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Home , Aiguille du Midi, Champex, Classic Tour, Col des Montets, Col Ferret, Cosmiques Hut

CLASSIC TOUR DU IN COMPANY (HUTS) ’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

CLASSIC IN COMPANY (HUTS) SUMMARY This is a one off "In Company" departure of our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc trek. Walk Europe's most famous trek with a small friendly group and experienced group leader. This version of the Tour du Mont Blanc starts and finishes in and covers all but two short sections of the circuit. Based in spectacular huts on a half board basis apart from the first and last night in hotels on a B&B basis.

Connoisseurs will enjoy this version of the Tour du Mont Blanc as you taste, see and smell all her different sides and have the opportunity to choose several interesting variants. The character of the and surrounding valleys change dramatically as you walk through , and on your Tour du Mont Blanc and enjoying the delicacies of each country is one of the highlights of the tour. We will stay in mountain huts, refuges and gîtes during the walk, which gives the proper TMB experience. (The first and last nights are in hotels.) Tour: Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Com- The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc covers the whole route apart from two sections of the TMB in . pany (Huts) Our TMB starts with a steep climb from Les Houches which immediately immerses you in the and Code: WFGTMB rugged spires of Mont Blanc. We then follow the trail over Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col de la Type: In Company Walking Holiday Seigne where we pass into Italy. The Col Chécrouit is the next highlight of the tour as continue through Price: £695 per person Italy. Single Supplement: See Website Dates: 25 Aug - 4 Sep 2012 From we catch the bus to Arnuva in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret. The climb over Walking Days: 9 Days Grand delivers you into Switzerland and a short bus transfer brings us to . The next Nights: 10 nights Start: Les Houches day’s walk to via Alp Bovine gives sensational views of the Rhone Valley or you can choose the Finish: challenging variant via Fenetre d’ Arpette, a highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc for many. We then head : Moderate to Strenuous into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to Lac Blanc, which perfectly frames Mont Blanc and is the perfect last night high in the . The trail delivers a final flourish as it climbs to Le Brévent before descending back to Les Houches. Is this trip for me? The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc includes The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in company is ideal if you want to complete the majority of the Tour de most of the sections of the Tour du Mont Mont Blanc with a friendly group of likeminded people and an experienced leader. Accommodation is in Blanc over nine days of walking. It really is a comfortable three star hotels on the first and last nights and in /refuge/gîte dormitories for the superlative trek. You will need to be fit and as you are mainly staying at mountain huts in eight nights on the trail. Breakfast is included every morning as are 8 evening meals on the trail. This way dormitories it may not be for everyone. It we can stay high in the mountains each night and experience the best of the . Baggage helps if you are a sociable type as we cer- transfer is available as an option. Detailed information packs, maps and emergency support are all tainly are. included. WHAT’S INCLUDED? HIGHLIGHTS 2 Nights in three star hotels on a twin/double share basis 8 Nights in mountain huts/refuges/gîtes in dormito- ries  Taking on Europe's classic long distance trek 9 Days walking  Superb mountain views at every turn of the trail 10 Breakfasts 8 Dinners during the walk (Day 1 & 10 not included)  Three countries on one trek; France, Italy & Switzerland Services of an experienced group leader  Delicious meals featuring the local specialities of each country Detailed maps, information pack, route notes and  Spectacularly located mountain refuges such as Refuge Lac Blanc guidebook Organisational assistance and backup from our  Small friendly group and experienced leader add to the fun local representative and our office. CLASSIC TOUR DU MONT BLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS) EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

ITINERARY Bonhomme. village of Courmayeur (Optional cable car). Enjoy a cappuccino in the stylish capital of the Italian A high mountain path then leads to the Vallée This version of the Tour du Mont Blanc starts and before catching a bus or taxi (transfer not des Glaciers via the Col des Fours. The climb finishes in Les Houches and covers all but two included) to Arnuva, in the heart of the beautiful from Col de la Croix to the Col des Fours short sections of the circuit. Val Ferret, in the . (2716m) rewards with probably the finest view of DAY 1: ARRIVE LES HOUCHES Mont Blanc you will enjoy on the circuit. From the Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand col you descend steeply on and through Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland! The sleepy village of Les Houches is easily alpine meadows to the Vallée des Glaciers and Descent to Ferret (1740 m) where you catch the accessible by either train or shuttle from Geneva then continue on to the Refuge des Mottets. local bus to the lakeside village of Champex. Airport in just over an hour. There is also the option of following the standard Walk: Hours: 6h30 Ascent: 800 m Descent: 1550 Overnight: Hotel in Les Houches route to Les Chapieux and then taking the local m DAY 2: LES HOUCHES TO CHALETS DE shuttle to skip the road section to Ville Les Overnight: Gîte in Champex MIAGE Glaciers Our Tour du Mont Blanc starts with a steep Walk: 6-7 Hours, Ascent: 1050 m Descent: 950m DAY 7: CHAMPEX TO TRIENT ascent from Les Houches to the Col de Voza, The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid Overnight: Refuge des Mottets (http:// which can be avoided by taking the Tramway du walk through pine and larch forests interspersed www.lesmottets.com/) idyllically situated the Mont Blanc. From the col there are two options, with alpine meadows and wonderful views down converted from buildings of the refuge over 50 the tougher Col de Tricot Variant contours below the Rhône Valley. Alternatively the demanding beds and a welcome meal at the end of a great the snout of the Bionnassay and the icy variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre day. Dômes de Miage before arriving at Chalets de d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m Miage. DAY 5: VALLÉE DES GLACIERS TO COL it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth CHÉCROUIT every step. Descending right to the valley floor in Walk: 6/7 Hours, Ascent: 1350m, Descent: 550m Trient (1280 m) you can look forward to a good The Col de la Seigne (2516m) is where you Overnight: Refuge de Miage meal. leave France for Italy and lies 750m above the DAY 3: CHALETS DE MIAGE TO refuge. Just wait until you see the view! Superb! Walk via Alp Bovine: Hours: 5 h 30 Ascent: 750 CHALET DU NANT-BORRANT The trail contours along the steep Italian side of m, Descent: 900 m. the Mont Blanc Massif. Marmotts and marigolds Walk via Fenêtre d’Arpette: Hours: 8 h00 An easier but delightful day of walking through are common on this section and the scenery will Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 1400 m woodland and pastures high on the slopes above have you reaching for your camera every few Overnight: Refuge the valley through the Contamines Montjoie yards. Hanging glaciers pepper the slopes above Nature Reserve. you and they seem close enough to touch. The DAY 8: TRIENT TO / TRÉ LE Walk: 6 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 1000m trail from Col de la Seigne to Col Chécrouit really CHAMP VIA COL DE LA BALME must be one of the world’s finest walks. Overnight: Chalet Refuge du nant Borrant From Trient, you climb to reach the French Overnight: Gite Maison Vieille – 1965m - (http:// border at the Col de Balme (2191 m). From the DAY 4 : CHALET DU NANT BORRANT, www.maisonvieille.com). Traditional mountain Col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches COL DU BONHOMME, COL DE LA food is a forte of this gîte which enjoys a fabulous ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont CROIX DU BONHOMME, VALLÉE DES position. Blanc, the Aiguilles, the and the GLACIERS. Argentière glaciers! You then descend to Walk: Hours: 6h30, Ascent: 1100 m. Descent: Montroc (lift optional) in the valley and a short A steady climb reveals increasingly rugged views 950 m. of the high peaks and very quickly you reach the walk brings you to the peaceful village of Tré le rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme DAY 6: COL CHÉCROUI TO CHAMPEX Champ. (2329 m). A further hour on rough and rocky Your day begins with a descent to the Italian Walk: 5.5 Hrs, Ascent: 900 m, Descent: 850 m. ground brings up the Col de la Croix du CLASSIC TOUR DU MONT BLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS) EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

Overnight: Auberge in Tré le Champ OPTIONAL MONT BLANC SUMMIT (Tram terminus of the entire 2012 season) and EXTENSION (3 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS) by the sometimes rocky path of the air "Rognes." DAY 9 : TRÉ LE CHAMP TO LAC BLANC and cable car to Bellevue Experienced mountaineers may wish to extend VIA Valley. Separation at the station of Les Houches the trip with an ascent of Mont Blanc (4465m), From Tré le Champ the trail climbs via the Col in the early afternoon. Europe's highest peak. Des Montets to the Grand Balcon Sud of the Walk: 3 hours 30 minutes walking. D: 1100 m. Aiguilles Rouges. You are now in the Aiguilles Day 1: Chamonix - - Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of Ibex, Cosmiques Overnight: Not included Marmot and many other furry creatures are You can start on any date that suits your travel common. The refuge at the beautiful Lac Blanc is Meet in front of the the Aiguille du Midi in plans and you will find up to date availability on surrounded by high peaks and gives a grand Chamonix at 10 h. Meeting with the group and our website. view of Mont Blanc across the valley. equipment check. We then take the altitude to reach the top of the needle. Focus on our Walk: 5 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 50m objective, presentation guides the program, ESSENTIAL INFORMATION materials and technical guidance and summer Overnight: Refuge Lac Blanc safety. On arrival at the top station (3842 m), we DAY 10: LAC BLANC TO LES HOUCHES descend to the Col du Midi for a run towards the ACCOMMODATION tip Lachenal. We then continue to Cosmiques for 10 Nights accommodation is included in your trip. The last day to Les Houches is a long but hugely a short night. Night and dinner at Cosmiques. Your first and last nights in Les Houches and rewarding one, ending with the climb to the rocky Chamonix are in a 3* Hotel in a private ensuite pedestal of Le Brévent (2525m). Mont Blanc Walk: 3 hours of walking. A and D: 250 m. room (twin/double share). The 8 nights on the seems within touching distance on the opposite trail are in mountain refuges/huts/gîtes in mixed side of the valley and now it’s just a long descent Overnight: sex dormitories either on Alpine style sleeping to Les Houches. (Possible to shorten the day by Day 2: Refuge des Cosmiques - platforms or bunk beds. taking the cable car from La Flégère or Le - - Brévent). Once you reach Les Houches a short Mont Blanc - Refuge du Goûter - Mountain huts are spectacularly located and bus ride will bring you to Chamonix, the perfect Refuge de Tête Rousse allow you to stay high in the mountains each place for a celebration! night rather than dropping down into the valleys. Early departure. The route of the three Mont The detailed itinerary has links to the huts and Walk: 7 – 8 Hours, Ascent: Descent: Blanc brings us back to the Col du Midi, a vast hotels we use. Overnight: Hotel Vallee Blanche, Chamonix plateau where the stars give way to the twilight. (http://www.vallee-blanche.com) The ascent begins, and we follow the trail to go SINGLE ROOMS over the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul (4248 Single rooms are not available except on the first Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small m). Crossing the Col Maudit and technical and last nights. A supplement is payable. three star hotel occupies a charming former mill passage on slopes and seracs of Mont Maudit and is a great base. (4465 m). After Brenva Pass (4303 m), the MEALS Day 11: Onward Travel summit (4808 m) is finally reached after a final 10 breakfasts and 8 evening meals (whilst on the snow slope. Mont Blanc, we descend the normal trail) are included. Packed lunches are available Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of route, passing Taste, to Tête Rousse hut (3167 from your accommodation (order the night days. Taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi m). This allows us to "cut" the descent and spend before) or you can stop on the way. Allow about at 3795m is a great way to wrap up your time in a final night at the shelter to celebrate our climb! 10 per day for lunch. Drinks are not the Mont Blanc Massif, the view are just included but available at all overnight incredible. If you are heading home there are Walk: 8 hours walking. A: 1300 m. D: 1650 m. accommodation. numerous shuttles, buses and trains back to Day 3: Refuge de Tête Rousse - Geneva and throughout France. Mont Lachat - Les Houches BAGGAGE TRANSFER Is available as an optional extra. If you book A lovely walk out in the morning to Mont Lachat CLASSIC TOUR DU MONT BLANC IN COMPANT (HUTS) EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE WALK

luggage transfer your main luggage (maximum £695 per person sharing. Chamonix valley. You can catch a train or bus 12kg) will be transferred between your but the best option is a pre-booked shuttle. accommodation each night (except night 2 & 8). Included Chamexpress is one of the better ones and costs 28 Euro each way. www.chamexpress.com If you have additional bags we can store these  2 Nights in three star hotels on a twin/double for you at no extra charge. share basis By Rail: TGV to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. www.voyages-sncf.com EXPERIENCE & FITNESS  8 Nights in mountain huts/refuges/gîtes in dormitories For the return, they are regular trains between This is a walking "In Company" not a guided Chamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.  10 Breakfasts walk. Neil Lapping will be your group leader and By Road: Highway A40-E25 Mont Blanc- will coordinate the trip. Each group member will  9 Days walking on the TMB Chamonix, exit Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. More be supplied with a route book and map so you  Services of an experienced tour leader information at www.viamichelin.fr can walk with Neil, on your own or with other  8 Dinners during the walk (Day 1 & 10 not members of the group at your own pace. The included) Parking: At St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet, group would always meet for lunch and at the possibility of parking of personal vehicles at the  Detailed maps, information pack, route notes overnight stop. railway station of Le Fayet. During the summer, and guidebook parking is allowed and free in some surrounding You will be responsible for navigation, decision  Organisational assistance and backup from streets and paying the parking lot of the station. making and safety during your trip. This walk is our local representative and our office. In Chamonix, free parking at the Aiguille du Midi strenuous, crosses high mountain passes and & the parking Planards (Montenvers station). the weather can change quickly. You should be Excluded able to navigate easily with a map and compass Travel during the walk in poor visibility and be experienced in the  Mountain rescue / emergency assistance This itinerary skips two sections of the TMB mountains.  Travel insurance (required) between Courmayeur and Champex using lifts and local buses. If you are finding the going too The route averages about a 1000m of ascent  Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix tough you can use lifts or public transport to skip and descent each day so you should have a  Lunches (allow 10 Euro per day) several of the stages or big ascents/descents. good level of walking fitness. If not then you must Public transport and lifts/funiculars are not engage in a rigorous fitness programme prior to  2 Dinners included and although your info pack has full details of each transfer you need to pay for the trip. Walking poles are highly recommended  Local transfers and ski lifts (Allow 40 Euro) these. as the TMB is tough on the knees.  Drinks and snacks The following transfers are necessary during your walk. TRAVEL INSURANCE Personal equipment  Day 6: Ski lift Chécrouit - Courmayeur, It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Courmayeur shuttle-Arnuva; Swiss Postal Bus Adventure that you have suitable travel Optional Extras: Ferret - Champex via Orsières. insurance which covers you for the activity and  Additional nights before, during or after the emergency evacuation and hospital care. walk Baggage transfer of 1 bag per person of HOW TO BOOK up to 12kg (not on night 2 & 9) (£120 per person) Once you have read all the information in this DATES & PRICES  Single room supplement if single room required in Les Houches/Chamonix factsheet or our website and decided on your Availability preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a call to confirm availability. You can then book The only departure of this "In Company" Classic TRAVEL INFORMATION securely online at www.macsadventure.com by Tour du Mont Blanc is the 25 August 2012 and phone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886, Fax/Post: the group is limited to a maximum of 10. Download or request a booking form and post it Getting to Les Houches Price to Macs Adventure Ltd, 44 Speirs Wharf, By Air: Geneva is the best airport for the , G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 CLASSIC TOUR DU MONT BLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS) EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

527 5688. Financial Security In accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations1992" all passengers booking with Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required (this insurance will not cover repatriation to the country of origin for the passengers outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd AITO Quality Statement Macs Adventure is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service.

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