Arrive in Geneva and make your way to Chamonix, the world-famous resort and mountaineering center in France.

Enjoy your first impressive views of Mont Blanc, with perhaps time for a daytrip up the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Stroll along Chamonix’s vibrant village center or relax and enjoy the views from your charming Chamonix hotel.  Dinner is on your own in Chamonix tonight.

Arrival: Geneva.  Plan to arrive by the day your tour starts.  You can book a private or shared shuttle from GVA to Chamonix.  The trip takes 1½ hrs.  We recommend booking early with Mountain Dropoffs or Chamonix Valley Transfers.

One of the classic Mont Blanc hikes leads to Lac Blanc, high above town. This high-mountain lake sits in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Preserve, a rugged ridge across the valley from Mont Blanc, and commands one of the greatest mountain views anywhere.

Make good use of local cable cars to enjoy more time hiking near the lake, and keep an eye open for bouquetin – a mountain goat with long curved horns that are frequently sighted in this region.

Heading now toward Switzerland, you’ll hike another traditional stage of the TMB, the Col de Balme pass. Heading up from le Tour, the delightful trail below the Posettes ridge brings plenty of scenic beauty. Alpenrose and wild blueberry bushes surround the trail, with incredible views to the entire Mont Blanc range.

After reaching the Balme pass, you’ll have your choice of an easy descent back to le Tour or a secondary climb up to the Refuge Albert 1er. This alpine club hut is perched high above the le Tour glacier with commanding views and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.  Dinner is on your own.

We’ve saved the best for today. Now that you have your legs under you, a steep ascent up to la Jonction, the stunning confluence of the Bosson and Taconnaz glaciers, is about as close as you can get to Mont Blanc without climbing. It’s a steep hike, but definitely worth it.

If you’d rather take it easier today, Mer de Glace – the “sea of ice”, is a Chamonix classic, with  astounding views of France’s largest glacier. At 7 km long, the Mer de Glace is a sight to behold. Stop for lunch or just a drink at the panoramic terrace of the Montenvers hotel just to take it all in. Then hike the Grand Balcon Nord, a delightful trail that weaves through the forests and meadow to the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi lift.

We’ll arrange a private to pick you up after breakfast and speed you through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur.  A great first hike leads up the Veny valley to Elisabetta hut, a popular stop along the Tour du Mont Blanc, with an incredible location amid wild peaks and tumbling glaciers.

For a longer day, continue along a high balcony route to Maison Vieille, a scenic restaurant gazing out to Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.  Return to Courmayeur by cable car.  Dinner is on your own tonight.  You’re in Italy… pizza anyone?

Perhaps the best stage of the TMB starts right from your hotel, climbing a high ridge to a panoramic trail that leads to Bonatti hut.  Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses command your attention, but there are numerous impressive peaks and striking glaciers all day.

Bonatti hut has a beautiful outdoor terrace perfect for a late afternoon drink.  When you’re ready to return, an easy trail leads down to the Ferret valley where you can catch a bus back to Courmayeur.  Dinner is on your own again tonight.  We will send suggestions for some of our favorite restaurants.

After breakfast, depart for your post-tour destinations.

Departure: Geneva.  Plan departure for the day your tour finishes.  You will need to book a private taxi from Courmayeur to GVA.  The trip takes 2½ hrs, and it is best to depart early (before 8:30 am) to avoid delays at the Mont Blanc tunnel.