French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 3-5
Casual & Premiere Hotels
French & Italian Alps Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 3-5
Casual & Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul-Sep 2026: Jun-Sep
Epic Alpine Adventure from Chamonix to Mont Blanc
Breathtaking landscapes? Check. Elegant chalets? Absolutely. Farm-fresh cheeses and hearty Alpine cuisine? You bet! On this high-altitude adventure, pink-tinged alpenglow casts its magical light over mountain culture at its finest.
Highlights
- Discover the heart of the Alps on this once-in-a-lifetime trek beneath rugged snow-dusted peaks
- Get to know the region’s historic towns, from Italy’s irresistible Courmayeur to the famed French mountaineering center of Chamonix
- Revel in majestic mountain views as you gaze over the dramatic escarpments and snowfields of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest summit, which rises nearly 16,000 feet into the clouds
- Traverse a part of the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, through a striking expanse of rocky terrain and blue-hued ice
- Board the historic Mont Blanc Express train to explore idyllic pastures dotted with wildflowers and grazing cows
Start/End Geneva
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Kick off your adventure with a lovely day spent in the Aiguille Rouge Natural Reserve, tracing the crystal-clear Arve River through tall pine forests and magnificent mountain scenery • In the evening, stroll through charming Chamonix • Board the Mont Blanc Express for a scenic ride to Vallorcine, a charming French village near the Swiss border • A picturesque gondola ride carries us high above the tree line • Wander through fields of wildflowers and past turquoise alpine lakes with incredible views of the mountains in all directions • Cross the border by foot—welcome to the Swiss Alps!—before returning to the French side for dinner.
Nights 1-2
Built in 1840 and exuding mountain charm, this local landmark was the first grand hotel in Chamonix. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Head out with your mountaineering boots and crampons for an exciting glacier walk led by expert guides • Alternatively, spend a leisurely morning in Chamonix, then ramble along beautiful mountain paths from Chamonix to Montenvers • Feel as though you have the Alps all to yourself while you sip an apéritif and watch the sun set from our secluded high-altitude oasis.
Night 3
Wake up to a panorama of the Mer de Glace and Aiguille des Drus in this 19th-century mountaineering landmark that once hosted Victor Hugo, George Sand, Charles Dickens and Napoleon III.
Days 4-6
Admire the Aiguille du Midi, a needle of rock looming at 12,777 feet • Pause to soak in vistas of majestic Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak • Walk on a balcony trail with gorgeous views overlooking the Chamonix Valley • Explore Val Ferret, a lush section of the Italian side of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) • Sip a cappuccino at a friendly rifugio (high-elevation hut) • Fly over glaciers and peaks as you cross the border between Italy and France by gondola • Hike a portion of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, considered one of the best in the world • Dine on nourishing Northern Italian cuisine • Feel at home in the region's unique and irresistible mountain culture • Visit lively Courmayeur and relax at our cozy alpine retreat.
Nights 4-5
Sophisticated style with a warm yet minimalist aesthetic is paired with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and a rugged mountain landscape. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail offering support—allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it’s an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different in that our routes are not readily accessible by van. This means that you’ll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support without the need for a third leader to move the van.
Our hikes through the Alps’ captivating, rugged terrain climb rocky and sometimes uneven paths, many of which are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but due to the nature of these trails, we won’t see our vehicles along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
Hiking in the mountains can mean quickly changing, unpredictable weather, even during the warm and sunny summer months. Careful packing is essential for your comfort and overall enjoyment. Be prepared to carry multiple layers every day on the trip—warm base layers, a windproof/rain jacket and rain pants, and even a down jacket, hat and gloves for our day hiking on the glacier.
While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and are ideally located for exploring the Alps, please note that some of them are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
*Deluxe Hotel
Built in 1840 and exuding mountain charm, this local landmark was the first grand hotel in Chamonix. (pool, spa)
Night 3
Casual Hotel
Wake up to a panorama of the Mer de Glace and Aiguille des Drus in this 19th-century mountaineering landmark that once hosted Victor Hugo, George Sand, Charles Dickens and Napoleon III.
Nights 4-5
*Premiere Hotel
Sophisticated style with a warm yet minimalist aesthetic is paired with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and a rugged mountain landscape. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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