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36 France  Alpine Adventurer France Alpine Adventurer Group Trip 8 Days * Experience Europe's highest mountains, dramatic glaciers and local wildlife * Try a mix of exciting adventure activities * Stunning cable car journey to Aiguille du Midi included * The outdoor café culture of Chamonix T he charming town of Chamonix is the focal point for adventure sports and activities in the French Alps. The superb location, surrounded by the highest peaks in Europe, has long been a draw for adventurers. We use a mix of cable cars and a cog railway to gain access right into the heart of the mountains, while a huge range of outdoor activities is available on the doorstep. We include mountain biking, walking and a tree-climbing adventure day. There is also plenty of free time to simply relax in Chamonix itself, take in the fresh alpine air, or get a further fix of adrenalin with optional activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, water slides and ice-skating. Trip Profile Flights direct with Swiss International Airlines. Accommodation 7 nights hotel. Swimming local pool with water slides in Chamonix. Transport minibus, cable car, cog railway and bike. Group min 5, max 16, plus leader. Food 7 breakfasts included. Reality Check the Alps can be hot in summer. This is an active holiday and children should be happy walking over uneven ground and riding a bike. Min. Age 7 years. Climate: Chamonix Temp ºC Rainy Days The Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Geneva; transfer to Chamonix. 2 Morning mountain bike ride along easy local trails; stop for refreshments along the way at a small adventure park; free afternoon to explore Chamonix. 3 Excursion by cable car to Aiguille du Midi with stunning mountain and glacial views; cog railway trip to Mer de Glace to visit ice cave. 4 Cable car to the cliff-top peak of Brevent for an exciting 'balcony walk' with great views of the Mont Blanc range; descend back to Chamonix by cable car. 5 Free day in Chamonix. Optional horse riding or pony trekking can be arranged. 6 Great fun for all the family at a forest adventure centre with walkways, bridges and rope swings suspended in the branches. Summer luge ride back towards town. 7 Half day visit to animal park near Chamonix to learn about local wildlife. Afternoon French boule tournament. 8 Transfer to Geneva; fly to London. Group Dates & Prices Trip Code * FVM Sat to Sat NO LOCAL PAYMENT Start End Adult Child# 2008 26 Jul 02 Aug £819 £789 02 Aug 09 Aug £819 £789 09 Aug 16 Aug £819 £789 2009 25 Jul 01 Aug £839 £809 01 Aug 08 Aug £839 £809 08 Aug 15 Aug £839 £809 Optional single supplement £80 #Child must be aged 7 to 11 at time of dep. Recommended teenage departure Insurance: please see page 68 i For Trip Notes & availability, use the Trip Code in the search box on the Exodus home page. TRIP TRIVIA 1786 saw the first ascent of Mont Blanc. Jacques Balmat, a local crystal hunter by profession, teamed up with Dr Paccard, a Chamonix doctor. On 2 August they reached the 4810 metre summit and became the first people to conquer the highest mountain in Western Europe! To book call 0845 863 9636 or visit www.exodus.co.uk