* Rand price subject to change according to currency fluctuations, please request a Rand quote incl flights
Get
Click on map to enlarge
The Alps, France, Italy, Switzerland, Chamonix, Les Houches, Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux, Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, Courmayuer, La Fouly, La Forclaz.
Trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland; cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges and finish your days with local cuisine and wines. The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world's premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Group Size:
Max 15, Avg 10 Group Leader:
G.A.P leader throughout. Accommodation:
Local hotels and mountain refuges (multi-share) (11 nts) Transport:
Local bus, walking Meals Included:
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners. Budget:
Allow EUR250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see dossier.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Glacier cable car rides
Transglacial crossing from Italy to France
Mountain hikes
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Chamonix
Arrive in Chamonix at any time.
Day 2 Les Contamines
Head to Les Houches and begin with a climb through spruce forest and alpine meadows, past the magnificent Bionnassay Glacier. Enjoy views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les Contamines.
Day 3 Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
Hike along the old Roman road towards Col Du Bonhome. As we ascend Mont Blanc, we are rewarded with awesome views down into the Vallee des Chapieux.
Day 4 Les Chapieux
Rest day in Les Chapieux. Take it easy and soak up the scenery, saving your strength for the hard treks ahead. Enjoy some local food and drink in this remote, quintessential alpine town.
Day 5 Col de la Seigne / Val Veny / Courmayeur
Continue climbing through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny. Pass by picturesque glacier lakes en route and enjoy a night in the Italian town of Courmayeur.
Day 6 Courmayeur
Today is another much-needed rest day. Spend the day taking it easy, with options for a cable car ride to Punta Helbronner on Mont Blanc or a transglacial crossing from Italy into France.
Day 7 La Fouly
Walk past the Glacier de Pré de Bar, cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) and drop into Switzerland through the Valley of La Fouly (1457m). Spend the night in the picturesque chalet-filled town of the same name.
Day 8 Champex
An easier walking day today takes us past rivers, charming Swiss towns and beautiful countryside. Spend the night in the lovely lakeside town of Champex.
Day 9 La Forclaz
Today’s tough hike starts at Champex d’en Bas and a steep switchback path heading upwards for great views of the Rhône Valley below. Take the Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. Continue on to La Forclaz, Switzerland.
Day 10 Chamonix Valley
Saying good-bye to Switzerland, return to France via the Chamonix Valley.
Day 11 Chamonix
Time to wind down as the trek comes to an end. Finish off your tour with an optional cable car ride to the Aiguille du Midi for a closer look at the heights of Mont Blanc before our final night and farewell dinner in Chamonix.
Day 12 Depart Chamonix
B - breakfast L - lunch D - dinner
DEPARTURE DATES
Starts
Ends
21 June 2008
02 July 2008
05 July 2008
16 July 2008
12 July 2008
23 July 2008
19 July 2008
30 July 2008
02 August 2008
13 August 2008
16 August 2008
27 August 2008
30 August 2008
10 September 2008
06 September 2008
17 September 2008
13 September 2008
24 September 2008
27 September 2008
08 October 2008
TRAVEL STYLE
Energetic travellers looking for a little extra excitement on their G.A.P Adventure should consider an Active adventure. Similar to G.A.P Original, Active adventures offer an authentic cultural experience, but spend time enjoying the more active highlights of the region. Exciting activities include whitewater rafting, trekking, mountain biking and sea kayaking.
[Read more about G.A.P. travel styles]
*All Rand prices have been calculated at 1USD=ZAR8.00 or 1GBP=ZAR16.00 and are subject to change according to currency fluctuations
If you spot a mistake on our site or want to send us a comment, be a pal and drop our webmaster a mail: webmaster@travellight.co.za
Energetic travellers looking for a little extra excitement on their G.A.P Adventure should consider an Active adventure. Similar to G.A.P Original, Active adventures offer an authentic cultural experience, but spend time enjoying the more active highlights of the region. Exciting activities include whitewater rafting, trekking, mountain biking and sea kayaking.