CHAMONIX VALLEY ADVENTURE - FRANCE FAMILY HOLIDAY

Day 1
Depart London by scheduled services of Swiss International to Geneva. On arrival we transfer by coach to our campsite in Les Bossons, France (our base for the entire week). Those not flying with the group will join us at the campsite. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader.

Day 2
After breakfast we set out to explore the Chamonix Valley by bike. Our bikes are a modern off-road type with chunky tyres, perfect for the route. Leaving Chamonix town behind the track soon changes to well graded dirt paths that zig zag in and out of the forests and follow the river up valley. En route we will take regular stops for refreshments and to practice our biking skills. We finish our circular route in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to enjoy all that Chamonix has to offer.

Day 3
From the campsite it is a short trip on the local bus or train to the two-stage cable car that whisks us up to the staggering Aguille du Midi at 3842 meters. From the 360 degree panorama we can see Mont Blanc, the real top of Europe at 4810m, as well as many of the other imposing Alpine giants. Laid at our feet is the massive Mer de Glace (sea of ice) Glacier, from where we may be able to see climbers scaling the cliffs that tower above it. After taking plenty of time to enjoy the views, we descend to Chamonix and then hop aboard the cog railway to a lower section of the Mer de Glace where we get to actually touch and go inside a real glacier.

Day 4
We scale the opposite side of the Valley today and take a cable car to the cliff precipice of Brevent. The views looking over the valley to Mt Blanc and the range of needle spires and cliffs circling it are impressive to say the least. We then follow a rocky balcony path that traverses the mountain and descend, again by cable car, to the village of Plan Praz and back to Les Bossons by Train.

Day 5
Free day to discover and enjoy all the different activities and sights in the area that we just don't have time to fit into the itinerary. Some suggestions are; swimming pool with water slide, ice-skating, summer luge, pony trekking, alpine museum, weather centre, tennis, golf, mini golf, whitewater rafting, cinema, local festivals, shopping, climbing wall, assault (fitness) course, walking, restaurants, video games centre and 10 pin bowling. There is also an alpine zoo in Switzerland - 1.30hrs by train.

Day 6
From our campsite we take a short trip on the local bus or train to an alpine forest with a difference. Suspended in the branches are cables, bridges and rope swings. After a safety briefing and being fitted into a harness we clip on and side step, shimmy, tight rope and swing our way through this tree top network. This really is fantastic fun. After returning back to earth we rocket down the summer luge run to Chamonix, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 7
Another chance to stretch our legs we start our morning with a steady forested walk climbing the valley wall to the Merlet alpine animal sanctuary. The Alps are home to all sorts of animals that can't survive at lower altitudes, and in real life are shy and difficult to spot. The open plan sanctuary lets us see the animals a little closer as well as learn about all of these beautiful creatures. In the afternoon we will all meet for the end of trip French boule tournament.

Day 8
Transfer by private coach to Geneva airport and fly to the UK.