Mont Blanc Hotel Trek: France, Switzerland, Italy Walking Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 19 reviews.

Miles Goodman

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written August 2012
A fantastic holiday overall. Even the weather was superb apart from a couple of short sporadic rain showers. Being in the high alpine can be a very relaxing but also spiritual experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the top of any high point in a range such as the Alps can be very satisfying, but to see the smiles on the faces of individuals who have achieved a summit or high col, and yet doubted their ability to do so an hour or so before, can be truly inspiring.
What did you think of your group leader?
As a group, we had the privelege of walking with both Frank and Carrie for the first and second weeks respectively. Both walk leaders know the Alps exhaustively, are very experienced and have a vast knowlege of the area.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is quite a challenging walk with big ascents and descents on a daily basis. A good fitness level would be something to aim for before the start of the holiday. The weather can be alarmingly changeable so waterproofs may come in useful. Light fleeces can be useful as temperatures can fluctuate in the high alpine.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Take it as it comes. Walk at a steady pace and slow down if you get a little breathless. Stop to take photographs, admire the views, look at the wildlife and flowers. This is a trip to savour and not one to rush!
david mayes

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written August 2012
Great weather, fantastic scenary, good group of fellow travellers and lots of 'tarte du jour', made for a lovely 2 weeks in the Alps. Just have to go on a diet now!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved the La Nova refuge in France, even bought the T-shirt!
What did you think of your group leader?
Both leaders we had for the 2 weeks were excellent at managing the group and our different speeds of walking and interests.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
In general accomodation was OK, with some more OK than others! Enjoy the breakfasts at the Hotel Astoria and leave plenty of room for the myrtille tarte!
John Walter Cowlard

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written August 2012
This was truly the experience of a life time. To be able to hike through breath taking scenery all day and then to be able to enjoy all the comforts of a fully supported tour in the evening was really exhilarating. I really enjoyed the varietyof accomodations, particularly the family run hotels, each of which had their own flavour. The local cuisine was to be savoured especially the hearty soups in the evenings and the berry pies at the refuges. All of the arrangements went without a hitch. Not having to worry about logistics such as accomodations and bag transfers meant that I could focus totally on enjoying the hiking experience. At the end of the tour I really wanted to do it again...well done Exodus!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the first day as we were hiking above Chamonix the upper part of Mount Blanc was hidden in the clouds, teasing us with glimpses. Gradually over an hour or so the clouds cleared so that by the time we stopped at the Refuge de la Flegere for hot chocolat we had a magnificent view of the snow covered and glaciated mountain top.

Days later, we were hiking through mixed rain and snow showers towards the Refuggio Bonatti (and more hot chocolat), when suddenly the clouds lifted to give us views of the fresh snow covered face of the Grand Jorasses. This was a truly unforgettable moment that demanded that we stop for pictures.
We were blessed with a wonderful group of people to hike with. Although we varied greatly in country of origin, age, experience and stamina, we soon formed a caring bond between us. At a number of places we encountered long climbs or challenges that pushed some beyond their comfort level. We and our leader encouraged each other so that everyone got through the tougher sections and were then able to bask in a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
What did you think of your group leader?
This was my first guided tour and I must say thatFrank met or exceeded my every expectation for a guide. He obviously loved being a guide on the Mount Blanc route and it showed. Each evening we were given a preview of the next day’s terrain, distance and weather expectations, making each new day an adventure to be anticipated.

On the trail he was very safety conscious and skilled at anticipating when he should assist or coach less experienced hikers. He rotated between the front, middle or back of the group as conditions dictated Consequently, we successfully trekked through everything a late season Mount Blanc threw at us(sunshine , rain, wind and even fresh falling snow) without incident.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There are many long ascents and descents to content with. The better shape you are in the more you will enjoy it. For those travelling from the west coast of North America, I recommend that you come a few days ahead of time so that your body clock can be adjusted before you start hiking. Likewise, if you normally live close to sea level, spending a few days in the Chamonix area in advance will help you get acclimatized and used to exerting yourself at higher elevations as well.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Upon my return, my work mates did not have to ask "how was the trip"...my ear to ear grin told it all.
Patricia Ging

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written August 2012
Very enjoyable trip, well worth the effort involved. I thought the accomodation was exactly as described in the trip notes. Even where basic it was very clean, when "splendid" it was indeed splendid. All the accomodation felt very homely and authentic. I loved the food, being a fan of cheese. The views were incredible. I found the two weeks to be a great relaxing break from "real life", and I would love to go again. It was well worth it to have a bed each night after the walk.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved every day, and the fact that it is a circuit with a long history. Some of the refuges we stopped in were very cute, but mostly I just loved being on the cols looking at the panoramas.
What did you think of your group leader?
Liz kept us well informed but didn't overwhelm us with the difficulty, I think this helped people to keep their confidence up so that they could take the journey one step at a time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It is important to be fit enough to enjoy the trip so that you don't dread the climbs each day. Don't underestimate the difficulty, it really is challenging, particularly the last few days. I think poles are essential. Ability in French will help you to enjoy the cultural aspects.
Jemma Bartholomew

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written July 2012
An excellent holiday, fantastic scenery, a great guide and a great group. Most of the hotels and meals were excellent, a couple of the veggie meals were well below par. And it really should be graded Challenging, pretty much every day has ascent of c1000m and descent of c1000m, often very steep.
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Bernadette Richardson

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written July 2012
A brilliant trip. I am now so glad I took the plunge and booked it. Good company, good hotels and great walking!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too hard to pick out just one. Everyday had moments of magic and there is such a great sense of achievement at the end.
What did you think of your group leader?
Rupert was an excellent walk leader - setting a good pace whilst being aware of and responding to individual needs. He was very informative on the huge variety of local plants and flowers.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just book the trip - it is worth it. As a solo traveller this trip was perfect for me.
Dan Preley

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written September 2011
The hike provides an amazing variety of scenery, culture, history, architecture and cuisine.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sharing the daily physical accomplishments and visual euphoria with the group and leader.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carey Faulkner was fantastic. She is extremely customer service orientated, friendly, enthusiastic and enjoys her job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring layers of clothing. Expect hot, cold, windy and wet conditions. Hiking boots and walking poles are not essential, however, they minimize the risk of potential injures.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Spend a few extra days in Chamonix due to the abundance of outdoor recreational activities.