MONT BLANC TRAILS & FLAVOURS OF FRANCE

From the refined city of Geneva, we’re transferred across the French border, and onward through the beautiful, forested countryside. We soon arrive at our charming resort Hôtel Hameau Albert Première. Situated on the edge of Chamonix, our hotel occupies an envious position amid a range of massive snow-capped mountains and winding glaciers. In 1924, the town hosted the first Winter Olympic Games. Chamonix retains its reputation as an adventure sports destination, with snowboarders, skiers and rock climbers all favouring its abundance of snowy peaks and rocky ridges. The Michelin-starred restaurant La Maison Carrier hosts us for a Welcome Dinner this evening.

This morning, choose to have breakfast at our hotel, or else head out early to enjoy sunrise views over Mont Blanc.

Afterwards, select from one of the following Your World experiences: 
— Explore Chamonix and its surroundings. Perhaps board a cable car and glide up to 
Le Brévent. From here, gaze out to admire the rise and fall of the surrounding hills. 
— Climb higher still aboard the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Far-reaching outlooks to the French, Swiss and Italian Alps await. For those that dare, step into a glass enclosure jutting out over a 1000m precipice for a view beyond compare. 
— Take the short and elevated rail journey to Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. 
— Play a round of golf before a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery.
— Alternatively, explore the area around the Chamonix Valley on your own schedule.

This evening, choose where to dine from among the region’s finest restaurants.

6.5kms at approximately 4 hours

This morning, we ascend the soaring Aiguille du Midi aboard a cable car. From up here, we may see a few mountaineers going through their paces as they reach for the sky. Just like those fearless climbers, we’re assured awe-inspiring views of a succession of epic peaks and valleys during our hike from Plan de l’Aiguille to Montenvers. Negotiating rocky pathways and a series of switchbacks, we peer into the staggering Chamonix Valley below, then skyward to the Chamonix Needles and Mont Blanc itself. Nearing the end of our hike, we find ourselves perched high above France’s largest glacier, Mer de Glace. From here, we explore the ethereal ice caves the area is famous for. Reward your efforts with a champagne and wine tasting this afternoon before choosing where you’d prefer to dine.

6kms at approximately 4 hours

Today, we board the La Flégère cable car to reach the starting point of our walk along the Grand Balcon Sud. In this staggering alpine setting, we’re afforded more captivating and unobstructed views of the Mont Blanc massif. The trail is also renowned for the serenely beautiful Lac Blanc. A more idyllic scene could hardly be asked for, as we enjoy our lunch while gazing into the lake’s still waters. On reaching the picturesque plateau of Planpraz, we descend via cable car back to Chamonix. A gourmet experience is yours to enjoy this evening, as you participate in a French and Italian cooking class, working with the most inspired flavours of the region. Should you prefer, several quality restaurants are also available for dinner tonight.

Optional : 16kms at approximately 5 hours (10km option is also available)

Today, select from one of the following Your World experiences: 
— Hike 16kms at approximately 5 hours (10km option is also available)
One of the world’s most scenic hikes, the Tour du Mont Blanc has its starting point 
in nearby Les Houches. High above the Bionnassay Valley, follow a trail through lush countryside, graced with wildflowers, streams and undulating hills. Dazzling views of Mont Blanc and the other dominant mountains of the Alps will keep your spirits high as you press on toward Les Contamines. 
— Take to the skies for arresting aerial views of Mont Blanc and the Alps during a scenic helicopter flight. Your pilot will take you to a special viewpoint to enjoy lunch and French Champagne while taking in these memorable mountain scenes.
— Enjoy a different perspective of the terrain, as you ride an e-Bike along the mountain trails connecting Mont Blanc’s surrounding towns. 
— Absorb the delightful mountain scenery while joining our chef to pick some of the distinctive herbs that will embellish the flavour of our evening meal. 
— Join a boat cruise along Lake Annecy. Known as the Little Venice of the Alps, Annecy’s colourful buildings line its canals, while spectacular views of the nearby mountains open up as you head out onto the lake.

Dine under the stars this evening with a stunning mountain backdrop, before enjoying the first of our two-night stay at the idyllic Four Seasons Hotel Megève.

10kms at approximately 3 - 4 hours

We set out on one of Megève’s most picturesque hikes today. Uninterrupted views of Mont Blanc are ours as we hike trails along Mont d’Arbois and Mont Joux. Along the way, we also take in views of the rocky, yet verdant peaks of Mont Joly, the Chain of Fiz and the Aravis Range. Pause for lunch while drinking in these epic mountain landscapes. As we continue our walk, we may also spy the occasional cow herd grazing upon mountain pastures. The unique opportunity to participate in a cheesemaking class in this breathtaking alpine setting is also available. This evening, we dine at Le Refuge, peacefully nestled in the hillside, just a few minutes from Megève.

13kms at approximately 5 hours

This morning, we transfer from Megève, via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, to the Italian resort town of Courmayeur. From there, our hike along the southern side of the massif grants us favourable views up to the dramatic Italian Shelves of Mont Blanc. Following our descent back into the town, some retail therapy may just help to accelerate our recovery, as Courmayeur’s stylish locals lead the way to the finest boutiques in town. Tonight, we dine and spend the first of two evenings at our elegant mountain retreat, the Grand Hotel Royal & Golf.

On our final full day in the Alps, enjoy time at leisure or choose a Your World experience: 
— Take advantage of our surroundings to try some high-altitude mountain hiking along the Vallée Blanche glacier.
— Indulge in the invigorating thermal waters of Pré-Saint-Didier’s pools.
— Relax and explore Courmayeur at your own pace. 

We celebrate our elevated journey this evening during a Farewell Dinner.