
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 GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking IML-certified guides
- Guesthouse & Mountain hut9 nights in remote mountain huts and guesthouses
- MealsAll breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- EquipmentPillows and blankets are provided at the refuges. Trekking poles are available for hire.
- Maximum group size: 12Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly
From…excluding flights
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 foray into long-distance trekking
Ride the cable car from Les Houches to Bellevue and see the Alps in all their glory laid out before you
Not quite got 10 days to spare? Then check out our shorter version (opens in new tab), or opt for extra-comfy Alpine stays on our Premium adventure (opens in new tab)
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Chamonix
Hiking7hrs · 16km · 730m up · 1300m 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 · 20km · 1450m up · 1000m 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 · 20km · 820m up · 1000m downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Follow the river as it winds its way through Alpine valleys and climb up to the Col de la Seigne, 2516m 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 4000’s
Hiking3-4hrs · 9km · 350m up · 800m 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 4000m peaks and explore the village of Courmayeur, where you'll stay tonight.
Day 5
On to Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Hiking6-7hrs · 13km · 1100m up · 300m downMountain hutMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Hike through the Val Ferret towards 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 · 21km · 950m up · 1350m 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 700m 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
Amble through La Fouly
Hiking5-6hrs · 17km · 600m up · 700m downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Enjoy a significantly easier day today, as you walk through rolling green valleys. See quaint villages and rustic farmhouses, before arriving in the picturesque Swiss mountain resort of Champex.
Day 8
To Trient
Hiking7-8hrs · 18km · 850m up · 1050m 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 awaits.
Day 9
The Col de Balme
Hiking5-6hrs · 15km · 980m up · 850m downGuesthouseMixed dormAll meals includedShow Day 9 detailHide detail
Travel to the Col de Balme, which marks the Swiss-French border at an altitude of 2190m. 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 · 17km · 1100m up · 1400m 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.
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA)
- Pick up
- Les Houches
09:00 on Day 1 - Drop off
- Chamonix
17:00 on Day 10
This Trip is Graded Level 5
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 huts and guesthouses
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 9 continental breakfasts
- 10 picnic lunches
- 9 hearty 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 travellers 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
Alpine cuisine along the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is shaped by high-altitude living, seasonal ingredients and a need for hearty, sustaining meals. Rooted in the culinary traditions of France, Switzerland and Italy, it features rich cheeses, cured mea…
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
Before You Travel
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 my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND
Alpine cuisine along routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and the Haute Route is shaped by high-altitude living, seasonal ingredients and a need for hearty, sustaining meals. Rooted in the culinary traditions of France, Switzerland and Italy, it features rich cheeses, cured meats and simple mountain produce. Dishes are often built around potatoes, bread and dairy—think melted cheese specialities like fondue and raclette—alongside warming soups and rustic stews. Local wines and fresh alpine herbs round out meals that are both comforting and energy-rich, reflecting a culture of hospitality in remote mountain communities.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian
Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegetarian diets are generally easy to accommodate along the TMB and Haute Route, as many traditional Alpine dishes are naturally plant-based or can be adapted. Meals often centre on cheese, potatoes, grains and seasonal vegetables, with options like vegetable soups, omelettes, pasta, polenta and salads widely available. Specialities such as raclette can be served without cured meats, while mountain huts and hotels are increasingly accustomed to offering vegetarian alternatives on request. With a little advance notice, most accommodations can provide satisfying, energy-rich meals suited to vegetarian travellers.
Vegan
Vegan diets are difficult to cater for on this trip. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that the required produce and ingredients are not abundant in this destination, and you may find the food provided repetitive.
Vegan diets can be accommodated along the TMB and Haute Route, though they require a bit more planning due to the central role of dairy and eggs in traditional Alpine cuisine. Plant-based options typically include vegetable soups, salads, pasta with tomato-based sauces, polenta, legumes and bread, with many dishes adaptable on request. Mountain huts and hotels are increasingly familiar with vegan needs, but choices may be simpler and more limited, especially in remote areas. Providing advance notice and carrying a few supplementary snacks can help ensure consistent, energy-rich meals throughout the journey.
Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Kosher
Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and usually cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal
Certified Halal supply varies by destination and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below)
Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Gluten-free diets can generally be accommodated along the TMB and Haute Route, though options may vary between locations. While bread and pasta are staples in Alpine cuisine, many meals are naturally gluten-free, including dishes based on potatoes, rice, polenta, meat, cheese and vegetables. Soups, salads and egg-based dishes like omelettes are also common alternatives. Many mountain huts and hotels are increasingly aware of gluten intolerance, but cross-contamination can be a risk in smaller kitchens, so it’s important to communicate dietary needs clearly in advance.
Lactose-free
Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance.
Lactose-free diets can be accommodated along the TMB and Haute Route, though they require some care given the prominence of dairy in Alpine cuisine. Many traditional dishes rely heavily on cheese, milk and butter, but there are still suitable options such as vegetable soups, salads, grilled meats, legumes, rice and pasta with non-cream-based sauces. Some aged cheeses may be tolerated by those with lactose sensitivity, and lactose-free alternatives are increasingly available in larger towns. In more remote mountain huts, options may be simpler, so it’s best to communicate dietary needs in advance and remain flexible.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens (opens in new tab) identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.
Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Food allergies can generally be accommodated along the TMB and Haute Route, but they require clear communication and careful planning due to the communal, small-scale nature of many mountain huts. Meals in Alpine regions often include common allergens such as dairy, gluten, nuts and eggs, and cross-contamination can occur in shared kitchens. However, most accommodations are accustomed to handling dietary restrictions when informed in advance and can often adapt set menus or provide simpler alternatives like grilled meats, vegetables, rice and soups. Travellers with allergies are strongly advised to notify hosts ahead of arrival, carry necessary medication, and, where appropriate, bring a few safe backup foods for remote sections of the trek.
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 (opens in new tab). 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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website (opens in new tab), where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information (opens in new tab) 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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values (opens in new tab) – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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 (opens in new tab) 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 6°C to 26°C. 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 2000m. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our kit 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 programme, 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 (opens in new tab) to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab).
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Departure dates
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Friday 11th June 2027
to Sunday 20th June 2027
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Saturday 12th June 2027
to Monday 21st June 2027
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Friday 18th June 2027
to Sunday 27th June 2027
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Friday 25th June 2027
to Sunday 4th July 2027
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