We start your trip with a morning journey on the historic Mont Blanc Express train to the village of Argentiere. For over a century the Mont Blanc Express has transported visitors between this part of France and nearby Switzerland. Today's hike is a great introduction to Chamonix Valley exploring the balcony trails that have attracted hikers for centuries. These trails date back to the Victorian era when tourists enjoyed 'taking the air' as they hiked across the mountain while enjoying the stunning views, hence the term Balcony trail.

Facing each side of the valley these paths, which give many options, wind through the pine forests and hamlets along the River Arve making only short climbs and descents en route. Enjoy excellent views of the Mont Blanc Massif from the sleepy hamlets with their traditional wooden chalets. You will feel the grandeur of the peaks as you pass the mighty Aiguille Verte, Drus and Aiguille Rouge whose summits line either side of the valley. 

When we return to our accommodation there's the option for a group private cookery class (not included in the trip price).

Distance: 8km (5 miles)

Ascent: 0m

Descent: 250m (830ft)

Duration: 2 - 3 hours

Today’s circular hike visits the mountain pass called the Col de Balme on the Swiss / French border. With the help of a cable car we are soon above the tree line at 2190m (7185ft) with views of Chamonix, Mont Blanc and surrounding valleys. A short hike brings us to the border of France and Switzerland and onto the summit of Arolette at 2330m (7644ft) where we can view the Swiss Rhône valley and Oberland mountains in the distance. This circular route climbs and descends all on good trails, never feeling too steep down to the mountain meadows of Catogne and onto the Col des Possettes and summer alpage where we can stop for refreshments and enjoy the local cheese and fabulous homemade cakes. An 'alpage' is a mountain meadow where animals graze in the summer months. As we reach closer towards the tree-line the trail opens up to the high pastures where the spring flowers, bees and butterflies are in abundance. We return down to the valley again with the help of a cable car and back to our accommodation.

Distance: 5.5km (3.5 miles)

Ascent 175m (574ft)

Descent 295m (9674ft)

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Today's classic trail starts from Chamonix town centre. We begin with a ride on the two stage cable-car to visit the famous rocky spire of the Aiguille du Midi. The cable-car is an amazing feat of engineering. It is not only one of the longest and highest 'single cable' lifts in the world, but also offers unsurpassable 360 degree panoramic views of Mont Blanc. the Chamonix Valley, Switzerland and into Italy. We will ascend to the dizzy height of 3842m (12604ft), and when we arrive at the summit station you are free to wander around exhibitions, view the Vallée Blanche glacier and the surrounding peaks which are truly stunning. On a clear day it is possible to see the famous Matterhorn mountain, in Switzerland, from this amazing location. When we are ready to leave the summit station we will descend back down to the Refuge Plan d'Aiguilles at 2200m (7217ft) where we can enjoy a morning coffee while enjoying excellent views of the Chamonix Valley.

From the refuge we join the Grand Balcon Nord, a high balcony trail, and begin our hike. The walk is an undulating path beneath the massive granite rock spires. This trail traverses for 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) to reach Signal Forbes a viewpoint at 2198m (7211ft) of the iconic Aiguille du Drus and the largest glacier in France, the Mer de Glace. To descend we use the historic rack and pinion Montenvers Train. The train, which is a twenty-five minutes ride, follows the route of the old mule track to reach the valley floor. 

Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)

Ascent: 300m (984ft)

Descent: 250m (820ft)

Duration: 3-3.5 hrs, but the trip will take most of the day.

Don't forget your passport today as we plan to go to Italy - for the day! Chamonix, France sits on the border with Switzerland and Italy which makes it possible to visit three countries in as many days. With the convenience of the 'Mont Blanc' tunnel it's possible to transfer through in the morning, hike and enjoy an Italian lunch and be home in time for dinner back in France. So after a slightly earlier breakfast a taxi will take us to a valley parallel with Chamonix called Val Ferret in Italy. We start our hike at the head of the valley, Arnuva, where we plan to hike up to a beautiful mountain hut called the Refugi Bonatti. Enjoy fabulous views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) as we walk one of the most picturesque sections of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc. We descend from lunch to the road and take the bus into Courmayeur. After time in the town we then take the bus back to Chamonix and our accommodation for our evening meal.

Distance: 7.5km (4.6 miles)

Ascent: 350m (1148ft)

Descent: 475m (1558ft)

Duration: 3h00

The destination of today's last walk is Vallorcine, a quiet neighbouring valley with traditional meadows that lead to the Swiss border. We use the Mont Blanc Express to travel to Le Buet and the 'valley of bears' - Vallorince. In the Middle Ages bears were such a common feature of the local nature, that the people paid their taxes in bear meat. Sadly there are no longer any bears in the region but we do have a lot to see. Enjoy walking along an ancient stagecoaches trail the 'Chemin des Diligences' via traditional chalets and villages. We take a turn and head up the Berard Valley to a hidden waterfall and cave where we can stop for refreshments. The paths then winds it's way to the Les Granges chalets where we stop for our picnic lunch. We then descend via farmland looking towards Switzerland to Vallorcine station we were take train back.

Distance: 7km (4.3 miles)

Ascent: 265m (869ft)

Descent: 326m (1069ft) 

Duration: 3-3.5hrs

The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve with its landscape of granite cliffs, wildlife, and glacial lakes is the destination for todays walk. Our route begins at the Flégère cable car where we take advantage of the ride to our trail start. It's always wonderful to gain height with a little help! Our route is along a pleasant balcony trail high above the tree line which gives us impressive views along the Chamonix Valley. Enjoy photos, snack stops and awe inspiring views. Voted on numerous occasions as one of the top 10 hikes in the world! From here the views of the glaciers and mountains are simply incredible. Today we will end our hike with a cable car ride back down the mountain to the centre of Chamonix.

In the afternoon enjoy a private group yoga class. Time to stretch, recharge and reflect on an unforgettable week in the mountains.

Distance: 9.6km (6miles)

Ascent: 95m (311ft) 

Descent: 360m (1181ft)

Duration: 3-3.5hrs

Today is departure day. After breakfast we will arrange one group airport transfer for your group.