Day 1-2 – Depart Home / Arrive in Geneva

Fly overnight into Geneva and transfer to your hotel within the Haute-Nendaz mountain resort. After time to settle in, gather with your fellow travelers and trip leader for a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 3 – Switzerland: Cleuson Dam / Nendaz

After breakfast, drive to the small hamlet of Siviez, the starting point for today’s hike. In the company of a Swiss guide and your trip leader, a Qualified International Mountain Leader, follow paved roads and forest trails to the Cleuson Dam. The dam was built just after World War II and designed to withstand bombardment. Its thick, reinforced walls hold back some 20 million cubic meters of meltwater and mountain streams in a brilliant turquoise reservoir. Enjoy incredible views of the reservoir and the jagged peaks that surround it, and cross the dam on foot before beginning the descent. Stop for a lunch of Swiss specialties and, if you wish, take part in an optional wine tasting with a local wine experts (additional cost). Return to Nendaz for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 5 miles, moderate hiking over forest trails and paved roads; 1500 feet of elevation gain.

Day 4 – Italy: Valle d’Aosta / Courmayeur

Journey into Italy to the city of Aosta, founded by the Romans and still graced by well-preserved monuments from the first century B.C.  On a guided tour of the ruins of the Roman Theatre, learn about the history of the structure, which once held up to 4,000 spectators. Then embark on a lively food tour for lunch, visiting restaurants, wine bars, and food shops that are well loved by the locals. You’ll have the chance to sample a wide range of delicacies, from local cheeses and fonduta to cured meat called lardo d’Arnad and tegole Valdostane cookies. During free time in Aosta,  consider visiting the Archaeological Museum, the underground remains of the Roman forum known as the Cryptoporticus, or the early-Christian church of Saint Lorenzo. Drive through the Aosta Valley to the mountain resort town of Courmayeur, situated in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 miles, city streets; mostly flat.

Day 5 – Italy: Val Veny / Courmayeur

Embark on an exhilarating hike through the Val Veny, a long valley at the foot of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. From the trail, see Miage Glacier, which spills down the side of mountain and into the valley. Take in views of Combal Lake and the Pyramides Calcaires, two sharp limestone peaks that mark the head of Val Veny.  Keep an eye out for military barracks that date back to conflicts with the French in the 18th century—France’s border lines the crest of the mountains at the end of the valley. Ascend to a local refuge for lunch and magnificent views from your perch at more than 7,000 feet. Hike back through the valley to La Visaille and continue by coach to the hotel. (B,L)

Hiking: 7-8 miles, moderately steep mountain trails; 1800 feet of elevation gain and descent.

Day 6 – Italy: Val Ferret / Courmayeur

Experience the Val Ferret, a splendid valley that runs along the base of Mont Blanc towards Col Ferret, the mountain pass that marks the Swiss border.  Beginning at Lavachey, zigzag up the grassy slope, looking out at some of the loftiest peaks in the Alps: the Dente del Gigante, the Aiguille de Triolet, and Mont Dolent. At about 6,750 feet, reach the Rifugio Bonatti and sit down to lunch with magnificent Alpine views. The hike continues after lunch, tracing Mont Blanc's balcony to Pra Sec Dessous for an incredible vista of Val Ferret and Les Grandes Jorasses. Return to Courmayeur in the afternoon and meet an expert Alpine guide for a tour of the Alpine Museum, which traces the evolution of mountaineering over the centuries. Your evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: 5-6 miles, moderately steep mountain trails; 1600 feet of elevation gain and descent.

Day 7 – France: Chamonix / Mer de Glace

Leave Italy behind today and travel by private vehicle to Chamonix, France. Enjoy a few hours of free time to get to know the town and have lunch on your own. Try a local specialty like raclette or tartiflette, or grab a sandwich and set off on a short hike—a good trail starts by the picturesque medieval church in Les Praz, on the outskirts of town. This afternoon, board a cog train for a scenic ride to Montenvers, a village at the edge of the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. Take a cable car to this “sea of ice,” which stretches over seven kilometers and is some 200 meters deep, and descend 500 steps into a stunning ice cave that is dug into the glacier every year. Alternatively, head to the Glaciorium to see an interactive display on the science and geography of glaciers, or visit the Refuge du Montenvers (previously known as the Grand Hôtel), which was built in 1880 to house the first mountaineers who came to explore the Mer de Glace. Travel back to Chamonix for an evening at leisure. (B)

 Walking: 1-2 miles, some steps but mostly flat.

Day 8 – Aiguille du Midi

Ascend by cable car to the iconic Aiguille du Midi, a 12,600-foot rock “needle” that is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing. From the top of this breathtaking spire, take in a 360° view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Return to Chamonix and ride a cable car to Planpraz-Brevent for lunch, before starting your next hike. Trek along the Grand South Balcony, following mountain streams and passing through pastures dotted with old cottages and shepherd’s huts. The trail affords spectacular views of the Aiguilles Rouges and other peaks of the Mont Blanc massif as it winds toward the Refuge de la Flégère. From here, descend by cable car to Les Praz and transfer back to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening are yours to relax or explore on your own. (B,L)

Hiking: 3.5 miles, downhill undulating trail over rocky terrain; 1000 feet of descent.

Day 9 – France: Aiguilette des Posettes / Chamonix

After breakfast, take the Vallorcine cable car up to the starting point for a loop hike on the Aiguillette des Posettes trail, one of the most beautiful hikes on the Tour du Mont Blanc. From the trail, take in an extraordinary panorama of Alpine summits, including the majestic peak of Mont Blanc. Stop for lunch at Alpage de Balme before beginning the descent. Transfer back to the hotel for a quick rest before heading to Servoz for a visit to the Maison du Lieutenant, the oldest house in the valley and now an interpretation center for the agriculture, culture, and ecology of the mountain. Back in Chamonix this evening, gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at a restaurant in town. (B,L,D)

Hiking: 7 miles, up and down hiking over mountainous terrain, turf, and rocky areas; 1100 feet of elevation gain and total of 2000 feet of descent.

Day 10 – Chamonix / Geneva / Return Home

After breakfast, transfer with the group to the airport in Geneva for your flight home. (B)