NEW TRIP

Beautiful Walks & Charming Villages of the Alps with Killian Buckley & Tania Masi

Treasures of Mont Blanc

France, Italy, Switzerland

11 Days

From $7,995

Level 3

Moderate

Overview

    Book Online Download Itinerary

    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    Walk magnificent mountain trails in the Mont Blanc region, but instead of the challenging hikes of the classic Tour du Mont Blanc, we’ll enjoy moderate hikes as we move from France to Italy to Switzerland. We begin in gorgeous Lake Annecy, then walk off-the-beaten-path trails in the sublime French Alps. Arriving in stylish Courmayeur, below Mont Blanc’s Italian flanks, we hike below the alpine giants of the Aosta Valley. In Switzerland, we walk among ancient Swiss chalets and grazing cows, and finish in Chamonix, birthplace of alpinism, right at the foot of Mont Blanc. Jaw-dropping scenery, charming hotels, and cultural and culinary exploration make this a perfect alpine adventure.

    Arrive: Talloires, France

    Depart: Chamonix, France

    Highlights

    • Enjoy off-the-beaten-path hikes and French alpine culture in the traditional Tarentaise Valley
    • Savor the comforts of alpine living with time to take advantage of the spas, museums, and delightful restaurants
    • Walk high trails on mighty Mont Blanc, including two short hikes on the famed TMB trail
    • Explore Italy's spectacular Aosta Valley, with a private cooking class
    • Discover Courmayeur, the chic Italian mountain town at the foot of Mont Blanc
    • Walk amid the chocolate-box chalet villages and flower-speckled meadows of the Swiss Valais
    • Enjoy Chamonix, birthplace of alpinism

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      From our lakeside hotel in the charming town of Talloires, we'll hike up to Rocher du Roux for stunning panoramas of mountain-ringed Lac D'Annecy. After a walk in the nature reserve of Roc de Chere, we boat to Annecy town to explore the town's cobbled streets.
      A scenic drive over the Cormet de Roselend, a high mountain pass that is a famed stage on the Tour du France, brings us down into the traditional Tarentaise Valley, where we'll hike amid ancient chalets in the heart of the French Alps. Generations of alpine herders moved their sheep and cattle in this area long before the world-renowned ski resorts arrived.
      In the hidden gem of the Aosta Valley, we're surrounded by more than 40 mountain peaks including Western Europe's two highest peaks: Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa. From Courmayeur, we'll take the impressive Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car up to Punta Hellbronner (11,358') for jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc, then hike a spectacular trail on this grand massif. We'll also explore charming Aosta town, with its Roman ruins, and even take a private cooking class.
      We cross the historic Grand St. Bernard Pass (8,100') to enter Switzerland. From our cozy mountain retreat in the tiny Swiss hamlet of Commeire, we'll hike, enjoy mountain panoramas, and visit the acclaimed Pierre Gianadda Museum in Martigny. On our final hike, we'll walk past grazing cows with ringing bells and take in vistas of the whole Chamonix Valley and mighty Mont Blanc. Our last night is in Chamonix, the birthplace of alpinism. Depart on Day 11.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      $600 due at time of reservation
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in hotels and local inns
      • All meals included as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Abbaye de Talloires

      Lac D'Annecy, France

      Days 1-2 (2 nights)

      Set right on the Annecy lakefront, the Abbaye de Talloires is one of the region's historic hotels (Mark Twain stayed here in 1891 and Paul Cezanne painted some of his famous canvases here!). Guest rooms vary in size but are comfortable, and the hotel offers a spa and a fine-dining...

      Hotel Le Monal

      Sainte Foy, France

      Days 3-4 (2 nights)

      This family-run former coaching inn in the Tarentaise Valley first opened in 1888. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a lovely bar, and a restaurant serving typical Savoyarde cuisine. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable.

      Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc

      Courmayeur, Italy

      Days 5-6 (2 nights)

      The 72-room Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc, right at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a five-minute walk to the pedestrianized area of Courmayeur. The lobby bar on the first floor has a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the restaurant has a fine selection of regional wines. There is...

      HB Aosta Hotel

      Aosta, Italy

      Day 7 (1 night)

      The recently renovated HB Aosta enjoys a wonderful location, set at the beginning of the main pedestrian zone in Aosta's historic city center.

      Montagne Alternative

      Commeire, Switzerland

      Days 8-9 (2 nights)

      This eco-friendly mountaintop retreat is located in the small “chocolate box” hamlet of Commeire high in the Swiss Valais. Guest rooms were created from century-old barns and renovated with style, making the most of the original wood and stone.. The mountain views are fabulous and the atmosphere is tranquil. Meals...

      Grand Hotel des Alpes

      Chamonix, France

      Day 10 (1 night)

      A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Killian Buckley

      View Profile

      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is an active journey with hikes and walks that can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health who has recent hiking experience. You will need to be comfortable hiking six miles in a day and being on your feet for 3-5 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group’s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.

      Average Hiking Day

      • 4 miles
      • 3-4 hours
      • 1,400' ascent/descent
      • Altitudes range 4,000 to 8,000 feet
      Challenge Day
      • Day 6: 7 miles, 5 hours, 1,800' ascent/descent
      Review Trip Level Details
      At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they are often much rockier. While we’ve worked hard to find smooth hiking paths with gentle elevation gains, we will experience some rocky and uneven terrain on a few hikes. There will also be a bit of elevation gain and loss (roughly 2,200 feet at most), but generally in the mid-hundreds), but at a moderate pace and often with an option for a shorter hike.
      We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on this trip. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.
      Temperatures during the day will likely be in the high 60s°F. At night, they will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. Mountain weather can be fickle, and it can range from blue skies with temperatures in the 70s°F to cloudy, wet, and cold days on which rain gear and warm garments are necessary. The early-season departures may encounter snow on the trails. There is a chance that we will need to choose alternate hikes if weather conditions are poor.
      Overnights are in mountain towns and alpine villages with great charm and character. They are comfortable hotels but not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.
      Lunch will usually be in a local café or perhaps at a picnic spot amid the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Evening meals are at small restaurants of character, often featuring the cuisine the region is known for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
      Our support vehicle will transport the group’s luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.).

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      Itinerary

      Submit the form below to download itinerary

      Hidden

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      Trip Levels

      With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

      Level 1 – Easiest

      Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

      Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

      Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

       

      Level 3 – Moderate

      Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

      Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

       

      Level 5 – Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

      Level 6 – Very Strenuous

      Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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If you are arriving in Europe via the Geneva Airport (GVA), we include a transfer from the airport to Talloires in your trip cost. We can book an extra hotel night for you at our group hotel in Lake Annecy (an &#8220;on your own&#8221; expense).","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Reserve Naturelle du Roc de Chere \/ Annecy Old Town","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details: ","EstimatedLength":"3 miles, 2 hours, 650' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our morning hike starts right from the hotel and brings us up to the nature reserve of Roc de Chere, set atop a small, forested peak overlooking the lake. This 250-acre reserve has been protected since 1977 and offers amazing views of turquoise Lake Annecy and the steep green mountains all around it. Hikers with sharp eyes may spot some of the local amphibians, numerous bird species, and small forest mammals along the trail, and the flora is diverse. We&rsquo;ll be collected down at Port de Menton St. Bernard for a speedboat ride to Annecy town, where we can roam the cobbled streets. Annecy has a lovely Old Town of arcaded streets crisscrossed by enchanting canals lined with colorful houses. After lunch in town, we&rsquo;ll boat back to our hotel. Tonight we&rsquo;ll dine at one of the acclaimed restaurants in the area.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Cormet de Roselend \/ Refuge Plan-Mya \/ Sainte Foy","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"2.5 miles, 1.5 hours, 600' ascent\/descent\r\n","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"Our scenic morning drive to the village of Sainte Foy takes us over the high mountain pass called the Cormet de Roselend (6,453'), which has been a stage on the Tour de France nine times. This stunning road pass, first paved in the 1970s, takes us into a realm of vast alpine meadows and past the beautiful Roselend reservoir. We&rsquo;ll stop at the top of the pass for a hike to the iconic red British phone box that still stands here overlooking the lake, then enjoy lunch in a traditional chalet in an alpine meadow below the summit. Afterwards, we head down to the charming village of Sainte Foy in the Tarentaise Valley, with its pastoral landscapes and French Alps character. Generations of alpine herders moved their sheep and cattle in this area long before the world-renowned ski resorts arrived. Overnight in the family-run Hotel Monal, a traditional inn that opened in 1888.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Monal Valley Hike \/ Arpin Wool Factory","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"5 miles, 4 hours, 1,000' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"Today&rsquo;s hike brings us above Sainte Foy into the ancient farming hamlet of Le Monal at the mouth of the Le Clou valley in the high Tarentaise. The historic buildings here, built of wood and stone in the 18th and 19th centuries, were abandoned in the 20th century as people moved lower to work in towns. Our trail leads through larch forests and we&rsquo;ll enjoy views of Mont Pourri (12,398'), the Savoy&rsquo;s third highest peak, and its glaciers, with a picnic lunch en route. 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Not long after, Courmayeur became Italy&rsquo;s mountain climbing capital.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Punta Helbronner \/ Val Veny Hike \/ Rifugio Elisabetta \/ Tour du Mont Blanc Trail","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"7 miles, 5 hours, 1,800' ascent\/descent\r\n","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The impressive Skyway Monte Bianco Cable Car gives us a memorable ride up the steep flanks of mighty Mont Blanc, passing right along its glaciers. At the top, we step off at Punta Helbronner (11,358'), which offers jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) from its 360-degree observatory. We&rsquo;ll descend back to Courmayeur to enjoy an afternoon hike on a beautiful section of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail leading up the Val Veny, where the spires and rocky faces of Mont Blanc&rsquo;s south side tower above us. Blue glaciers, deep green pastures, and the orange granite of the overhanging peaks merge to make this one of Europe&rsquo;s most spectacular places. Our hike starts on a paved road but we&rsquo;ll soon be on an old jeep track as we head up to the welcoming Rifugio Elisabetta for lunch. The refuge has a beautiful perch overlooking this glorious valley. We follow the same trail down and return to Courmayeur. Dinner is on your own this evening in Courmayeur. The Trip Leaders are happy to make recommendations, depending on how local or fancy you want to go.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Vittorio Emanuele II Hunting Lodge \/ Aosta \/ Cooking Class","ActivityOverview":"Driving Time:","EstimatedLength":"1 hour","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We&rsquo;ll take a break from hiking today as we head to the charming town of Aosta. Our first stop is the hunting lodge of the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, used by the king and his sons for hunting ibex in the surrounding valleys&mdash;the lodge&rsquo;s walls are decorated with thousands of ibex horns. The family eventually donated the lodge and the valleys around it to the Italian state, and in 1922 it became Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy&rsquo;s first national park. On arrival in Aosta, which has pizzerias and Roman ruins side by side, we&rsquo;ll take a walking tour to see some of the sites, including the grand Roman theater, then delve into the region&rsquo;s culinary scene with a cooking class with a local chef.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Grand St. Bernard Pass \/ Lacs de Fen&ecirc;tre \/ Commeire, Switzerland","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"4 miles, 3 hours, 1,800' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"This morning we drive up and over the historic Grand St. Bernard Pass at 8,100 feet on the Swiss-Italian border. This famed mountain pass has been an important link between northern and southern Europe since the Bronze Age. Romans crossed it with Julius Caesar in 57 BC and the French with Napoleon in 1800. While we&rsquo;re up here, we&rsquo;ll enjoy a hike to the three gleaming Lacs de Fen&ecirc;tre for sweeping views across the Swiss Alps. After lunch, we&rsquo;ll head to our authentic mountain hotel, the Montagne Alternative, which has guest rooms created from century-old wood-and-stone barns in the tiny hamlet of Commeire. There are breathtaking vistas over the valley here, and quiet walks in the early morning and just before sunset are a great way to experience the alpine ambiance of our unique lodging.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1.5 hours","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Montagne de Moay Hike \/ Martigny \/ Classic Music Performance","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"4.5 miles, 3 hours, 2,200' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time:","ItinBlock":"This morning, we hike right from our hotel up a track through forest that contours along the slopes of Montagne de Moay. Along the way, we&rsquo;ll pass a working farm and enjoy exceptional vistas of the Mont Blanc massif. Once we get up on the ridge at 7,000 feet, a full 360-degree view of alpine splendor is all around us. We&rsquo;ll have a picnic lunch amid this beauty then descend to our hotel. In the afternoon, we&rsquo;ll take a chairlift down and drive to the superb Pierre Gianadda Museum in Martigny, which has hosted exhibitions of works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Klee, Goya, Rodin, Giacometti, and Chagall, among others. The museum&rsquo;s extensive sculpture park features works by Mir&oacute;, Rodin, and others, as well as a rare Renoir sculpture. This evening we&rsquo;ll enjoy an outdoor classical music performance at our hotel followed by a Swiss-style outdoor BBQ dinner at our &#8220;chocolate box Swiss village&#8221; hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Vallorcine \/ Col de Balme \/ Tour du Mont Blanc Trail \/ Chamonix","ActivityOverview":"Hiking Details:","EstimatedLength":"3.5 miles, 2-3 hours, 1,300' ascent\/descent","ActivityLevel":"Driving Time \/ Train Time","ItinBlock":"We drive into France to the village of Vallorcine in the splendid Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. For our final hike, we&rsquo;ll be tracing a classic section of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc circuit. We start with a chairlift ride up to the Col de Posettes, and from there, hike up to the Col de Balme on the border between France and Switzerland, accompanied along the trail by grazing cows, with their ringing bells, and enjoying iconic views of the entire Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc&mdash;a fitting finale, and we&rsquo;ll toast with champagne at the top. We&rsquo;ll have lunch in Vallorcine before catching a train to Chamonix. We&rsquo;ll gather for our festive Farewell Dinner tonight.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"1 hour \/ 45 minutes","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Depart for homeward-bound flights.<br>","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Talloires, France \/ Lac D'Annecy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From our lakeside hotel in the charming town of Talloires, we'll hike up to Rocher du Roux for stunning panoramas of mountain-ringed Lac D'Annecy. 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His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn&apos;t take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps&apos; famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite&apos;s El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth&apos;s wildest reaches.","BioLong":"Killian Buckley grew up in Killarney, Ireland. His parents, a harpist and a poet, instilled in him a great appreciation for the beautiful things in life, and once he found the mountains, it didn&apos;t take long for him to become addicted to the wild beauty he found there. He began hiking and climbing regularly, and what began as a hobby soon became a way of life that led him on extraordinary adventures, including climbing some of the Alps' famous north faces and an ascent, with fellow WT guide Naoise O Muiraheartaigh, of Yosemite's El Capitan. In 2021, on his birthday, Killian and his partner Maggie welcomed their first daughter Henia into the world. The three of them live in Chamonix, France. Currently, he is adjusting to fatherhood and figuring out how much risk he is willing to take in the high mountains, but still enormously passionate about sharing his love and knowledge of the Earth's wildest reaches."}],"guestreviews":[{}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":11186,"SimilarTripID":10394,"Trip_Code":"BERGAMO","Trip_Name":"Bergamo to Innsbruck"},{"TripID":11186,"SimilarTripID":10464,"Trip_Code":"ALPEADRIA","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Alpe Adria: Salzburg to Trieste"},{"TripID":11186,"SimilarTripID":10307,"Trip_Code":"HRTSWISS","Trip_Name":"Hiking the Heart of Switzerland"},{"TripID":11186,"SimilarTripID":10545,"Trip_Code":"DOLOTRES","Trip_Name":"Treasures of the Dolomites"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73801,"ProductID":86614,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Abbaye de Talloires","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Lac D'Annecy","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Abbaye de Talloires (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"Set right on the Annecy lakefront, the Abbaye de Talloires is one of the region's historic hotels (Mark Twain stayed here in 1891 and Paul Cezanne painted some of his famous canvases here!). 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There's also a pool, steam room, and Jacuzzi.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-grand-hotel-des-alpes-exterior-alps.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73787,"ProductID":86615,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Le Morgane","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Chamonix","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Post-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Le Morgane (September)","Day":11,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"Hotel Le Morgane, set at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, features magnificent views over Br&eacute;vent and Mont Blanc from its sunny terraces and has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa with sauna facilities.","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-hotel-le-morgane-superior-room.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_TC_Detailed_Itin_URL":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"Adventure","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Emergency_Evac_Insurance":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_name_slug":"france-italy-switzerland-mont-blanc-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Walking, hiking, and cultural adventures in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, including Lake Annecy, the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur, and Chamonix ","Custom_List_Description":"Walking, hiking, and cultural adventures in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, including Lake Annecy, the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur, and Chamonix ","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Treasures of Mont Blanc Walking Tour | Wilderness Travel","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Geneva Airport (GVA)<br><strong>Suggested Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Any time prior to Day 1 <br><br><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader on Day 1 at 8:30 am in the lobby of the Abbaye de Talloires. <br><br>If you are arriving at Geneva Airport, a transfer from Geneva Airport to our hotel in Talloires, France, is included in the cost of the trip. It is a van service that will meet you at your requested flight&mdash;even if you arrive a few days ahead of the actual trip start date. Please note this is a public van transfer service and it is likely that other passengers may join the same transfer. The journey is roughly 1.5 hours with this service.<br>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<strong>Suggested Airport<\/strong>: Geneva Airport (GVA)<br><strong>Date &amp; Time:<\/strong> Day 11, anytime <br><br>If you are departing via Geneva Airport, we will provide an airport transfer service on any day to take you back to the Geneva Airport from Chamonix, even if you stay extra nights in Chamonix after the trip ends.<br>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from France. <br><br>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.exitotravel.com\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>. <br><br>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br><br><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once tickets are purchased, please forward a copy of your email flight confirmation from the airline. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.<\/div><\/div><\/div>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_file_name":"treasures-of-mont-blanc","Custom_Passport":"A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Europe. In addition, we recommend your passport has at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say &#8220;Visas&#8221; at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say &#8220;Amendments and Endorsements,&#8221; and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. You can request a new passport through <a href=\"http:\/\/travel.state.gov\/passport\/passport_1738.html\">US Passport Services Office<\/a> (the service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend <a href=\"http:\/\/www.passportvisaexpress.com\/?affId=2120\">Passport Visas Express<\/a>. Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip. <br><br>It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport's photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"US citizens do not need a visa for countries visited on this trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.","Custom_Money":"The Euro is the official currency of France and Italy, and the Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland. In many large towns and cities in Switzerland, and often in smaller villages close to an international border, businesses accept Euros, giving you your change in CHF. The most convenient way to obtain either currency is to use your debit card at ATMs. <br><br>To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops in cities and larger towns. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.","Custom_Tipping":"Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward guides for outstanding service. We suggest a tip of $200 USD or more per trip member for each of the Trip Leaders, preferably in local currency. The Trip Leaders take care of gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff, and for local guides and drivers.","Custom_Food":"Please reach out to us directly to discuss any dietary restrictions or concerns you may have. We can easily make arrangements for most diets, but please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or logistical limitations can make it difficult or at times impossible to accommodate all requests. With this in mind, please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a special diet, and any food allergies in particular, so we can do our best to meet your needs.","Custom_Communications":"<strong>Telephone: <\/strong> The international dialing code for France is 33, for Italy is 39, and for Switzerland is 41. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.<br><strong><br>Email &amp; Internet Access: <\/strong>Internet access is available at most of our hotels and lodges, but service can be spotty and unreliable.","Custom_Electricity":"France, Italy, and Switzerland have 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs. You will need to bring a voltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels.","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"No inoculations are required. However, it is easy to get a small cut, so a tetanus booster is strongly recommended (good for 10 years). If you take prescription medicines, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip.","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"You can reduce your risk of getting sick on the trip by washing your hands often and not touching your face with unwashed hands. If you arrive on the trip with a cold or feel the symptoms of a cold, avoid close contact with others and move away from people before coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow or upper sleeve, not your hands.","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on this trip. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"Elevate your travel experience by delving into this curated collection of books tailored to your upcoming adventure. They will not only entertain but also provide invaluable insights into the history, culture, cuisine, wildlife, mountain trails, or even folklore of the places you're about to explore. Discover the perfect companions for your journey ahead by <a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/lists\/wilderness-travel-mont-blanc\">following the link<\/a> or scanning the QR code.","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"<ul><li>Air tickets (or E-tickets)<\/li><li>\rPassport<\/li><li>\rOne other picture ID, such as a driver's license<\/li><li>\rExpense money<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Luggage":"We use many forms of transportation on the trip, so we ask that you restrict your luggage to one piece plus your daypack\/rucksack. Additional luggage can be checked at the airport if you plan to return to the same airport for departure. <br><br><ul><li>Soft-sided suitcase<\/li><li>Medium-sized daypack or backpack (20-30 liters), large enough for a fleece jacket, rain gear, water bottle, camera, and other items you want on the trail. A padded hip belt and padded shoulder straps add greatly to the comfort. Our luggage is brought to our lodging in the evening, and during the day, we carry just our daypack or backpack.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Clothing":"Warmth and comfort are the main priorities. Weather conditions will vary greatly. On a hot and sunny day, you might want to hike in shorts and a t-shirt, but remember that in the Alps, rain and cold weather can occur at any time. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable. The single two most important and essential items for this trip are waterproof, breathable, good quality rain jacket with a hood, and medium to heavyweight, broken in, good quality hiking boots. We are likely to experience a full range of weather conditions. Be prepared!<br><strong><br>Layers<br><\/strong>An insulating base layer (top and bottom) beneath your hiking clothes will keep you warm and comfortable. Capilene, fleece, and other synthetic fabrics are excellent, as are lightweight wool insulating layers by Patagonia, Icebreakers, and SmartWool. Cotton is not a good insulator, especially as the first layer next to the skin. Once it gets wet from perspiration, it stays wet and keeps you cold. (Cotton is fine for city wear and touring.) As your insulating layer, we suggest a fleece jacket and pants, which are lightweight, warm, and breathable, or wool, which also keeps you warm even when wet. Finally, a good outer layer is necessary to block the wind and keep you dry in case of rain. Gore-Tex and equivalent fabrics are waterproof and breathable and are a practical choice. Your outer layer should be roomy enough to fit over other layers of clothing. <br><br>The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only: <br><br><ul><li>Gore-Tex rain\/wind shell jacket with hood, and Gore-Tex rain\/wind pants (preferably with leg zippers so that they can be taken off without removing your boots). Important: Whether you choose Gore-Tex, Supplex, or a similar fabric, make sure your jacket has a hood and sealed seams to prevent leaking.<\/li><li>\rWaterproof rain pants. Pants with leg zippers are practical because you can take them off without removing your boots.<\/li><li>\rThick fleece jacket or heavy wool sweater<\/li><li>\rFleece vest. Optional, but great for layering<\/li><li>\rFleece sweater or sweatshirt<\/li><li>\rPolypropylene, Capilene, or wool long underwear (bottoms and tops)<\/li><li>\rLong-sleeved shirt. Wool, fleece, or quick-drying &#8220;travel&#8221; fabrics like nylon.<\/li><li>\rT-shirts<\/li><li>\rHiking pants, one or two pairs. Jeans are not suitable because they are made of dense cotton, and once wet, will stay wet. Fleece pants or synthetic hiking pants are a practical choice.<\/li><li>\rHiking shorts, two pairs. Quick-drying nylon shorts are great.<\/li><li>\rShade hat with a wide brim<\/li><li>\rFleece hat for warmth<\/li><li>\rFleece mittens or gloves<\/li><li>\rMedium to heavyweight hiking boots with Vibram-type rubber lug soles and good ankle support.<\/li><li>\rComfortable walking shoes.<\/li><li>\rHiking socks. Thick pairs (Thorlo-type) as well as synthetic liner socks.<\/li><li>\rUnderwear- Synthetics dry faster.<\/li><li>\rBathing suit (for hotel pools)<\/li><li>\rSleepwear (long underwear can double)<\/li><li>\rCasual city\/hotel attire (for certain evenings when we dine in some quite fine restaurants, you might feel more comfortable wearing dressier, non-hiking clothes. Khakis and a nice shirt will suffice for men; coat and tie not necessary).<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"<strong>Your boots must be waterproof, warm, comfortable, and broken in, with an excellent tread!<\/strong> If you are uncertain about the tread quality of your boots, buy a new pair rather than risk slipping on rocky trails and scree. Please choose your boots carefully. It is a sensible precaution to wear or hand-carry your hiking boots on the plane. Nearly everything else can be replaced in case of baggage loss, but not a pair of well-fitted, fully broken-in hiking boots. <br><br>For this trip, you need medium- to heavyweight hiking boots designed for on- and off-trail hiking with multi-day hikes in mind. Lightweight boots don't offer the high degree of ankle support and foot protection you need. Full-grain leather is extremely water-resistant and durable and is preferable to split-grain leather or nylon. Remember that full-grain leather boots tend to be stiffer and will need a break-in period. If you are shopping for new boots, ask your store about boots with built-in Gore-Tex-type waterproof barriers that enhance water-resistance. If you have old full-grain leather boots, coat them with silicon waterproofing material to increase their water resistance. Waterproofing materials wear off over time and need to be re-applied. Gore-Tex boots are considered waterproof for one year unless the membrane is punctured. <br><br>If you're buying a new pair of boots, make sure a qualified salesperson gives you proper guidance in determining fit. Don't buy any boots that you are not permitted to return after wearing for several hours around the house. Blisters caused by improperly fitted or insufficiently broken-in boots are the most common and painful problem normally encountered on hiking trips. Before you depart, you should be able to wear your boots for a full, active day with no discomfort. Even boots you have owned for years can sometimes produce blisters when you are doing this amount of hiking. Limber up feet and boots before departure, and bring a good supply of Second Skin. <br><br>Running shoes are not sufficient for the hiking conditions you'll encounter, although they are comfortable to change into at night.","Custom_Equipment":"<ul><li>Hiking poles. Hiking with a collapsible hiking pole, such as those by Leki and REI, helps to distribute your body weight, takes pressure off your knees, and improves your balance. Some hikers like using one pole and others prefer hiking with two poles.<\/li><li>\rTwo reusable water bottles, 1 qt. capacity<\/li><li>\rGood quality sunglasses with case. A spare pair of sunglasses is a good idea should your first pair be broken or lost.<\/li><li>\rSmall amount of laundry detergent to hand-wash clothes during the trip<\/li><li>\rStuff sacks or plastic bags to compartmentalize items in your duffel<\/li><li>\rMoney belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"Every trip member should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices. <br><br><ul><li>\rSunscreen SPF 30 or higher and lip balm with sunscreen. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores.<\/li><li>\rAspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headaches, Tylenol PM for sleep<\/li>\r<li>\r\rBlister kit. Look for long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. &#8220;Liquid band-aids,&#8221; such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister.<\/li><li>\rPrescription medications properly labeled<\/li><li>\rSpare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Optional_Items":"<ul><li>Earplugs<\/li><li>\rVoltage converter and plug adapter for appliance use in hotels. Europe has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two or three prongs.<\/li><li>\rFleece neck gaiter<\/li><li>\rCamera, spare batteries<\/li><li>\rReading\/writing material<\/li><li>\rBandanas (many uses)<\/li><li>\rSmall umbrella<\/li><li>\rBinoculars<\/li><li>\rWashcloth, if you like to use one (most European hotels do not provide them)<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Beautiful Walks &amp; Charming Villages of the Alps with Killian Buckley &amp; Tania Masi","Custom_Lodging":"10 nights hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 dinner","Custom_Difficulty":"Moderate to strenuous hikes, 3-5 miles most days, often on rocky surfaces, altitudes of 7,000 to 10,000 feet, rugged road travel","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and\/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost.","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Header":"","Custom_Trip_Cost_Misc_Text":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is rated<strong> Level 3, Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. It is an active journey with hikes and walks that can be enjoyed by anyone in reasonably good health who has recent hiking experience. You will need to be comfortable hiking six miles in a day and being on your feet for 3-5 hours a day. Trail conditions, weather, and the group&rsquo;s level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.<br><strong><br>Average Hiking Day<\/strong><br><ul><li>4 miles<\/li><li>3-4 hours<\/li><li>1,400' ascent\/descent<\/li><li>Altitudes range 4,000 to 8,000 feet<\/li><\/ul><strong>Challenge Day<\/strong><br><ul><li>Day 6: 7 miles, 5 hours, 1,800' ascent\/descent<\/li><\/ul>","Custom_Terrain":"At lower elevations, the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they are often much rockier. While we&rsquo;ve worked hard to find smooth hiking paths with gentle elevation gains, we will experience some rocky and uneven terrain on a few hikes. There will also be a bit of elevation gain and loss (roughly 2,200 feet at most), but generally in the mid-hundreds), but at a moderate pace and often with an option for a shorter hike.","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared&mdash;make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on this trip. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.","Custom_Weather":"Temperatures during the day will likely be in the high 60s&deg;F. At night, they will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. Mountain weather can be fickle, and it can range from blue skies with temperatures in the 70s&deg;F to cloudy, wet, and cold days on which rain gear and warm garments are necessary. The early-season departures may encounter snow on the trails. There is a chance that we will need to choose alternate hikes if weather conditions are poor.","Custom_Accommodations":"Overnights are in mountain towns and alpine villages with great charm and character. They are comfortable hotels but not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole.","Custom_Cuisine":"Lunch will usually be in a local caf&eacute; or perhaps at a picnic spot amid the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Evening meals are at small restaurants of character, often featuring the cuisine the region is known for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.","Custom_Transportation":"Our support vehicle will transport the group&rsquo;s luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.).","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 or email us at <a href=\"mailto:\/\/info@wildernesstravel.com\">info@wildernesstravel.com<\/a>.<\/p>","System_References":"<p>We&rsquo;d be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren&rsquo;t listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions&mdash;and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_Limited_Edition_Adventures":"This is a Limited Edition adventure&mdash;which means a unique trip we've never run before or offer only every few years. Led by our most experienced Trip Leaders, these journeys often take place in remote destinations with only the most basic infrastructure for tourism. If you see a Limited Edition trip scheduled for this year, now is the time to sign up, as spaces fill very early and the trip may not be back for a while! Planned daily activities and actual timings may vary due to local conditions or the discretion of your Trip Leader&mdash;it is important to bring your spirit of adventure for these special exploratory journeys!","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Photography":"<strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. You may want to consider renting camera equipment for your trip from places such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.borrowlenses.com\/\">borrowlenses.com<\/a>. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip. Adding their extra insurance fee to cover expensive equipment is recommended. <br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to wtphotoblog@gmail.com or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. ","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (<a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">wildernesstravel.newheadings.com<\/a>).","System_Questions?":"<p>Our Area Specialists are your single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about your trip!<br>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Pricing_Detail-Small_Group_Adventure":" <br><br>To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. Please note that Wilderness Travel staff, or guests of Wilderness Travel such as travel writers, photographers, or leaders-in-training, are not included in the tier pricing count.","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/leaders\/\">wildernesstravel.com\/leaders<\/a>.<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}