Compare Mont Blanc Circuit by UTracks vs Paris to Geneva, Milan and Rome Tour by Discovery Nomads

Day 1 Arrive in Le Tour, begin walk to Trient or Col de la Forclaz (6-7hrs, +700m, -900m)

Leaving from Le Tour in the Chamonix valley, you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation or continue to the nearby Col de la Forclaz. (9km, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)

meals : D

Day 2 Walk to Champex (6hrs, +900m, -650m)

The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name. An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route. (+900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

meals : B,D

Day 3 To La Fouly (5-6hrs, +500m, -600m)

Although this is most definitely an easier day, it is also one that highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower filled gardens greet us. Swiss village life is all around and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight in La Fouly. (15km, +500m/1640ft, -600m/1969ft)

meals : B,D

Day 4 To Courmayeur (6-7hrs, +900m, -900m)

The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret path. The sight of the Pre de Bar glacier is with you all the way as you make your way from the Col to the road head in the Val Ferret. Bus to Courmayeur. (13km, +900m/2953ft, -900m/2953ft)

meals : B,D

Day 5 Walk to Elisabetta (5hrs, +1560m,-460m)

This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 7. From the centre of Courmayeur the walk heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge. (18km, +1560m, -460m) Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).

meals : B,D

Day 6 Cross the Col de la Seigne to France enroute to Bonhomme (6hrs, +1147m)

From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) through alpine meadows and over small streams leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix. (20km,+1147m, -1004m)

meals : B,D

Day 7 Walk to Les Contamines via the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (3hrs +40m)

This morning the trail traverses mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and further on to Les Contamines. Walking: approx 13km, +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft Note: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Les Contamines.

meals : B,D

Day 8 Walk to Les Houches (5 or 7hrs, +633m or 1318m)

The trail takes you along the river valley and heads slowly to La Gruvaz before continuing to Le Champel and a fairly steep ascent via Bionnassay to the Col de Voza. A longer route can be taken following a combination of tracks and trails above Contamines before you ascend to cross a shoulder of Mont Truc followed by an ascent of the Col du Tricot (2120m) which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnasay Valleys. From here you have some spectacular views of limestone cliffs and the pistes below. The descent follows a combination of gravel roads and tracks past some settlements to reach Les Houches. Alternate route via the Col de Voza (4.5hrs, +633m, -646m) (20km, +1318m/4324ft, -1478m/4849ft)

meals : B,D

Day 9 Walk to Flegere, lift descent to Les Praz, walk to Chamonix, trip concludes (6-8hrs, +1715m)

This is a big day. Its possible to shorten the walk by descending the lift from Brevent instead of going all the way to Flegere. If you have the stamina the longer walk is well worth it. Cross the L’Arve River to continue up to the “Grand Balcon Sud” offering seriously good balcony trail views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. The trail takes you all the way to the top of Flegere Lift. From here you can descend to Les Praz then continue along the River to reach the centre of Chamonix. Your luggage will be awaiting collection at your pre tour hotel from around 4.00pm.

meals : B

Day 1-3 Paris

Today you will explore fascinating Paris and check this beautiful city from the Eiffel Tower and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city. On the next day you will have sightseeing tour around Paris and visit Louvre museum.

Hotel: Novotel Paris or similar.

Day 3 Geneva

In the morning you will travel by train to Switzerland. Discover this small city of Geneva that lies at the southern tip of expansive Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of dramatic Mont Blanc.

Day 4-6 Milan

In the morning you will travel to Milan and have a guided tour to the beautiful Duomo Cathedral. Enjoy shopping on Via Montenapoleone and in the evening go to the opera of La Scala (please purchase tickets in advance).

Hotel: Starhotels Anderson or similar.

Day 6-8 Venice

You will have a guided tour to the Doge's Palace. Additionally visit the Accademia Gallery and Basilica di San Marco, take a vaporeto to Murano and Burano, gondola ride along Venice canals or visit Guggenheim gallery.

Hotel: LaGare Venezia MGallery by Sofitel or similar.

Day 8-10 Rome

Explore the history of Rome on a walking tour, see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona. On the next day you'll have an excursion to Vatican and visit the Colosseum. And do not miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.

Hotel: UNA Hotel Rome or similar.