Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Switzerland/Italy/France

Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc: Switzerland, Italy and France

Program No. 15870RJ
Explore some of the world’s most picturesque vistas as you walk amid wine regions in Switzerland, pristine glaciers in France and quaint Italian villages in the European Alps.
WishlistShare
Start
  • Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc: Switzerland, Italy and France
  • Hiking Below and Beyond Mont Blanc: Switzerland, Italy and France
Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
13 days
Rating (4.94)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,599
Flights start at
1,000
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
26 meals ( 11B, 7L, 8D )
11 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach; riding about 2.5 hours. Hotel check-in is at 3:00 p.m. Luggage may be stored at the front desk until rooms are ready. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Upon arrival at the hotel, we will check-in and take some time to freshen up and relax. If time permits, we will take a stroll through the town with our Group Leader before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader and local experts will conduct the educational program including hiking and walking field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 25 minutes, over 9 miles total. Morning hike: Walking up to 7.5 miles of easy walking for approx. 3 hours along the river, elevation gain/ascent 253 feet and loss/descent of 695 feet; Afternoon hike: Walking up to 5 miles, approx. 2 hours, on forest trails including dirt paths, rocks, and tree roots, elevation gain/ascent 280 feet and loss/descent of 525 feet. There is one short rocky steep path that can be a bit tricky to get up to the waterfall.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After a short walk to the bus stop, we will transfer by local bus to the hamlet of Valnontey, where our walking field trip begins. We will start on a gentle one-way trail along the Valnontey River, passing through forests of coniferous and larch trees to the Alpe Vermiana (5800 feet). Experience fabulous views of the permanently snow-covered Gran Paradiso Mountains. Today's field lectures include "Alpine Garden in Valnontey". The walk brings us back to Cogne.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we will return to the public bus stop and transfer by local bus to the village of Lillaz (5304 feet) and the Lillaz waterfall. Our walking field trip begins here and brings us to a small geological park, where we will learn more about the mixed rock bed of the valley. We will then walk up to the Lillaz waterfall and back to Cogne along the Urtier River. Enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain peaks and glaciers.
Dinner:
On your own. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes, over 34 miles for return journey. Up to 2 miles of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones with minimal change in elevation.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After a short walk to the bus stop, we will then transfer by public bus to the attractive mountain town of Aosta (1912 feet), founded by the Romans in 25 BC - primarily a military camp, and called the “Rome of the Alps.” The setting of this town is pure enchantment, surrounded by mountains. The Roman layout of the streets of Aosta, with its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging upper stories, give the town a very alpine flair. We will hear a lecture called "Aosta – Past and Present."
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most, before returning by public bus to Cogne. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus, riding approx. 15 minutes, over 4 miles for return journey. Up to 6 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on mountain and natural trails including tree roots & rocks. There are some passages on rough terrain with narrow paths or tree roots. This is a circular trail with a gradual elevation gain and loss of 1315 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Departing the hotel on foot, we will then transfer by local transportation to the old village of Gimillan (5900 feet), built on a natural terrace. From there, we will walk across alpine meadows and take in the panoramic views of the majestic mountains of the Gran Paradiso National Park. We will learn about Gimillan and the national park during a field lecture.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
We will return to Cogne by public bus. In the late afternoon, we will visit the Maison Gerard Dayne, one of the best examples of traditional Aosta Valley architecture and enjoy a demonstration of how to cook the traditional polenta. Learn about process of preparing this dish while tasting local wine.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, driving approximately 83 miles, up to 3.5 hours. Up to .5 mile of walking on the St. Bernard Pass.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following check-out, we will transfer by private coach up to the incredible St. Bernard Pass (8114 feet), an ancient Roman transalpine route and more recently the path of Napoleon's army into Italy in 1800. En-route there is an excursion to the St. Bernard Museum, the first hospice founded as early as 1049 and appropriately named after Saint Bernard. This name later became famous for the St. Bernard dogs, loyal companions to the monks and mainly used as rescue and watchdogs. Learn about the "History of the Great St. Bernard Pass and the St. Bernard Dogs" during a field lecture.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue on the winding road down to the Rhone Valley and up to Villars-sur Ollon. After checking in, take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus and train, riding approx. 25 minutes, over 8 miles for return journey. Up to 6 miles of walking for 4 hours on natural forest trails including tree roots, rocks, and on cobblestones. There are some passages which are quite steep and slippery. Trails could be muddy and some small streams could have a extra water. Morning: elevation gain of approx. 330 feet, and a loss of approx. 1165 feet. Afternoon: there is first a loss of 315 feet, followed by a gain of 65 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Starting from the hotel, we will take a short walk to the bus station to transfer by public bus to Solalex (4820 feet), a beautiful mountain pasture under the breathtaking cliff, Miroir d’Argentine. We will discover local geology and then walk through pine forests and alpine meadows to Barboleuse (3973 feet).
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Barboleuse.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will gently walk to Gryon (3655 feet) and enjoy a visit of this picturesque village full of history. We will return to Villars via train.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus and train, riding up to 30 minutes, over 10 miles; Up to 5 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on natural and mountain trails including tree roots & rocks. The morning trail begins with a gradual 200-foot ascent, with a total gain of approx. 490 feet, and elevation loss of approx. 330 feet. In the afternoon there is a total gain of approx. 130 feet and an elevation loss of approx. 985 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the morning with a walk to the bus stop and travel by local transportation to Col de la Croix, the starting point of today's walking field trip. We'll walk across alpine meadows with the stunning Swiss and French Alps at every turn. During our hike, we will hear a field lecture about life as a Swiss Alpine Farmer. Taste some different Swiss cheeses prepared by our local hiking guide.
Lunch:
Fondue at a local restaurant
Afternoon:
From the restaurant, we will continue our hike in the direction of Villars through forested trails and meadow scenery. Our local hiking guide will provide explanations about the different areas we will see as we walk. At the conclusion of our walk, we will take the cog train back down to Villars.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 2 hours, over 50 miles. Up to 1 mile of walking for 2 hours on cobblestones in town with minimal change in elevation.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will transfer by private coach to Chamonix. Upon arrival in Chamonix, we will deposit our luggage at the front desk before going to lunch.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will begin our walking field trip of Chamonix. Today's field lecture covers the past and present of Chamonix, and Michel Paccard, first climber of Mont Blanc (15,780 feet) in 1786. After our walk, we will check in to the hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off cable car, riding approx. 40 minutes for return journey. Up to 1 mile of walking for 1 hour on a flat rocky dirt path. At some passages there are large rocks and loose scree. We recommend poles. Visiting Aiguille du Midi involves standing for 2 hours at 12,604 feet and a short walk.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we will take a short walk to the valley station. Here, we will ride the cable car up Mont Blanc, enjoying the marvelous views as it first climbs to Plan de l’Aiguille (7600 feet) and then to Aiguille du Midi (12,604 feet). The panorama on a clear day is simply one of the best in the Alps, with views of mountains as far as the eye can see. If the sky is clear, you may even get a glimpse of the Matterhorn! This is a wonder that attracts people from all over the world. We'll hear a field lecture on the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. If time and local circumstance permit, we will then walk from the middle station Plan de l'Aiguille (7600 feet) to the Lac Bleu Lake. We will return to the valley by cable car and walk back to the hotel.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:
Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do more of what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, riding approx. 1 hour; Up to 4.5 miles of walking for 2 hours on natural and mountain trails including tree roots & loose rocks; Ascent of 647 feet; Descent of 952 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the local train station and take the train to Le Buet. From there, we will walk toward Argentière. Weather permitting, we will stop to see the Bérard waterfall before continuing our hike to Col des Montets (4800 feet), the highest point of the hike. The Col des Montets links the Chamonix Valley in France to the Trient Valley in Switzerland. From here, we will enjoy a magnificent view of the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc mountains.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our hike to Argentière. Many large families of mountain guides come from this charming mountain village. In the late afternoon, we will travel by train back to Chamonix.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar Friends during our Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, driving about 2.5 hours, over approx. 101 miles; getting on/off of a funicular, train and lift, ride about 45 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board our private motorcoach and drive to Le Chatelard (3690 feet). Upon arrival, we will begin our journey to Lac d’Emosson (6332 feet), a stunning alpine reservoir located near the French border of Switzerland. This spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps will begin with a ride on one of the world’s steepest funiculars offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. We continue our journey on a panoramic train to the middle station. The final part is a small vertical lift that brings us to the top of the Emosson Dam.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own in Chamonix.
Afternoon:
We will meet at a predetermined time and place to board our private coach to transfer to Geneva, Switzerland. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore Geneva. You may want to see the large fountain Jet d'eau, the European headquarters of the United Nations, Palais des Nations, or Saint Peter's Cathedral. There are also many museums and gardens to see in Geneva. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions or give directions.
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departures in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.