Compare Trekking Mont Blanc by G Adventures vs Scenic Switzerland: Rail Journey through the Mountains by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,039 | $ 5,805 |
| Price Per Day | $ 204 | $ 484 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Experience the rarified air of Europe as you trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland along the Tour du Mont Blanc. This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys, and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows, recharging at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world's premiere hiking routes, uncovering the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible active adventure. |
Experience the majesty of Switzerland in 11 magical nights. Take the train from city to city, watching as the notoriously beautiful countryside glides by. Start in the capital of Zurich and explore it with a tour through its historic and beautiful streets. Find the balance the city strikes between its heritage and the modern age before making way for the charming city of Interlaken. Here you'll get to see a bit more of traditional Switzerland, with a city tucked into the mountains, and even visit the top of Europe, Jungfraujoch. After you've enjoyed Interlaken, begin your train ride through Zweisimmen, Tirano, Bellinzona, and Fluelen, with overnight stays in Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Lucerne. Enjoy a whirlwind of lake-side cities, mountains, stunning scenery, medieval castles, boarder cities with beautiful palaces, and more! Finally, you'll slow down with a stay in charming Lucerne. Here you can visit beautiful churches, historic buildings, the oldest covered bridge in Europe, and pick up some sweet souvenirs. Head back to Zurich for a final night before taking your plane home. |
Day 1 Chamonix
Arrive at any time.
Our circuit begins and ends in Chamonix, France. This evening is our first opportunity to try out some of the best Alpine specialities in a typical restaurant, such as Cheese fondue, Tartiflette or Raclette accompanied with some famous "Vin de Savoie" wine.
Day 2 Chamonix/Les Contamines-Montjoie
Travel to Les Houches and enjoy a 24km (15 mi) hike through the stunning countryside to Les Contamines and savour a delicious dinner in the evening.
We set off this morning after breakfast for our first day of hiking. We'll take the bus to the village of Les Houches, where we begin with a cable car ride to Bellevue. From here on a clear day you’ll enjoy great views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Range, before beginning our hike to Les Contamines.
Day 3 Les Contamines-Montjoie/Les Chapieux
Hike the challenging 18km (11 mi) from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux.
Day 4 Les Chapieux/Courmayeur
Pass glacial lakes on the 23km (14 mi) trek from Les Chapieux to the Italian town of Courmayeur.
Day 5 Courmayeur
The picturesque mountain town of Courmayeur is an ideal backdrop for a free day. Opt to ride a cable car to Pointe Helbronner or go for a day hike.
Today we have a scheduled rest day to put up our weary feet or take the opportunity to enjoy the lovely town of Courmayeur and La Saxe. Enjoy an optional dinner with the group and our leader to taste some of the Italian Alpine specialities offered in Courmayeur's many atmospheric restaurants.
Day 6 Courmayeur/Val Ferret
Hike the 14km (8.6 mi) from Courmayeur to the Italian Val Ferret. It's a steep climb but the rewarding views are worth it.
Day 7 Val Ferret/La Fouly
Embark on a long, steep hike of 20km (12.5 mi) followed by a stay in the Swiss mountain village of La Fouly.
Day 8 La Fouly/Trient
After a short bus journey to the picturesque village of Champex, follow the "Bovine Way" and trek 16km (10mi) from La Fouly to Trient.
Day 9 Trient/Chamonix
Enjoy a final day of trekking 14 km (8.7mi) over the Col de la Balme to the Chamonix valley.
Day 10 Chamonix
We suggest booking your flight no earlier than 12:00 if you would like to leisurely enjoy your last morning in Chamonix. Please keep in mind that Geneva is approximately 2 hours away.
Please note that most international flights depart from Geneva Airport, and you will need to allow at least 3 hours prior to your departure time to travel from Chamonix to Geneva. For this reason, our suggested 12:00 flight departure time is not mandatory, but recommended to allow a leisurely final morning on tour.
Day 1 Welcome to Switzerland!
Land in beautiful Switzerland and start off in the country's capital, Zurich! Check into your hotel to drop off your bags, and spend the rest of the day exploring as you like!
Day 2 Zurich
Embark on a tour through the extraordinary city of Zurich. From fascinating museums and amazing clocks to lovely parks and villas, Zurich is a stunning city. When in Switzerland, be sure not to leave without trying the fondue, and what better place to go for it than the country's capital?
Day 3 Zurich – Interlaken
Catch your train to the city of Interlaken, tucked away into the mountains. This small city offers breathtaking views of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, both of which rest at the foot of Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger Mountains.
Day 4 Interlaken - Jungfraujoch- Interlaken
Today, you'll get to explore the Top of Europe: the Jungfraujoch. As one of the must-see destinations of Switzerland and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Jungfraujoch is a magical sight encased in ice and snow. Be sure to seek out the Ice Palace carved into the heart of a glacier as well.
Day 5 Golden Pass Line:Interlaken - Zweisimmen - Montreux
Make way for Montreux, with a stop in at Zweisimmen to board the Golden Pass Line. Watch as some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland drifts by your window on this comfortable train ride.
Day 6 Montreux – Zermatt
Catch your train out of Montreaux, waving goodbye to beautiful Lake Geneva, to Tasch, where you'll change trains and board one set for Zermatt. This town rests at the foot of the massive Mount Matterhorn. Here, you'll be unable to find a single car, since the city has banned them to preserve the original infrastructure.
Day 7 Glacier Express: Zermatt - St. Moritz
Enjoy breakfast in the shadow of the Matterhorn, then board the anything but chilly Glacier Express. Enjoy magnificent views of the Swiss Alps on your way to St. Moritz. This city dazzles during any time of year, either blanketed with snow and stocked with cozy activities, or offering beautiful views over the water with patches of green and summer flowers.
Day 8 Bernina Express: St. Moritz - Tirano – Lugano
Begin your travels in the morning and make way for Tirano, Italy. Stop in to see the charming 17th and 18th century palaces, as well as the Marian Shrine. Then, continue on to Lugano, where amazing scenery unfolds beneath the city. Look out over stunning mountains and hills, and glittering waters.
Day 9 Gotthard Panorama Express: Lugano - Bellinzona - Flüelen – Lucerne
Head towards Lucerne in the morning, with stops in Bellinzona and Fluelen. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the stoic medieval castles adorning Bellinzona, before lightening the mood with a visit in the lovely Fluelen on the banks of Lucerne Lake. Once you've had the chance to explore a bit, board a steamboat to Lucerne and enjoy the incredible scenery that drifts by.
Day 10 Lucerne
Walk the charming cobbled streets where thousands of visitors have before you. Find the oldest covered bridge in Europe, visit stunning baroque churches, stop in at historic houses, and more as you take the day to explore all you can of this popular and beautiful city. While here, you might want to pick up some Swiss chocolate to bring home with you! Lucerne has some of the best places to find delectable chocolate.
Day 11 Lucerne – Zurich
After breakfast, board the train from Lucerne to return to Zurich. Its your last night in Switzerland, so be sure to try anything you didn't find the time to!
Day 12 Depart Switzerland
Pack away your watches, chocolate, and cheese, its time to head to the airport and catch your flight home.
