conifer forest and chalet-dotted Alpine pastures to the summit of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180 feet). Then, descend to Chapieux, a village near Mt. Blanc’s southern flank.
Accommodation: Hotel l’Autantic, Bourg Saint Maurice, France
This comfortable, 3-star hotel constructed of local stone and wood stands at the southern limit of the Massif du Mont Blanc. It has period and antique furnishings, as well as a sauna and swimming pool.
Say au revoir to France and buongiorno to Italy at 8,300-foot Col de la Seigne. Pause to admire some of the Alps’ most impressive summits before descending to the elegant Italian resort of Courmayeur.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
Enjoy views of imposing granite peaks and glaciers, and watch for marmot and chamoix as you climb toward Grand Col Ferret (8,321 feet). Wildflowers welcome you on your descent into Switzerland to crystal-clear Lake Champex.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Glacier, Champex-Lac, Switzerland
This 3-star, family-run, classic Swiss mountain hotel is ideally situated on Lake Champex. Enjoy its Jacuzzi, sauna, fireside lounge, and reading room.
Today’s trail winds toward Col de la Forclaz, offering views of Rhône Valley vineyards and Bernese Oberland peaks. Upon reaching your family-run inn at the summit, celebrate with a glass of local Fendant wine.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
This simple Alpine hotel prides itself on serving the typical cuisine of the Valais region of Switzerland. In the same family for six generations, the hotel is located at the Swiss entrance to the Mont Blanc region. Please note: not all rooms have private baths.
Climb from the lush, secluded valley of Trient, Switzerland, to Col de la Balme in France. Up top, enjoy tremendous views over the Chamonix Valley, flanked by the needle-like peaks surrounding Mont Blanc. This afternoon, walk or take the cable car down to Argentière.
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Couronne, Argentière, France
A simple, traditional mountain hotel nestled in the heart of the authentic mountain village of Argentière, the Hôtel de la Couronne has warm wooden décor and chalet-style furnishings, a welcoming bar, and an outdoor terrace café.
Today’s final stage offers magnificent perspectives on the Mont Blanc massif from the Chéserys Lakes. This afternoon, enjoy a cable-car descent into Chamonix. Celebrate your over 60-mile walking adventure with tonight’s farewell feast at your hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Please refer to your air itinerary for your specific flight details.
Arrival
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland. Transfer to Chamonix
Upon arrival at Geneva International Airport, a representative holding a Country Walkers sign will meet you as you exit the baggage-claim area. Please note that there may be up to a 45-minute wait if there are other guests arriving within the same time frame. A complimentary small-group transfer will be provided to Hôtel le Morgane, approximately a two-hour drive. The remainder of the day is at your leisure (no meals or activities included).
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Join Your Country Walkers France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit tour
Breakfast is included at your hotel. Your guide(s) will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of Hôtel Le Morgane. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt.
Please be dressed for walking. Please refer to the France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit (9-day/8-night) itinerary for full tour details.
Starting above Chamonix, today’s seven-mile hike offers exceptional scenery, including soaring rock spires and Alpine villages with picture-perfect vegetable gardens. Sleep tonight at a cozy family-run hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Climb through conifer forest and chalet-dotted Alpine pastures to the summit of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180 feet). Then, descend to Chapieux, a village near Mt. Blanc’s southern flank.
Accommodation: Hotel l’Autantic, Bourg Saint Maurice, France
This comfortable, 3-star hotel constructed of local stone and wood stands at the southern limit of the Massif du Mont Blanc. It has period and antique furnishings, as well as a sauna and swimming pool.
Say au revoir to France and buongiorno to Italy at 8,300-foot Col de la Seigne. Pause to admire some of the Alps’ most impressive summits before descending to the elegant Italian resort of Courmayeur.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
Enjoy views of imposing granite peaks and glaciers and watch for marmot and chamoix as you climb towards Grand Col Ferret (8,321 feet). Wildflowers and cowbells welcome you on your descent into Switzerland to crystal-clear Lake Champex.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Glacier, Champex-Lac, Switzerland
This 3-star, family-run, classic Swiss mountain hotel is ideally situated on Lake Champex. Enjoy its Jacuzzi, sauna, fireside lounge, and reading room.
Today’s trail winds towards Col de la Forclaz, offering views of Rhône Valley vineyards and Bernese Oberland peaks. Upon reaching your family-run inn at the summit, celebrate with a glass of local Fendant wine.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
This simple Alpine hotel prides itself on serving the typical cuisine of the Valais region of Switzerland. In the same family for six generations, the hotel is located at the Swiss entrance to the Mont Blanc region. Please note: not all rooms have private baths.
Climb from the lush, secluded valley of Trient, Switzerland to Col de la Balme in France. Up top, enjoy tremendous views over the Chamonix Valley, flanked by the needle-like peaks surrounding Mont Blanc. This afternoon, walk or take the cable car down to Argentière.
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Couronne, Argentière, France
A simple, traditional mountain hotel nestled in the heart of the authentic mountain village of Argentière, the Hôtel de la Couronne has warm wooden décor and chalet-style furnishings, a welcoming bar, and an outdoor terrace café.
Today’s final stage offers magnificent perspectives on the Mont Blanc massif from the Chéserys lakes. This afternoon, enjoy a cable-car descent into Chamonix. Celebrate your 60-mile walking adventure with tonight’s farewell feast at your hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
After saying goodbye to your group this morning in Chamonix, you are transferred to Novotel Genève Centre for a post-tour night. (Lunch and dinner are on your own.)
This centrally-located boutique hotel—within walking distance of the Place des Nations (Geneva’s main square), the train station, and the lovely lakefront of Lake Geneva—offers contemporary style throughout. Guestrooms are modern with warm colors. An onsite fitness center includes a wellness area with sauna, steam room, and solarium.
Departure
Au Revoir! This morning, a complimentary small-group transfer is provided to Geneva’s International Airport (based on your departure time.
Add a Tour Extension to Your Flight + Tour Combo
Pre-Tour Extension: Chamonix
1 night from only $98-198†*
One night at Hôtel Le Morgane*
Small-group airport and hotel transfers
One breakfast
If you are reserving our Flight + Tour Combo, you may wish to arrive one night earlier in Chamonix, allowing you to become thoroughly acclimatized to the time zone and be well rested for the Mont Blanc Circuit. The birthplace of mountaineering and the site of the first winter Olympics (in 1924), Chamonix attracts all levels of mountain enthusiasts year round. You may choose to ascend to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi peak at 12,605 feet on the highest vertical-ascent cable car in the world. An additional thrill at the top is walking on the “Step Into The Void” glass skywalk with a “drop” of 3,000 feet below the glass floor at your feet. The Tramway du Mont Blanc is a more historic ride to a mountaintop. Or you may explore the town’s geologic and human history at the Alpine Museum in the former Chamonix-Palace.
Single Supplement: $98
*Please note that some hotel city taxes may need to be paid locally.
†Please note tour extension prices vary depending on your departure date.
*For those traveling in 2017, the Chamonix Pre-tour extension is $248. Single Supplement is $148.
Flight + Tour Combo Inclusions:
Round-trip international airfare (includes airline fuel charges and taxes)
Small-group airport and hotel transfers
One night at the Hôtel Le Morgane in Chamonix and one night at the Novotel Genève Centre in Geneva*
Two breakfasts
9-day/8-night France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit guided walking tour with on-trip inclusions
Begin your adventure by departing from a convenient gateway city in the United States or Canada. Spend the first night aloft.
Arrival
Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland. Transfer to Chamonix
Upon arrival at Geneva International Airport, a representative holding a Country Walkers sign meets you as you exit the baggage-claim area. Please note that there may be up to a 45-minute wait if there are other guests arriving within the same time frame. A complimentary small-group transfer is provided to your Chamonix hotel, approximately a two-hour drive. The remainder of the day is at your leisure (no meals or activities included).
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Join Your Country Walkers France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit tour
Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Your guide(s) will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of Hôtel Le Morgane. Your guide(s) will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt.
Starting above Chamonix, today’s 10-mile hike offers exceptional scenery, including soaring rock spires and Alpine villages with picture-perfect vegetable gardens. Sleep tonight at a cozy family-run hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Climb through conifer forest and chalet-dotted Alpine pastures to the summit of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180 feet). Then, descend to Chapieux, a village near Mt. Blanc’s southern flank.
Accommodation: Hotel l’Autantic, Bourg Saint Maurice, France
This comfortable, 3-star hotel constructed of local stone and wood stands at the southern limit of the Massif du Mont Blanc. It has period and antique furnishings, as well as a sauna and swimming pool.
Say au revoir to France and buongiorno to Italy at 8,300-foot Col de la Seigne. Pause to admire some of the Alps’ most impressive summits before descending to the elegant Italian resort of Courmayeur.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
This 3-star, family-run, country-house hotel is set in an ideal location in the center of a charming Italian Alpine town. The inn offers 25 unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.
Enjoy views of imposing granite peaks and glaciers, and watch for marmot and chamoix as you climb toward Grand Col Ferret (8,321 feet). Wildflowers welcome you on your descent into Switzerland to crystal-clear Lake Champex.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Glacier, Champex-Lac, Switzerland
This 3-star, family-run, classic Swiss mountain hotel is ideally situated on Lake Champex. Enjoy its Jacuzzi, sauna, fireside lounge, and reading room.
Today’s trail winds toward Col de la Forclaz, offering views of Rhône Valley vineyards and Bernese Oberland peaks. Upon reaching your family-run inn at the summit, celebrate with a glass of local Fendant wine.
Accommodation: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
This simple Alpine hotel prides itself on serving the typical cuisine of the Valais region of Switzerland. In the same family for six generations, the hotel is located at the Swiss entrance to the Mont Blanc region. Please note: not all rooms have private baths.
Climb from the lush, secluded valley of Trient, Switzerland, to Col de la Balme in France. Up top, enjoy tremendous views over the Chamonix Valley, flanked by the needle-like peaks surrounding Mont Blanc. This afternoon, walk or take the cable car down to Argentière.
Accommodation: Hôtel de la Couronne, Argentière, France
A simple, traditional mountain hotel nestled in the heart of the authentic mountain village of Argentière, the Hôtel de la Couronne has warm wooden décor and chalet-style furnishings, a welcoming bar, and an outdoor terrace café.
Today’s final stage offers magnificent perspectives on the Mont Blanc massif from the Chéserys Lakes. This afternoon, enjoy a cable-car descent into Chamonix. Celebrate your over 60-mile walking adventure with tonight’s farewell feast at your hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
This elegant and environmentally friendly 4-star hotel offers mountain views and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary guestrooms are tranquil and plush with wood accents and neutral tones. A spa complete with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and treatment facilities is on site.
Your Country Walkers France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit tour concludes
After saying goodbye to your group this morning in Chamonix, you are transferred to Novotel Genève Centre for a post-tour night. (Lunch and dinner are on your own.)
This centrally-located boutique hotel—within walking distance of the Place des Nations (Geneva’s main square), the train station, and the lovely lakefront of Lake Geneva—offers contemporary style throughout. Guestrooms are modern with warm colors. An onsite fitness center includes a wellness area with sauna, steam room, and solarium.
Departure
Au revoir! This morning, a complimentary small-group transfer is provided to Geneva’s International Airport (based on your departure time).
Add a Tour Extension to Your Flight + Tour Combo
Pre-Tour Extension: Chamonix
1 night from only $98-198†*
One night at Hôtel Le Morgane*
Small-group airport and hotel transfers
One breakfast
If you are reserving our Flight + Tour Combo, you may wish to arrive one night earlier in Chamonix, allowing you to become thoroughly acclimatized to the time zone and be well rested for the Mont Blanc Circuit. The birthplace of mountaineering and the site of the first winter Olympics (in 1924), Chamonix attracts all levels of mountain enthusiasts year round. You may choose to ascend to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi peak at 12,605 feet on the highest vertical-ascent cable car in the world. An additional thrill at the top is walking on the “Step Into The Void” glass skywalk with a “drop” of 3,000 feet below the glass floor at your feet. The Tramway du Mont Blanc is a more historic ride to a mountaintop. Or you may explore the town’s geologic and human history at the Alpine Museum in the former Chamonix-Palace.
Single Supplement: $98
*Please note that some hotel city taxes may need to be paid locally.
†Please note tour extension prices vary depending on your departure date.
*For those traveling in 2017, the Chamonix Pre-tour extension is $248. Single Supplement is $148.
Flight + Tour Combo Inclusions:
Round-trip international airfare (includes airline fuel charges and taxes)
Small-group airport and hotel transfers
One night at the Hôtel Le Morgane in Chamonix and one night at the Novotel Genève Centre in Geneva*
Two breakfasts
9-day/8-night France, Italy & Switzerland: The Mont Blanc Circuit guided walking tour with on-trip inclusions
*Please note that some hotel city taxes may need to be paid locally.
*Savings applicable to new bookings only.
Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Call for details. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only. We reserve the right to correct errors.
Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Call for details. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only. We reserve the right to correct errors.
Guides
Guides
Our guides' experience, dedication, and enthusiasm make them ideal ambassadors for your destination. They chart the course, finesse the details, and speak the language (English, as well as the local language). They also possess a truly rare skill, knowing when to let serendipity and inspiration take the lead.
Corinne Jouin
Corinne Jouin has been a certified hiking guide in the Chamonix valley since 1994, fulfilling her career goal of working with people outdoors. Traveling and living abroad throughout her life, she also led hiking tours in the Middle East. Originally trained as a graphic designer, she applies her creativity to the Swiss folk art of silhouette paper cutting, and also enjoys exploring the Alps with her family.
Claire Thiolière
A native of the world-renowned alpine resort of Chamonix, Claire Thiolière hails from a family of mountain guides and photographers. She traveled extensively in her youth throughout Africa and returned to France where she received a Master’s degree in Geography and Geomorphology. She is a certified guide who has been leading people throughout the Alps for more than thirteen years. An avid hiker and skier, Claire’s enthusiasm for her spectacular corner of the globe is apparent to all who travel with her on tour.
Patricia Corbiller
Making her home in Chamonix for over 30 years, Patricia Corbiller is a certified hiking guide in the region and a ski instructor. Walking and nature are her dual passions, which she is inspired to share with visitors to the Chamonix Valley. And when she can, she is thrilled to discover trails in mountains around the globe.
Javier Torrecilla
Based in Chamonix but originally from Spain, Javier Torrecilla made his first trek when he was just 6 months old and since then his love for the mountains has only grown! Eventually turning his passion into a career, Javier has been leading groups through the Pyrenees, the Alps, and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains for over 10 years. When he’s not guiding, you can find him hiking, climbing, skiing, or canyoning.
