Chamonix Alps - Itinerary

day 1-3

We'll meet up at the airport in Barcelona, Spain and get ready to explore the Costa Brava region of the Mediterranean by way of sea kayak. Explore caves and thin passages while you follow your kayaking guide through some of the most remarkable stretch of coastline of southern Europe.

day 4-11

As we head inland from the sea, strap on your hiking boots as you head toward the dividing boundary of Spain and France better known as the Pyrenees. Over the next 8 days you will trek through dense forests, over sharp mountain peaks, around crystal clear blue lakes, and pass through picturesque small towns. During the day you can expect to see numerous birds of prey, marmots, Egyptian Vultures as well as some of the most spectacular alpine wildflowers including: Pyrenean Irises and buttercups, Pink Orchids, and Blue Thistle. By nightfall and many hours of hiking later, you will peel off your boots and relax around your pitstop for the night, at a local refuge(mountain hut). Enjoy a family style meal around a fire with travelers from all over the world. After a special moonup in an alpine meadow you and your comrades will retreat to the comfort of sleeping in a bed.

day 12-13

Next we are on a train to Chamonix, France (pronounced Sham-on-ee). As we go, we'll get to know more about each other, talk about our next trek goals, and catch suggestive glimpses of the Alps through the train windows. Every moment will be fresh and exciting as we begin to feel at home in this new environment. We'll spend a relaxing day in Chamonix to rest up from our travels and prepare for the mountaineering section to come. Considered the world capital for outdoor activities, Chamonix sits at the base of the Mont Blanc massif in a spectacular valley that collects seven major glaciers as they spill from the surrounding peaks. It is, quite literally, the place where the sport of alpine climbing was born, when Jacques Balmat and Dr. Paccard made the first ascent of Mt. Blanc in 1786.

day 14-20

The heart and soul of our adventure is one of the world’s preeminent mountain treks—we will hike half the Tour du Mont Blanc. This unbelievable 7-day traverse navigates through 3 countries (France, Italy & Switzerland) as well as, some of the highest peaks in Western Europe—Mont Blanc—which stands at a stately 4807 meters, or roughly 15,800 feet above sea level. You can expect day after day of jaw-dropping vistas as our route winds around sparkling tarns and climbs to windy passes, giving you views not only of Mont Blanc, but on a clear day, the Grand Combin and the Matterhorn as well. Taking advantage of the alpinists’ hut and hostel system, we’ll be able to travel light and fast with small packs, descending periodically through fragrant wildflower meadows and larch forests to resupply in picturesque old-world hamlets. In our cozy evening refuges, we’ll enjoy hearty old-world cuisine and share laughter and stories around the table or before the fire with other like-minded explorers from around the world.

day 21

We’ll take some well-deserved rest upon our completion of the Tour Du Mont Blanc, sampling the French mountain culture in a neighboring ski villa. After picking up fresh produce and French cheeses, we will travel by train and “autobus” to Provence—a region in southern France known for it’s striking natural beauty. Upon arrival, we will stock our daypacks with lunch and climb the highest peak in the region—Mt. Ventoux. At the summit, we will have sweeping views of the French Alps, with Mont Blanc soaring gracefully along the horizon.

day 22-24

After a chance to shower and wash clothes, we'll take a fast train to Paris for a little relaxation and sightseeing before flying home. Taste the culture of one of Europe's most sophisticated cities with visits to the Louvre and Notre Dame and later search for the perfect sidewalk café overlooking the Seine River. After three weeks of experiencing the best that Europe has to offer, we're pretty sure you won't be ready to go home. We will celebrate our final night together at a well-deserved banquet dinner before making tearful goodbyes at the airport the next morning.