Ready for a comprehensive TMB experience in under 10 days? No time? No problem! This adventure packs in all the best Mont Blanc views, uphill trails, and meadow strolls of the classic route—in just 9 days. Despite being shorter, this express version of the TMB makes almost zero compromises. You still get to enjoy snowy peaks while reaching +8,200ft passes, explore charming mountain villages, and hit ancient Roman roads. And let’s not forget a scenic cable car ride and savoring all the fondues and gelatos; cappuccinos and French wines. With our experienced guides leading the way, we’ll skip the crowds and hit the most scenic spots. Your job? Soak it all in, make memories, and join the proud ranks of hikers who’ve completed the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trek.
The highlights version of Tour du Mont Blanc is the perfect option for trekkers who are short on time, but don’t want to compromise the best bits. With a seamless combo of daily hikes and transfers to make the most out of your 9-day tour, you’ll cross three different European countries before you even know it. See the Alpine wonders of France, Italy, and Switzerland in all their glory: crystal clear lakes, high cols, towering peaks, and quaint villages, just to name a few. Your tour starts and ends in the world-class mountaineering town of Chamonix, but you’ll also spend nights at unique chalets, auberges, hotels, or chambre d’hôtes along the way.
Included:
Not included:
Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a 100 GBP administrative fee applies to each modification.
Even though Tour du Mont Blanc is not technically difficult, it is generally recommended for those with at least an extensive experience of longer day hikes on mountain trails and great fitness. You can expect up to 3,000ft of daily ascent and descent and hiking 10 miles on average for 7 consecutive days. Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will be able to take many breaks and your guide will adjust the route if it gets too strenuous for your group. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
If you think you may not be ready for this trek at the moment, we suggest you adopt a training regiment in the weeks leading up to the trip, with long daily hikes in hilly terrain, as well as activities like jogging, swimming, playing squash, or circuit training. By adequately preparing both physically and mentally for this adventure, the vast majority of the hikers can fully enjoy the challenges and rewards that this remarkable trek has to offer.
If you’re looking for guided TMB adventures suitable for advanced hikers, check out this high-level Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and this more rugged version of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:
Typically, the weather along the route is warm and fairly stable, requiring minimal extra gear. However, it’s crucial to bring all the items from the list due to unseasonal conditions that can occasionally occur. At least once every summer hikers witness unseasonal snow and heavy rainfall, with temperatures plummeting from mid-30s°C (86°F) to below zero (0°C/32°F).
For rain, waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, along with multiple pairs of gloves. In the event of snow, quality hiking boots, walking poles, warm clothing, and gloves are necessary. Sometimes hikers experience heatwaves, meaning that they need to be equipped with rehydration salts, 3-4L of water, and a sun hat.
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper gear; be well-prepared for any situation. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to your trip.
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During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking tour, all breakfasts and evening meals are included. Most nights, you’ll dine in the accommodation you’ll be staying at, enjoying a fixed 3-course menu that showcases excellent local food from France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hotel breakfasts are continental-style, featuring tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, croissants, bread, jams, cereals, yogurts, and often eggs, cheese, and local meats. Breakfasts in simpler auberges are more basic, typically offering tea, coffee, bread, jam, and cereal.
Vegetarians are accommodated with an improving range of options, although some places may offer simpler choices like omelets or pasta. Vegans can also be catered for, but occasional breakfasts may consist mainly of fruit, so having a few snacks on hand is advisable. Your guides are vigilant and work to improve options for vegan diets with local hoteliers. Special diets due to allergies or intolerances, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or lactose-free, are accommodated to the best extent possible. However, given the set meal service in many accommodations, a wide range of options might not be available. We appreciate sticking to the specified diet, as last-minute changes are often challenging for hoteliers serving large groups.
Lunches are not included to provide flexibility. Your guide will advise on ordering lunch via the hotel, stopping at a shop or bakery for snacks, or enjoying a sit-down lunch in the refuges. While drinks are not included, you can order beer, wine, and soft drinks at all hotels. Tap water is drinkable throughout the trip.
During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking trip, you can expect a range of accommodations. In larger towns like Chamonix, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex, and Argentière, minimum 3* hotels are chosen, providing twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. In smaller hamlets like Les Chapieux, La Fouly, and Trient/Forclaz, where simpler accommodations prevail, the best available lodging options—mostly auberges and small hotels—will be selected, although en-suite facilities may be limited.
If you opt for a single supplement, please note that it may not always be available—please let us know upon booking if interested.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking the Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger or private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at your hotel in Chamonix at 6pm. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group to start off the tour the following morning.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
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