Leaving from the village of Le Tour or Chamonix we ascend on 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. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation. Walking: approx 9km, ascent / descent +894m/2932ft / -900m/2953ft

Meals:  L,D

There are two alternative routes between Trient and Champex. The first is via the Mountain of Bovine which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m) where there are beautiful lake views. The other is the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite challenging. Our aim is to always take the variant trail except in bad weather. The trail is not as well defined as the lower route but as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. The descent to Champex is steep though you will have the opportunity to have a hot shower at our lodge. The decision on which path will be taken is always at the discretion of the guide. Walking: approx 18km, variant route +1300m/4265ft, -1000m/3280ft or Bovine route +900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we take a bus transfer to the small village of Ferret (1705m) and commence walking. The route takes us out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. After some time drinking in the panorama we will amble down the steep track to our overnight accommodation at the Refuge Elena, which is located at the base of the glacier and a great place to view the changing light on the alps. Walking: approx 13km, +900m/2953ft, -500m/1640ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning's walk takes us through the Val Ferret and along a balcony path with impressive views of the Grand Jorasses, Mont Blanc and in the distance the Col de la Seigne, marking the border between France and Italy. On reaching Refugio Bonatti there are two options to reach our accommodation: the newly rerouted TMB trail traverses the north flank of Monte de la Saxe, whilst the former official TMB route leads along the crest of Monte de la Saxe. Both are high trails with fabulous views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc and the dramatic Aiguille Noire. As always, the decision on which path will be taken is at the discretion of the guide. Overnight Rifugio Berthone (1989m). Walking: approx 15km, +631m/2070ft, -704m/2309ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Descend from the refuge to Courmayeur (900m or around 2 hours). Nestled at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is an atmospheric town worthy of some light exploration - and a great place to taste some delicious Italian gelato. If the weather is good, we continue on foot from Courmayeur to the Val Veny by crossing the Checroui Pass (2185m), following which a magnificent balcony trail offers expansive views of glaciers tumbling from the heights of Mont Blanc. In the event of bad weather a short bus ride from Courmayeur takes us to La Visaille from where we ascend the enchanting valley where the enormous Miage glacier flows down into Lake Combal. On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, one gains a completely different perspective of the highest peak in the European Alps. Overnight Cabane du Combal. Walking: approx 12km, +1100m/3608ft, -1278m/4193ft

Meals:  B,L,D

We make our way past refuge Elisabetta and over the stunning Col de La Seigne mountain path, which is overhung by limestone pyramids and the Estelette Glacier, back into France. The trail then descends across high mountain pastures to the City of the Glaciers. Today also provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. Overnight lodgings in the village of Les Chapieux. Walking: approx 15km, +500m/1640ft, -950m/3117ft

Meals:  B,L,D

A big ascent takes us up mountain pastures at the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail traverses the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) before descending to the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharper descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix. Walking: approx 18km, +950m/3116ft, -1200m/3936ft

Meals:  B,L

Leaving from Chamonix, we take a balcony path 2000m above Chamonix town. Heading up the valley the trail takes in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating walk and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour.

Meals:  L,D

From Montroc village we head 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. We will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making our way down to the village of Trient and our accommodation.

Meals:  B,L,D

If there is no snow we will take the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite challenging. In adverse weather conditions this pass is not recommended. The trail is not as well defined as the lower route but as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are the extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier. Alternatively we will walk via the Mountain of Bovine which involves crossing the Forclaz Pass (1527m) where there are beautiful lake views. The descent to Champex is steep though you will have the opportunity to have a hot shower at your lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 abound. Swiss village life is all around and the lower valleys at the base of the Mont Blanc massif provide a contrast to the high alpine meadows of the previous and following days. A further highlight of the day is the wonderful “Valais des Hommes” and the beautiful mountain views at La Fouly. Overnight in La Fouly.

Meals:  B,L,D

The route takes us out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) pass. It’s a steady climb and at the Col you will be awe inspired by the sweeping views of the Pre de Bar glacier. Descend to the roadhead and transfer by bus to the Italian ski resort town of Courmayeur. Nestled at the end of Italy's Aosta Valley it is an atmospheric town which is worthy of some light exploration and a good place to taste some delicious Italian gelato.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Courmayeur we head towards France. We make your way over the Col de La Seigne mountain path, which is overhung by limestone pyramids and the Estelette Glacier, until we reach the border. The trail then descends across the high mountain pastures to the City of the Glaciers. Today also provides an excellent opportunity to buy Beaufort cheese from the local farmers. Note: depending on the weather conditions, part of the route may be travelled by bus, shortening the walking distance to around 5 hours.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning's walk takes us up mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m) 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 leads us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, where there is a bus or taxi service (payable locally) to Le Fayet and Chamonix.

Meals:  B,L

Today begins by meeting the group and guide at the little church of Notre Dame de la Gorge next to the river Bon Nant. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the mule) and begin walking. The route follows the classic anti clockwise direction, with the first day of walking one long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and a short time later to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). Enroute there is ample opportunity to take in the stunning views and appreciate the historic nature of this route from France to Italy. We may encounter snow, particularly earlier in the season, and we're likely to spot marmots, although being quite shy they disappear quickly. The refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is the highest we stay at on this section of the trail and one of the few where vehicle access is not possible. In early or late season departures where the mules are unable to cross the Col du Bonhomme, you may need to carry your overnight requirements. From the refuge the views are expansive and impressive and there is also the opportunity to view wildlife such as ibex and marmot. Overnight refuge with shower.

Meals:  L,D

We descend steeply through alpine pastures brimming with wildflowers to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux. Today there will be opportunities to visit cheese farmers and purchase Beaufort Cheese if the dairy is open. A gentle ascent takes us up the Valley of Glaciers before we have a steeper and more sustained ascent to the Italian border. The ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) is via a series of steep switchbacks which open out to a wide trail when we reach the pass. The view across to the Glacier des Glaciers is superb from here. On a cold and windy day, the new information centre is a welcome respite in addition to offering a wealth of facts about the region. We continue to Rifugio Elisabetta which has a prime location, excellent view of the glacier and surrounding peaks and superb Italian mountain cuisine. Overnight refuge with shower.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the enchanted Val Veny, the enormous Miage glacier flows down into the beautiful Lake Combal. This is the Italian side of Mont Blanc, offered to you from a truly beautiful standpoint and is perhaps the most enjoyable on the route. The trail continues along the flat valley floor, overlooked by the serrated rock pinnacle of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey (3773m). There are some steep climbs which are rewarded by magnificent alpine views before we arrive in the town of Courmayeur. We suggest making the most of some delicious gelato before we ascend to refuge Bertone, high above Courmayeur.

Meals:  B,L,D

Still on the Italian side of Mont Blanc the trail continues along the flat valley floor of Val Ferret. A short bus transfer takes us to the next stage of the walk where we then climb up to Elena refuge with its excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower.

Meals:  B,L,D

Views of the Pré de Bar glacier are with us as we make our way up to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which is a challenging and very rewarding section of the walk. The col marks the border of Switzerland and Italy and the trail becomes wider and more defined on reaching the border. The descent from the pass takes us to the valley floor and eventually to the charming village of La Fouly and our hotel.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our day starts with a transfer by local bus to Champex. Our aim is to take the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m) route*, which is a variant on the Tour du Mont Blanc and quite a challenge. The morning’s hike is almost completely uphill and the trail is not as well defined as on previous days but as with many pass crossings, the rewards on a good weather day are extraordinary views, this time across to the Trient Glacier. This ascent will be one of the most memorable moments of the trek! From the pass there is an initially steep descent before the gradient levels out to the Trient Valley. This evening will be spent in a cosy gîte in Trient. Note:* In the event of poor weather or dependent on group's ability we may take the standard Bovine route, which is also rewarding.

Meals:  B,L,D

On our last day's walk we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. Our walk concludes in the Chamonix Valley at Le Tour.

Meals:  B,L