Trip Notes Trip Code: TWP Countries: Switzerland, Italy, France Amended: September 2013 Edition No: CKT-1-2014 Valid from: 01 Jan 2014-31 Dec 2014 TOUR DU MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS A 'fast and light' week of the Classic Mont Blanc circuit Enjoy spectacular views of the Mont Blanc and its surrounding peaks Three counties, three cultures and three cuisines all in one week SUMMARY The Mont Blanc Massif provides the focus for a classic walking circuit known as the 'Tour du Mont Blanc' (often abbreviated to TMB) and if followed fully takes 10 walking days. Please see our Mont Blanc Circuit (TWB) or Mont Blanc Hotel Trek (TWO) for the full unedited route. For this fast and light version of the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit we have extended some of the days a little and edited some of the others, as well as providing a couple of short transfers, to allow you to cover virtually the full circuit in one week. This circular route encompasses all of the highlights of trekking through 3 countries; France, Switzerland and Italy. The Chamonix Valley with Mont Blanc and all its myriad of sister peaks and spires, the magnificent Grand Col Ferret with its imposing views of the Grand Jorasses, Col du Seigne with views of the enormous Miage Glacier, and the testing Col du Bonhomme. We don't take a day off! This is not half a tour or taster, as some operators offer, but a fast and light version of the Tour du Mont Blanc squeezing as much of the tour as possible into 6 days, but without turning it into an army route march or overly onerous challenge. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Activity level 5 - Challenging. 6 days walking Some of the days are long, quite often involving ascent s of 900-1200m (or 3000-4000 feet), equivalent to 3 to 4 hours walking uphill, followed by similar descents, amounting to 8 to 9 hours of walking each day (including rest stops and lunch). Although the paths are well maintained there are sections that are rough underfoot. As this is a group holiday you need to be confident that your fitness will allow you to enjoyably walk at a consistent and steady pace that matches the group average, therefore allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease. This trek is graded as Activity level 5 - Challenging, as it involves light backpacking and some long days. You will have to carry your own gear with you (there is no vehicle support), but this need not weigh more than 8 to 10 kilos if you pack carefully. On day 7 there are 2 metal ladders to climb en route to Lac Blanc, these are secured against the rock, consist of approximately 12 steps and are not difficult to climb. All ascents, descents and walking distances listed below are only estimates. We pack light as we walk with all our own personal gear and en route we stay in a mixture of comfortable hotels and guesthouses that provide all we need. To view pictures of this trip, please visit: www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/ twp/images Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: 0845 863 9616 E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk
Day 5 Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines, France We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m - 8130ft), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and then descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (1,175m - 3860ft). Our path continues through the village and finally arrives at our overnight stop and time for a well-deserved cold drink. Auberge in Les Contamines. 8.5 hours walking, 19km - 12 miles, 940m - 3080ft up, 1310m - 4300ft down (BD) Day 6 Col de Tricot - Les Houches LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Col de la Forclaz, France Start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you. Hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. (D) Day 2 Bovine route - La Fouly We leave the Col de la Forclaz (1527m - 5010ft) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season) the 'Bovine route' (2049m - 6720ft) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch we descend to Champex (1486m - 4880ft) and the east side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Walking south we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1055m - 3460ft) a pretty alpine farming village. At this point we usually hop aboard the local bus to take you the rest of the way La Fouly (1600m 5250ft). From our hotel terrace we look out onto the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Hotel in La Fouly (Switzerland). 8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 18km - 11 miles, 500m - 1650ft up, 1000m - 3280ft down (BD) Day 3 Grand Col Ferret - La Palud, Italy Still following the valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb steadily to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m - 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called 'Val Ferret' (1760m - 5770ft ) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud. Hotel in La Palud (Italy). 7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 14km - 9 miles, 940m - 3080ft up, 780m - 2560ft down (BD) Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m - 5120ft), a great spot to sample some home cooked delicacies. From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2,119m - 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. Good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m - 5420ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and then finally descend to the village of Les Houches (993m 3260ft) and take the bus to our hotel. Hotel in Chamonix. 8.5 hours walking, 16km - 10 miles, 980m - 3215ft up, 1130m - 3700ft down (BD) Day 7 Grand Balcon Sud Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks as we trek; a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route will then drop sharply down to Chamonix (1,030m) and the end of our trek. Hotel in Chamonix. 8 hours walking, 14km - 9 miles, 890m - 2920ft up, 1320m - 4330ft down (B) Day 8 End Chamonix in Chamonix (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. ACCOMMODATION Throughout the trek we use long-established family run 1 to 3-star (equivalent) hotels. Most of the hotels have stunning locations often with panoramic vistas over the mountains and culturally represent the countries and environment they are in. These hotels are a vital source of income to the local community. All are clean and well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind. Please be aware that room sizes (twin, double or triple rooms) and facilities will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room within one hotel. On 2 of the nights facilities are en suite whilst the others have the possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and toilet facilities 'on the landing'. Couples will always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be twin or double. Single clients must be prepared to share with one or occasionally two other members of the same sex. We are unable to accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of Day 4 La Visaille - Les Chapieux We travel by bus to La Visaille (1,660m - 5450ft) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today's pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2,516m - 8250ft), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m - 5870ft) and finally after a long walking day to Les Chapieux (1,553m - 5100ft), a small hamlet inhabited only during the summer months. Auberge in Les Chapieux. 8.5 hours walking, 20km - 12 miles, 860m - 2820ft up, 1000m - 3280ft down (BD) 2
the hotels used and the fact that we are usually staying only one night in each hotel. Extra Accommodation: If you require any additional accommodation either before or after the trip, we can book this for you (subject to availability). Please notify us at the time of booking. Payment for this must be made to your agent or us in advance, so that we can issue you with an accommodation voucher. Please contact the Exodus office for up to date prices. Please note that a 5 (or equivalent) booking fee is added to the invoice. Transport All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included. We use a variety of transport to facilitate our route around the circuit; this includes local buses and taxis. For the transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY FOOD & TRANSPORT Food All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on day 7 of the itinerary. Typical Meals Breakfast: Will usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, and conserves. Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either shops, mountain huts or the hotel. Evening meal: Generally consists of a first course of soup or salad or other savoury dish, a main course of meat or fish with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Although tasty and nutritious the style of menu in restaurants in this part of Europe often lack in variety or quantity of accompanying fresh vegetables compared to menus we may be used to in the UK. The meals are prepared as a set menu for the whole group. Unfortunately there is limited flexibility to change the menu for individuals. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals. Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking. If you take a vegan diet you should expect that variety of food may be limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region we cannot guarantee that the hotels and restaurants will provide meals that have the necessary variety to be considered satisfying when on a more restricted diet. From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and on the high passes especially it can be surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of 15 to 25ºC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30ºC in July/August), 5 to 15ºC on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5 to 15ºC in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August, and in September trips may find snow on the passes. Please note that on late season treks (September) the days are shorter and we will need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of Swiss International Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. 3
JOINING THE TRIP IN COL DE LA FORCLAZ 8 days, normally start Col de la Forclaz Sat, end Chamonix Sat Low cost airlines It is possible to fly direct to Geneva with some budget airlines. It is likely that flights from regional airports will arrive at different times to the group flight from London; where this is the case a wait at the airport for the group transfer, or alternative transfer arrangements at your own cost, may be necessary (see below). Alternative flight options: Bristol, Manchester, Gatwick, Luton, Liverpool, Edinburgh - Easyjet. Heathrow - BA. City, Heathrow - Swiss Air. Airport Transfers for land only itinerary Those arriving/departing on non-group flights can join the group transfer free of charge (by prior arrangement only) if your flight arrives before or, at the end of the holiday, departs after the group flight. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if it has been booked for you by Exodus. Please check with the Exodus office if you are unsure whether or not a transfer is included. Italy No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. France No visa required for British passport holders. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. As mentioned group flights can be rescheduled, so you must check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. For those arriving at different times to the group flight it is very easy to take the train directly from Geneva airport to Martigny, Switzerland and from there use a local bus or taxi to the start hotel. Details of train/bus times and prices can be found at the following website http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html. Journey time is approx. 2 hrs. 30mins and it costs around 50CHF. A taxi from Martigny to the Col de la Forclaz is approx. 60 CHF. Take The Train Both Geneva Airport and Martigny and Chamonix can easily be reached by train. If you book a train to coincide with the group flight timings there is a station inside Geneva airport itself. You are then welcome to join our free group transfer to Chamonix (by prior arrangement only). It is only possible to reserve train seats 3 months before your departure date and our sales team will be happy to book this for you in cooperation with Rail Europe. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. Throughout this trek we visit small mountain refuges for drink and snack stops helping to support the mountain community. While trekking our leaders and support staff work hard to ensure our groups leave minimal impact on the areas they walk, taking all litter and recycling where possible. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services). If taking an alternative policy you must be sure that you are covered for any activities that are part of this trip or optional activities that you intend to take part in. You must have adequate travel insurance, and as you are joining a trip which goes to altitude you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT + 1 Electricity 230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required. Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals as well as being skilled group leaders. This not only helps to assure safety on the mountain but also that your leader has experience and knowledge in wider mountain environment such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local customs. Our support leaders will transfer your main luggage from hotel to hotel each time you move on. Please note that your baggage is not carried to your room. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years. Switzerland No visa required for British passport holders. 4
MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF), with an exchange rate of 1.42 to the UK and 1.08 to the US$. The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.2 to the UK and 0.75 to the US$. The national currency of France is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.2 to the UK and 0.75 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. While walking in Switzerland drinks and snacks can be bought in Euros, so it is not necessary to have Swiss Francs. If you prefer to pay in CHFs you can obtain them from ATMs or possibly exchange Euros for CHFs through the group leader. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques There are ATMs at Geneva airport and in Chamonix town centre, however for convenience we advise that you bring Euros in cash with you. There are some other cash points along the route and your leader will be able to advise you where these will be. Warm hat and gloves Lightweight down jacket or warm fleece top Optional items: Walking poles x 2 highly recommended Pair of light weight shoes/sandals/flip flops for evening time Book Swimming costume/trunks (swimming in lakes!) Earplugs Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Cicerone Press publish an English language guide entitled Tour of Mont Blanc written by Kev Reynolds. Maps: The recommended maps for this trek are the two sheets 3630 Ouest and 3531 Est issued by IGN series at a scale of 1:25,000. The best alternative is the single sheet 1:50,000 map issued by Rando- Editions `Pays du Mont-Blanc' (sheet A1). Any other maps need several sheets to cover the area. If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. Extra Expenses and Spending Money On all walking days we will stop at a local café or mountain hut for refreshments and you may choose to eat lunch too. You will need money for drinks in these cafés or huts and for drinks in restaurants when we take our evening meal out. Typically a large café au lait or a soft drink would cost between 4-5, and a glass of beer 6-8. A bottle of wine can be bought for approximately 10-16 in these restaurants. Packed lunches will cost between 5 and 10 Dinner on Night 7 will cost from 15 In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? http://www.exodus.co.uk/community IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100. Tipping (leader and local staff) Although optional a tip for the leaders at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between 10 to 40 per client per leader (US$16-60). Tipping (leader and local staff) Although optional, a tip for the walking leaders at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between 10 to 30 (approx. US$15-50) per client per leader. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Rucksack of 40-60 litres capacity Walking boots Waterproof rucksack liner or bin-bag Small wash kit Head-torch Waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers Water bottles (at least 2 litres capacity) Sunhat, sun cream, sunglasses 5 Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to
keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email. 2. Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6
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