To ur du s | Swiss Alps Mont omite Blanc | Italian Dol EUROPEAN ALPS DESTINATION GUIDE THE EUROPEAN ALPS BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

The European Alps are a vibrant part of If you love vast landscapes, the great outdoors, the world, overflowing with mesmerising experiencing new cultures, taking in nature, mountains. From the thrilling Tour du Mont breathing in fresh alpine air, and the company Blanc and mighty Italian Dolomites to the of like-minded walkers, then trekking in the impressive valleys and trails of the Swiss European Alps should be the next adventure Alps, they are as enticing in summer as on your list! they are under three feet of snow. I’d love to help you plan your journey. I lived in the French Alps for two years and It’s what I do best! have recently completed the Dolomites Circular Trek and the the Tour du Mont Blanc. Jodie This region holds a special place in my heart. The feeling of waking up to towering mountains each day will invoke a deep happiness in your soul. Trekking over and around these spectacular mountain ranges will give you a great sense of achievement. And at the end of each day as you enjoy a 3-course meal prepared by our local hosts you will have time to reflect on your time on the trail.

All our guided treks are led by experienced and passionate International Mountain Leaders European Alps Destination Expert who have an intimate knowledge of the region. [email protected] They take safety very seriously so you know Phone: (03) 5976 3763 you will be in good hands. www.montblanctreks.com.au

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TOUR DU MONT BLANC ITALIAN DOLOMITES World-famous route that circles the highest Circular trip, custom-made by our expert mountain in Western Europe, crossing from in-country lead guide; encompasses some France into Italy and Switzerland. Offers of the best sections of the Alta Via 1 and 2. all the excitement of a high mountain trek, Our route uses the most scenic paths while with few of the worries. Guided and self- avoiding the higher, more serious and difficult guided options available. No technical mountain terrain. Enjoy classic Dolomite mountaineering skills required. peaks and green mountain meadows.

• Starting point Chamonix (France) • Starting point Calalzo (Italy) • Best time to go June to September • Best time to go June to September • Difficulty Strenuous (7)* • Difficulty Strenuous (7)* • Duration 13 days • Duration 8 days • Total distance 170km (anti-clockwise) • Total distance 118km • Daily distances 12–20km • Daily distances 16–22km (6 to 8 hours each day) • High point 2500m • High point 2540m • Highlights 7 valleys, 3 countries and 3 cultures • Highlights Italian cuisine, modern accommodation, unique itinerary

SWISS ALPS • Starting point Zermatt (Switzerland) Adaptable day hikes (2 to 7 hours) and • Best time to go June to September mountain excursions, using cable cars to speed you to the best high-altitude hikes. • Difficulty Challenging to The Matterhorn (4478m) is a hypnotic Strenuous (6–7)* pyramid of a mountain and the most famous • Duration 8 days of Switzerland’s peaks. Enjoy the car-free • Total distance 75km village of Zermatt and the rustic character of rural Engelberg, with its Benedictine • Daily distances 10–20km monastery and monks, and farmer’s life that • High point 2750m take you to unspoilt areas of magical beauty. • Highlights Swiss cuisine, overnighting at Melchsee Frutt, the Matterhorn.

* All our trips are graded from 1 (Introductory) to 10 (Tough). Grading systems are always arbitrary. However, having an indication of the grade may help you choose between our walks. See p22 for more information.

Disclaimer The information in this Destination Guide has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and RAW Travel. PAGE 4 www.montblanctreks.com.au PAGE 5 SECTION 1: INSPIRATION PAGE 9

SECTION 2: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS PAGE 29

SECTION 3: ON THE TRAIL PAGE 45

SECTION 4: RAW TRAVEL PAGE 53

PAGE 6 www.montblanctreks.com.au SECTION 1: A FABULOUS, ONCE-IN-A- INSPIRATION LIFETIME EXPERIENCE! OUR DOLOMITES GUIDE WAS PROFESSIONAL, Why you’ll love the European Alps 10 Why experience the European Alps KNOWLEDGEABLE AND with RAW Travel? 10 INSTILLED COMPLETE Trek descriptions 11 International Mountain Leaders 17

CONFIDENCE IN ALL History 18

MEMBERS OF OUR GROUP. Geology 18

– Therese Corrigan, Surrey Hills (VIC) Wildlife 21

Alpine flora 22

Are these trips right for me? 22

What’s it like underfoot? 23

What we offer 25

Self-guided walking explained 25

Mont Blanc information website 25

RAW Travel Insights Blog 25

Background reading 26

Responsible travel 27

Extending your holiday 27

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TREK DESCRIPTION The Dolomites or Tour du Mont Blanc? WHY YOU’LL LOVE THE EUROPEAN ALPS – TMB CIRCUIT The ascents and descents of the TMB and 3 Natural wonders: Impossibly jagged peaks 3 History: High-altitude tracks once trudged Dolomites are very similar. The big difference Rated as one of the top 5 mountain treks and panoramas, iconic peaks reflected by First World War soldiers with the Dolomites is the paths: they are a little in the world, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one in tranquil mountain lakes, the iconic of Europe’s finest. You’ll get to appreciate 3 Diverse scenery: Forested hillsides, open narrower and steeper in sections than the Matterhorn, thrilling cliffs and soaring different cultures, food and people while rocky mountainsides, glaciers, rock spires, TMB and sometimes more exposed. Dizzying limestone pinnacles. trekking through glorious Alpine scenery. abundant colourful summer wildflowers heights and steep slopes are a feature of the walks in this area, so you need to be prepared 3 Wildlife watching: Encounters with ibex and lush meadows. The Tour du Mont Blanc trek is demanding (those enormous curving horns!) and for this. The Dolomites are not suitable for 3 Guides: International Mountain Guides – climbing six passes, traversing around huge friendly marmots. people who experience vertigo! to lead, inspire and inform. glaciers and hiking though spectacular alpine 3 Food: Culinary specialities from each scenery – but incredibly rewarding. 3 Views: Spectacular towering mountain country and region, including apple strudel scenery that will take your breath away, with an afternoon coffee, prosecco cocktails For the full guided circuit trek allow 13 days including the Italian Val Ferret, offering and cheese. in total: 10 days of walking, plus a rest day unrivalled views of Mont Blanc. and arrival and departure days.

Stage 1: Chamonix to Les Houches WHY EXPERIENCE THE EUROPEAN ALPS • Most meals are included in your booking, • 13 km, 5 hours WITH RAW TRAVEL? so you can look forward to hearty mountain cuisine. • Ascent 525m / Descent 1400m RAW Travel has operated active walking trips in the European Alps for many years. We • Our in-house travel agent books your flights To start the trek, what better viewpoint than are one of the most experienced Australian and pre/post-travel arrangements. the Brevent! From the summit (2525m) the operators you can choose and enjoy view of the Mont Blanc is incomparable. • Our self-guided clients are provided with Descend via Bel Lachat and Merlet. providing a friendly, personal service where a guidebook, phrasebook, luggage tags, you’re treated as an individual. We pride detailed itinerary, maps, track notes and Stage 2: Les Houches to Les Contamines ourselves on our staff’s intimate knowledge orientation pack. of the European Alps: we really do ‘know • 18km, 7 hours • You have access to insider information and because we go’ and have created walks that • Ascent 700m / Descent 1050m show you the best of the Alps. tips from our European Alps Destination Expert and on our dedicated information A beautiful walk across the south-west Our European Alps Destination Expert, Jodie, website: www.montblanctreks.com.au face of the Mont Blanc massif. Includes will design an unforgettable walking adventure a charming traverse that passes at the foot for you. Jodie has completed all the walks and of the Bionnassay Glacier, a swing bridge can answer your many questions. As well as across a river, an ascent up the Col du Tricot speaking to someone in the same time zone (2120m), then a zigzagging path down to the as you, you can come along to our free talks Val Montjoie. on the European Alps. Stage 3: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux Why people choose us • 19km, 7 hours • We are an Australian tour operator • Ascent 1290m / Descent 850m with expert first-hand knowledge of the European Alps, plus local contacts in A big day of walking, including crossing two Europe to provide assistance. passes, the highest being the Col De la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m), and easy walking • We pre-book your accommodation, through forest and meadows before the route transport and luggage transfers; all you climbs to the cols. carry is your daypack. • We book great local accommodation in hotel and mountain refugios.

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Stage 4: Les Chapieux to Val Veny paths, tracks and through valaisan pastures to the charming village of La Fouly. • 16km, 6 hours • Ascent 950m / Descent 600m Stage 8: Champex-Lac to Trient SWITZERLAND A climb to the Val d’Aosta via the Col de la • 16km, 6.5 hours Seigne (2516m) gives you the most imposing • Ascent 800m or 1200m/ Descent 950m Champex view of the south face of Mont Blanc, then or 1140m a path leads you around the Limestone La Fouly Pyramids to reach the moraine of the Estelette The classic Tour du Mont Blanc takes the Bovine route. This part of the trail passes near Trient Glacier. Continue down the valley to your Mont Dolent Refugio Bonatti overnight stop by the glacial Lacs de Miage. meadows, forests and high alpine pastures. Tre Le Champ Elena Hut Enjoy spectacular views across to the Bernese ITALY Stage 5: Val Veny to Courmayeur Alps before mostly downhill woodland walk Argentiere that will take you to Col de La Forclaz, then • 17km, 5 hours into Trient. There is a possible variation via the La Flégère Courmayeur • Ascent 400m / Descent 1300m Fenêtre d’Arpette d’Arpette (2671m) – a tough Chamonix Mont Blanc Today is a slightly shorter day to climb, reckoned by many to be the hardest Les Houches Courmayeur. It starts with an ascent to the part of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Rifugio Elisabetta Arp Vielle and then on to Col Chercrouit Stage 9: Trient to Argentière (1956m), before a descent to the village of Col de la Seigne FRANCE Dolonne and then Courmayeur. • 13km, 6 hours Ville des Glaciers • Ascent 980m / Descent 900m Les Contamines Stage 6: Courmayeur to Italian Val Ferret Les Chapieux The walk up to the Col de Balme (2131m) via Refuge de • 12km, 6 hours Nant Borrant les Herbageres brings you back into France. • Ascent 900m or 1300m / Descent 550m There are superb views of Mont Blanc and the or 950m Chamonix Valley. Enjoy panoramic views of Start with a charming forested ascent, then lovely snow domes that will remain in sight for summit Tete Bernada (2534m), one of the most of the descent into Argentière. most beautiful lookouts on the whole Tour du Stage 10: Argentière to Chamonix Mont Blanc. There is an alternative path on a glorious contouring trail with flower meadows, • 13km, 5–8 hours milky streams and clanging cowbells while • Ascent 850m or 1100m/ Descent 400m descending into the Italian Val Ferret. or 500m Stage 7: Italian Val Ferret to La Fouly From Argentière you climb up to Cheserys, a TMB signs and waymarks balcony offering grandiose views. Marvel at • 20km, 8 hours For self-guided walkers, the TMB is well signed undue problems. If you are unsure of the way the many glaciers and of course Mont Blanc. – especially compared to what we are used to forward at any point then look around in the • Ascent 900m / Descent 1000m The trip ends at Flegere and you return to in Australia. The route is variously indicated vicinity for markers – if you have not seen any The day starts with an easy walk up the valley. Chamonix by cable car. by finger-post signs, red and white bands or for a while it may be that you have taken a The ascent to the Col Ferret (2537m) is steep See our Tour du Mont Blanc website trip yellow diamonds outlined in black, usually with wrong turn. In this instance the best idea is to but enjoyable. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret page for the full itinerary. the letters TMB, painted on rocks, trees or retrace your footsteps takes you out of Italy and into Switzerland. buildings, or the silhouette of a walker in black to the last visible marker The walk down into the Swiss Val Ferret is on a yellow diamond. Many signs also include and look to see if you through pastureland and on a mixture of the TMB trademark logo. made a wrong turn, or see if you can see walkers If you keep a diligent eye open for these signs on a nearby track that and waymarks, navigation should not pose may be the TMB.

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TREK DESCRIPTION Stage 4: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park TREK DESCRIPTION A stunning hike that ascends to the summit – DOLOMITES CIRCULAR to San Cassiano – SWISS ALPS DISCOVERY of Gornergrat and a view that is among the finest in the world. After a scenic hike and The Dolomites are part of the Alps but with • 22km, 7 hours Prepare to be awestruck. Exhilarated. In this a short descent, you take the cog railway back their own unique geology and landscape. place where trails lead to remote hamlets, • Ascent 600m / Descent 1200m to Zermatt. They are best known for their incredible sheer glacial lakes and green pastures, over hidden This walk crosses high Alpine meadows and peaks, the startling colours of their rocks at mountain passes and beside immense Stage 4: Zermatt to Engelberg sunset and the idyllic beauty of their flower- rocky tracks before ascending to a mountain glaciers. Where chalets welcome you with filled meadows. pass. The trail then leads downhill, steeply a cold beer or a rich hot chocolate. Long transfer day through the Rhone Valley in parts. and over the Grimsel Pass and Bernese Alps This original and varied landscape in north- RAW Travel can adapt walking days in the by train and bus. Afternoon in Engelberg, eastern Italy has now been given UNESCO Stage 5: Trek San Cassiano to Cinque Torri Swiss Alps to suit your timeframe and ability so exploring Mt Titlis and the Ice Glacier cave. World Natural Heritage status. The network • 18km, 5–6 hours that the trip matches your desired length. of trails we use show off the beauty of the Stage 5: Engelberg to Melchsee Frutt • Ascent 800m / Descent 800m landscape and are enriched by the historical Stage 1: Zermatt to the Five Lakes Walk • 15.5km, 7.5 hours interest of the sites. Today you ascend to Passo Falzarego and • 10km, 4 hours • Ascent 1400m / Descent 900m cross high ground to the Cinque Torri area. For the full guided circular trek allow 8 days Visit the trenches dug into the mountains • Ascent 600m / Descent 600m Breathtaking hike up and over the Widderfeld in total: 6 days of walking, plus arrival and in WWI. This trail is full of variety. The path leads past Stock Mountain and through the Brosti Stock departure days. mountain lakes, each with their own shape, Pass, descending down the Melch valley to the Stage 6: Cinque Torri to Calalzo colour, character and size. Stockalp Lift. Stage 1: Calalzo to Borca Di Cadore • 21km, 7–8 hours • 21km, 7–8 hours Stage 2: Zermatt to The Schonbielhutte Stage 6: Melchsee Frutt to Four Lakes Hike • Ascent 700m / Descent 1000m to Engelberg • Ascent 1100m / Descent 1100m • 22km, 7.5 hours The final day’s walking takes you through • 17.6km, 6.5 hours A hike up through larch forests then to incredible mountain scenery, with sheer cliffs • Ascent 900m / Descent 1200m • Ascent 700m / Descent 1550m the high point at San Dionisio to see the and towering peaks on both sides as you Point-to-point hike with stunning views of magnificent and wild view of the Monte traverse the Croda da Lago then descend to the Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, the Ober The Four Lakes hike is one of the most Antelao and Marmarole massifs. Then a long the Cadore valley. Gabelhorn massif and the Zmutt Glacier. The beautiful hikes in Switzerland. Make your descent to a river valley. day starts with a gondola ride then you follow way towards the stunning Jochpass region See the Dolomites website trip page for the a trail through meadows, mixed larch, pine and the Titlis massive, while taking in the Stage 2: Borca Di Cadore to Fiames full itinerary. forest and alpine pastures. incredible scenery. • 16km, 5–6.5 hours See the Swiss Alps website trip page for Landing in the Dolomites! Stage 3: Zermatt to the Gornergrat • Ascent 700m / Descent 550m the full itinerary. Trekking in the Italian Dolomites offers an • 10km, 7 hours A gentle walk that steepens amidst dramatic exhilarating, unforgettable alpine summer scenery. You will thread your way through a • Ascent 1100m / Descent 800m holiday, but not just because of the impossibly spectacular and demanding landscape, before jagged peaks and panoramas. In the rocky descending by cable car. eerie post-apocalyptic landscape in the Fanes- Stage 3: Fiames to Fanes-Sennes-Braies Sennes-Braies Nature Park and Cortina area Natural Park you’ll find contemporary art installations, like this one. • 20km, 7 hours • Ascent 1100m / Descent 400m The ascent begins in shady larch forests, then descends past a magnificent gorge, then climbs higher, in more open country, with magnificent views of the stark Dolomites limestone.

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INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN LEADERS We also have our own coordinator and luggage driver based in Chamonix (France) We are proud to have a who provides the back-up for our TMB team of International THIS WAS AN ADVENTURE groups and self-guided walkers, should they Mountain Leaders who require assistance. lead all our guided TO REMEMBER. THE TREK trips. They have many years of experience in WAS VERY CAREFULLY the European Alps and are expertly qualified to PLANNED TO PROVIDE A lead challenging treks. In mountain environments like the Alps where the weather can change quickly it is essential VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES that you have an experienced leader who is well versed in mountain safety and navigation INCLUDING DIFFERENT – the International Mountain Leader qualification is the gold standard.

TERRAIN, SCENERY, TOP Our mountain leaders are English-speaking/ bilingual professional guides, trained in first- QUALITY FOOD, HOSPITALITY aid and fully versed in the local environment and evacuation procedures, so you are in safe AND ACCOMMODATION. OUR hands and will be well looked after. Most of our guides originate from the UK. They are passionate about the mountains and have LEADER WAS FANTASTIC each led many successful Mont Blanc and AND FLUENT IN ITALIAN. Dolomite treks. – Frances Rogers, Fremantle (WA) Our European Alps Team

Jodie Mayo Diane McGuinness Dave Norris David Barber Destination Expert Lead Guide Leader Leader

Gary Daines Gary Hodgson Dale Webb Leader Leader Driver

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HISTORY The intense tectonic forces created massive recumbent folds in the limestone, called Chamonix and Courmayeur Ask your hotel for a Free Carte d’hote card in The Alps have played a significant role in ‘nappes’, which were then carved extensively There’s lots to see and do in Chamonix. Chamonix, which will provide free travel on European history, particularly since the time by glaciers over the past 2 million years to The following activities are usually available the local busses and trains in the Chamonix of the Roman Empire. Paths in the Alps form the extreme peaks and valleys seen and can be arranged locally. Costs are Valley. Book your shared transfer from Geneva probably first appeared during the Neolithic today. Crystalline basement rocks, which are estimates only and based on per person, and Airport to your start point hotel before you age as the first farmers established lines of exposed in the higher central regions, are the may depend on the number of participants. go. Mountain Drop Offs are our preferred communication between small settlements. rocks forming Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, operator and you can book direct at • Aiguille du Midi – panoramic views www.mountaindropoffs.com (€60 return). With the spread of Celtic tribes, paths became and high peaks in the Pennine Alps and Hohe Tauern in Austria. of Alps €59 more common. The Romans constructed Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley is to the well-graded and paved routes to facilitate • Mountain biking – full day’s hire €25 Mont Blanc area Italian side of Mont Blanc what Chamonix is to trade and the rapid movement of armies. Little the French, but it’s much smaller and better The geology of the Mont Blanc area is a • Rock climbing – half day €40 changed through the Middle Ages. contained than its counterpart on the other product of the the dynamic and complex • Rafting – 1½ hours / €40–60 per person side of the mountain, has long been known for geology of the Alps as a whole. Around the In the 18th and 19th centuries, travel for • Public swimming pool – €6 its mineral springs and enjoys an atmosphere fringes of the mountain and then many of the pleasure and discovery became popular conducive to relaxation. Courmayeur is a great areas where TMB walkers will find themselves • Paragliding – 1000/2550m vertical among the wealthy and leisured classes, and place for a rest day. The charm and elegance a rock faces are principally limestone and descent €100/220 climbing Alpine peaks became increasingly of the town will seduce you. popular. In the late 1930s Alpine walking schist. Things are the results of a rock building reached the masses. Paid holidays for workers process that took place of 700 million years allowed many more people the time and ago. The Mont blanc massif and the Aiguille money to visit the Alps. Rouge are composed of granites which pushed through the older rocks some 300 million years After WWII the popularity of waking increased ago. The actual tectonic process of mountain further and the network of paths expanded building began about 100 million years ago both under the pressure of feet and through when the African and European plates collided the endeavours of local clubs. In the latter and forced these rocks upwards. half of the 20th century, classic modern routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc achieved This period of mountain building in the Alps is international recognition. thought to have ended 6 million years ago and since then the effect of successive periods of Alpine trails became the focus of world-wide glaciation have created the land forms we see tourism, particularly in the 1990s with the today. However, Alpine glaciers are currently boom in walking holidays. in rapid retreat and have been for over a century. In 1645 Bishop of Geneva perform GEOLOGY the exorcism at the snout of the Mer de Glace after it had bulldozed through chalets and The European Alps arose as a result of farmland in the Chamonix valley. The glacier, the collision of the African and European which is the second longest in the Alps has tectonic plates. The mountains are made of since then retreated several kilometers. limestone, formed from sediments deposited in the ancient Tethys Ocean basin about • Find out more: Mont Blanc is growing with 200 million years ago, during the time of the help from its glaciers dinosaurs. The Tethys separated the ancient supercontinents Laurasia (which included Dolomites modern-day Europe) and Gondwana (which The Dolomites are widely regarded as included modern-day Africa and Australia), until being among the most attractive mountain the African plate began to push northward into landscapes in the world. Their intrinsic beauty the Eurasian plate around 30 million years ago. derives from a variety of spectacular vertical That closed the Tethys sea and lifted the sea forms such as pinnacles, spires and towers, floor up, forming the Alps. with contrasting horizontal surfaces including

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ledges, crags and plateaux, all of which rise The Alpine Ibex (mountain goat) are not shy abruptly above extensive talus deposits and creatures and are often seen on or above the more gentle foothills. paths. While they are quite used to walkers TREKKING THE MONT it’s best not to get too close to a wild animal A great diversity of colours is provided by the with horns. BLANC CIRCUIT EXCEEDED contrasts between the bare pale-coloured rock surfaces and the forests and meadows They can be easily identified by the male’s below. The mountains rise as peaks with large scimitar-shaped horns, which have OUR EXPECTATIONS. THE intervening ravines, in some places standing ridged lines on the front. There are more than isolated but in others forming sweeping 40,000 ibex in the Swiss Alps alone! SCENERY WAS STUNNING, panoramas. Some of the rock cliffs here rise more than 1500 m and are among the highest Easily confused with the ibex, the chamois is THE WILDFLOWERS AN limestone walls found anywhere in the world. a rarer and smaller goat-like animal found at moderately high elevations throughout the Alps. They are easily recognised by their white WILDLIFE UNEXPECTED DELIGHT, facial markings and the brown stripe that runs After years of retreat, populations of wild along their backbone. THE FOOD AND CHEESES animals are making a comeback in the Alps as a result of protective measures. You will The Alpine marmot is come across marmots, Ibex and mountain common in the Swiss Alps DELICIOUS AND THE RED hare on your walk on the TMB plus you may between 750m and 3000m see ravens, Alpine chough, buzzards, eagles in elevation. The marmot WINES VERY ENTICING and more rarely a bearded vulture with is the largest member of a 2m wingspan overhead. If you are lucky the squirrel family. You’ll AND A LOVELY END TO you may spot a ptarmigan in the thickets often see an alpine marmot above the treeline. ‘standing’ while they keep A DAY’S WALKING. – Mary Stratton, Beechworth (VIC)

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a look out for potential predators or other ARE THESE TRIPS RIGHT TRIP FOR ME? trip that is less demanding. This is the only On self-guided trips there are some optional dangers. Warnings are given, by emitting a way to accurately judge whether you can sections where you can use metal ladders When considering booking a trip it is series of loud whistles, after which members cope with the demands of any given trip. and fixed chains and cables to aid negotiation important that you look at the descriptions of the colony may be seen running for cover. of steep or challenging passes. You don’t in this Destination Guide about have to do these sections, and a lot of people accommodation, food and level of physical WHAT’S IT LIKE UNDERFOOT? choose to bypass them. You will also come ALPINE FLORA difficulty to ensure that the trip matches your Tour du Mont Blanc across gravel forest roads, ski pistes and expectations. Particularly with the physical The European alpine flora has recently been The Tour du Mont Blanc is a high-altitude trail rough tracks for vehicles over agricultural difficulty rating, it’s vital to select a trip that estimated to be in excess of 2500 species around the entire Mont Blanc massif. The land. There are a couple of points where is realistic for your ability. Read through and subspecies! The Alpine zone begins terrain is mountainous, rocky and often rough cable cars are an option. this Destination Guide and the specific trip above the treeline, and varies from 1700m underfoot, but there are also plenty of graded itineraries on our website before booking. to 2000m. It’s here you’ll find shrubs like paths. There are sometimes long steady Self-guided walkers should check the latest Bilberry and dwarf willow, and the best trail conditions for snow cover and weather. RAW Travel Grading ascents and descents, and the odd steep displays of wildflowers among the meadows. climb, as well as pass crossings. Depending on • Swiss Alps spring weather in Europe, there may be snow 6–7 Challenging to Strenuous Passing upwards into an area where shrubs on the passes. such as Rhododendron and Myrtle abound, • Tour Du Mont Blanc the subalpine level gives way to the alpine 7 Strenuous level. The alpine meadowland is populated es ces es amies es aie ac mal rmaer ee ai a l ameac rie reire by many species with spectacular flowerings • Dolomites m m m m m m m m m m on the TMB route, including Gentiana acaule 7 Strenuous

and Gentiana Clusii, the famous Edelweiss Trekking in the European Alps is demanding and the rare Campanulathyrsoides. but offers a rewarding physical challenge. Elevation m Edelweiss blooms from July to September. It is quite rare nowadays, and walkers often still Grading systems are always arbitrary. ami ami m Distance km m pick it in ignorance of its protected status. However, having an indication of the grade may help you choose between our walks. We have used several criteria to assess the difficulty of our walks, including the number of hours walking required each day, terrain and conditions underfoot, weather, gradient, altitude, signage and facilities along the trail.

To prepare for walks of this grading, we recommend completing 2 to 3 walks per week, increasing distances while carrying an 8kg pack, with some hill walking or heavy sand walking included. Please note these gradings are a guide and will depend on your individual experience, fitness level and mental attitude.

Regular training While we often see amazing improvements in people’s fitness with a program of regular exercise before a trip, you have to be realistic about whether you can commit to regular training with your current lifestyle. If you feel you are unable to commit to doing the training needed to achieve the level of fitness required then you should consider another

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Italian Dolomites The great part about self-guided travel The Dolomites are very steep and rocky is that you can choose your own travel TOUGH AND AWESOME mountains. You need to be prepared for this. dates (dependent on the availability of The terrain is often uneven, rough, stony and accommodation of course) and itineraries hard underfoot and some of the paths are can be designed to suit your particular travel TREKKING. THE REWARDS narrow and exposed. There are also vast scree wishes and needs. slopes. To get the most from the hikes on this OF SEEING MAJESTIC trip you will need to be fit, experienced and Self-guided treks are suitable only for free from vertigo. experienced trekkers who are confident with navigation and prepared for all weather MOUNTAINS AS YOU Swiss Alps conditions. There is nowhere the weather is more changeable than in the mountains. The terrain in Switzerland includes well- CREST THE COLS maintained paths and rugged mountain trails, with some steps, rocky sections and MONT BLANC INFORMATION WEBSITE IS UNFORGETTABLE. steep descents. Most activities on this trip On our dedicated TMB website you’ll find all take place at elevations of 1200m to 2100m; you need to know about this classic mountain LUSH GREEN GRASSES, sometimes up to 3000m, which can make the walk, including a photo gallery, videos, and routes feel more challenging than the mileage detailed information about the route, history may suggest. Thanks to the marvels of Swiss and lots more. COLOURFUL EARLY SUMMER transportation, no support van is needed on this trip; we often use cable cars to access the www.montblanctreks.com.au FLOWERS, CLEAR BLUE best high-altitude hikes. RAW TRAVEL INSIGHTS (BLOG) WHAT WE OFFER SKIES...GREAT FOOD AND Written by our European Alps Destination RAW Travel offers a range of guided and Experts, our RAW Insights are great WINE, WONDERFUL LIKE- self-guided options in the European Alps: background reading.

Guided trips Ask the expert – Layering clothes MINDED PEOPLE! Mont Blanc Circuit Trek (13 days) Ask the expert – How do I choose and fit – Andrew Macdonald, Rokeby (TAS) Mont Blanc Highlights (8 days) a rucksack? Dolomites Circular Trek (8 days) Ask the expert – Do I need trekking poles Swiss Alps Discovery (8 days) and which ones should I buy? Self-guided Ask the expert – What boots should I buy Mont Blanc Circuit Trek (13 days) and how do I look after them?

SELF-GUIDED WALKING EXPLAINED Mountain thrills on Italy’s dramatic rocky rooftop Travelling self-guided allows you to walk from place to place progressing from one Thinking of trekking the Dolomites? accommodation to the next in your own time. You walk without a guide, following our trail Mouthwatering Mont Blanc mountain food notes, guidebook and area maps. Luggage transfers are included on all trekking days Mont Blanc weather and other wonderful (except one night where you stay in a lovely things! mountain refugio) meaning you will only trek with a daypack. On top of the world! Discover Zermatt

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BACKGROUND READING Other titles RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL EXTENDING YOUR HOLIDAY Guidebooks The many triumphs and tragedies of Alpine The popularity of walking in the Alps Double your holiday experience by including mountaineering history have inspired a rich There are several good English-language puts enormous pressure on the natural a stopover on your journey! A city break is a library of literature on the subject. guidebooks available that are dedicated to the environment. You can help preserve the fragile great way to explore another place, indulge ecology by making an effort to use toilets in in some extra shopping, dining or sightseeing TMB. They have additional information to the Scrambles Amongst the Alps in track notes we provide for our clients. While huts and refuges, and by making an effort to and is a great way to break up a long flight. the Years 1860–69 pick up rubbish left by others. Our fabulous RAW Travel city breaks can not essential, they can enable a more fulfilling by Edward Whymper experience on the walk. be designed to your requirements and (Penguin Random House, 2002) Responsible travel means more than staying usually include an arrival transfer, 2 nights Tour du Mont Blanc safe and respecting the local cultures and accommodation and a city sightseeing tour. This classic book first published in customs in the countries you are visiting. You by Jim Manthorpe 1871 during the heyday of Alpine (Trailblazer Publications, 2008) are responsible for making this trip the best it The exquisite Italian cities of Florence, Venice exploration is still in print. can be – read all your notes we send you, do and Rome are ideal for a city break before or the right pre-trip training, read our blog posts, after your trek in the European Alps, and from Includes 50 trail maps, itineraries The High Mountains of the Alps buy the right gear, wear in your boots, practice the romantic setting of the Seine to the iconic and comprehensive background by Helmut Dumler walking with poles. The more prepared you sight of the Eiffel Tower dominating the skyline, information. This is the guidebook (Diadem Books, 1993) provided to our clients when the book a TMB are, the more you will enjoy trekking in the there’s nothing quite like the magic of Paris. trip with us. It has very detailed maps. A lavish periodical guide to European Alps. the 4000m-high peaks of the Alps; great The Tour of Mont Blanc inspiration even if you’re not a mountaineer. by Kev Reynolds (Cicerone, 4th edition, 2015) Alpine Wildflowers Nature Guide by Christine Jaitner A quality publication with a lot of (Kompass Karten Gmbh, 2004 useful information, although the maps are high level. Compact and pocket-sized format, published in English, with Explore the Tour of Mont Blanc colour photos and descriptions of by Gareth McCormack 70 alpine flowers. (Rucksack Readers, 2005)

A ring-bound, smaller publication suited to carrying in the rucksack.

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A VERY WELL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS ORGANISED ADVENTURE.

LISTENING TO OTHERS When to walk 30

WHO WERE DOING Getting fit for hiking in the European Alps 30 SIMILAR TRIPS I Accommodation style 31 FELT THAT WE Food & drinks 31 Access points and arrival hotels 33

WERE DEFINITELY Maps for TMB self guided trips 35

THE BEST LOOKED Recommended Apps 37 AFTER IN RELATION Health 37 TO ACCOMMODATION Visas 38 AND GUIDANCE. Smart Traveller 38 Travel Insurance 38 –Jodie Turner, Sydney (NSW) What to pack 39

Specialist gear recommended 39

Other items to pack 41

How to book your RAW Travel trip 42

Participation conditions 42

RAW Traveller’s Code 43

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WHEN TO WALK days carrying a daypack, which is likely very ACCOMMODATION STYLE throughout our tours you’ll dine in small, different to your current walking schedule. authentic restaurants, frequented by the Tour du Mont Blanc Tour du Mont Blanc & Italian Dolomites locals, and guaranteed to give a true reflection June through September is the recommended We recommend that you undertake a training We use long-established family run 2-star of the tastes of the region. time to travel if you want to walk the circuit. program according to your level of fitness (equivalent) rustic hotels and refuges, Outside of these times the passes are for at least 3 months leading up to your chosen for their stunning location and most On guided trips, most meals are included most often blocked with snow and it is not departure. Regular exercise prior to the trip offer spectacular mountain views. While while trekking. On self-guided trips, lunches recommended for people not experienced will allow you to build your fitness steadily so representative of the country, culture and are not included and can be purchased at with Alpine walking and snow conditions, plus that you will enjoy and complete the trip with environment in which they are located, all are refuges or in the towns and villages. Refer to many of the refuges will be closed. So the a smile and energy left over. clean, well run and set up with the trekker in individual itineraries to see meal inclusions. summer really is the time to aim for safe and mind. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as Breakfasts are served each morning at the enjoyable walking with the maximum options Moderate activities such as walking pose hikers from many nationalities gather to spend hotels and refuges and generally include for sleeping. June can still be quite cool and it little health risk but before starting any new the night. coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread is not unusual for snow to be on the passes exercise program we recommend that you and conserves. Lunches consist of a baguette in mid-June but generally speaking during see your doctor for a check-up, particularly if The accommodation we book for our cilents with cheese, meat and a selection of fillings. this period you can expect 20–30°C at lower you have a medical condition, are aged over is mostly half-board (demi-pension), meaning altitudes and at night temperatures can fall 40 years, are overweight or haven’t exercised dinner and bed & breakfast. Evening meals can be a 3-course affair: often below 10°C. in a long time. soup, salad or charcuterie; then a main course Room sizes (twin, double or very occasionally of meat with one or two vegetables, rice or Italian Dolomites • Find out more: triple or quadruple rooms) and facilities will pasta; and dessert. Soft drinks and alcoholic The European summer months (June through Getting Walking Fit for the European Alps: vary from hotels to hotel and sometimes from beverages are available at an additional charge. September) have warm temperatures and How to prepare for your multi-day trek. room to room in the same hotel. On some plenty of sun – perfect for hiking. While the nights, facilities are ensuite while others have If you have specific dietary requirements, average maximum temperature may reach the possibility, depending on availability and please ensure that you discuss these in some 25°C on the valley floors, the gentle group size, of shared bathroom and toilet depth with your Destination Expert at the wind of the Dolomites guarantees refreshing facilities. Some nights you may be in triple time of booking. moments in the shade of rich green woods. In or quad share. Please refer to individual trip autumn the temperature drops, but weather itineraries for full details. conditions remain stable and pleasant, making All bookings are based on twin share, so you the Dolomites a perfect place to plan a late will be matched with another solo traveller summer adventure! GETTING WALKING FIT of the same gender if you are travelling by Swiss Alps FOR THE EUROPEAN ALPS yourself. We do not have the option for single supplements on these trips. June through September is the best How to prepare for your multi-day trek time to walk in the Swiss Alps. July is the Swiss Alps warmest month (it doesn’t get that hot in In Switzerland we use comfortable 3-star the mountains) and the wildflowers are in family run hotels that are chosen for their bloom; usually there is not much rain in July. stunning location and offer spectacular The winter starts early and ends late in the mountain views. They are located close to the mountain towns. August is also a good month centre of Zermatt and Engelberg and have for hiking, but you can get snow. September is Tour du Mont Blanc | Italian Dolomites | Swiss Alps private facilities and also spa/wellness facilities also good weather, but by October it can get for some well-deserved pampering! very cold.

FOOD & DRINKS GETTING FIT FOR HIKING IN THE EUROPEAN ALPS Tasting the local cuisine is an enjoyable and important part of any holiday, and RAW Travel Walking is one of the most natural things ensures that particular emphasis is placed on to do, so you may feel that you are already local food on our tours. Our included meals in good enough shape. However, you will enable you to enjoy truly authentic, locally be walking for many hours over successive sourced and produced cuisine. Furthermore,

PAGE 30 www.montblanctreks.com.au PAGE 31 EUROPEAN ALPS AWESOME TRIP! OUR The Veneto region just south of the Dolomites (around Valdobbiadene and Conegliano) is the GUIDE WAS OUTSTANDING: home of Prosecco – it’s the only place in the world where Prosecco is grown, as the name is PROFESSIONAL, WHILE BEING trademarked, and the grape is a special variety. The Sud Tirol is home to a very good red wine called Lagrein. Other recommended varieties LAID BACK, ORGANISED are Muller-Thurgau (white) and Teroldego or WITHOUT BEING TOO RIGID, Marzemino (red). As well as wine, we recommend trying the AND VERY MOTIVATING. local specialty alcohol, which is grappa infused with local wild fruits, such as raspberries or – Michele Beard, USA blueberries, or local herbs. Mountain food Mountain food is traditionally based on what ACCESS POINTS AND ARRIVAL HOTELS can be grown or reared at altitude, and what Tour du Mont Blanc can be kept through the harsh winters. In the We recommend you arrive in Chamonix at Mont Blanc region you will find dishes like the least one day prior to your trek to explore the french Tartiflette, which is potatoes onion and village at your own pace and acclimatise to the bacon baked in the oven in a cheese sauce, or mountain conditions. You will need to make the Italian Carbonada, which is a stew in white your way to our base hotel and meeting point wine sauce traditionally served with polenta. in Chamonix. These details will be provided to you at the time of booking. Our personal favourite is the Farciment Savoyarde, which comes from the French Access to Chamonix alpine valleys and is a grated potato and plum Geneva International Airport is easily the loaf, wrapped in local bacon, and cooked and most convenient place to fly into for access served in slices. The local salamis and cured to Chamonix. We can book your international hams are likewise excellent. flights from Australia to Switzerland if you are There are many other local cheeses, though, an Australian resident. Other possible entry which are noted for how well they melt and points include Grenoble in France, Zurich in are ideal for cooking the traditional local Switzerland or Milan in Italy. dishes such as Croute or Tartiflette; or for Getting from Geneva to Chamonix melting into a fondue pot. Geneva Airport is 4km from the Geneva city Wine centre. It is easily reachable by train or bus Red wines are ideal to accompany hard using the united network of public transport, cheeses, but many people do not know that Unireso. All trains stop at Geneva–Cornavin white wine is actually a better accompaniment station (city centre). You can pick up a free for cooked cheese dishes. The Mont Blanc ticket for public transport from the machine in region can provide both; the surprisingly good the baggage collection area on the arrival level. wines of the Swiss Rhone Valley (Dole for red This Unireso ticket, offered by Geneva wine and Fendant – a version of Sauvignon International Airport, allows you to use Blanc – for white) are sold in many of the public transport in Geneva free for a period places we stay at and are definitely worth a try. of 80 minutes. We suggest you pre book a There are many very good wine varieties grown shared return transfer to Chamonix before in Trentino and Alto-Adige and the Veneto, you leave home. in the foothills or just outside the Dolomites.

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Chamonix is 1½ hours drive from Geneva. flights from Australia to Italy if you are an From Bern MAPS FOR TMB SELF-GUIDED TRIPS Mountain Drop Offs are our preferred Australian resident. It is possible to reach Trains depart frequently from the central Many maps are available covering the TMB. partner and bookings can be made via their Calalzo from a number of other gateway cities. Bern train station to Zermatt. The trip takes Two are recommended, both of which are website: www.mountaindropoffs.com/ ~2 hours. You’ll change trains in Visp. readily available in Chamonix: Choose the super saver option and use Getting from Venice to Calalzo promo code ‘RAWTR’. This is pick-up and The best way to reach Calalzo is by train Buying train tickets Pays du Mont Blanc (Rando Editions in drop-off at the airport in Geneva to our base through Venice (€9). Two changes are required. We suggest purchasing rail tickets and conjunction with IGN). This map contains the hotel in Chamonix. making reservations through your complete route at 1:50,000 scale highlighted Other access points to Calalzo RAW Travel Destination Expert or the in purple and designated “TMB”, variations Italian Dolomites If travelling from elsewhere the train is a good Swiss Federal Railways (SFR) website of the route and other tracks in the area. You will need to make your way to Hotel way to go. Travel times from some popular at www.sbb.ch/en This map is useful if you want a greater Ferrovia, our base hotel and meeting point in Italian cities are: perspective of the TMB. Calalzo. It is a traditional Dolomite hotel in a Another option is to wait until you arrive in historic building with a great location by the • Venice (recommended) – 3½ hours Switzerland to purchase your rail tickets. In Massif et tour du Mont-Blanc (Editions Didier train station in Calalzo. If catching the train, • Verona – 4 ½ hours most stations there are reservation counters Richard in conjunction with IGN) This map upon arrival at Calalzo train station (Calalzo- with agents who speak English. These contains the complete route at 1:50,000 scale Pieve di Cadore-Cortina), exit onto Via Stazione • Milan – 6 hours counters are often located away from the highlighted in purple and designated “GR and turn right along the road. Continue for • Rome – 7 hours main departure area. Many stations also Tour du Mont Blanc”, as well as variations of 200m along Via Stazione, and you will see have automatic ticket machines that sell the route and most of the other tracks in the Hotel Ferrovia on the left hand side. Train tickets and timetables can be found at tickets and reservation coupons for travel in area. It contains half of the TMB on one side of www.trenitalia.com It is also easy to buy Switzerland and for principal cross-border the sheet and the half on the other side and Access to Calalzo tickets at the train station. routes. The machines accept cash and credit is a very convenient pocket size. This map is The nearest international airport to Calalzo is or debit cards. Your seat reservation will sufficient, in conjunction with our track notes, Venice (Italy). We can book your international Swiss Alps usually appear as a separate coupon along for a self-guided walker to navigate the route. You will need to make your way to the with your actual train ticket. It will specify the meeting point (our base hotel) in Zermatt train number, the coach number, class of (Switzerland) by train. Details will be given travel and seat number. to you when you book. Boarding the train Train to Zermatt Your platform number will generally be listed Arriving by train is convenient, and the train at least 10 minutes prior to departure on trip is beautiful because it goes through the the small television screens or the larger deepest cleft valley in Switzerland. Left and schedule boards in the main station area right are the highest mountains in Switzerland, (larger stations only). Four columns will be including the Täschhorn, Dom and Weisshorn. listed: destination, type of train, platform number and departure time. It’s possible With trains leaving for Zermatt every that not all cars on your train are continuing 30 minutes, the train journey from the Swiss to your destination. Therefore, it’s important airports and the border is comfortable and to make sure the nameplate on your car straightforward. An electric hotel taxi will pick (usually posted outside near the door) you up from the Zermatt train station. corresponds to your travel destination. Once inside the car, look for your reserved seat. From Geneva and Zurich If it’s a small train and reservations are not Trains leave frequently from Zurich and required, you can sit anywhere. Keep your Geneva to Zermatt via Visp. The journey from bags in sight, if possible, and stay alert; many Zurich takes ~4 hours. From Geneva, travel luggage thieves and pickpockets specialise in time is approximately 3½ hours. There is a dashing on and off trains. narrow-gauge and cog railway from Visp to Zermatt, with the train climbing almost 1000m from Visp to Zermatt.

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RECOMMENDED APPS rest of the group, RAW reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip Strava without refund. THE ITINERARY WAS www.strava.com/mobile Medical facilities and first aid People use Strava to record their activities, BRILLIANTLY ORGANISED... Although your trek leaders will have a first aid compare performance over time, connect kit for emergencies, we recommend that you with their community, and share photos, carry first aid supplies for common ailments AMAZING MOUNTAINS, stories and highlights of their adventures as well as any personal medical requirements. with friends. You can start tracking your walk You will be trekking in remote areas and away as a run and then - when uploading the data COMFORTABLE REFUGES/ from medical facilities for some time during - choose from a drop down list of activities, these trips. For legal reasons our leaders are including walking. If you upload automatically prohibited from administering any type of drug FAMILY HOTELS, GREAT or track it as a run by accident you can always including headache tablets and antibiotics. edit the activity on the website later to make LOCAL FOOD. OUR GUIDE it a walk. Strava is free to use and available Your first aid supplies should include WAS EXTREMELY for both iOS and Android. (but not be limited to): MapMyWalk • headache tablets www.mapmywalk.com/app/ PROFESSIONAL, • diarrhoea treatment (both a blocker to bring When you use the MapMyWalk app while relief from the symptoms and an antibiotic) KNOWLEDGEABLE, walking it tracks where you are going and • band-aids, bandages and dressings then produces a map. You can share that FLEXIBLE, CARING AND map publicly or with just your friends or not • blister pads for your feet and zinc tape at all. You can see the distance and elevation • antiseptic for cuts and scrapes of each walk and any notes that might have • lip balm and high factor sunscreen GREAT COMPANY! been added. MapMyWalk requires a GPS In the event of an incident or medical – Lyndenanne Dziedzic, NSW connection. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android. emergency on the walk, the default mode of evacuation is by helicopter. It is essential that all guests have comprehensive HEALTH travel insurance, medical insurance or Vaccinations ambulance insurance that will cover the No vaccinations are compulsory. Tetanus cost of moutain rescue. is recommended.

Physical health Although there are no specific health requirements for the European Alps, you need to be in good health due to the sometimes demanding days. You should consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions to assess your suitability before departure. You also need to declare, for assessment, any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurance provider.

If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the

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Preventing blisters Blister treatment Our preferred insurance company is WHAT TO PACK CoverMore as they provide an excellent The key to preventing blisters and avoiding Broken blisters that are leaking fluid should You should pack as lightly as possible (less service and include emergence evacuation. unnecessary pain is to eliminate friction. be disinfected and bandaged. Small blisters than 12kg). There is limited space available Apply for insurance online. Different things work for different people, but that are not painful should be left alone in the vehicle for luggage transfers, so you one thing’s for sure: blisters can be prevented because the best protection against infection When travelling on a group trip, you will not be should only bring essential items on the trip. with a little bit of effort. is the blister’s own skin. These will heal by If you need to bring a bag for extra items/ themselves and will be reabsorbed in a permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s clothing this can be left back in Chamonix Here’s a range of blister prevention strategies few days. If you do have blisters, shower or Calalzo. for you to test on your training walks. in the evening to allow your feet to be fully 24 hour emergency contact number has been provided to RAW Travel. If you have credit card dry when you dress them and set off in the Your main luggage is transported daily for insurance we will require proof of purchase 1. Buy comfortable, well-fitting walking boots. morning. you throughout the trip, so you carry only a of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) daypack during the day. Suitcases are not 2. Toughen up. Condition your feet by walking, with a credit card in your name. Contact your recommended for this trip. Most travellers gradually building intensity, pace and VISAS bank for details of their participating insurer, carry their luggage in a backpack or duffel, and distance. Remember to moisturise your the level of coverage and emergency contact Australian citizens visiting Schengen countries you will need to carry this each night up stairs feet with a good quality foot cream after telephone number. (of which France, Switzerland and Italy are to your accommodation. showering. part) do not need to apply for visas if staying We highly recommend you purchase for no more than 90 out of 180 days. All You will also need a good hiking day pack 3. Adjust your laces during your walk so that insurance as soon as you start booking your travellers must have a minimum of 6 months when out walking to carry clothing and your shoes fit perfectly. Foot swelling and travel arrangements, and include cancellation validity (after their date of return into Australia) personal effects such as camera, sunscreen, different temperatures and terrain will affect cover. It must include emergency evacuation on their passport. Please confirm these water, snacks, blister kit. the fit of your boots. requirements with your chosen airline. and medical cover. 4. Slather your feet thickly with a lubricant like Any advice given here is a general guide only. SPECIALIST GEAR RECOMMENDED Vaseline. You’ll need to reapply it, and it SMART TRAVELLER Please research and purchase a policy best Trekking poles doesn’t wash easily out of socks. suited to your needs and circumstances. Be informed. Be prepared. Stay smart while There are many steep ascents and descents you are travelling. Smartraveller is provided by 5. Put cornflour or talcum powder in your in the Alps. Trekking poles will give you extra the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs • Find out more: 10 things you need to socks to keep your feet dry. know about travel insurance stability and are good for balance and taking and Trade. It provides up-to-date travel advice weight off your knees on descents. We 6. Keep your toenails short. for Australians travelling overseas. You can definitely recommend them if you have issues subscribe to receive free updates, including with knees, ankles or hips. 7. Invest in good socks. Use moisture- about widespread health or security issues. wicking socks and consider double-layers. • Find out more: Do I need trekking poles Experiment with the thickness of your socks, www.smartraveller.gov.au and which ones should I buy? and change them whenever your feet get wet. TRAVEL INSURANCE Sunglasses If you are travelling on any trip with RAW Sunlight can affect your eyes more at higher 8. Apply tape (such as Fixomul) or dressings to Travel you will require comprehensive travel altitudes and when reflected off ice or reduce friction. It can be difficult to perfect insurance. No one plans for anything to go snow. Bring sunglasses that have a high eye the technique and can be time consuming, wrong, but if it does we want to make sure protection factor; look for sunglasses that so you’ll need to practise. that you have adequate cover. We strongly have a lens category of 4 – they will provide a recommend that the policy also covers very high level of sun glare reduction and good 9. Always carry blister pads in your daypack. UV protection. The cushioned gel pad immediately reduces personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. pain and promotes fast healing. You can Clothing you can layer even use them to prevent blisters. For our trips in the European Alps, clients High altitudes will always be cool and if cloud sets in it can be cold and damp. The best 10. See a podiatrist if you think the way you must have insurance to cover themselves for way to stay protected from any weather and walk might predispose you to blisters. You helicopter search and rescue. temperature changes in the Alps is to add and might need orthotics. remove layers as required. You’ll need a base layer to manage moisture, an insulating layer to

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protect you from the cold, and an outer layer Mobile phone to shield you from the wind and rain. Avoid If you are on a self-guided trip you should cotton; choose wool or synthetics instead. carry a mobile phone with international roaming or buy a local SIM card; coverage • Find out more: Ask the expert – Layering can be very limited in the Alps. clothes

Waterproof walking boots OTHER ITEMS TO PACK Waterproof walking boots with full ankle Travel documents support and good grip are recommended. • Passport (with photocopies or scanned Depending on spring weather in Europe, there back-up copy) may be snow on the passes. Make sure your footwear is well worn in and comfortable. We • Copy of travel insurance policy and 24-hour also recommend hiking socks with at least one contact number spare pair, as you will find these minimise the • Airline and other ticket(s) chance of getting blisters (see p38). • Credit card and spending money • Find out more: What boots should I buy and how do I look after them? Personal items • Comfortable hiking daypack (30L+) with Good quality wet-weather gear padded shoulder support and waist straps A waterproof, breathable jacket and • Waterproof bags to protect your daypack overtrousers are a must. Even if you don’t from rain while walking expect rain, carry your rain gear as an extra shell to protect you from cold winds. • Water bottle(s) or hydration pack (2–3 litres recommended) Maps and compass • Blister kit, rehydration salts, mosquito Maps and a guidebook will be provided by repellant, sunscreen and first-aid kit RAW Travel to clients on self-guided trips. Also • Personal medications and toiletries consider an old-fashioned compass if you don’t have a GPS – they don’t run out of batteries. • Anti-chafe creams and body rubs (for thighs etc)

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Clothing A deposit of AUD$500 per person is due at RAW TRAVELLER’S CODE ✔ RAW Travel leaders may be required to the time of booking and balance of payment improvise and exercise good faith, use • 3 pairs of walking socks By paying your deposit and completing is required 8 weeks prior to travel. All quotes discretion and/or make decisions based your booking forms with us, you signal • 3 t-shirts (lightweight, quick drying fabric) are subject to availability at the time of upon group consensus. These decisions your agreement to the following RAW booking and valid for 7 days. Please contact may not always please each individual, but • Long-sleeved trekking shirts (avoid cotton) Traveller’s Code: your Destination Expert for your personalised are intended to satisfy the larger desires of • Shorts/lightweight trousers (avoid jeans) booking link. ✔ I have chosen a trip that suits my abilities, the group. • Warm fleece, sweater, hat, gloves (for cold level of fitness, and state of health. evenings and passes) When you submit your booking form, you are ✔ I understand that RAW Travel reserves committing to an itinerary and travel dates. the right to refuse participation during a • Thermals (for sleeping) ✔ I do not have any physical conditions or When arrangements are confirmed, non- disabilities that are a hazard to me or other tour to anyone whose health or behaviour • Waterproof, breathable jacket and over refundable deposits are paid to suppliers RAW travellers could impede the welfare or enjoyment of trousers (Gortex or similar) to secure these bookings. Any changes fellow guests. An individual may benasked • Spare pair of trainers to the itinerary and/or travel dates after ✔ I have a valid passport and all necessary to leave a trip if the leader feels that the arrangements have been confirmed will incur visas and vaccinations required for travel. person’s continuing participation may prove • Broad brimmed sun hat additional charges. detrimental to the individual or the group. • Swimwear ✔ I will read the RAW travel pre-trip materials ✔ I understand travelling off the beaten track PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS about clothing, medical requirements, and Miscellaneous culture-specific etiquette. means access to medical facilities and To travel with RAW Travel you must accept evacuation services may be limited. • Alarm clock and LED head torch the booking conditions (online at the ✔ I will respect the laws and customs of • Camera and spare batteries for camera time of booking), which include the following countries visited. ✔ I understand the weather is out of RAW Travel’s control. • Reading and writing material ‘participation conditions’: ✔ I will follow environmental guidelines and • Spare pair of thongs / trainers for inside When booking on one of our trips the applicant regulations while on the trip in accordance ✔ I will always wear a helmet when refuges and shared amenities, or if boots understands that RAW Travel operates with the RAW Travel leader’s direction. riding bikes. are wet adventure holidays worldwide. In developing ✔ ✔ I will drink alcohol responsibly. • Knee brace – not essential but useful countries, the standards of accommodation, I will respect the rights and privacy of other for injury transport, safety, hygiene, telecommunication trip members. facilities, level of infrastructure development • Hand sanitiser and medical facilities are not equivalent to ✔ I understand that travel within a group • Miniatures of your usual toiletries those familiar to the applicant’s usual living invariably involves compromise to arrangements, or would find on a conventional accommodate diverse desires, travel goals, • Snacks – though these can be holiday. This type of trip inherently involves personalities, and physical abilities of all purchased locally a higher level of personal risk, which the group members. • Swiss army knife applicant agrees to fully assume. The applicant acknowledges that travel on a RAW Travel trip • Mobile phone and charger requires a degree of flexibility, and understands • Padlock for bag that the trip’s route, accommodation and modes of transport are subject to change HOW TO BOOK YOUR RAW TRAVEL TRIP without prior notice due to local circumstances. Should RAW Travel deem it advisable to amend Before making a booking, please read this an itinerary for any reason, it may do so by Destination Guide thoroughly to make sure shortening, varying or re-routing any trip. that the European Alps are right for you. We These changes are binding and additional have compiled lots of important information expenses will be charged to the applicant if the about accommodation, food, fitness required, reason for any major alteration is outside RAW weather and what to expect so that you Travel’s control. can make an informed decision. On our website, you’ll also find detailed itineraries and other important information.

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Passport 46

Your fellow trekkers 46

Luggage transfers 46

Buying supplies 46

Language 47

Mobile phone, wifi and internet coverage 49

Electricity 49

Money 49

Safety in the mountains 50

How much water to carry 51

Washing facilities 51

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PASSPORT LUGGAGE TRANSFERS On the TMB you will need to carry your Your main luggage will be transferred by passport as you will be travelling between private van on all trekking days. It will be France, Italy and Switzerland – although it is picked up from your accommodation each very unlikely to be checked as the border is morning, so you must have your main luggage usually just a stone on the passes. However, packed and downstairs in time for the pick-up. assistance from police or other unforeseen In the evening your luggage will be waiting for eventuality will require you to produce you at your next accommodation. your passport, and France in particular has tightened up on border controls a lot, so you On the TMB Circuit Trek there is one day do need to take your passport with you. where luggage transfers are not possible. You will need to carry your overnight necessities on these days. There is limited space available YOUR FELLOW TREKKERS in the vehicle for luggage storage so please On group guided trips we ask you to be only bring essential items on the trip. understanding of the various needs and Alternatively, you can purchase a ‘sandwich’, Do not expect English to be readily preferences of your group – patience with BUYING SUPPLIES your fellow travellers is sometimes required usually a baguette, at most towns and villages understood by those whom you meet for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Tour du Mont Blanc and sometimes cooked lunches in the bigger in hotels, huts or shops. Brush up on Remember too that you have responsibilities For self-guided walkers, the opportunity refuges en route. There are refreshment basic French before your trip. An effort to to the group. If you are requested to be at to purchase supplies along the route stops on route; however, it is recommended communicate in the host country’s language a place at a certain time, ensure that you is limited, so we recommend that you that you purchase lunch at the beginning of will be appreciated. don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We purchase snacks and any other supplies you the day, as these stops may not be reached have found time and time again that the require on the walk in the major towns with at a convenient time for lunch; or you might French English very best trips we operate are those where supermarkets (Chamonix, Les Contamines, find they are closed when you get there. Bonjour Hello the dynamics within the group work well Courmayeur, Le Fouly and Argentière). Some are known to close when a helicopter – this takes just a little effort on your part. Most accommodation places can provide re-supply is scheduled, and sometimes for no Merci Thank you Sometimes you may be trekking with people of a sandwich or ‘picnic’ for about €12 apparent reason! S’il vous plait Please a different nationality , language and cultural – enquire about this option when you Pardon Sorry background, this is all part of the experience check in. Walkers on guided treks are provided with of trekking in Europe. lunches and snacks. Oui Yes

Italian Dolomites Non No We only offer guided treks on the Dolomites. Chalet-refuge Mountain inn Walkers are provided with lunches and snacks. Chambre Bedroom Swiss Alps Batons Trekking poles As per the itinerary, what is provided each day Carte Map does vary. Eau Water

LANGUAGE Lac Lake Despite the fact that the Tour du Mont Blanc Col Pass involves walking in three different countries, Croute au fromage Hot cheese and French is generally spoken along the route, garlic bread irrespective of national boundaries. Italian Frites French fries/chips is more often used on the south side in Mont Blanc between Col de la Seigne and the Fromage Cheese Grand Col Ferret. Rösti Fried grated potato with onion and bacon

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While the Dolomites are part of Italy, ELECTRICITY there are actually three languages spoken Generally 230V two-pin round plugs are used there. Town, road, and trail signs will vary in France and Italy. Switzerland uses a unique between one, two, and three languages: three-pin round plug. You are not guaranteed Italian, German and Ladin – an ancient access to power points in every refuge as language spoken by the first inhabitants of power points are shared so you should take the Dolomites and later influenced by the adequate batteries for your camera. Latin-speaking Romans. When you travel to the mountains of Northern Italy, you may encounter any of these languages. MONEY Currency Here are a few words and phrases that will help you navigate your hiking adventure. Our France and Italy use the Euro. Switzerland International Mountain Leader who leads our uses the Swiss Franc but the Euro is widely Dolomites treks speaks fluent Italian but it’s still accepted especially at most shops serving helpful to learn a few phrases before you travel. tourists. The exchange rate at the time of writing is: $1= €0.65 Italian English If you are arriving into Geneva International Hi Ciao Airport, you are in Switzerland, which is not Si Yes part of the Eurozone – wait until you get to Chamonix to change money. No No Per favore Please ATMs There are a large number of ATM cash points Grazie Thank you that accept Visa and Mastercard in Chamonix Prego You’re welcome and Italy. Buon gionro Good morning Credit cards Quanto costa? How much is that? Credit cards are accepted in major restaurants La dolce vita Beautiful life and shops. Rifugio Mountain hut

Switzerland has four official languages; German, Italian, French and Romansh. Towards the south and across the Alps, Italian is spoken; to the west, French; while German is spoken in the central and eastern parts of Switzerland. Romansh is predominantly spoken in the southwest.

MOBILE, WIFI AND INTERNET COVERAGE You will be out of contact a lot while trekking in the Alps, but when you are in the towns there will be intermittent phone and email access. Mobile coverage is intermittent and cannot be relied upon. Global roaming charges are generally very expensive; pre- paid cards such as Travel Sim are a good idea: www.travelsim.net.au

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Tipping SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS ‘Service compris’ on your bill at French Health restaurants means that a service charge has We recommend that you carry a basic first been included, although it is polite to tip 5% aid kit along with any medications or epi-pens to 10% if the service has been very good. Bar if you have specific allergies. Also make sure staff and café waiters expect a small tip or you have emergency contact numbers in your loose change. At your discretion you might phone or in an easy to reach place when you also consider tipping your Trek Leader in go out walking each day. In the event of any appreciation of the efficiency and service medical emergency, please ensure you make you receive. immediate contact with your travel insurance Spending money provider on their 24-hour assistance number. Every traveller is different and therefore Knee strain spending money requirements will vary. Although you can’t eliminate strain on the Some travellers may drink more than others knee joints when dropping steeply, you can while other travellers like to purchase more reduce it by taking shorter steps, which leave souvenirs than most. Please consider your your legs slightly bent and ensure that your own spending habits when it comes to heel hits the ground before the rest of your budgeting for drinks, shopping, souvenirs and foot. Some walkers find that tubular bandages other personal expenses. or high-tech supports help. Walking poles are Emergency funds very effective at taking some of the weight off the knees. Ensure you have access to additional Sunburn HOW MUCH WATER TO CARRY funds to be used if unforeseen incidents Altitude sickness In the rarefied air and deceptive coolness of or circumstances outside our control (e.g. Dehydration is the biggest risk when It’s very unlikely that you will experience any the mountains, sunburn occurs rapidly. Always a natural disaster) necessitate a change to undertaking a physical activity. It is vital to be altitude sickness, as this generally occurs at use sunscreen and a barrier cream for your your planned route. This is a rare occurrence aware of your fluid intake and to constantly heights over 3500 metres and all the passes lips. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and protect but we recommend being prepared. Some drink water throughout the day, even when on our European Alps treks are below this. your eyes with good quality lenses, particularly comprehensive travel insurance companies you do not feel thirsty. In addition, walkers normally descend from when walking near water, glaciers or snow. will make payments on your behalf in an these altitudes within an hour or so, and sleep You will need to carry at least 2 litres of emergency. Some more basic covers require at a much lower elevation. You may, however, Landslides and rockfall drinking water with you most days, more if the you to pre-pay yourself then make a claims. become slightly short of breath while walking. Landslides and rockfalls are becoming more weather is warm and if you are above average Do your research before you travel. frequent in the Alps because of climate body weight. Drinking water is available at all change. These natural phenomena are accommodations and most refuges, and even accelerating because of more extreme public drinking fountains in many towns. conditions such as long droughts followed by torrential rain. WASHING FACILITIES Thunderstorms There are launderettes in Chamonix and other Roughly speaking, the highest frequency of major towns but limited washing facilities on thunderstorms in Western Europe occurs the trails, so it’s best to bring clothes that you in three regions near the Alps. Italians bear can wear for several days. the brunt of the thunderstorm activity in Western Europe, and peak activity is during the holiday season. Self-guided walkers should check the Chamonix TMB website: www.chamonix.com/weather,11,en.html

Windy is also a great App to check weather, rain and wind.

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About RAW Travel 54

Our people 54

Our commitment 55

Expert, friendly service 55

Giving back and treading lightly 56

Free resources to help you plan your trip 56

Destination websites with unrivalled information 57

RAW Adventures News 57

Follow us on Facebook 57

Free travel information nights 57

‘Walk and talk’ days 58

Book your flights with us 58

Travel insurance 58

City breaks 58

Contact us 58

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ABOUT RAW TRAVEL ride. The spirit of RAW Travel remains the same – creating inspiring active journeys that Why book your trip with RAW Travel? RAW Travel specialises in iconic walks offer genuine interaction with the people and worldwide. We are a small family owned Our trips are flexible and tailored to you! cultures we visit, backed by a personal but operator on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula expert service. that is highly regarded for great value, • We listen to our walkers; we’ll plan an itinerary to suit your needs and ability. outstanding customer service and reviews, Come and visit us at our beachside location experienced tour guides, and excellent in the coastal town of Mornington. Make an • We operate our own trips, self-guided. accommodation and food. appointment with one of our Destination Experts and afterwards browse the many • We have staff dedicated to each destination: We provide a friendly, personal and trusted shops, cafes, beaches or nearby vineyards of you get first-hand advice from people who service. We pride ourselves on the intimate the Mornington Peninsula. know the walks. knowledge we have of our chosen walking destinations, which allows us to create • We have our own staff in-country, so help is exciting journeys for our clients while taking OUR PEOPLE never far away should you need it. meticulous care of all the details. We have an experienced, dedicated passionate team in our Mornington Head • We offer authentic travel with 17 years’ We offer walks for complete beginners Office, as well as expert guides and support experience. through to demanding treks that will satisfy staff on the ground in Europe and Australia. and thrill even veteran adventurers. We have many things in common, including a passion for walking, a love of adventure travel Over the years, we have organised countless OUR COMMITMENT EXPERT, FRIENDLY SERVICE trips to far flung corners of the globe and in beautiful and historic locations, and the introduced many thousands of happy ability to go above and beyond to make our We won’t cut corners or ever intentionally We’re a specialist company and we enjoy travellers to their first long distance walk or client’s travel dreams become a reality. compromise the quality of your trip. We don’t providing a friendly, personal service where want to run thousands of trips every year you’re treated as an individual – no call – because the quality of your experience is centres here! much more important than quantity to us. We’re still small enough to care about our travellers as individuals and we want to stay that way! At RAW Travel we don’t just We know that people desire a certain level of comfort along with their adventure, so great plan your travel, we take our accommodation and discovering delicious clients on a journey. From local food is a hallmark of our trips. RAW owns and operates its own adventures, your research and ideas we with our own staff on the ground in many destinations so we are able to keep control work with you to plan your over the quality of our trips at the same time dream travel experience. as we offer you reassurance and support. We take notice of the feedback you give us and We consider your fitness your opinions do matter. levels, your achievements, As a primarily ‘direct to customer’ company we avoid the commissions and overheads your motivations and then associated with the traditional travel distribution network. We charge fair prices together we map out but still provide great advice before you go, every step of the journey. experienced leaders who love their groups, good quality accommodation and solid value for your money.

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Our Destination Experts deliver a level of FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU PLAN DESTINATION WEBSITES WITH FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK advice and experience that comes from being YOUR TRIP UNRIVALLED INFORMATION We love connecting with like-minded travellers 100% focused on our chosen walks, rather We’ve got inspirational brochures, essential Visit our destination websites for unrivalled on social media and we’d like you to be part of than hundreds of different trips, as is often preparation guides, comprehensive destination expert information and insights. You’ll find our RAW community. We regularly share tips the case with bigger companies. We pride guides, weekly blog posts and more! photo galleries, route information, resources, and resources, as well as photos and stories ourselves on our intimate knowledge of our trail history and lots more! from other travellers and our staff. Like and chosen walking destinations and we really do follow us, and be sure to give us a shout out to “know because we go”. rawtravel.com say hello. We really enjoy reading comments Our staff take these walks each year and from our community of travellers! caminodesantiago.com.au share their insider insights with you to GETTING WALKING FIT help create exciting journeys where you FOR THE CAMINO kumanokodo.com.au can experience the best of your chosen How to prepare for your multi-day trek GETTING WALKING FIT FOR THE KUMANO KODO www.facebook.com/rawtravel/ destination, while being reassured that all montblanctreks.com.au the details are taken care of. Help is never How to prepare for your multi-day trek far away should you need it from our locally greatoceanwalk.info FREE TRAVEL INFORMATION NIGHTS

based staff and suppliers. Spain | Portugal | France We love meeting our clients face-to-face and RAW ADVENTURES NEWS getting to know them. Twice a year we travel GIVING BACK AND TREADING LIGHTLY It’s easy to stay up-to-date on all things around Australia and New Zealand to talk Our trips have helped raise over $A18 million RAW with our free monthly e-news. about a selection of our iconic walks. If you in funds for 40+ charities in Australia and It’s bursting with traveller’s stories and have ever wanted to experience an iconic walk overseas through our charity challenges. We information about new trips and insights. with RAW Travel then you will want to attend are proud to have been part of so many great GETTING WALKING FIT If you’re not already a subscriber, it’s easy one of these events. We guarantee you’ll be FOR THE EUROPEAN ALPS inspired by trip insights, videos and stunning fundraising initiatives that have substantially to register. How to prepare for your multi-day trek impacted and improved people’s lives. GETTING WALKING FIT images from our staff. FOR NEPAL How to prepare for your multi-day trek Find out more: http://rawtravel.com In today’s world travelling lightly is no longer Find out more: http://rawtravel.com/talks/ just an admirable sentiment but a necessity. Tour du Mont Blanc | Italian Dolomites | Swiss Alps We always look for ways to improve our impact on the ground by monitoring our group’s environmental and cultural impacts. At RAW, we have achieved advanced eco-certification on our Great Ocean Walk and have always been committed to ‘grass roots’ tourism. GETTING WALKING FIT FOR In particular we favour small local suppliers to THE COAST TO COAST PATH ensure the benefits of travel are distributed How to prepare for your multi-day trek GETTING WALKING FIT FOR equally and to the people who need it the THE GREAT OCEAN WALK most. We also donate to KIVA micro-lending How to prepare for your multi-day trek throughout the world and encourage you to also look at this commendable scheme.

So, rest assured, your travel with us will leave a positive, lasting impact on you and the places you visit.

PAGE 56 www.montblanctreks.com.au PAGE 57 CAMINO De SANTIAGO KUMANO KODO SECTION 4: RAW TRAVEL Spain’s epic pilgrimage trail Hiking ancient paths in traditional Japan

‘WALK AND TALK’ DAYS CITY BREAKS We love to walk and we love to talk! During Double your holiday experience in an exciting the year we regularly offer opportunities new destination by including a stopover on (in Victoria) to walk with our Destination your journey! A city break is a great way to Experts and ask questions about your chosen explore another place, indulge in some extra destination, pre-departure preparation and shopping, dining or sightseeing and is a gear. We limit these walks to between 20 and fabulous way to break up a long flight. 40 people (depending on the location). The PORTUGUESE COASTAL CAMINO EUROPEAN ALPS pace in generally relaxed so there is plenty of Our fabulous array of RAW Travel city breaks time to chat. (minimum 2-night accommodation booking required; minimum 3 nights for any Japan A stunning walk from Porto The breathtaking Tour Du Mont Blanc, Find out more: http://rawtravel.com/talks/ booking) can be tailormade to your needs and to Santiago de Compostela Italian Dolomites & Swiss Alps usually includes: BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US • arrival airport transfer (excluding Kyoto) Our expert Flights Department is ready to assist you with any airfare query, big or • 2 nights’ accommodation of your choice from small. From where to sit on the plane to the our wide selection of hotels and apartments cheapest or fastest route, we have decades of (3 nights for Japan) expertise when it comes to taking to the skies. Combining years of industry experience with • city sightseeing tour (excluding Japan) GREAT OCEAN WALK COAST TO COAST an innate passion for travel, our dedicated flight specialist will readily accommodate all Find out more: RAW Travel City Breaks your travel needs. (Please note: we do not A walk of wild and wonderful discovery Wild England – Moors, Fells, Dales and Tarns book domestic flights.) CONTACT US All of our RAW Travel experts have one thing TRAVEL INSURANCE in common: bringing you the immediate, If you are travelling on any trip with RAW highly personal satisfaction of discovering Travel you will require comprehensive a new world on your own terms. travel insurance. We sell Cover-More travel RAW Travel Office (Victoria, Australia) insurance and you can easily get a quote over the phone. No one plans for anything to go Our Melbourne HQ can be contacted wrong, but if it does we want to make sure Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm YOGA & HIKING TRIPS NEPAL that you have adequate cover. on +61 3 5976 3763. If there is a genuine emergency outside of these hours, We highly recommend you purchase call +61 (0) 478 649 848. Renew your spirit Himalayan trekking with a difference insurance as soon as you start booking your travel arrangements, and include cancellation cover. Your travel insurance must also include emergency evacuation and medical cover.

Any advice given here is a general guide only. Please research and purchase a policy best suited to your needs and circumstances. LE PUY CAMINO NAKASENDO WAY

Walk through the most beautiful Walking in the heart of old Japan medieval villages of France

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We donate 10% of our profits Our trips are 100% to give back to the planet at carbon neutral. no additional cost to you.