Algarve Odyssey
The coast, villages and countryside of the Eastern Algarve and then explore the treasures of this most westerly corner of Europe.
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at [email protected]
Le Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the greatest walks in the world. As the circuit passes through France, Switzerland and Italy you view Europe's highest mountain from all sides.
From£2,449
Continuous Walks
Hutting & High Level
Iconic Paths
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 10130
Hard mountain walking every day in the Alps, the Balkans and the Pyrenees, with long ascents, descents and scrambling.
Stamina and a good head for heights are essential.
Distances will probably not exceed 12 miles, but cumulative ascents and descents will normally be between 1000 and 1500m each day.
Overview
Le Tour du Mont Blanc (the TMB) is considered by many as the greatest walk in the world. As the circuit passes through France, Switzerland and Italy you view Europe’s highest mountain from all sides. Each day is different, and provides walking along high alpine paths with views over jagged peaks and glaciers. Here’s your chance to walk the entire iconic route in comfort, staying in small characterful hotels with your bags transported for you.
We start in Argentière just north of Chamonix, and then work our way around the mountain in a clockwise direction to Les Houches. Wherever we walk on our circumnavigation of this magnificent mountain we are never very far away from views of the massif. The way we walk, Mont Blanc is naturally on our right. It’s the big white thing; you can't miss it! The range of which Mont Blanc is the highest point at 4808m contains 11 summits over 4000m so great alpine views can always be enjoyed and photographed. Do take a look at our website for a detailed itinerary.
Starting in France, we walk north east and cross our first major col at Col de Balme (2191m) which forms the border with Switzerland. We then continue over the famous Col de Forclaz originally used by smugglers making their way from Switzerland to France. In Switzerland we turn south west to cross the Col de Ferret (2490m) into Italy. The Italian section is perhaps the wildest section and possibly offers the best walking. We cross back to France at Col de la Seigne (2516m). The cols are obvious highlights but there is much more to be enjoyed. On the lower slopes farming methods continue little changed in centuries. On the higher slopes our walks are accompanied by the high pitched call of Marmots with the occasional eagle overhead.
We will have rest days in Courmayeur and Les Houches to recharge the batteries. If you have longed to take on the TMB in comfort, this is the perfect way.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
Hôtel de la Couronneis situated at the foot of Mont Blanc in the alpine village of Argentière, just 5 miles from Chamonix Mont Blanc city centre and 900 yards from Les Grands Montets ski area. All of the rooms have a TV and its own private bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. All rooms have village or mountain views. Les Chéserys restaurant proposes a large variety of fresh seasonal and original homemade meals and has views of Mont-Blanc. A buffet breakfast is served daily.
This is a 3-star hotels with a full-fledged restaurant. The authenticity stand for the brand’s core values so that well-being might be a pleasure for all of us. Nearby the city center and the railway station, the hotel is located very close from the famous Giannada museum, and the Barryland center. Hotel Campanile Martigny offers bedrooms with comfort and modernity. All the rooms have WiFi, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Located in Champex, at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif, Hotel Splendide is a warm family run hotel with a true family spirit. This hotel has spacious rooms with high ceilings and offers a large terrace with a view of the Grand Combin. All rooms include ensuite facilities and most have balconies.
The Hotel Edelweiss is situated in the Val Ferret in La Fouly. Its small chalets and granaries La Fouly is a typically small and friendly village. The breathtaking view accross the glacier A Neuve and the impressive summits of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Tour Noir can be enjoyed from our dining room. The Hotel Edelweiss offers all amenities of a three star hotel: bedrooms with bath or shower, cable TV, video rental, lift and sauna.
This friendly family run hotel is well known for its exceptional hospitality and atmosphere. Many feel it exceeds its three star rating. The cosy Alpine décor and mountain views makes for a perfect retreat on one of our rest days. Clean and comfortable rooms all have a private bathroom with bath or shower, a balcony or private garden, satellite TV, radio, fridge, telephone, hairdryer, and safe, as well as a complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms have mountain views. For the buffet breakfast there is a wide choice: home-made strudel, cakes, biscuits, croissants, jams, omelettes and quiches, or locally-made yoghurt, cheese or cold cuts.
The hotel Arolla is located in the heart of Bourg-Saint-Maurice and is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants, and the hotel has a lounge bar a terrace to enjoy. Located on a quiet street, the hotel now offers rooms all equipped with private bathrooms, TV , and WIFI access.
The La Chemenaz is located by the ski lifts of Les Contamines Montjoie, Chalet-Hôtel La Chemenaz, The Originals Relais (Hotel-Chalet de Tradition) offers cosy bedrooms with spectacular views. This chalet-styled hotel features a sauna, hot tub and heated swimming pool. All the bedrooms have warm wooden furnishings, a balcony and ensuite facilities. There is satellite TV and free Wi-Fi access.
The Hotel les Campanules is a charming hotel in which to spend our final three nights. The garden and elegant public sitting areas give superb views across to Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi. Rooms have private shower and WC facilities, TV Satellite, and free Wi-Fi. We shall enjoy good food and specialities of the region such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette. Or you can enjoy a drink at the bar and lounge that has a cosy fireplace and pool table.
Trip Information
This classic trek allows us to see this magnificent mountain from all of its best sides. Being a Grade 8 this is definitely a challenging holiday. You can expect hard mountain walking everyday with long ascents and descents including some areas with fixed equipment i.e ladders. Stamina and a good head for heights are essential. Distances will tip just over 19km (12 miles), but ascents and descents will normally be between 1,000m and 1,500m but one day when we set off from Les Houches to Plan Praz on day 14 will require that little extra effort as we climb 1,600m. Expect long and exhilarating days with some of the finest views the Alps have to offer! The maximum altitude we reach on this holiday is 2,550m.
You will need to be fit and used to mountain walking from the outset. There may be snowfields to cross, paths are often steep and rough and you need to be able to cope with long descents and ascents over challenging terrain. A competency in walking up and down rough terrain is needed in addition to a high level of fitness. Occasionally you may encounter short fixed ropes or ladders. You might have snow, especially early in the season, or be walking in the heat and blazing sunshine.
We would emphasise that the leader is authorised to change the itinerary according to weather conditions and the ability of party members. Anyone who is unfit or unsuitably equipped may be asked to make alternative arrangements if the leader considers that the safety of the party could be jeopardised.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency on the TMB
The currency in France and Italy is the euro. Whereas in Switzerland it is the Swiss Franc but Euros are widely accepted.
Credit cards are widely accepted. You may be asked to provide ID if you can’t pay by chip and PIN. ATMs are available in most towns and villages throughout the route however it is worth pointing out that some towns are much more remote so do carry a little more than you think you will need heading from hotel to hotel.
Please note that we spend three nights in Switzerland (Swiss Francs) and the remaining 11 nights in Italy and France (euro).
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Our maximum group size for the Mont Blanc Hotel Trek is 12 persons.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Geneva (GVA) with British Airways.
Travel between Geneva Airport and the starting/finishing points of the tour will be by road.
Luggage Transfers
Please note: The luggage transfer company will only transport luggage weighing |no more than 15kg, so please ensure that each piece of luggage does not exceed this weight and should be packed in soft bags. They have also asked that nothing precious or fragile is placed in your luggage.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Regional Transfers
Regional Flights (R2). We offer regional flight options on this holiday but due to the location and travelling time to our resort we operate just one transfer vehicle between the airport and hotel. This may mean that there is a wait at the overseas airport in one or both directions.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
You should have at least 6 months validity left on your passport from your date of arrival.
If you renewed a 10 year passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your passport’s expiry date. These extra months will not count, so you should ensure that your passport is not older than 9 years and 6 months from the date of issue at the time of travel.
You may wish to renew your passport sooner rather than later, in order to make sure you have it in time for your holiday or travel plans.
Please ensure to regularly check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for updates on passport requirements leading up to and after Brexit or contact us for more assistance.
UK Government Brexit Information for Passports can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/passport-rules-for-travel-to-europe-after-Brexit.
The UK Government has published a website tool to check the validity of your passport under these rules which can be found at www.passport.service.gov.uk/check-a-passport.
In the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK citizens will be able to visit the EU for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. The UK Government also has information for travellers available at gov.uk/EUexit
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Along the TMB all your breakfasts and dinners are included. Some dinners will be at local restaurants chosen by your leader. Lunches are easily brought from local supermarkets and bakeries.
Footwear
Good quality waterproof walking boots with a moulded sole with a deep tread and good ankle support are essential for holidays at grade 7 and above.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Torches / Headtorches
On this holiday you will find it extremely helpful to bring a head torch or hand held torch to assist you.
French Swimwear
Please note that in French public swimming pools men are not permitted to wear baggy swimming shorts but must have ‘Speedo’ style trunks or tight fitting longer shorts. Men with incorrect swim wear will not be allowed into the pool.
TMB Luggage Weight
Please note: The luggage transfer company will only transport ONE piece of luggage weighing no more than 15kg, so please ensure that each piece of luggage does not exceed this weight and should be packed in soft bags. They have also asked that nothing precious or fragile is placed in your luggage.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity along the TMB
Throughout France, Italy and Switzerland electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & More
The specific maps that cover the area are as follows:
If you would just like one map covering the whole holiday then the Rando Éditions 1:50,000 Pays du Mont Blanc is the map to get.
A detailed guide to the walk is also available, Tour of Mont Blanc by Kev Reynolds (Cicerone Press)
The Map Shop
Maps and guidebooks relating to the areas you will be walking in may be bought before your holiday from The Map Shop at www.themapshop.co.uk
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Countries Visited along the TMB
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to France, Italy or Switzerland. You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK and you may wish to consider immunisations against Tetanus and Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
You must be adequately insured to join our holidays. You will be unable to participate in our local walking and other activity programmes without being able to demonstrate that you have valid travel insurance.
Please ensure that as a minimum your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to your holiday destinations (country and geographical region) and for medical expenses, mountain rescue (including helicopter rescue) and emergency repatriation to your home country in the event of illness or injury. Your policy should also provide adequate cover for the activities, included and optional, you are likely to participate in during your holiday.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
EHIC Cards
From January 1st, 2021 UK travellers can continue to use their European Heath Insurance Card (EHIC) – which can last up to five years, until its expiry date, to gain access to medical assistance during your holiday. However, you will no longer be covered in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Travellers without a valid EHIC can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replaces the EHIC once it has been phased out. Please note however that the EHIC/GHIC should not be considered a substitute for medical or travel insurance.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Italian Laws & Customs
In some Italian towns and cities you may be fined for dropping litter and in some towns or cities it’s an offence to sit on monument steps or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of main churches, historic monuments and public buildings. It’s also an offence to enter or bathe in public fountains.
In May 2019, the Municipality of Capri introduced a law forbidding the use of any disposable plastic objects such as bags, cutlery, plates, cups, food packaging, trays, straws on the island of Capri. Violations can incur a fine of up to 500 euros.
Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence, Venice and Rome. Don’t buy from illegal street traders. You could be stopped by the local police and fined.
It is illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. Doing so may result in heavy fines. It’s also forbidden to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
Reviews
Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 65mm
February
Avg. Rain: 56mm
March
Avg. Rain: 55mm
April
Avg. Rain: 59mm
May
Avg. Rain: 66mm
June
Avg. Rain: 58mm
July
Avg. Rain: 51mm
August
Avg. Rain: 56mm
September
Avg. Rain: 66mm
October
Avg. Rain: 79mm
November
Avg. Rain: 76mm
December
Avg. Rain: 74mm
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 80mm
February
Avg. Rain: 75mm
March
Avg. Rain: 83mm
April
Avg. Rain: 94mm
May
Avg. Rain: 114mm
June
Avg. Rain: 121mm
July
Avg. Rain: 115mm
August
Avg. Rain: 125mm
September
Avg. Rain: 99mm
October
Avg. Rain: 93mm
November
Avg. Rain: 97mm
December
Avg. Rain: 86mm
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 67mm
February
Avg. Rain: 62mm
March
Avg. Rain: 63mm
April
Avg. Rain: 61mm
May
Avg. Rain: 56mm
June
Avg. Rain: 47mm
July
Avg. Rain: 35mm
August
Avg. Rain: 48mm
September
Avg. Rain: 64mm
October
Avg. Rain: 89mm
November
Avg. Rain: 96mm
December
Avg. Rain: 82mm
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