Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Chamonix & Courmayeur Hiking with Premier Lodging
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Chamonix
1.5-hours private van transfer
Arrive at the Geneva airport, Switzerland, for a 2pm pick-up. Transfer by private van to the charming mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. Upon arrival at the 5-star Grand Hotel des Alps, you can rest or explore the town before meeting your guides and group for a trip orientation. End the day with a delicious welcome dinner at a lovely restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes
(D)
Day 2 Experience the Top of Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers Cog Train & Grand Balcon
Cable-car and cog train ride
3.5 hours/4 miles of hiking with 985' elevation gain and 650' of loss
In Chamonix, take the famous cable car to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi (12,605'). Take time to visit the site and enjoy the breathtaking views of the summit of Mont Blanc! Return by lift to Plan de l'Aiguille (7,710'). This is where the day's hike begins. After a short descent to the refuge of the same name, take the famous Grand Balcon Nord route, which passes beneath the numerous Aiguilles de Chamonix. The route passes at the foot of the Blaitiere and Nantillons glaciers. A short climb takes you to Signal Forbes (7,215'), with its panoramic view of the Mer de Glace and the north face of the Grandes Jorasses. The famous red cogwheel train takes you from Montenvers back down to Chamonix.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes
(B, L, D)
Day 3 L’Index to Lac Blanc, Cheserys Countryside & Chamonix Thermal Baths
Cable-car ride and short transfer
4 hours/5 miles of hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and 2,790' of elevation loss
From Les Praz, take a cable car up to L'Index (7,860'). Embark on an easy hike to the famous Lac Blanc (7,716'). Here, take in the view of the whole Mont-Blanc massif—the reflection of the peaks on the lake is an unforgettable sight! Return to La Flegere via the pastures and chalets of Les Cheserys. Take the cable car back down to Les Praz de Chamonix and transfer to Chamonix in the early afternoon. This gives you time to enjoy the Chamonix thermal baths, with indoor and outdoor hot water pools, massage facilities, relaxation rooms, an aperitif, and extraordinary views of Mont Blanc. This is the most relaxing way to end an exciting day of adventure! Dinner is on your own to explore the many options in town.
(B, L)
Day 4 Hike Le Brevent to Les Houches & Journey to Courmayeur
30-minute private van transfer and cable-car ride
4 hours/6-7.5 miles of hiking with 1,000' of elevation gain and 2,790' of elevation loss
Begin the day with a scenic transfer by cable car to the summit of Le Brevent (8,284'). Still facing Mont Blanc, enjoy a day of alternating ascents and descents on short slopes to the Aiguillette des Houches. You're surrounded by the mineral landscapes of the Aiguilles Rouges on one side, and the Mont Blanc massif on the other, with its famous glaciers and peaks: Glacier d'Argentière, Aiguille Verte, Mer de Glace, les Drus, Aiguille du Midi, and of course the Mont Blanc! Depending on the weather and the group's physical condition, you can either turn around and take the lift back to Chamonix or start the descent to Parc Merlet and Les Houches. Transfer to Chamonix, then cross the border into Italy and continue to Courmayeur where you'll spend the next three nights. Enjoy an Italian dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Auberge de la Maison
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Val Ferret, Pre-de-Bard Glacier & Grand Col Ferret
3-5 hours/3-6 miles of hiking with 1,150'-2,450' of elevation gain and loss
This morning, transfer from Courmayeur to the end of Val Ferret. Follow a good path to the Elena Hut (6,770') at the foot of the Pre-de-Bard glacier. If you're in good shape and the weather permits, you can climb up to the Grand Col Ferret (8,323'), the border pass with Switzerland! Transfer back to the hotel and explore the capital of the Italian Alps.
Accommodation: Auberge de la Maison
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Val Veny Valley & Wine Tasting
3-4 hours/4.5 miles of hiking with 350-600' of elevation gain and loss
This morning is devoted to discovering the Veny Valley. Hike to the Glacier de Miage Lake and Lac Combal (6,463'). A beautiful alluvial plain created by the glacier's natural barrier is home to some unique plant life! In the afternoon, leave your hiking boots behind to visit a winery and taste the famous Val d'Aosta wine.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Val Ferret, Bonatti & Bertone Huts & Annecy Old Town
1.5-hour private van transfer
3-5 hours/8.5 miles of hiking with 350-750' of elevation gain and loss
Begin your last day on the trail with a transfer to Val Ferret for a beautiful hike through the alpine meadows. From the famous Bonatti Hut (6,644'), follow a magnificent balcony trail to the Bertone Hut (6,549'), facing the steep slopes of the Grandes Jorasses and the Mont Blanc massif. Descend through the Sapin valley to Courmayeur. In the early the afternoon, transfer to Annecy, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the French Alps famous for its old town and stunning natural lake. Lake Annecy is often referred to as the "Pearl of the French Alps." Meet with your local guide for a 2-hour tour of the historic town center. Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner at a gourmet restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Le Pelican
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Annecy to Geneva & Depart
30-minute private van transfer
After breakfast, transfer with your guide to Geneva Airport for homeward flights. There will be one scheduled transfer on this day.
Accommodation: Le Pelican
(B)
