Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights — 5 Day Itinerary
Experience the essence of the TMB without needing a full week’s leave
Trek across Italy, Switzerland, and France, traversing some of the route’s most stunning stages
Begin and conclude your journey in Chamonix, a haven for outdoor lovers
Relish the tranquillity of a remote mountain hut and savour delicious Alpine cuisine
The village of La Fouly in the Val Ferret
Valle des Glaciers
The town of Courmayeur
The way to Rifugio Maison
TMB offers some of the best views in the world
Epic views from the Italian side
Lac Combai in Val Veny
Itinerary
The first day is solely for arrival, either in Chamonix or directly in Courmayeur (where the hike begins). Both alpine towns boast numerous outdoor equipment stores, ensuring you can pick up any forgotten items.
If you’re in Chamonix, you’ll take a bus to Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel. If in Courmayeur, you can enjoy a leisurely morning. The day commences with a stroll through the alpine town, then a steep climb into the mountains. After a quick espresso at Rifugio Bertone, you’ll choose between the classic TMB route, offering stunning views of the massif and Val Ferret, or a higher route to the mountain ridge for a more tranquil experience. Either way, you’ll end the day at Rifugio Bonatti, a mountain hut boasting spectacular views of Mont Blanc.
12 km; 1080 m of elevation gain and 280 m of elevation loss
Post breakfast, descend back to Val Ferret. From there, hike towards Grand Col Ferret, where you’ll cross from Italy into Switzerland. The changing landscape is a sight to behold. Enjoy the views of the Grand Combin and the Grande Jorasses before descending into the Alpine village of La Fouly. Take the bus to the lakeside town of Champex-Lac and spend the night in an auberge.
18 km; 910 m of elevation gain and 1340 m of elevation loss
On your final day in Switzerland, you have two options. You can ascend the Col de la Forclaz for breathtaking views of the Rhone Valley, or if you’re feeling adventurous, traverse the Fenetre d’Arpette for a more challenging but scenic route. Both routes lead to Trient, where you’ll rest at a charming auberge.
15 km; 860 m of elevation gain and 1030 m of elevation loss
The day begins with an ascent to Col du Balme, where the end of your journey comes into view. From the refuge, you’ll see the entire Chamonix Valley. Continue into France towards the Col des Posettes and the subsequent ridge. Enjoy the stunning views of the massif on your left as you descend steeply to Montroc, where you can catch the train back to Chamonix, ending your trip before 4 pm. You’ll have ample time to catch an evening flight from Geneva or celebrate in Chamonix. Let us know your plans in advance, and we’ll assist you with the arrangements.
13.5 km; 1150 m of elevation gain and 1060 m of elevation loss
Pricing
Included in price
4x accommodations with half-board
Tour design and organization
A booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your hike
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Description
Have you ever dreamt of embarking on the globally acclaimed Tour du Mont Blanc but struggled to find the time for the complete circuit? A 5-day shortened version of the hike is your ideal solution.
This condensed version of the TMB still takes you through three countries, allowing you to explore a variety of alpine landscapes. You’ll witness the majestic Mont Blanc, the glaciers, the jagged mountain peaks, the lush valleys, and the verdant pastures. Anyone who hears about your journey will believe you’ve completed the full thing.
Leave the planning to us — we’ll map out the route and provide an expert mountain guide to accompany you over these five days in the Alps. You’ll lodge in a serene mountain hut, a boutique hotel, and two traditional auberges (inns), offering a taste of the local cuisine.
We combine our extensive off-trail research and hiking expertise to tailor the best route based on your preferences. We’ll handle all your accommodation bookings and other necessary services. A few weeks before departure, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary with the planned GPS route, and you’ll be all set.
Don’t let time steal your adventure! Join us for a ‘mini TMB‘ experience. It’s like the full tour, but with less huffing and puffing and more time for Alpine shuffling!
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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