4.8
Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc: The Full Circuit
- France
- Italy
- Switzerland
- 9 nights
Tackle the classic TMB route through Italy, France, and Switzerland, hiking among epic landscapes on one of the world’s great hikes
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking IML-certified guidesGuesthouse & Mountain Cabin
9 nights in remote mountain cabins and guesthousesMeals
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinnersGear
Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for rent.Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
Last few spots
From …excluding flights
What's it like?
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Highlights
Trek across three countries and through the heart of the Alps as you circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif
Experience rustic mountain life—remote and authentic, it's the perfect first step into long-distance trekking
Ride the gondola from Les Houches to Bellevue and see the Alps in all their splendor laid out before you
Not quite got 10 days to spare? Then check out our shorter version, or opt for extra-comfy Alpine stays on our Premium adventure
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Chamonix
Hiking7hrs · 10mi · 2395ft up · 4265ft downGuesthouseMixed dormLunch and dinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Travel to the commune of Les Houches, the traditional starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc, and take in your first view of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif. Ride the cable car to Bellevue and hike to Col de Tricot, crossing a suspension bridge over waterfalls cascading from the Bionnassay Glacier along the way. If the weather is poor, the classic trail takes you through a more sheltered forest route and along the Contamines Valley. You'll end the day in the French resort village of Les Contamines-Montjoie. Occasionally, groups take the Prarion cable car instead, ascending to Col de Voza, a short walk across from Bellevue.
Day 2
Trek through France
Hiking9hrs · 12mi · 4757ft up · 3281ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Take a moment to explore Notre Dame de la Gorge, an ancient church with a fascinating history dating back to the 14th century. Climb up the Col du Bonhomme and walk through the nature reserve and mountain pass of Savoie County. See the Roman bridge, beautiful mountain lakes and traditional farmhouses (Le Balme), then after lunch, descend to your alpine accommodation in the small hamlet of Les Chapieux*, where you'll spend the night. * On some departures you'll take a short transfer to the small town of Bourg St Maurice for the night instead.
Day 3
Cross into Italy
Hiking7-8hrs · 12mi · 2690ft up · 328ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Follow the river as it winds through alpine valleys and climb up to the Col de la Seigne, 8,250 ft above sea level and straddling the French-Italian border. From there, make your way back down to the Rifugio Monte Bianco, where you can rest up and take in the views.
Day 4
The high 13,000ers
Hiking3-4hrs · 6mi · 1148ft up · 2625ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Experience some of the route’s most beautiful views (and that's saying something) as you trek from Rifugio Monte Bianco to Courmayeur. Fall silent as you see the range’s famous 13,000+ ft peaks and explore the village of Courmayeur, where you'll stay tonight.
Day 5
On to Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Hiking6-7hrs · 8mi · 3609ft up · 984ft downMountain hutMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Hike through the Val Ferret toward the Italy-Swiss border. See Mont Blanc, the Dent du Géants, and the Grandes Jorasses massif towering above you before arriving at your mountain hut, the famous Rifugio Walter Bonatti with epic mountain views.
Day 6
The Grand Col Ferret
Hiking8-9hrs · 13mi · 3117ft up · 4429ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Start the day by traversing the High Balcon Val Ferret trail, then drop down to Chalet Ferret for that last sip of Italian coffee! You'll then climb 2,300 ft to the top of the Grand Col Ferret on the Italian-Swiss border before descending to the lovely village of La Fouly, where you will spend the night.
Day 7
Stroll through La Fouly
Hiking5-6hrs · 11mi · 1969ft up · 2297ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Enjoy a significantly easier day today, as you walk through rolling green valleys. See charming villages and rustic farmhouses, before arriving in the scenic Swiss mountain resort of Champex.
Day 8
To Trient
Hiking7-8hrs · 11mi · 2789ft up · 3445ft downMountain hutMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
There are two options today: take the hard route over the Fenetre d’Arpette, or the slightly easier (official) one over Bovine. Both are beautiful, but the harder route takes you to the highest point so far with views to match. Whichever chosen by your guide, you’ll end the day in the small village of Trient where your accommodation await.
Day 9
The Col de Balme
Hiking5-6hrs · 9mi · 3215ft up · 2789ft downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 9 detailHide detail
Travel to the Col de Balme, which marks the Swiss-French border at an altitude of 7,185 ft. From L'Aiguilette des Possettes you can lose yourself in the views down the Chamonix Valley to the Aiguille du Midi and summit of Mont Blanc, before descending to finish the day in Tré-le-Champ.
Day 10
Back to Chamonix
Hiking7-8hrs · 11mi · 3609ft up · 4593ft downBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 10 detailHide detail
Trek over the Grand Balcon Sud and past the Lac Blanc, before heading to either Flégère or Planpraz. If you’re keen for more, hike back down to Chamonix, or alternatively ride the cable car one last time, before your epic trek comes to an end.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
- Pick up
- Les Houches
09:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Chamonix
17:00 on Day 10
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- 10 days of guided hiking on the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit
- Expert, English-speaking IML certified guides (1:12 guide to customer ratio)
- 9 nights in remote mountain cabins and guesthouses
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 9 continental breakfasts
- 10 picnic lunches
- 9 dinners
- Pillows and blankets are provided at the refuges
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.
The Alps
What You'll Eat
Breakfasts and dinners will be served at the refuges. Breakfasts always include coffee, bread, jelly and butter. Depending on the refuge, they may also include orange juice, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese and meats. Dinners are hearty and served in la…
Optional Extras
Additional Add-Ons
- Luggage Transfer - Max Weight 15kg, One Bag Per Person
- …/per person
Equipment / Kit Hire
- Trekking Poles
- …/per person
Others
- Luggage Storage in Chamonix (10 Days), per bag
- …
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this route, a private room upgrade is not available on this trip.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 5
- Level 5
Challenging
Made for those who seek to push themselves and embrace the outdoors
High altitude (over 8,200 ft): factors to consider - How much activity is involved?
Very active days, usually seven to eight hours long
This trip is suitable for experienced hikers in good shape. You'll need to be able to hike 9–12 miles on mountain trails, with as much as 3,280 ft of elevation gain and descen...
- Right level, wrong trip?
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Ratings & Reviews
4.8120 reviews
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
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Departure dates
Friday 4th September 2026
to Sunday 13th September 2026
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…Saturday 5th September 2026
to Monday 14th September 2026
Fully Booked
Friday 11th September 2026
to Sunday 20th September 2026
Fully Booked
Saturday 12th September 2026
to Monday 21st September 2026
…
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What to Pack
Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Yes. Excess luggage not required for the duration of the trip can be stored with the local host in Chamonix. The storage fee is 40EUR per bag, payable in cash at the start of the trip. Please let your host know in advance (via your booking) if you have excess luggage, so that they can plan the logistics accordingly. Alternatively there is a luggage transfer service available on this trip, should you need access to your bag during the hike. See Optional Extras for pricing.
Is there anywhere to get laundry done while hiking the TMB?
Yes, you can get laundry done while passing through Courmayeur. The hotel you'll be staying at offers a laundry service, usually with same-day turnaround, for approximately €20 (though this can vary depending on how much you give them to wash). It's a handy opportunity to refresh your kit about halfway around Mont Blanc and a great excuse to pack a little lighter for the trek.
What is the Guide:Customer ratio on this trip?
For this itinerary there is 1 guide to 10 hikers. The guides this host works with are all International Mountain Leader certified (as a minimum), First Aid trained and are highly experienced at leading groups in the Alps.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
The Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season is from June to September. Summer around Mont Blanc is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 43°F to 79°F. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. There can be snow on the mountain passes at the start of the season. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 6,500 ft. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our gear list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 149kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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