MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

15 days from GBP1,149 to GBP1,179 including flights
Tripcode: TWB

Countries Visited: France, Italy, Switzerland

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 15 reviews.

Stephen Taylor

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written September 2009
One of the classic treks of the world. An essential for every walker's CV.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the Grand Col de Ferret from Switzerland to Italy, with the dramatic change of scenery. The cable car ride from Couermayer to Point Helbronner, and then up across the glacier. the beautiful views every day of the trek. I could go on, but you need to experience it for yourself!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Graham was friendly, knowlegable and extremely competent. He ensured we all had a great trek, and took great care with individual safety. Piers was an imaginative cook, and provided top class back up service. Between them they made this an unforgettable trip. Well done guys.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you train well. The trip is graded as a B/C, but the reality is more towards the C. Some days are long and hard, with big ascents and descents, but each long climb is rewarded with great views, so worth every drop of sweat. Vegetarians were, on our trip, well catered for in camps, but the restaurant meals were a bit unimaginative-omelettes can be tedious!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great guides, good weather, a lovely bunch of fellow trekkers, and the outstanding environment made this a memorable holiday. If you are looking for a strenuous but rewarding holiday, book it as soon as you can.
Matthew Handford

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written September 2009
I wanted to do this trip for quite a long time because it is a walking classic and, having completed it, I feel a sense of achievement.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It is difficult to pick out one particular thing only. It is great being in the mountains. I really liked trekking up Mont da La Saxe with the snow coming down. I also liked being out on the mountain with the wildlife around, such as the ibex and marmots close to the path. It is good to be part of a group doing this as we were all able to share our collective experiences.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group was very well lead, with a lot of attention to detail. This is important with camping as there is a reasonable amount of setting and breaking down, which needs to be organised. Things were communicated well where we were going too. I think there was some good management touches, such as the deployment of the portable mini bar at discount prices!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This will sound a bit sensible but one needs basic fitness to get round the longer days and tolerance for the basics of camping.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only to say I was on the 11 July to 25 July trip, but it has taken me a couple of months to post this through having been away at weekends and missed emails.
peter bourne

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written August 2009
The trek was a very enjoyable experience made more so by the very competent and knowledgeable trek leader Mel Potter and support staff John. The route whilst challenging at times provided spectecular views of the Alps. Camp organisation and trek supervision ensured we got the best from what proved to be a memorable trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Taking photographs of Mt. Blanc and the surrounding snow capped peaks. The scenery was indeed majestic and will leave a lasting memory. The opportunity to travel with like minded people also gave added value to the trek. Support on the trail was unequalled to any I have experienced before and the group bonded well to make the trip even more enjoyable.
What did you think of your group leader?
4 Star leader - great support, excellent communication skill and and genuine enthusiasm for the environment. Her local knowledge proved outstanding in making everyday interesting. More importantly Mel Potter kept a watchful eye on everyone ensuring we all stayed safe and healthy. Always ready to support the less speedy walkers without forgetting the front walkers.
An exceptional leader - The best I have encountered in 10 years of overseas trekking.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared to muck in on camp duties, make the best of the leaders knowledge and enthusiasm. Above all take a good camera as the scenery is truly awesome. Take the time to be inspired by natures wonders the Alps has to offer.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is a need to be positive on a trek to gain the maximum benefit. Undertake suitable training to get the best from the walking so as to enjoy the mountains without too many aches and pains, then again its worth a few just to remember it is also a challenge.
Estelle Vasey

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written August 2009
What can I say about Mont Blanc? It was truly amazing. We all had such a fab time and Mont Blanc itself was breathtaking. John Hoppett and Mel Potter were wonderful. They were friendly, entertaining and very knowledgeable. John's cooking was worth going on the trip alone and probably why I've signed up to do it all again next year and Mel was truly remarkable with everyone and every situation. Thank you guys.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My most inspirational moment was standing on the Boarder of Italy. The views could not possibly be discribed and I could never do it justice here.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mel Potter is great. If I could, I would fly her over to England to live with me. She knew her job inside and out. There was nothing that she did not know about, flowers, wildlife and of course Mont Blanc. Whatever she is paid, could never be enough.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take very little. There is washing machines in just about every camping site so save your weight at the airport.
Train........you must above all else train. This is not a gentle work in the woods, but if you put the time in, you will love every moment.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My only disapointment is on the second rough camp. It was truly awful. But we could have put up with it, if John could have cooked, but the food in the hotel was savage. Melon and Lettuce you got, if you were a veggie such as myself. If fact, all of the hotel/restaurant food was bad and I think John could have done all of the cooking himself which was great.
Gillian O'Connell

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written July 2009
A truly fantastic two weeks in the most amazing surroundings with a wonderful group of people
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being 24/7 in the most beautiful surroundings was truly inspiring. I didn't want to come back to reality
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was heroic, she judged the pace really well, kept us motivated and never made the back markers (me on the downhill) feel bad!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I came from London and am fairly fit but only on the flat... I would recommend a few weekend hikes beforehand with plenty of uphill and downhill (I did plan to do this beforehand but ran out of time!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had the most wonderful time, with delicious food, magnificent surroundings and the best group of friends I could have wished for. John our cook looked after us all exceptionally well, the food just got better and better and he made sure the bar was well stocked for us every night - as well as having tea and biscuits ready after our long hard days on the mountains. Thank you Exodus for a really wonderful holiday!
Valerie Merges

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written July 2009
Outstanding scenery, challenging hiking, and unforgettable pastries along the route. Exodus takes care of all the logistics, so you simply hike and enjoy.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the Grand Col Ferret (high pass between Switzerland and Italy) and surveying glaciers and jagged mountains in all directions.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carey was the most organized and professional guide I have ever encountered in all my trips (and I have traveled extensively). Carey would provide a minimum of one briefing per day (oftentimes more) about exactly what to expect and provide directions regarding the trail route. Carey spoke fluent French so should could translate when needed. Carey was very knowlegable in every aspect of our trip and even provided brochures of activity options for our rest days. If there were a rating system of 1 - 10 and 10 was the highest rating, Carey would get an 11.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is a challenging trek with extensive elevation gain and loss each and every day. Even if you believe your hiking boots are well broken in, bring plenty of blister-band aids. Try to bring Euros in small denominations to buy coffee and snacks at the refuges along the route. You do not need Swiss francs; they take Euros in the areas you will visit.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is my first trip with Exodus travel and I was highly impressed. The joining arrangements, tents, food, etc. were all highly organized and planned with efficiency. The Mont Blanc Circuit is a European classic which everyone should aspire to complete. Having Exodus handling the logistics and transporting the gear allows the traveler to enjoy the trek without any hassles. The Tour of Mont Blanc has been one of the highlights of my life (thus far)!
Stephen Farley

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT
Written July 2009
Stunning views throughout the trek, helped by the weather that always seemed to clear at just the right moments!!! Definitely recomend using the telepherique on "rest days", the Aiguille du midi-Helbronner cable car/views were a big highlight of my trip. (expensive at Eur60 tho......)
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Again "made" by the weather, bright/clear/warm/breazy..... the 360deg views from the Grand Col Ferret have to be a favourite, although every day was full of inspirational/favourite moments!!! (every day seemed to be "the best yet" view wise)
Dropping out of the fog at 3842mtrs on the Helbronner cable car (leaving the Aiguille du midi station, crossing back into Italy above Courmayeur) was simpley stunning........... clear views of the Mont Blanc Summit, ice fields, "ants" below heading for the Summit!!!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Carey came across as a highly competent leader...... always managing to mix leadership with been sociable while leading (working!!), also being sociable in her "off duty" time..... meal time/relaxation time etc. 11/10 for Carey.
Piers's food will become a "legend" for all on this trip........ a whole new meaning for the phrase "camp food". Always a cuppa/biscuit ready on return to camp, evening meal always top notch and on time, and again, sociable while "off duty"!!! 11/10 for Piers's cooking............ more camp food, less eating out please!!!!!!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for walking up-hill for 3 to 4 hours at a time, and descending 2 to 3 hrs at a time......... but the views/sense of achievment make it worth the effort...... without a doubt!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Helped by the group/weather/Carey/Piers and Mark........ (Beaufort..... thanks Mark) this trip/trek gets marked at 125%.