MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1
Fly to Geneva; transfer to Chalet Savoy (1hr 15) in Chamonix Valley.

Day 2
From Les Houches we drive to Le Tour (1464m). Climbing to 2000 metres, we are rewarded with a stunning balcony walk as we flank the Aiguilette des Possettes, passing the Col de Possettes. The views of the Mont Blanc range and its glaciers are exceptional. Climbing to Les Bonhommes in Switzerland (2140m) we enjoy sweeping views of the Swiss Alps and the Emosson Dam. Then via France, crossing the source of the Arve River we reach the Col de Balme (2191) and cross for a second time into Switzerland to admire the panorama across the Rhone Valley. We descend to Le Tour via the Chalets de Charamillon and are transported back to the Chalet. (7 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 800m up and 800m down)

Day 3
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Le Vachey (1640m) we climb up to the Bonnatti refuge. At just over 2000m, the view from here is one of the finest on the tour: Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired as we traverse the slopes of Monte de la Saxe high above the Ferret Valley. A long descent takes us down to Courmayeur (1250m) to soak up some Italian atmosphere. (7.5 hours walking, 450m up and 800m down)

Day 4
We drive to Col des Montets and then climb to the beautiful Lac Blanc, the highest point of the week (2351m), a spectacular setting with fine views. Normally we will be able to see Ibex. We then descend and continue to La Flegere, from where we take a téléférique back down to the valley floor to join our transport.
If the Flegere lift is closed, we will proceed as normal to the beautiful White Lake (Lac Blanc) as featured in the brochure. Then we will loop round to the Grand Balcon Sud and descend on a different route to the starting point. This will make a total climb of 950m and descent of approximately 950m but the diversion will actually enhance the walk and make the extra effort well worthwhile. We only anticipate this happening on the first departure (02nd June) and on the final two departures of the season: (15th and 22nd September).

Day 5
Free day for optional walks or sightseeing. There are many good walks directly from the chalet - the route of the 'Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc' passes right through the garden of the chalet. Your leader will be able to advise of possible routes. Or you may choose to visit the busy Alpine resort of Chamonix, which is only 20 minutes away by bus or train and has numerous bars, restaurants and cafés. There are severaltéléférique excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m), which has fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace. For those seeking some adrenaline, there is tandem paragliding, canyoning and rafting, plus many more supervised adventure sports. Another popular option is to take a trip to nearby Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps'.

Day 6
Leaving on foot from the chalet (1080m) we admire the picturesque hamlet of Charousse and quaint Savoy farm houses as we climb to the Col de Voza (1653m) where we enjoy sweeping views of the Chamonix Valley and Aravis mountains. Exploring the Bionnassay Valley, dominated by the spectacular Aiguille de Bionnassay and its glacier, we continue via the little village of Champel to Les Contamines commune (1015m). (7 hours walking, 700m up and 750m down)

Day 7
A spectacular walk from the parking of the animal park (1370m) up to the Bellachat refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 route. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve we summit the Aiguillette du Brevent (2310m) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing by the Aiguillette des Houches we descend a different route to La Flatiere (1370m). (7 hours walking, 930m up and 930m down)

Day 8
Transfer to Geneva; fly to London.