A classic walking tour that follows in the path of Savoyard pedlars who crossed the Alps' mountain passes to sell ribbons, materials and fabrics to their neighbours in Switzerland and Italy. A shared history and dialect (Franco-Provenal patois) link these mountain people in this corner of Europe. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe (4807m) and is a majestic and sovereign peak that overshadows the delightful mountain town of Chamonix. An exploration of the surrounding valleys introduces us to the intricacies of the region - from the Beaufortain foothills, where the Beaufort dAlpage cheese has always been produced, to Swiss Ferret Valley, with its tiny mountain huts.This is a trek full of surprises, grandiose landscapes and spectacular alpine scenery.
Highlights
- 6 walks
- Chamonix Valley
- Les Contamines
- Col du Bonhomme
- Chapieux
- Grand Col Ferret
- Local cheese farm
Itinerary:
1 (Mon) Arrive in Chamonix.2 Travel to the Montjoie Valley. Walk at the foot of the Aiguille, ascend the Col de Tricot (2120m), descend to Les Contamines (6 hours).3 From Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge, trek to the col du Bonhomme (2329m) and on to Chapieux (7 hours).4 From the Seigne Pass, trek into Italy (6 hours).5 Walk into Switzerland by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), descend into Swiss Ferret Valley (5 hours).6 Walk to Trient where a delicious fondue Valaisanne awaits (7 hours).7 Drive back to France by the Col des Montets. Climb up to the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve (1400m). Picnic and then descent into Chamonix on cable car (5 hours).8 Our trip ends in Chamonix this morning (Mon).
Included: Peregrine tour leader/qualified mountain guide, transport and sightseeing.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visa fees, insurance, additional meals, drinks, optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Notes: TaxisIf for any reason you need to take "a day off" from hiking and want to ride in the taxi that transports luggage from one hotel to the next, this is possible ONLY if there is room in the taxi and the cost will be approxmately 30 Euros, per person to do this (paid locally).InsuranceThis trip is in a mountain environment (with all the risks that exist) and so all clients have to have a travel insurance that includes repatriation and mountain evacuation.Hotels/Mountain HutsMost rooms will be twin share however there may be rare instances where we have to use triple share rooms instead (i.e mountain hotels/inns). Towels and sheets are available in rooms.The huts we stay in on the trek are in a mountain environment and private bathrooms are not available throughout the trip. There will be communal bathroom facilities in Chapieux (Day 3), Val Ferret (Day 5) and Trient (Day 6). Pre-departure document PDIPlease carefully read these trip notes in conjunction with the pre-departure document (PDI) which you will recieve upon confirmation of your holiday. This important document contains further information about your European trip that you will need to know before you travel.GuidesOur Mont Blanc guides have the Brevet d"Etat d"Accompagnateur en Montagne / International Mountain Leader diploma which is the legally required qualification to guide non-glaciated trekking in Europe.
Meals: 7 breakfasts,6 lunches,5 dinners
Starts/Ends: Chamonix/Chamonix
Trip Reference: PEMB
