CLASSIC TOUR DU MONT BLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS)

This is a one off "In Company" departure of our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc trek. Walk Europe's most

famous trek with a small friendly group and experienced group leader. This version of the Tour du Mont

Blanc starts and finishes in Les Houches and covers all but two short sections of the circuit. Based in

spectacular mountain huts on a half board basis apart from the first and last night in hotels on a B&B

basis.

Connoisseurs will enjoy this version of the Tour du Mont Blanc as you taste, see and smell all her different

sides and have the opportunity to choose several interesting variants. The character of the massif and

surrounding valleys change dramatically as you walk through France, Italy and Switzerland on your Tour

du Mont Blanc and enjoying the delicacies of each country is one of the highlights of the tour. We will stay

in mountain huts, refuges and gîtes during the walk, which gives the proper TMB experience. (The first

and last nights are in hotels.)

The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc covers the whole route apart from two sections of the TMB in Val Ferret.

Our TMB starts with a steep climb from Les Houches which immediately immerses you in the glaciers and

rugged spires of Mont Blanc. We then follow the trail over Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and Col de la

Seigne where we pass into Italy. The Col Chécrouit is the next highlight of the tour as continue through

Italy.

From Courmayeur we catch the bus to Arnuva in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret. The climb over

Grand Col Ferret delivers you into Switzerland and a short bus transfer brings us to Champex. The next

day’s walk to Trient via Alp Bovine gives sensational views of the Rhone Valley or you can choose the

challenging variant via Fenetre d’ Arpette, a highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc for many. We then head

into the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to Lac Blanc, which perfectly frames Mont Blanc and is the

perfect last night high in the mountains. The trail delivers a final flourish as it climbs to Le Brévent before

descending back to Les Houches.

The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in company is ideal if you want to complete the majority of the Tour de

Mont Blanc with a friendly group of likeminded people and an experienced leader. Accommodation is in

comfortable three star hotels on the first and last nights and in mountain hut/refuge/gîte dormitories for the

eight nights on the trail. Breakfast is included every morning as are 8 evening meals on the trail. This way

we can stay high in the mountains each night and experience the best of the Mont Blanc Massif. Baggage

transfer is available as an option. Detailed information packs, maps and emergency support are all

included.

Taking on Europe's classic long distance trek

Superb mountain views at every turn of the trail

Three countries on one trek; France, Italy & Switzerland

Delicious meals featuring the local specialities of each country

Spectacularly located mountain refuges such as Refuge Lac Blanc

Small friendly group and experienced leader add to the fun

CLASSIC TOUR DU MONTBLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS)

EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

SUMMARY

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

2 Nights in three star hotels on a twin/double sharebasis8 Nights in mountain huts/refuges/gîtes in dormito-ries9 Days walking

10 Breakfasts

8 Dinners during the walk (Day 1 & 10 not included)

Services of an experienced group leader

Detailed maps, information pack, route notes and

guidebook

Organisational assistance and backup from our

local representative and our office.

Tour: Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Com-

pany (Huts)

Code: WFGTMB

Type: In Company Walking Holiday

Price: £695 per person

Single Supplement: See Website

Dates: 25 Aug - 4 Sep 2012

Walking Days: 9 Days

Nights: 10 nights

Start: Les Houches

Finish: Chamonix

Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

HIGHLIGHTS

Is this trip for me?The Classic Tour du Mont Blanc includesmost of the sections of the Tour du MontBlanc over nine days of walking. It really is asuperlative trek. You will need to be fit and asyou are mainly staying at mountain huts indormitories it may not be for everyone. Ithelps if you are a sociable type as we cer-tainly are.

This version of the Tour du Mont Blanc starts and

finishes in Les Houches and covers all but two

short sections of the circuit.

DAY 1: ARRIVE LES HOUCHES

The sleepy village of Les Houches is easily

accessible by either train or shuttle from Geneva

Airport in just over an hour.

Overnight: Hotel in Les Houches

DAY 2: LES HOUCHES TO CHALETS DEMIAGE

Our Tour du Mont Blanc starts with a steep

ascent from Les Houches to the Col de Voza,

which can be avoided by taking the Tramway du

Mont Blanc. From the col there are two options,

the tougher Col de Tricot Variant contours below

the snout of the Bionnassay glacier and the icy

Dômes de Miage before arriving at Chalets de

Miage.

Walk: 6/7 Hours, Ascent: 1350m, Descent: 550m

Overnight: Refuge de Miage

DAY 3: CHALETS DE MIAGE TOCHALET DU NANT-BORRANT

An easier but delightful day of walking through

woodland and pastures high on the slopes above

the valley through the Contamines Montjoie

Nature Reserve.

Walk: 6 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 1000m

Overnight: Chalet Refuge du nant Borrant

DAY 4 : CHALET DU NANT BORRANT,COL DU BONHOMME, COL DE LACROIX DU BONHOMME, VALLÉE DESGLACIERS.

A steady climb reveals increasingly rugged views

of the high peaks and very quickly you reach the

rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme

(2329 m). A further hour on rough and rocky

ground brings up the Col de la Croix du

Bonhomme.

A high mountain path then leads to the Vallée

des Glaciers via the Col des Fours. The climb

from Col de la Croix to the Col des Fours

(2716m) rewards with probably the finest view of

Mont Blanc you will enjoy on the circuit. From the

col you descend steeply on scree and through

alpine meadows to the Vallée des Glaciers and

then continue on to the Refuge des Mottets.

There is also the option of following the standard

route to Les Chapieux and then taking the local

shuttle to skip the road section to Ville Les

Glaciers

Walk: 6-7 Hours, Ascent: 1050 m Descent: 950m

Overnight: Refuge des Mottets (http://

www.lesmottets.com/) idyllically situated the

converted from buildings of the refuge over 50

beds and a welcome meal at the end of a great

day.

DAY 5: VALLÉE DES GLACIERS TO COLCHÉCROUIT

The Col de la Seigne (2516m) is where you

leave France for Italy and lies 750m above the

refuge. Just wait until you see the view! Superb!

The trail contours along the steep Italian side of

the Mont Blanc Massif. Marmotts and marigolds

are common on this section and the scenery will

have you reaching for your camera every few

yards. Hanging glaciers pepper the slopes above

you and they seem close enough to touch. The

trail from Col de la Seigne to Col Chécrouit really

must be one of the world’s finest walks.

Overnight: Gite Maison Vieille – 1965m - (http://

www.maisonvieille.com). Traditional mountain

food is a forte of this gîte which enjoys a fabulous

position.

Walk: Hours: 6h30, Ascent: 1100 m. Descent:

950 m.

DAY 6: COL CHÉCROUI TO CHAMPEX

Your day begins with a descent to the Italian

village of Courmayeur (Optional cable car). Enjoy

a cappuccino in the stylish capital of the Italian

Alps before catching a bus or taxi (transfer not

included) to Arnuva, in the heart of the beautiful

Val Ferret, in the Grandes Jorasses.

Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand

Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland!

Descent to Ferret (1740 m) where you catch the

local bus to the lakeside village of Champex.

Walk: Hours: 6h30 Ascent: 800 m Descent: 1550

m

Overnight: Gîte in Champex

DAY 7: CHAMPEX TO TRIENT

The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid

walk through pine and larch forests interspersed

with alpine meadows and wonderful views down

the Rhône Valley. Alternatively the demanding

variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre

d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m

it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth

every step. Descending right to the valley floor in

Trient (1280 m) you can look forward to a good

meal.

Walk via Alp Bovine: Hours: 5 h 30 Ascent: 750

m, Descent: 900 m.

Walk via Fenêtre d’Arpette: Hours: 8 h00

Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 1400 m

Overnight: Refuge

DAY 8: TRIENT TO MONTROC/ TRÉ LECHAMP VIA COL DE LA BALME

From Trient, you climb to reach the French

border at the Col de Balme (2191 m). From the

Col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches

ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont

Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the

Argentière glaciers! You then descend to

Montroc (lift optional) in the valley and a short

walk brings you to the peaceful village of Tré le

Champ.

Walk: 5.5 Hrs, Ascent: 900 m, Descent: 850 m.

CLASSIC TOUR DU MONTBLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS)

EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

ITINERARY

Overnight: Auberge in Tré le Champ

DAY 9 : TRÉ LE CHAMP TO LAC BLANCVIA COL DES MONTETS

From Tré le Champ the trail climbs via the Col

Des Montets to the Grand Balcon Sud of the

Aiguilles Rouges. You are now in the Aiguilles

Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of Ibex,

Marmot and many other furry creatures are

common. The refuge at the beautiful Lac Blanc is

surrounded by high peaks and gives a grand

view of Mont Blanc across the valley.

Walk: 5 Hours, Ascent: 900m, Descent: 50m

Overnight: Refuge Lac Blanc

DAY 10: LAC BLANC TO LES HOUCHES

The last day to Les Houches is a long but hugely

rewarding one, ending with the climb to the rocky

pedestal of Le Brévent (2525m). Mont Blanc

seems within touching distance on the opposite

side of the valley and now it’s just a long descent

to Les Houches. (Possible to shorten the day by

taking the cable car from La Flégère or Le

Brévent). Once you reach Les Houches a short

bus ride will bring you to Chamonix, the perfect

place for a celebration!

Walk: 7 – 8 Hours, Ascent: Descent:

Overnight: Hotel Vallee Blanche, Chamonix

(http://www.vallee-blanche.com)

Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small

three star hotel occupies a charming former mill

and is a great base.

Day 11: Onward Travel

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of

days. Taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi

at 3795m is a great way to wrap up your time in

the Mont Blanc Massif, the view are just

incredible. If you are heading home there are

numerous shuttles, buses and trains back to

Geneva and throughout France.

OPTIONAL MONT BLANC SUMMITEXTENSION (3 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS)

Experienced mountaineers may wish to extend

the trip with an ascent of Mont Blanc (4465m),

Europe's highest peak.

Day 1: Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi -Cosmiques

Meet in front of the the Aiguille du Midi in

Chamonix at 10 h. Meeting with the group and

equipment check. We then take the altitude to

reach the top of the needle. Focus on our

objective, presentation guides the program,

materials and technical guidance and summer

safety. On arrival at the top station (3842 m), we

descend to the Col du Midi for a run towards the

tip Lachenal. We then continue to Cosmiques for

a short night. Night and dinner at Cosmiques.

Walk: 3 hours of walking. A and D: 250 m.

Overnight: Cosmiques Hut

Day 2: Refuge des Cosmiques -Mont Blanc du Tacul - Mont Maudit -Mont Blanc - Refuge du Goûter -Refuge de Tête Rousse

Early departure. The route of the three Mont

Blanc brings us back to the Col du Midi, a vast

plateau where the stars give way to the twilight.

The ascent begins, and we follow the trail to go

over the shoulder of Mont Blanc du Tacul (4248

m). Crossing the Col Maudit and technical

passage on slopes and seracs of Mont Maudit

(4465 m). After Brenva Pass (4303 m), the

summit (4808 m) is finally reached after a final

snow slope. Mont Blanc, we descend the normal

route, passing Taste, to Tête Rousse hut (3167

m). This allows us to "cut" the descent and spend

a final night at the shelter to celebrate our climb!

Walk: 8 hours walking. A: 1300 m. D: 1650 m.

Day 3: Refuge de Tête Rousse -Mont Lachat - Les Houches

A lovely walk out in the morning to Mont Lachat

(Tram terminus of the entire 2012 season) and

by the sometimes rocky path of the air "Rognes."

Mont Blanc tramway and cable car to Bellevue

Valley. Separation at the station of Les Houches

in the early afternoon.

Walk: 3 hours 30 minutes walking. D: 1100 m.

Overnight: Not included

You can start on any date that suits your travel

plans and you will find up to date availability on

our website.

ACCOMMODATION

10 Nights accommodation is included in your trip.

Your first and last nights in Les Houches and

Chamonix are in a 3* Hotel in a private ensuite

room (twin/double share). The 8 nights on the

trail are in mountain refuges/huts/gîtes in mixed

sex dormitories either on Alpine style sleeping

platforms or bunk beds.

Mountain huts are spectacularly located and

allow you to stay high in the mountains each

night rather than dropping down into the valleys.

The detailed itinerary has links to the huts and

hotels we use.

SINGLE ROOMS

Single rooms are not available except on the first

and last nights. A supplement is payable.

MEALS

10 breakfasts and 8 evening meals (whilst on the

trail) are included. Packed lunches are available

from your accommodation (order the night

before) or you can stop on the way. Allow about

10 Euro per day for lunch. Drinks are not

included but available at all overnight

accommodation.

BAGGAGE TRANSFER

Is available as an optional extra. If you book

CLASSIC TOUR DU MONTBLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS)

EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

luggage transfer your main luggage (maximum

12kg) will be transferred between your

accommodation each night (except night 2 & 8).

If you have additional bags we can store these

for you at no extra charge.

EXPERIENCE & FITNESS

This is a walking "In Company" not a guided

walk. Neil Lapping will be your group leader and

will coordinate the trip. Each group member will

be supplied with a route book and map so you

can walk with Neil, on your own or with other

members of the group at your own pace. The

group would always meet for lunch and at the

overnight stop.

You will be responsible for navigation, decision

making and safety during your trip. This walk is

strenuous, crosses high mountain passes and

the weather can change quickly. You should be

able to navigate easily with a map and compass

in poor visibility and be experienced in the

mountains.

The route averages about a 1000m of ascent

and descent each day so you should have a

good level of walking fitness. If not then you must

engage in a rigorous fitness programme prior to

the trip. Walking poles are highly recommended

as the TMB is tough on the knees.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs

Adventure that you have suitable travel

insurance which covers you for the activity and

emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Availability

The only departure of this "In Company" Classic

Tour du Mont Blanc is the 25 August 2012 and

the group is limited to a maximum of 10.

Price

£695 per person sharing.

Included

2 Nights in three star hotels on a twin/doubleshare basis

8 Nights in mountain huts/refuges/gîtes indormitories

10 Breakfasts

9 Days walking on the TMB

Services of an experienced tour leader

8 Dinners during the walk (Day 1 & 10 notincluded)

Detailed maps, information pack, route notesand guidebook

Organisational assistance and backup fromour local representative and our office.

Excluded

Mountain rescue / emergency assistance

Travel insurance (required)

Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix

Lunches (allow 10 Euro per day)

2 Dinners

Local transfers and ski lifts (Allow 40 Euro)

Drinks and snacks

Personal equipment

Optional Extras:

Additional nights before, during or after thewalk Baggage transfer of 1 bag per person ofup to 12kg (not on night 2 & 9) (£120 perperson)

Single room supplement if single roomrequired in Les Houches/Chamonix

Getting to Les Houches

By Air: Geneva is the best airport for the

Chamonix valley. You can catch a train or busbut the best option is a pre-booked shuttle.Chamexpress is one of the better ones and costs28 Euro each way. www.chamexpress.com

By Rail: TGV to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet.www.voyages-sncf.comFor the return, they are regular trains betweenChamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.

By Road: Highway A40-E25 Mont Blanc-Chamonix, exit Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. Moreinformation at www.viamichelin.fr

Parking: At St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet,possibility of parking of personal vehicles at therailway station of Le Fayet. During the summer,parking is allowed and free in some surroundingstreets and paying the parking lot of the station.In Chamonix, free parking at the Aiguille du Midi& the parking Planards (Montenvers station).

Travel during the walk

This itinerary skips two sections of the TMBbetween Courmayeur and Champex using liftsand local buses. If you are finding the going tootough you can use lifts or public transport to skipseveral of the stages or big ascents/descents.Public transport and lifts/funiculars are notincluded and although your info pack has fulldetails of each transfer you need to pay forthese.The following transfers are necessary duringyour walk.Day 6: Ski lift Chécrouit - Courmayeur,Courmayeur shuttle-Arnuva; Swiss Postal BusFerret - Champex via Orsières.

Once you have read all the information in this

factsheet or our website and decided on your

preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a

call to confirm availability. You can then book

securely online at www.macsadventure.com by

phone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886, Fax/Post:

Download or request a booking form and post it

to Macs Adventure Ltd, 44 Speirs Wharf,

Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845

CLASSIC TOUR DU MONTBLANC IN COMPANT (HUTS)

EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE WALK

TRAVEL INFORMATION

DATES & PRICES

HOW TO BOOK

527 5688.

Financial Security

In accordance with "The Package Travel,

Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations1992" all passengers booking with

Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to us, including repatriation if

required (this insurance will not cover repatriation

to the country of origin for the passengers

outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or

curtailment of your travel arrangements due to

the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd

AITO Quality Statement

Macs Adventure is a member of

the Association of Independent

Tour Operators. The

Association represents Britain’s

leading independent tour operators and

encourages high standards of quality and

service.

Macs Adventure abides by the Association’s

Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO

Quality Charter which can be viewed on

www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more

about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure Holidays is

a Member of ABTA. ABTA

and ABTA members help

holidaymakers to get the

most from their travel and assist when things

don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to

maintain a high standard of service to you by

ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

For more information on ABTA, the Code of

Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to

you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30

Park Street, London SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 581

CLASSIC TOUR DU MONTBLANC IN COMPANY (HUTS)

EUROPE’S CLASSIC LONG DISTANCE TREK