Price

$1994

Available: 4 spaces

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 07/22/2023 - 07/29/2023

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 8 Days / 7 Nights

      Overview

      The French call her "La Dame Blanche." To Italians, she’s "Il Bianco." And to all who set out to tame her, she is known simply as "The Big One." Towering above the already towering Alps, Mont Blanc commands respect. This trip puts committed travelers with excellent fitness on intimate terms with the ceiling of Europe, rewarding all-comers with strolls through quaint alpine villages, hearty dinners, relaxing spa visits, and some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain scenery you’ll ever see. Prepare to be challenged, awestruck, and amazed. Visit Mont Blanc with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      This is a shared departure with G Adventures, which means that it is open to the general public and there may be non-teachers in the group who book directly through G Adventures. Participants who book with G Adventures must be at least 12 years old.

      Our first priority is our travelers’ safety, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here for more details regarding our health and safety policies.

      What's Included:
      • Four mountain walks led by an International Mountain Leader (IML)
      • Qualified IML (International Mountain Leader) as tour leader throughout
      • 7 Breakfasts – allow $200-300 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (7 nts)
      • All transport between local destinations and to/from included activities by private vehicle
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions
      • Airport transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Today is an arrival day, so there are no planned activities other than an intro meeting in the evening. Please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2-3 pm. Your alpine hotel is in the center of Chamonix so you can enjoy the area and get a good rest before and after our hikes. Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of the group meeting, typically 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. After the meeting, choose to join your CEO and travel companions for an optional dinner in a local restaurant. We will have our first opportunity to try some alpine specialties in a typical restaurant. It will be hard to choose from such delights as cheese fondue, tartiflette, or raclette, perhaps accompanied by some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up.

      Today we will head out in the Chamonix valley for our first hike. The L'Aiguillette des Posettes trail takes us through alpine forests dotted with impressive rock formations We will hike up the steep-sided valley for splendid views across to the peaks and glaciers. The ascents and descents on this day are quite long but the ground is relatively easy. We gain height gently in switchbacks, on a narrow trail across mountain turf and rock. There are superb views across to Mont Blanc, and the relatively easy ground underfoot makes this an easier day than the elevation gain may at first suggest. Please note the hike can change depending on weather conditions. Hiking Info: 6-7 hrs, 8km Elevation gain: 850m (2,788 ft). Highest elevation: 2,201m (7,221 ft).

      Taking a break from our walking, we'll spend today exploring the Chamonix region with various optional activities to suit everyone's interests. Why not take a recommended cable car ride up the famous Aiguille du Midi and across the glaciers to Punta Helbronner in Italy? Or if you want some excitement, opt to join a rafting trip, or go parapenting - these activities are available and bookable locally, and your tour leader will have suggestions for where to do this. If you are itching for more hiking, there are plenty of trails in the area. Don't miss the chance to try some of the local specialty food that this region is famous for in one of the town's many excellent bars and restaurants. See our optional activity list further below for more information.

      Set out on a full-day walk and arrive in Val Veny. Take in the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, including a view of the Italian side of Mont Blanc. We travel this morning through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, crossing the Italian border to the town of Courmayeur. Here we will drop off our bags and head out for a day hike in magnificent and wild Val Veny to enjoy some superb views of Mont Blanc and the Brenva glacier. There are a couple of options for more challenging hikes if some of the group want to take them. Hiking Info: 5-8 hrs, 10-13 km Elevation gain: 820m (2,706 ft). Highest elevation: 2,020m (6,627 ft). Our hotel in Courmayeur is cozy and atmospheric, a traditional Aosta Valley structure with ample recreational space, including an outdoor terrace and garden for soaking up some of the mountain sunshine in the summer months. Approximate travel time: 30 minutes by private vehicle

      Enjoy a free day in the Courmayeur region to take advantage of some optional activities, such as taking a bus to La Palud, followed by a magnificent cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner and back. Your tour leader will let you know more about other options such as mountain biking, hiking, a day visit to the town of Aosta, or a bit of indulgent relaxation at the wonderful Pré St Didier Spa. See our optional activity list further below for more information.

      Walk to the village of Villair from Courmayeur and up a zig-zag path (steep at times) to Rifugio Bertone, a mountain hut situated high above the Courmayeur Valley, where we stop for a refreshing cold drink. The path then contours around the flank of the Mont de la Saxe, where we enjoy a picnic lunch at an elevation of 2,000m (6,561 ft), with magnificent views onto the south face of Mont Blanc. Descend to the Planpincieux valley. Hiking Info: 5-7 hrs, 10-16 km Elevation gain: 776m (2,546 ft). Highest elevation: 2,000m (6,561 ft).

      This morning, travel from Courmayeur back to Chamonix. Hike all day above the Chamonix valley for magnificent views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Dru, and the Mer de Glace glacier. Walk up a zig-zag trail through trees to La Flegere. Then continue the hike in true mountain terrain at 1850-2000m with some steep steps up/down and some boulder fields. From Plan Praz descend to Chamonix by a scenic cable car. It's a tough day of hiking, but the views are extremely rewarding. Hiking Info: 5-8 hrs, 6-15 km Elevation gain: up to 1,080m (3,543 ft). Highest elevation: 2,021m (6,630 ft). In the evening, try out a local Chamonix brewery for a farewell hearty dinner and a pint of lager made from glacial-fed water! Approximate travel time: 30 minutes by private vehicle

      Our trip concludes today, and you may depart Chamonix at any time. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO trips in the same year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs). If you don’t see a program that interests you that pairs with this trip, but still would like to extend your time abroad, let us know. We will work with you to find a non-teacher trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Even better, if you are an educator, we can still offer you a discounted price on the trip you choose!

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Mont Blanc
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      Cancellation policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Trip Notes
      1. BEING PREPARED: While the hikes on this trip are all-day hikes and you need to carry no more than a small daypack, this is still an alpine environment. The walks involve ascents and descents of up to 900m (3000ft) sometimes over rough and steep ground. Good fitness and a familiarity with mountain hiking will help you get the most out of this trip. You will require good well-broken-in walking boots and waterproofs.
      2. WEATHER: The route outlined in this itinerary is weather dependent, and you will need to be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. In the case of poor weather conditions, your tour leader will re-route your path while maintaining an effort to keep as close to the planned itinerary as possible.
      3. HOTEL IN CHAMONIX: Please note that Hotel Chamonix is affiliated with the nearby Hotel Crete Blanche and that in some cases the group could be divided between the two hotels.
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, lead your hikes, and introduce you to our local friends. The tour leader for this trip is a Qualified IML (International Mountain Leader).
      Fitness Level
      Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travelers.
      Single Travelers
      Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet. Please be aware that single-room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
      Joining Instructions
      Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5 pm and 7 pm), where you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with instructions for the next morning. Getting to Pointe Isabelle Hotel (please check your vouchers to ensure this is your start hotel): To arrange arrival and departure transfers between the Geneva Airport and the hotel in Chamonix, please use the following link: http://gadventures.cvt.ski/transfers/ We advise that you book both your arrival and departure transfers in advance. Please make sure you have the following TRAVEL DETAILS before booking: - Flight number - Flight Arrival Time and Date - Flight Departure Time and Date - Passenger's Name - Number of Passengers - Email - Valid Mobile Telephone Number - Drop off and/or Pick Up Address Alternate to transfer company: A public bus runs 4 times per day between GVA airport & Chamonix. Cost is 19 EUR each way. See www.ouibus.com for more information.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures UK office (Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. GST) G Adventures London office: +447817262559 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, from calls within North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from within UK: 0844 272 0000 Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. Please note that this trip is rated Physical Grade 4. Passenger luggage will be stored at the base hotel in Chamonix, but smaller day packs can be carried during the hiking excursions. Please see the equipment list for essential information on what to take. Please refer to the "Essentials" list for general packing items and the "Mont Blanc Trekking" list for items specific to the trek. When choosing your gear please bear in mind that the best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials, as these are quick-drying and can keep heat in better. The optimum clothing system for trekking is layering, as it allows for easy temperature regulation as you ascend or descend. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a sweater, followed by a fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof jacket. For your bottom half, thermal underwear, hiking pants then windproof and waterproof layers are recommended. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, especially for departures in June and early in the season. Hiking gear is not available for rent in Chamonix. If you require additional items (poles, rain gear, etc.), they may be purchased. Health & Safety (Required!)
      • N95/KN95 Face masks (At least three per week)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
      • Quick Covid Test/Antigen Tests (At least 5, and for longer trips, 3 per week of travel)
      Mont Blanc Trekking
      • Day pack (required) (Max 40 liters capacity - it is essential to pack light as you will be carrying your own gear.)
      • Hiking boots (required) (We recommend hiking boots instead of hiking shoes, as boots provide better ankle support on rough terrain.)
      • Quick-dry socks (required) (Trekking socks (woolen or synthetic, not cotton). We recommend packing 2-3 pairs.)
      • Rain gear (required) (Jacket and pants, must be windproof and waterproof. We recommend using a jacket with a hood made of Gortex or similar fabric, and advise against bringing pac-a-macs or ponchos.)
      • Clothing (We recommend bringing 1 outfit to wear during the evenings and days off, preferably lightweight top and bottoms.)
      • Fleece jacket or warm layer
      • Gloves (We recommend packing warm gloves in case of cold and wet weather.)
      • Hat (For cool weather, a warm beanie is most appropriate. For sunny weather, a wide-brimmed hat or cap. We recommend preparing for both weather conditions.)
      • Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended. We recommend 2 pairs of trousers, and 1 pair of shorts.)
      • Lightweight wicking shirts
      • Long-sleeved shirt for hiking
      • Pack liners to waterproof bags (A rucksack liner or large Ziploc bags/dry bag(s) to keep clothes and equipment dry inside your backpack in case of rain.)
      • Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets. You will be able to purchase these along the way.)
      • Thermal base layer (Woolen or synthetic, not cotton.)
      Essentials Checklist
      • Water-proof, wind-proof rain jacket
      • Personal clothing for hot to cool weather – we recommend packing 5-6 days of outfits so you don’t have to do laundry
      • Sturdy walking shoes for non hiking days
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Water bottle or bladder (like a Camelback)
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Toiletries
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Hiking poles
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
      • Light fleece top
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • EUR/USD cash
      • Credit or debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are sometimes offered by the hotels. You can also use a local laundromat, if need be. We recommend packing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Americans do not need a visa to travel to any of these countries. Non-American participants should check with their government to find out if they need a visa.
      Money Exchange
      As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Visa and MasterCard are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note that, if you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.
      Tipping
      It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers such as waiters if you are pleased with the service (€1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill). Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Also at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. As a budgeting guideline, €30-€40 per person per week can be used.
      Vaccinations
      Check with your doctor. You must be vaccinated against COVID to travel on this trip.
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. We advise that you wait until this trip is confirmed before booking non-refundable and non-changeable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Your trip begins and ends in Chamonix. The closest international airport is Geneva, which is a little over an hour away by car. You can arrive at any time of the day you choose, however, we strongly urge you to arrive by 6:00 p.m. on Day 1 for our group meeting. You can depart any time on the final day of the trip.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. France uses a type E two circular prong plug. This socket also works with type C and type F plugs. Italy uses type F and L, but both work with type C. Both countries use a voltage of 230 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can’t handle the different voltage, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors.
      Expectations
      Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury as we are trying to keep these trips as inexpensive as possible.
      • You must be able to handle the physical aspects of the hiking on this trip and bring the appropriate gear.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Weather
      If you like to travel at the hottest time of year, then July is the month for you. Average temperatures are between 13 - 26C (55 - 79F), and the average rainfall is only around 60mm (2.4ins). July is one of the peak months for hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and seeing as it's also school holidays for all three countries on the route (France, Italy, Switzerland), you can expect the trail to be buzzing with people enjoying the high temperatures on the famous route.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. Breakfasts are included in this trip, giving you the opportunity to eat out according to your own resources. The prices below are in U.S. Dollars and are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See our price in the top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $10-$150 USD
      International Airfare from the United States
      Roughly $600-$1,600 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      Insurance
      $67-$200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as well.
      Tipping
      We recommend $35-45 USD for your G Adventures tour leader.
      Airport Transfers
      $20-$40
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $300-400 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (Suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally in the local currency. You do not have to decide in advance for which activities you would like to sign up. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please feel free to use them as a guide for budgeting your trip. The prices below are in Euros (EUR).
      Chamonix
      Augille du Midi Cable Car: €62 EUR per person Enjoy a cable car ride up the famous Aiguille du Midi – it once held the title of the world's highest cable car. Take in the stunning views as you ascend from 3,400 ft to 12,600 ft. It still holds the record as the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world. Le Praz Hike: Free Walk through shady woods and along the tumbling glacial waters of the River Arve to Argentiere. Enjoy a stop at one of the cafes before catching the local bus back to Chamonix. (Height gain approx. 1,000 ft.) Rafting Trip: €38-130 EUR per person Enjoy a rafting trip in the Chamonix area. With areas of varying difficulties, this river offers an opportunity for both beginners and experienced rafters.
      Courmayeur
      Cable Car Ride to Pointe Helbronner: €52 EUR per person Enjoy a magnificent cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner and back – the views are stunning. Pré Saint Didier Spa: €52 EUR per person Indulge in some relaxation at this wonderful spa, in operation since 1800. Aosta Visit: 5h-6h, €7 EUR per person Get to know this charming bilingual city nestled in the Italian Alps. It offers many sites to explore, including the ancient town walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum, still preserved almost in their entirety, and an ancient Roman amphitheater. Mountain Biking: Price varies Hop on a bike and enjoy the challenging ride, with some steep inclines and spectacular views.