France — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE FRANCE " ITALY On the Tour du Mont Blanc Mont Blanc Trek TREKKING GRADE C Ref MB JFMAMJJASOND JFMA FRANCE " ITALY " SWITZERLAND Mountain bike through the valley 8 DAYS CHALET TREKKING ON THE FAMOUS TOUR DU MONT BLANC The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the worlds classic walks. Our one-week trip takes two day-walks amongst the soaring peaks of Chamonix followed by a 3-day trek on the finest section of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The walks pass through flower-filled meadows, cross high passes and offer some of the finest mountain views in the world. Chamonix & Alpine Lakes Over-shadowed by the soaring peaks of Mont Blanc, Chamonix has become synonymous with trekking and climbing and has attracted adventurers for many years. We spend 3 nights in this bustling Alpine town taking daywalks into the mountains and returning to enjoy the pavement caf�s and restaurants in the evening. Our walks take us through thick fir and larch forests on to open Alpine ground where we should see marmots, chamois and birds of prey. Our destinations are Lac Blanc, a high Alpine lake, and a traverse under the spectacular granite spires of the Chamonix Aiguilles to the Mer de Glace glacier. We trek amongst wild mountain scenery, see huge glaciers and breathtaking views of the whole Mont Blanc range. Italy & the South Face of Mont Blanc Travelling through the Mont Blanc Tunnel we begin our 3-day trek in Italy on the finest section of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Starting at Val Veny (1650m) we climb steadily through wild open country with spectacular views of Mont Blanc: the south face is very steep and offers some of the most challenging climbing in the Alps. We cross the Col de la Seigne (2516m) back into France and descend to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m). Les Chapieux to Chamonix A steep ascent takes us over another high pass the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m) through wild and rugged scenery full of colourful Alpine flowers. This is classic Mont Blanc Trek Ref MB SWITZERL AND Col des Montets 1461m Chalet du Lac Blanc 2352m Chalet de la Flegere 1877m Les Praz NEW! Mont Blanc Activity Week TREKKING GRADE B Ref MN JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS CHALET TREKKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, ROCK CLIMBING IN THE ALPS e FRANCE CHAMONIX Les Houches From/To Geneva Bellevue Col de Tricot 2120m Mt Blanc 4807m Optional excursion Aiguille du Midi 3842m LES CONTAMINES 1165m Col du Bonhomme 2329m Aiguille Noire Top of Val Veny 1540m Col de la Seigne 2516m Courmayeur With incredible mountain views, glaciers, sharp granite spires and the highest mountain in Europe, Chamonix is the perfect setting for an active week. Based at a comfortable chalet, the week is spent trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing amongst magnificent scenery with free days for optional paragliding, ice climbing and rafting. Chamonix & our Chalet For this season we are using a chalet in Chamonix, 5 mins walk from the town centre and ideally located for restaurants and all amenities. The chalet has a number of twin rooms, kitchen, lounge and a large garden with hot tub allowing fabulous views of Mont Blanc. Breakfast is served in the chalet by its staff either on the terrace or indoors in the communal area. Try out rock climbing Arv Our chalet near Chamonix town centre el nn Tu I T A LY km 15 LES CHAPIEUX 1549m 0 Alpine walking and attracts trekkers from all over the world. After a night at Les Contamines (1165m) we complete our trek by crossing the Col du Tricot (2120m) and take a cable-car back down to the Chamonix Valley. The last day is free for you to relax in Chamonix or take part in optional activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and swimming. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Geneva; transfer to Chamonix. 2 Day walk to Lac Blanc (2350m) on the Tour du Mont Blanc. 3 Day walk to Chalet du Plan de lAiguille (2233m) and traverse under the Chamonix Aiguilles to the Mer de Glace glacier. 4 Transfer through Mont Blanc Tunnel and on to Val Veny; begin trek with light back-packing to Les Chapieux. 5 Ascend the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and on to Les Contamines. 6 Continue trek to Chalets de Miage then cable car to Les Houches and local bus to Chamonix. 7 Free day for optional activities, including rock climbing, biking or Aiguille du Midi cable car. 8 Transfer to Geneva; fly London . Accommodation & Meals: 5nts chalet in Chamonix, 1nt Auberge, 1nt Hotel; 7 breakfasts & 5 lunches & 3 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Cable car. Comment: Without doubt, this is one of the worlds great trekking areas, exploring the stunning French and Italian Alps. A mainly chalet-based trip, this tour is graded C strenuous and is suitable for walkers who enjoys the challenge of hikes with plenty of ascent and descent (approx 1000m each day). The trek to and from Chapieux on days 4 and 5, is unsupported and you will need to carry spare clothing (lightweight trousers & shirt) and overnight gear. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus locally organised baggage transfers. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 14. Trekking, Biking & Rock Climbing From our base we take two exhilarating daywalks one to a high-altitude lake and another to see dinosaur footprints. Walking amongst breathtaking landscapes we can see Alpine flowers, marmots, chamois and panoramic views. The mountain biking trip explores different parts of the valley travelling through thick forests and open Alpine meadows. The rock climbing takes place in the shadow of Mont Blanc and is suitable for both beginners and seasoned climbers. Time to Relax! The trip is not all activities: we have a day trip to Italy where we explore the Roman town of Aosta with its Roman amphitheatres and cathedral to enjoy Italian coffee, great restaurants and traditional ice creams. For those who need a further adrenaline fix, there are many other optional activities when we return to Chamonix including; paragliding, ice climbing and rafting. Mont Blanc Activity Week Ref MN Walk to Lac Pass dEmosson 2650m 1960m FRANCE Walk to Lac Blanc 2352m From/To Geneva airport Valorcine FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Geneva; transfer to chalet. 2 walk to Lac Blanc. 3 Mountain biking in the Chamonix Valley. 4 Day trip to Roman town of Aosta in Italy. 5 Half day rock climbing; free afternoon. 6 Free day for optional activities. 7 Day walk to Emosson Lake and dinosaur footprints. 8 Transfer to Geneva; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts chalet; 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 5 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Mountain bike. Comment: An action-packed, multi-activity holiday. No experience is needed for any activities though the trip will also appeal to those who have more experience. You need to have a decent level of fitness to enjoy the week. As a centre-based trip there is very little travelling and you can do as little or as much as you like. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, chalet staff, drivers, qualified rock climbing instructors. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 14. SWITZERL AND ve Ar CHAMONIX Off road mountain biking & rock climbing Mt Blanc 4807m n B la nt el M o Tun n Optional excursion Aiguille du Midi 3842m c Courmayeur Trek length and gradients 3000m 2500m 2000m 1500m 1000m 500m 0 Day 2 12.5km Chamonix Chamonix Les Chapieux Les Contamines I T A LY a Ba Aosta Amphitheatres Catacombs Do r km 0 Day 3 14km Day 4 17km Day 5 19km Day 6 12km l te a 15 Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information 25

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