Guided group walking
On our guided walking holidays you'll experience an escorted tour in a small group of like-minded people. Share cheerful moments with new friends, stroll together through beautiful countryside admiring the landscape, and cap off days enjoying a glass of luscious local wine over dinner.
7 nights,
single centre
On single centre holidays you stay at one hotel. We provide a range of routes so you can mix and match levels to suit how you feel each day. These tours are ideal for parties where some would like to be active every day but others prefer time to relax.
Level: 3
Stretching
Our holidays are graded from 1 to 4, this is a level 3 holiday. Fitness is important on our level 3 routes as you can expect to be walking for 5-7 hours each day, including ascents/descents of up to 1000m. Compass reading skills and experience of mountain walking is important and you should have a reasonable head for heights. Some scrambling may be required, although not rock climbing.
Flights
available
Headwater holds a full ATOL license and is fully bonded with ABTA. So, if you would like to book your flights with confidence, as part of a fully protected package please ask at time of enquiry or on online.
Operated by
Exodus Travels
This trip is operated by our sister company, Exodus Travels.
Printed route
directions
We supply you with a comprehensive selection of guides, route directions and maps for your independent walking holiday.
Hike the most scenic trails around Mont Blanc, enjoying stirring Alpine views each day. Guided by an International Mountain Leader, we discover the wild beauty of the region, including the Chamonix Valley and Lac Blanc, while also taking the opportunity to walk sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit, Europe’s great long-distance hiking trail. In the evenings, return to your Alpine chalet, where our welcoming hosts have created a home-from-home atmosphere and cook up a feast.
Welcome to your alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible hiking adventure. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
You stay at Chalet Chamonix.
equivalent
Chalet Chamonix, Chamonix
Please note: on booking your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chamonix however you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat. This will be confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent 4 weeks before your departure date.
These delightful alpine chalets both have 7 rooms with private bathrooms and are surrounded by large gardens with a Jacuzzi and Mont Blanc views. Both have comfortable lounges and dining rooms with a large table where delicious home cooked meals will be served and scrumptious cakes will be provided daily for afternoon tea.
Located between 15-25 minutes from the heart of Chamonix they provide the perfect base for walking the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc and a relaxing week in the Alps. Due to the natural layout of a chalet build, bedrooms vary in size and shape and some, but not all, have access to a balcony. In Chalet Chocolat one bedroom on the top floor has a Velux window as opposed to a wall mounted window and a large private bathroom on the floor below. This room will be allocated to the last 2 people to book. In Chalet Chamonix, two bedrooms on the top floor have Velux windows set into a gradually sloping roof. Half the room has a full height ceiling while the beds are positioned under the sloping section these two rooms will be allocated to the last 4 people to book. Both chalets offer complementary Wi-Fi in the communal areas.
If you are booking and not on the same booking reference as a friend/s that you wish to share a chalet with please let your sales consultant know at the time of booking. Equally if you have a preference for one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Otherwise we will select a chalet for you automatically. The walking itinerary will be the same for both chalets however the order of the walks may differ slightly.
A Chalet is different from a hotel and provides open and social spaces ideal for group holidays. The atmosphere is homely and welcoming and we hope you will enjoy the chalet as much as the stunning local walks. Outside of the bedrooms both Chalets have living rooms with sofas and comfortable chairs. A client kitchen which is not for preparing food but has unlimited tea and coffee making facilities and a honesty bar. Outside there is a large and scenic decking area with more seating, a grassy garden we encourage you to go out and enjoy as well as an outdoor hot tub. In the dinning room meals are taken together around a communal table and are prepared by your two resident chalet hosts. There is no reception in the chalet. Chalet hosts live on site and can be contacted in an emergency.
Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L'Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.
You stay at Chalet Chocolat.
equivalent
Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix
Please note: on booking your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chamonix however you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat. This will be confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent 4 weeks before your departure date.
These delightful alpine chalets both have 7 rooms with private bathrooms and are surrounded by large gardens with a Jacuzzi and Mont Blanc views. Both have comfortable lounges and dining rooms with a large table where delicious home cooked meals will be served and scrumptious cakes will be provided daily for afternoon tea.
Located between 15-25 minutes from the heart of Chamonix they provide the perfect base for walking the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc and a relaxing week in the Alps. Due to the natural layout of a chalet build, bedrooms vary in size and shape and some, but not all, have access to a balcony. In Chalet Chocolat one bedroom on the top floor has a Velux window as opposed to a wall mounted window and a large private bathroom on the floor below. This room will be allocated to the last 2 people to book. In Chalet Chamonix, two bedrooms on the top floor have Velux windows set into a gradually sloping roof. Half the room has a full height ceiling while the beds are positioned under the sloping section these two rooms will be allocated to the last 4 people to book. Both chalets offer complementary Wi-Fi in the communal areas.
If you are booking and not on the same booking reference as a friend/s that you wish to share a chalet with please let your sales consultant know at the time of booking. Equally if you have a preference for one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Otherwise we will select a chalet for you automatically. The walking itinerary will be the same for both chalets however the order of the walks may differ slightly.
A Chalet is different from a hotel and provides open and social spaces ideal for group holidays. The atmosphere is homely and welcoming and we hope you will enjoy the chalet as much as the stunning local walks. Outside of the bedrooms both Chalets have living rooms with sofas and comfortable chairs. A client kitchen which is not for preparing food but has unlimited tea and coffee making facilities and a honesty bar. Outside there is a large and scenic decking area with more seating, a grassy garden we encourage you to go out and enjoy as well as an outdoor hot tub. In the dinning room meals are taken together around a communal table and are prepared by your two resident chalet hosts. There is no reception in the chalet. Chalet hosts live on site and can be contacted in an emergency.
Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière.
Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier above. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) if you have tired legs. On this walk there is also a short section descending where chains can be used as handrails down a rocky path, plus a short ladder to ascend.
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight. Please note: It is necessary to book a space on the Aiguille du Midi lift and usually the earlier a ticket is bought the better value it is. We will brief you about this on your arrival day. However, if you want to find out more before you travel, or even book your place in advance, you can do so at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/ If booking, please remember that those in Chalet Chalupa have their free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream. Ascent: 1,500ft (450m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); walking time: seven hours Late July and August: Occasional high season weeks in July and August the traffic queue can become very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy, so in these cases we will discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we will have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours September and October 2025 departures: From 1 September 2025, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel, which connects France and Italy, is closed for maintenance works. This means we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 30 August-11 October 2025. On these dates, we have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland, which follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours
From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After plenty of time enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden. Distance: 5.6mi (9km); ascent: 1,770ft (540m); descent: 1,770ft (540m); walking time: seven hours Please note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few kilometres depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport. Spring and autumn departures: La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10 June and 16 September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the trip. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost is paid locally (approximately €20). Alternatively, we will enjoy the following spring and autumn itinerary. From Argentière (4,100ft/1,250m) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont Blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breathtaking. From La Flégère we descend via Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added descent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning. Distance: 7.5mi (12km) plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet; ascent: 2,430ft (740m); descent: 3,120ft (950m); walking time: eight hours
Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £470.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Please note: On booking your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chamonix however you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat. This will be confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent 4 weeks before your departure date.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination with onward rail and road transfers as appropriate. To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
We recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc area. From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were surrounded by the stunning views of the Alps. The room in our Chalet directly faced Mont Blanc, making the morning views picturesque.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant location, bursting with activity, charming shops and delicious restaurants and cafes. Even though we experienced a few rainy and cloudy days, the weather didn't dampen our spirits on our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we hiked.
Hiking on Mont Blanc, even late in the season was an experience not to be missed. The weather, though mixed, never stopped our itineraries and we had glorious sunshine on several days. Chamonix and the mountain range are awesome, naturally, but it was the combination of the area with the most welcoming and caring chalet team and the warm artistic vibe of the Art Deco Chalet Bediere that gave this trip such a special place in my heart. Jeffry Oonk, an erudite biologist as well as an experienced and patient mountain guide gave expert guidance and confidence on every section (some quite challenging) of the trails; his instruction, patience and good humour, coupled with a quiet “Well Done” at the end of each trek, was so up-lifting. Clare and Liz made Chalet Bediere a warm and welcoming place; they both went to huge efforts to provide a happy atmosphere, excellent and varied meals and some of the most delicious cakes for afternoon tea, you could imagine. I’m so happy that I was assigned to this particular chalet, with such a brilliant team. We had a small but fabulous group of five; conversations on the hikes and in the chalet were stimulating and full of banter and laughter. I honestly was gutted to leave and end the experience. Thank you to both our chalet team and my group for the most memorable week 💖
A great week's walking in the mountains around Mont Blanc. First off, a big thank you to the team - Jeffry, Liz and Clare - who were excellent. We had pretty good weather given that it was the end of the season. In fact the first day was spectacular - blue skies and sunshine - making for some memorable photos. Jeff is an exemplary guide, showing amazing dedication to his job. He gave us all the information we wanted and more - he's quite fond of plants me thinks, and knows a lot about them. Our walks always started with a through warm up session, and then the ascent could begin. Quite steep sometimes, but Jeff was always on hand to help anybody of a more nervous disposition on the more challenging sections. And if all that wasn't enough - he has a good sense of humour too. Liz and Clare were expert chalet hosts - the breakfast was just right, and there was even porridge offered on some days. The lunch items were varied and tasty, and the cake waiting for us at the end of each walk was very welcome. Really nice food for dinner too. Plenty of variety throughout the week. The chalet La Bedière is based in Chamonix and for me is the best of the three on offer unless you really like hot tubs. Nicely furnished, amazingly warm and good sized bedrooms and bathrooms. Centrally located - just ideal.
Overall a wonderful week.
Jeffrey our hiking guide was the best ever as expressed by experienced group travelers. It was my first group hiking experience and he helped me so much giving so many pointers and encouragement. The Chalet Chocolat was adequate. We had the most spacious room. But the Chalet was tough around the edges and could use some modernization. The meals were overall good. Some dishes were excellent but some not so great. Needed more protein for dinner and a little more variety at breakfast.
Mont Blanc is truly spectacular. Our guide Adrian was exceptional and fun! He changed our hiking schedule as necessary to ensure the best experiences and amazing views . We stayed at Chalet Chalupa in Les Houches. The short bus or train ride into Chamonix was very easy, with our guide showing us all the necessary stops. Our hosts were kind and always helpful. The only improvement I would suggest is offering two dinner options.
Just home from a fab week based in Les Houches, where we felt so at home in a comfortable, happy environment, meeting people from all over the world. Laura, our chalet host looked after us so well with good home made food, suitable for physical demands of the trekking.
Just returned from a wonderful week in and around Chamonix. Our group leader Adrian was fantastic at selecting the perfect route for weather condition and amazing views. He enhanced the group experience challenging and entertaining us. The chalet was comfortable with a lovely bunch of people and a kind and helpful chalet host Laura .
Wow! What an amazing trip! Breathtakingly beautiful! Tim expertly led us through some stunning trails. Clare and Liz were perfect chalet hosts.
A huge thank you to our fantastic hosts Sol and Tom as well as to our wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide Tim. This was a great week!
A brilliant week, well looked after by chalet hosts and expert guide.
This week was absolutely perfect. You get to see the best parts of the TMB, and each hike itself was different with a different perspective/landscape! Our hosts, Tom and Sol, did an amazing job making us delicious food and hosting us all week. It was so wonderful staying in the same spot all week!
Very enjoyable week
The scenery in the Chamonix valley is stunning and this trip is well named as it certainly highlighted the highlights. Our group stayed in Chalet Chapula and we couldn't have asked for better hosts or chalet companions.
Laura and Gonzalo provided us with excellent meals every day and were very approachable and helpful. Les Houches is a busy but laid back area of Chamonix and a great location to start our walks from.
An unbelievably beautiful part of the world, crossing corners of three countries each as beautiful as each other. Based in Les Houches, just 20 minutes outside Chamonix, we stayed in Chalet Chalupa, a modern, spacious comfortable chalet with all the amenities you would need and more. Big bedrooms, all with en-suite and most with a balcony. A hot tub outside for relaxing the aching bones after the walks just adds to the luxury.
Whilst we were a bit out of Chamonix, the public bus service was excellent, every 30 minutes promptly. Equally, there is plenty on offer in Les Houches if you want to stay local to the chalet.
Our hosts, Laura and Gonzalo, had treats to welcome us, provided breakfast, lunch (packed) and dinner of excellent standards every day (apart from the free day of course when breakfast is provided but not lunch or dinner). We didn’t go hungry!
I really loved the week. The walks were stunning, and it was great to be able to have to plan nothing, just be taken for amazing day walks. More solo walkers in the group than I had expected which was good for me being one myself (rather than being the odd one out amongst couples) and the group were really good company. I stayed in Chalet Chocolat, the location was great, a 20 min walk outside the lovely Chamonix, or a few mins on the train the station for which is just a couple of minutes away (and you are given a weeks ticket on arrival). The food provided was very tasty (many thanks Sol and Tomas), the bedrooms a bit basic but wasn't staying for a luxury trip, rather for the walking so that was fine, and they were ensuite which is what matters for me. Highly recommended, I just wish I could do the week for the first time again.
Fabulous day hikes with the comforts of the same bed for the length of the trip.
As we have always found with Exodus this trip was well organised with good accommodation and a varied programme of walks. We had the added bonus of sharing the trip with a nice group of people. We stayed at Chalet Chalupa and enjoyed Les Houches which is a little further out from Chamonix but all the transport worked well as the trip covers all parts of the valley. We took advantage of the hot tub on several occasions after the days walking!
As we have always found with Exodus this trip was well organised with good accommodation and a varied programme of walks. We had the added bonus of sharing the trip with a nice group of people. We stayed at Chalet Chalupa and enjoyed Les Houches which is a little further out from Chamonix but all the transport worked well as the trip covers all parts of the valley. We took advantage of the hot tub on several occasions after the days walking!
Wonderful week walking around Chamonix-Mont Blanc. Well-planned routes taking in all aspects of the Chamonix valley plus Val Ferret. Stunning views of jagged mountain peaks above flower-strewn meadows, with snowy Mont Blanc looming over all.
Five days of challenging but thoroughly enjoyable walking through the wonderful Alpine surroundings. Mountain View’s at every turn and lovely alpine forests with enchanting bird song. We had a great group, good accommodation very close to Chamonix
All the Chalets were amazing, although I only stayed in Chalet Bediere, I saw the others which all had their own unique selling points. The hikes were great with charming views of Chamonix and the mountains. It was a challenge on the warmer days but very rewarding!
A really well balanced week of walking with some challenging and tricky walks but always rewarded with stunning views. Our guide ensured we enjoyed the best weather for our walks by being flexible with the schedule. First class hosts and guide which made the holiday such a memorable experience, together with great accommodation and a lovely group of people to share the holiday with.
A wonderful week of trekking around Mount Blanc from the lovely Chalet Chocolat.
What a fantastic week our group of eight friends had!
Adrian was the best guide, he's a people person who can assess everyone's abilities straight away and support them
My sisters and I joined the Mont Blanc hiking group tour from May 25 to June 1. Our guide, Mike Napier, made the entire trip both enjoyable and informative. Through his expertise and attention to detail, he ensured everyone's safety and provided valuable insights into the surrounding landscape. My sister, who needed assistance at times, particularly appreciated his attentiveness and thoughtfulness.
Besides having an excellent guide, our hosts (Tomas and Sol) at the chalet we stayed in were also outstanding. The meals they cooked for us during our stay were delicious and beautifully presented.
Overall, we had a fantastic time on the Mont Blanc hiking group tour. The guide's expertise, friendly hosts, and excellent food at the chalet made this trip truly exceptional. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an adventure that combines great scenery, a variety of hikes, and a top-notch dining experience.
I just had a fabulous week at Chalet Chalupa! The hosts, Adrian & Helena, were amazing. They were very friendly and always made sure that we're happy. They always prepared delicious meals and cakes with wide variety (local, Mediterranean, healthy and oriental) and we all enjoyed it together with the group of great people. The room was specious and comfortable, the common areas were also always clean and had warm atmosphere. The car ride by them was also really fun and informative about the trip/area. Our guide, Shaun, was very knowledgeable and flexible based on the weather etc. This was my first hiking experience and he absolutely made it special. Everyday there were full of amazing views and walks!
We had a great week at Chalet Chocolat. Tomas and Sol were great hosts catering to a variety of dietary needs with minimal fuss. I enjoyed some meals more than others but that is to be expected. I loved the honesty bar and the social occasion that dinner became. The weather Gods were not smiling on us so we only had 3 days where I would say we had good weather however this was not to the detriment of our hiking experience but come prepared for 4 seasons in a day, even in the height of summer.
Overall a good trip, we stayed at Chalet Chalupa a short free bus ride from busy Chaminoux. Our Chalet hosts Adrian and Helena were exceptional and made us all feel at home. They cooked all meals, provided transport and kept the place clean. They went above and beyon to get me ice for my beverages, had home baked 'End of hike treats' and created a family atmosphere among strangers. My favorite dessert was the cheesecake! This Chalet has a hot tub too! Our guide Jen was awesome as well, she took us on a bus ride to understand the system, let us know the bus would be crowded, pointed out good places to shop for deals and best food places. She also explained the cable car pricing for our free day. Every night she had a brief of the next day hike and what to expect.
What an amazing trip. Starting with the chalet and our amazing hosts - the accommodation was beautiful and comfortable, and nothing was too much trouble for Helena and Adrian. Every meal was special, healthy and delicious. For me and the other vegan on the trip, they went to a huge amount of effort, and even provided vegan cheeses for breakfast and prepared vegan cakes and other treats for the end of each hiking day. One of my souvenirs from the trip is one of Helena's vegan cake recipes. So if you are vegan and wondering about this trip: it is definitely vegan friendly! Our three course dinners were always delicious and inventive. It was such a pleasure to cap off an extraordinary day on the alps with their hospitality and delicious food. And speaking of the hikes: the pictures in the hike preview are extraordinary, but are not misleading. The views on the hikes were really stunning. Our mountain guide, Hris, was fantastic. He was personable, knowledgeable, and did a great job leading a group of mixed abilities and interests.
My stay at Chalet Chalupa was absolutely wonderful. The rooms were spacious, well-lit, and comfortable. The common areas were always clean and ready to use, and they even provided fresh fruit and tea every day. Helena and Adrien were simply the best hosts. They were attentive, always with a smile on their faces, and they surprised me with delicious special meals tailored to my dietary needs – they even had a different type of bread for me due to my health issues. It was the first time my diet didn't pose a problem, and I could truly savor the delicious food. Adrien was friendly and provided us with a lot of information for our free day, enjoying helping us with the map and offering extra insights during our car ride. He genuinely has a wealth of knowledge about the area and enjoys sharing it. Helena, on the other hand, is a naturally pleasant person. She is sweet, cheerful, detail-oriented, and very intelligent. Our conversations were truly inspiring, and her cakes were simply delightful. In general the food overall was a pleasant surprise. Eugenia, our guide, is a strong, knowledgeable woman who expertly handled our large group.
We had a fabulous week in Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix. Tommy and Sol were friendly and welcoming Chalet hosts, the Chalet was well designed for our use and very comfortable. The walks were truly memorable - made so by our knowledgeable and encouraging guide Rob.It was an added bonus to be there for the UTMB - the Ultra Trailrunning Mont Blanc week. Rob made sure that we could watch the best bits and Chamonix was a real party place to be there then.
The week at Chalet Chalupa was amazing! The hosts, Adrian & Helena welcomed us with bright smiles! The hikes were beautiful, even if the weather didn’t cooperate. The chalet was clean, and felt very comfortable. Augustin, our guide, was informative and took the whole group’s abilities into account. Things were well organized & went smoothly. The food was fantastic! All the meals were abundant and able to recharge all the calories we lost! Adrian, Helena & Augustin really went the extra mile to ensure we were happy. I enjoyed Chalet Chalupa & the Mont Blanc Highlights.
Five amazing and beautiful hikes! A fabulous guide and a lovely host and hostess!
Comfortable, attractive, beautifully located accommodation, perfectly suited to its intended purpose.
This was complemented in particular by the hosts Adrian and Elena, who went out of their way to welcome us. Courteous, friendly, attentive and professional in their roles, plus excellent in their choice of food provision, particularly dinner to come back to after the strenuous walks which amassed an appetite!
Maria the tour guide really added to the pleasure of the walks, with his manner, friendliness, enthusiasm and planning of routes.
A good friend of mine joined me on this trip, his first with Exodus. Used to beach holidays with his kids, this holiday, the hosts and the scenery exceeded his expectations. He’ll be an Exodus regular yearly now.
I’ll repeat this trip periodically due to the ongoing beauty of the Mont Blanc surroundings. Between these trips, I look forward to visiting other locations with Exodus.
Loved this walking trip. We are active walkers but this was our first guided trip and it was fantastic. Fred our leader was great - the right combination of knowledgable, friendly and enthusiastic. The walks are all enjoyable but sufficiently different in terms of scenery and style. There was an issue with the MB tunnel which caused us to do an alternate walk - but the group was flexible and we enjoyed the alternative. The weather in August was quite variable from fairly cool and damp to hot and humid - so you potentially will need all your high mountain gear options. The group, as usual, was a great mix of people and we enjoyed everyone's company along the trails. Chalet Chocolat is comfortable and the food provided by Sole and Thomas was delicious and varied.
Had a fantastic time in Chamonix. A very well organized adventure through Exodus with a wonderful walking guide (Fred) and great support staff (Sol and Tom) who cooked fantastic food for us throughout the trip. This was the first guided walking tour my wife and I had done and we couldn't recommend it more! We also had a great group of people who we spent the week with and are now fortunate enough to call our friends.
My husband and I just returned from this trip and it was absolutely perfect. The hikes had breathtaking views and were physically challenging but doable. Our accommodation at the Chalet Chocolat were very comfortable. The food that was prepared by our hosts, Sol and Tomas, was so delicious. It was so helpful not to worry about where and what we were going to eat each day. I can’t say enough about this trip. My husband and I made wonderful memories. Thank you 😊
If like me, you seek a mountain adventure with the chance of meeting strangers and leaving with new friends, this could be the trip for you. My experience was everything I had hoped for and more. Stunning walks with spectacular scenery, led by Fred, our knowledgeable and wise mountain leader. Fabulous companions on the trails sharing tales and stories and life’s experiences. A large family feel to our cozy wood chalet with our wonderful Chalet Chocolate hosts Sol and Tomas who provided delicious food, catering for everyone’s dietary requests, and always with a cheery smile. Returning after the day’s walk to a Sol & Tomas fresh baked cake, sharing a cup of wine in the hot tub in lovely gardens overlooked by the Mont Blanc Massif, and spending evening time with laughter. A trip to heal the soul !
After a week of trekking and having arrived home…the gear cleaned and aired out, and laundry done it’s a pleasure to take a pause and take a moment to celebrate a wonderful trek, with amazing like-minded people who love the outdoors. Gratitude to the Exodus Travels team for making it memorable. Acknowledgment to our guide Fred who is a total pro and our Chalet Chocolat hosts Sol and Tomas for their warmth, thoughtfulness and efforts in taking care of us. A host is defined as someone as accommodating, impressive and engaging and my experience this was true of all 3!
The Mont Blanc Highlights tour that we recently completed in early May 2023 was excellent. The tour guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and put together 5 days of walks that were varied and challenged the group within their limits and within the conditions at the time. As it was the first tour of the season Mike had assessed each walk by doing them prior to the arrival of the group. Each evening he would provide a briefing about the walk the following day and answer all questions. At the end of the 5 days of walking he emailed the group a map and details of each of the walks we had completed - this was appreciated by the group. Chalet Chalupa was comfortable and homely for the week of the stay. The communal areas were quite spacious (for a group of 12) and well equipped. The bedrooms were fine, although the beds would have benefited from a top sheet as we found the duvet tended to be too warm. Helena and Adrian were top hosts. They are both warm, friendly people who welcomed everyone the minute they arrived. Their cooking was delicious, and they made every attempt to cope with the various dietary requirements. The bar and snack bar were always well stocked, and they purchased additional items if requested by the guests. Their sunny dispositions and positive approach to life made them a pleasure to be around. All in all it was an excellent week and one we would unhesitatingly recommend to others.
This is a spectacular trip The hikes are wonderful very well planned and guided. Our guide Evgenia was outstanding. She planned which hike to do based on the conditions but was flexible taking into account all the abilities of the group. She communicated well with everyone and had a great sense of humour. The chalet chapula hosts were also wonderful. They were very accommodating and the meals were indeed something to look forward to. I was aware that the rooms in chalet chapula were not identical but our room was very good for us. The one comment about the hiking was that I think these hikes were more like a 4/7 rather than a 3/7. As such I would suggest a higher level of preparation for this hike.
The Tour de Mont Blanc highlights was truly one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever done. The beautiful views and hiking routes were complimented perfectly with the incredible Exodus staff. Our guide, Mike, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and always ensured the entire group was having a good and safe experience. Our Chalet, Chalet Chocolat, was spacious, had beautiful views and very comfortable living spaces. My mom and I requested two twin beds and received our own room with our own bathroom. The hosts for the Chalet were also incredible. Saul and Tom cooked us delicious dinners every night, had an afternoon cake out for us after hikes, buffet style breakfasts and picnic lunches ready every morning. They also were friendly and super helpful if you ever needed any extra accommodations or cleaning. I will definitely be doing more exodus trips and highly recommend this trip in particular!
A well planned and orgamised holiday. From the moment we arrived in Geneva Airport and met Robert, our guide for the week, we relaxed and waited in eager anticipation for the week’s adventures to unfold. We were welcomed to Chalet Chocolat by Tom and Sol who prepared delicious home cooked meals (and not forgetting the cakes!) and packed lunches every day. Robert was an excellent and knowledgeable guide who also managed our mixed ability group well. The minor issues which inevitably arise on this type of holiday were quickly resolved. We had some interesting walks and returned home feeling both fit and refreshed.
A lovely week walking in the French Alps, based in a chalet in CHAMONIX. Great food, scenery and exhilarating walks led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
My first Exodus trip and not my last! Was well organised from the very start, the weather was amazing and so was the leader. My accommodation was great and added to the experience. The chalet hosts were friendly and welcoming and cooked high quality meals that wouldn’t look out of place in a fancy London restaurant. I would highly recommend this trip!
This trip was absolutely fulfilling. I've never done a hike like this before which encouraged me to push myself, and it was worth it. The trails, majestic views of the Alps, and glaciers were breathtaking. Marta and Neil were also amazing hosts who looked after us. Their 3-course meals tasted so delicious- we all looked forward to our evening meals! There were freshly-baked cakes waiting for us after our hikes every day. I stayed at Chalet Chocolat which had an alpine feel to it and felt very cosy. We made full use of the hot tub in the garden after the hikes and we were rewarded with a view of the snow-capped Alps.
Booked this trip as a last minute as the one I wanted to go on was not going ahead. I was not disappointed as this trip was very good and worth the price. The chalet (Chocolat) was cosy and had good views at the back of the mountains, great after a day hiking and sitting in the hot tub. The hosts who catered for us (Marta and Neil) were excellent and cooked some authentic meals , 3 course every night. They also baked a cake for the return of every day out. The treks and trails were beautiful and had stunning views. Would recommend as a good trip especially for beginners.
I couldn’t recommend this trip more. The Chalet (Chalet Chamonix) genuinely felt like home for the week and the views of Mont Blanc & surrounding glaciers from the hot tub couldn’t be beaten. Chalet hosts Liz and Clare were exceptional and the food was fantastic (including freshly baked cakes on walking days). Our guide for the week was Jeffry who was so easy-going, informative and helpful. All three Exodus staff made our week in Chamonix an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience.
This trip more than lived up to my expectations with wonderful hosts (Clare and Liz) and a great guide (Jef). From start to finish everything was organised extremely well, the weather was perfect, the treks and the scenery magnificent, informative information from our guide and all topped off with great food every day.
Having had two trips to the Lake District with appalling weather conditions where I struggled with hill climbing and broke my wrist on the first occasion, this Highlights trip has restored my confidence and I will be back for more. Our leader, Jeff, knew exactly how to reassure less confident climbers in the group and by the end of the first day I was relaxed about meeting any challenges in the week ahead. His expert knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area was obvious. The walks were varied, the wildflowers amazing and views of the Alps stunning. Clare and Liz were superb hosts at Chalet Chamonix. Food was excellent and Liz's home-made cake every afternoon was a particular treat. I had a fabulous holiday. Thank you Exodus!
A wonderfull weeks hiking amongst the most beautiful scenery, Egle (Agi) was a brilliant tour guide and managed the difficulty of varying walking speeds of the group really well. She was also very knowledgable, patient and all round delightful ...every day was met with a smile. The host's at Chalet Chamonix Claire and Liz were also top notch, very helpful, nothing was too much effort, food was great, and even arranged a cake and candles for my wife's birthday....... and they didnt seem to mind too much when teased about women's driving!!!! :-) ....only slight downside was the chalet, a little tired/old and in much need of some tlc (that is no reflection on Claire or Liz), on a plus it was well situated to walk into the town centre! We were lucky with the varied international group as well, 2 Canadian, 2 Americans, 2 Aussies, 2 Koreans and 3 English; a lot of laughs were had - some great and interesting characters.
Chamonix itself is beautiful, many bars and restaurants to choose from and some great cable rides 'Aguille du Midi' and 'Brevent' in particular. We chose to book paragliding, if your ever going to do it .....there is nowhere better.
This was our third Exodus trip, and can never fault them; we have already booked Tuscany for next year ....bring it on!
We had the most wonderful experience on the Mont Blanc Highlights tour. Our guide, Egle, was awesome! And so was our Chalet hosts, Marta and Neal! We trekked on the most beautiful trails full of wildflowers, blue sky, cool crisp air, snow cap mountains, delicious picnic lunches and good company. Egle was knowledgeable, kind and funny. She was attentive to all of us. Marta and Neal kept our cottage comfy, clean and our bellies full. The tour was exactly what we needed, a fun full day on the trail and relaxation, community and home cooked healthy yummy meals at the chalet afterwards. We would definitely recommend this tour to everyone and Egle, Marta and Neal!
To whom it may concern,
I am incredibly thankful for the experience I had while I was away on my trip. Zohi and Ben were nothing but professional meanwhile keeping a light hearted friendly attitude throughout the time away.
Their food was exceptional. I was expecting something alot less and what was delivered was nothing short of an incredible dining experience.
If I knew I was getting them again I would not hesitate for a second booking another holiday with Exodus.
To second on that Shaun the hiking guide was professional and made hiking incredible and informative. We learnt so much from him as a group from the surrounding area.
The staff is by far your best asset and will encourage people to come back again and again im sure.
Regards
This trip was just perfect. The daily walks were sublime and breathtaking. Zohi and Ben really looked after us well. They are a magnificent duo that are not only great at what they do, they also enjoy it. The chalet was clean and had everything we needed. The food is gourmet and uses fresh ingredients. Both Zohi and Ben are super friendly. Not only do you get to eat delicious food, the conversations were also fun and genuine.
Our guide John is a master at his profession. He plans what’s best for the group and monitors our walking pace regularly. He is very knowledgeable on not only the hills and mountains surrounding the Chamonix valley but also all the popular hikes around the world. John provides training on the best way to walk (slow and steady) and he’ll also throw in lessons on different types of coniferous trees for free.
The walks and Chamonix itself is already a sublime combination. Throwing Zohi, Ben and John into the mix is certainly what made our trip perfect. My friends and I already agreed we’d do this trip again in a few years time. Here’s hoping the trio will still be there (fingers and toes crossed).
Exodus,Chalet Chocolat,Ben,Zohi,Shaun,Mark and Kate-thank you so much for a truly magical experience in the French,Swiss and Italian Alps. The list of superlatives to describe this experience is long but magnificent,extraordinary,stupendous,colossal,transformational and gourmet all spring to mind.
The day begins with fresh croissants,pain au chocolat,strong coffee,cereal,yoghurt and fruits to fortify for a day of exertion as we wandered and took in the various delights of the Chamonix Valley in the very capable hands of guide Shaun. The steep,snow-tipped peaks,hanging glaciers,lakes,forest,ancient village houses,cows with bells,flowers,mountain cafes and wildlife are a very bewitching and intoxicating combination,we all felt like we were in a scene from The Sound of Music or Heidi.Our baguette,cheese and ham packed lunch was eaten in a scenic location with jaw-dropping views,our legs were tired and sore by the time we'd descended back to the chalet for a freshly-baked cake (thanks Zohi!) then into the jacuzzi for a well-deserved soak before a beer or wine and some gourmet dinner and dessert treats prepared lovingly by Ben and Zohi.Each day was different and stimulating,the local town of Chamonix was very attractive with its fine restaurants,quality shops and museums and inspiring alpine back-drop. We've all left a piece of our hearts in Chamonix and many of us will surely return there for another active alpine holiday. Merci bien Chamonix- à bientôt!
The trip was fantastic! I felt very welcomed and at home from the moment we stepped in the chalet and were greeted by Zohi and Ben. An absolutely beautiful property with a very cosy and communal feel, a great way to bond with your new travel friends. The meals made with love by Zohi and Ben were phenomenal! A great variety for breakfast and lunch paired with 3 courses for dinner - each night was completely unique, delicious and fun. I had some dietary requirements and never felt like this was difficult for Zohi - she made me feel included and provided just as high level and delicious alternatives. Zohi and Ben were so warm and welcoming and became instant friends with the group! They set the tone of the chalet and helped the team bond and enjoy their time at 'home'. The meals they provided were so varied, colourful, amazing - and themed to the days events which was a really special touch. It wouldn't have been the same without seeing them each day and sharing our days experiences.
A beautiful highlight of Mont Blanc with completely different trips and scenery each day, which was very special. Great pacing, good times of day to start and end hikes. It was so magical to see so many different parts of the valley/alps and It was some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.
Our hiking guide Shaun was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable - he was very professional and always ensured our comfort and safety as well as challenging us and teaching us about the area.
Shaun was a fountain of knowledge about the area and hiking. He was always professional and on-time. His organisation and time-lines were always spot on as well as his 'walkie talkies' (what we affectionately nicknamed his updates for the next days hikes) which were very accurate and prepared us for the next day.
I would recommend this trip over and over and over, and can’t wait to travel with Exodus again. Ensure you read the trip notes as they are very accurate and prepare you well for the trip.
Where do I begin - this trip is absolutely stellar. Chalet Chocolat is in a great location, and the Spa with mountain and glacier views always tops off an amazing day hiking. Shaun, our expert for the area was extremely knowledgeable about the geography and could easily amend walks to suit our groups needs. Zohi and Ben were amazing Chalet Hosts, cooked the most amazing food to make sure we earned each day of walking.
The activity level is Grade 3 but the experience level is off the scale; a complete holiday experience. Hiking in the most amazing scenery then returning to an authentic French chalet is the perfect option in this area. Our Chalet hosts, Ben & Zohi, were the ‘icing on the cake’, ensuring a stressfree holiday. Zohi’s cakes were something to look forward to at the end of each day’s hiking and the three course evening meals, matched with local wines, were the perfect end to each day. The only way this week could’ve been better was if a week was 14 days.
Such an amazing trip! I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect but the team were amazing. Zohi and Ben catered to our needs with incredible food. The three course dinners were to die for! They also made the chalet feel so homely and welcoming. So many laughs were had! .
From start to finish this trip was AMAZING.
The Chalet hosted by Ben and Zohi was so welcoming. I wasn’t sure what to expect when the itinerary said “home cooked meals”... Well, what an absolute treat. A cake after every day, and a 3 course meal which was the most amazing meals each and every day. Sean guiding us each day on the mountain made me feel very confident and comfortable!
My first Exodus trip but won't be the last. A great trip with a really good, flexible guide who helped make it an extremely memorable trip. The hosts in Chalet Chocolat were full of warmth and charm that added to the adventure, Zohi's cooking was amazing, dinners and cakes just fabulous. The walking was a great pace, hard enough to earn the cake but not too hard to cause injury. The scenery is breathtaking and a great way to get to know the area and fellow hikers. Chamonix is a fabulous French town to spend time in. The whole trip just left me feeling on top of the world!
My first Exodus trip for a while this trip was like slipping into a comfortable pair of slippers. The holiday ran like clock work and I could focus on walking, relaxing and getting know my fellow hikers. The pace was exactly what I needed challenging enough to feel like I'd earned the delicious food, but not so taxing I had an existential crisis.
As many have stated before, one of the best trips with countless superb views making it well worthwhile the walk uphill. Zohi's cooking skills lived up to expectation and we are still talking about our favourite meals a week after we returned. The duck in our last evening was a rare treat & the tarte au citron was one of the best ever tasted (and we've tried many). We were particularly lucky to achieve the Italian walk before the road was closed due to avalanche danger. The tunnel is a special highlight too.
Super location; excellent walks; lovely accommodation with brilliant chalet hosts; first class food.
All in all a really great holiday which I would highly recommend!
We enjoyed Mont Blanc Highlights walking, the Charmonix environment and the food in the Chalet Chocolat very much. The guide Egle and the Chef/driver/host Zohi & Ben are very professional, lovely and helpful. Definietely it's an excellent trip!
This was not only my first trip with Exodus, but my first hiking trip and it far exceeded my expectations.
The chalet was well located and buses and trains are easy to get to explore Chamonix and the surrounding area. Chamonix is a beautiful resort to spend time in, and the walks were very varied and the views were well worth the effort.
Trip was excellent. Leader was highly professional and all arrangements was also superb.
The Mont Blanc Highlights tour has been the best holiday experience! I was looking around other companies' websites, and I'm glad we went with Exodus. The website's ease of use and overall fantastic customer experience throughout the holiday was a blessing.
Our two young-adult chalet hosts, Zoe and Ben, welcomed everyone as family! They took out all the hard work with planning a holidays, from driving us to each trail head, informing us of the town and things to do during the free day, providing us with world-class meals everyday, and sharing with the group their positive vibes and energy.
The group that shared the same chalet with me was such a lovely treat as well. It feels like I've made so many friends from so many backgrounds. Everyone I stayed with was so kind and thoughtful, that they soon were a source of inspiration when it came to the challenging bits of the hiking. Seeing my fellow chalet-mates give their absolute best and motivate myself and each other was such a beautiful experience.
10/10 would do again.
What a week! I have already completed the TMB with Exodus but decided to come back with a friend and was not disappointed. The walks, whilst in the same area as the TMB route, were varied so that I didn't feel that I was repeating the routes and saw different areas of the mountain range.
I went walking the first week of September 2019 and had an amazing week. I was very lucky in that the group I walked with were all lovely. The leader, Adelene was extremely enthusiastic, gave brilliant briefings for each daily walk and adjusted in accordance with weather and forecasts and was extremely knowledgable for the area we were walking. From start to finish the Chalet Chocolat was an incredible experience, the two hosts Ben and Zohi went above and beyond to make us all feel incredibly welcomed and the food was brilliant and we could not have been looked after better. The team leader and chalet hosts are a real credit to Exodus and I could not recommend them enough in making our trip such a memorable one. Thank you.
Paul
Our tour guide/leader was easy going, well versed with the hikes and always had a smile on his face. Paul was also very helpful, I left my phone behind in one of the refuge , he went out of his way to get the phone collected from a colleague which saved me half a day !
Thanks a ton Paul, really appreciate your help !!
Claire/Liz,
Again excellent hosts, well kept Chalet,clean and tidy rooms, three course dinner served at 730pm was fresh and delicious !
Both of them also gave brilliant suggestions on things to do on a off day!
Thank you Claire/Liz, you both are very good hosts !
Regards,
Amit Bhutani
This trip was absolutely brilliant. Helped out with great weather in July, we had five stunning days of varied walks in this gorgeous part of the world. A privilege to see MB from so many different perspectives, and so much alpine botany etc.
The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic, from airport pick up to drop off - aided largely from having brilliant chalet hosts, a heroic team leader and a lovely, lovely group of other travellers (a mixed bag of couples, friends travelling together and those who had arrived solo).
Definitely on the classier side, with a comfortable chalet, spectacular food made and served by the lovely, fun and friendly Zohi and Ben, and access to all the amenities of fancy Chamonix.
The trekking was no walk in the park, and you have to be prepared to feel very tired at the end of each day. But if you really wanted to cop out and stay put in town for the day, of course you could - but no one in our group did as the walking and banter was too good!
The only negative was the fairly pants service by Swiss Air - I'd recommend just getting an Easyjet for half the price to be honest and meeting everyone at Geneva / saying bye bye there on way back.
Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. You will need to be reasonably fit as each day has some long steady ups and downs but the views from the high spots are well worth the effort. The walks were paced to suit the ability of the group and the food served each day, by Liz and Clare, was excellent.
This trip was excellent, a great way to see Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley without doing the 2 week TMB. The comfort of having a shower and a bed to sleep in at the end of each day makes it all the more appealing.
The walks are excellent and varied with fantastic views each day. A couple of the walks start with cheeky climbs in the morning but the rewards are worthwhile.
Zohi and Ben our Hosts at Chalet Chocolat were excellent and the food was outstanding and one of the highlights of the week.
The trip provided a great introduction to Mont Blanc for those who were there for the first time, as well as providing new experiences for anyone who had visited before. My husband and I already knew the Mont Blanc area, having walked there on many occasions, but this excellent holiday took us on some routes that were new to us and gave us fresh perspectives on the fabulous scenery of the region.
Initially a tad nervous as a first time trekker - now I’m hooked! Awe inspiring peaks, glaciers and stunning scenery in every direction every day, coupled with a real sense of achievement when you finish those ascents - What’s not to love! Emma our guide/leader instilled us with confidence and briefed us each night about the next day’s route giving lots of useful advice about things such as what to pack in our rucksack, how much water to take and the best way to tie our boots. Late afternoon it was back to the comfortable and cosy Chalet Chocolate, slickly run by hosts Zohi and Ben who made us all feel so at home. Delicious food and cakes to die for made for a very happy group and we had lots of fun and loads of laughs.
An excellent walking trip enhanced by fine weather most of the time. Stunning scenery and a great location to explore the area. We were also blessed by wonderful food prepared by Zoe and Ben in Chalet Chocolate.
The valley of Chamonix turned out to be the perfect base for a weeks walking. Everything was easily accessible, either on foot or by public transport. We thoroughly enjoyed our week at the Chalet Chocolat, our room was cosy and comfortable with lovely views of Mont Blanc.
Zoe and Ben were perfect hosts, attending to our every needs and making us feel completely at home. Their attention to detail when it came to the variety food that they provided was a tribute to their professionalism...and Zoe’s unique talent!
Our fellow trekkers were brilliant company. We shared each other’s joys and pain throughout the week, and had many, many laughs along the way.
Stunning trip. As my first Exodus trip, I didn't really know what to expect. Everything was well organised and clear, and I was with an amazing group of people, whom I hope to stay in contact with. Walks were good fun and rewarding, with stunning views. I am now looking into what my next trip could be! Could not recommend more highly.
An excellent trip which was very well organised by Exodus and enabled us to explore the Chamonix Mont Blanc area quite thoroughly. The different walks had their own characteristics and there was surprising variety each day; you do need to be fit to enjoy the walks as there is a significant amount of ascent and descent at a reasonably fast pace. The views are incredible with lush vegetation snow capped peaks, blue skies and glaciers. We travelled in late July and there were still plenty of alpine flowers, lots of butterflies and we saw marmots on one day. The weather was mostly good with just one wet day. The free bus/train pass provided for the local area is very convenient.
Our group of ten all got on extremely well and enjoyed great chats and laughter throughout the week.
Chalet Chamonix was a fabulous place to stay; very comfortable rooms, a short walk to the town and outstanding food cooked by the very welcoming hosts, Liz and Clare. The lounge area was a great place to relax after walks and enjoy the homemade cakes and tea and the honesty bar worked well too.
As a solo female traveler I felt totally safe and reassured from the moment I met the exodus leader at the airport. All information about activities and transport was clear. The free local buses and trains throughout the week were really convenient. Everyday’s hike was different, either a challenging peak that brought real accomplishment or a balcony path that contoured along the valley. The 3 course diner every night was absolutely fabulous and tailored individually to people’s dietary needs. I would totally recommend the Mont Blanc Highlights to anyone who loves a good days walking followed by fabulous cake and good company from like minded individuals no matter your age.
Fantastic fun week of hiking based at Chalet Chocolat with amazing hosts Zohi and Ben and top guide Emma.
Nothing was too much trouble, including parking my car on demand ;-) Amazing three course meals every evening and interesting and varied salad options for packed lunches. Felt like staying in someone's home rather than a chalet. And the cakes made every day were outrageously delicious.
We were made to feel very welcome and Zohi and Ben were very happy to share their knowledge of the local area, which was another bonus. We laughed a great deal this week and that was often due to their relaxed and welcoming manner. The hikes were also varied and challenging and never short of a spectacular view!
Hi have recently returned from a wonderful week on the Highlights of the Tour de Mont Blanc trip. Had a wonderful time with a great group. We were so lucky to have Mike Rhodes as our trip leader - Mike's experience and knowledge of the region and routes covered each day was exceptional. Mike was always up for a chat and happy to share his wealth of knowledge - I even learnt a few new techniques to tie up my boots. The accommodation at Chalet Chocolat and the views were fantastic . Zoe and Ben spoilt us rotten - with all their tips and sensational meals . Thanks to all involved in a memorable week. JR
Best holiday ever!!!
We were lucky to have attended this trip with glorious weather throughout and had an amazing time with a real diverse bunch of interesting people from all over the world. The Exodus leader Fred was always quite laid back which reflected on the walks which were conducted at a nice pace without feeling too hurried.
The two girls who operated the chalet were both exceptional and added to the overall pleasure of this trip. The food they provided was a culinary delight for all.
Despite a record breaking heatwave we still experience snow walking at 35c which was a real head-bender.
We booked late so ended up in the loft area of the chalet but even that was more than comfortable. The walks are breathtaking and you will find yourself forever stopping for photos.
Loved everything about this trip, the chalet, the staff, the food and of course the hiking. Chalet holidays bring out the social side of people and the 13 guests made this trip fabulous and so much fun. Zoe and Ben, your food exceeds expectations!
We had an excellent holiday around mont blanc. Zoe and Ben were great hosts at chalet chocolat. We are both vegetarian and the food was superb. We loved the freshly baked cake on our return from our hikes. Mark was a great leader and very knowledgeable about the area. Overall 10 out of 10 from us.
My first Exodus Holiday and hopefully not the last. I have wanted to see Mont Blanc close up for years and, after visiting Chamonix for the day last year and NOT seeing it because of low cloud, this holiday was a 'must do' for me. I am now 77 so time was running out.
Apart from being shocked by my lack of fitness (I joined a gym and did as much walking as practical - my husband has dementia} beforehand, everything exceeded my expectations: the chalet, our hosts (superb}, the lovely food, our leader (brilliant), a really friendly, kind, and helpful group, the fantastic mountains, and perfect weather.
Thank you so much Exodus
Summer Time and the living was made so easy in Chalet Chocolat by our outstanding hosts Zohi and Ben, they presented us with a smorgasbord of delights on a daily basis , starters, mains and desserts to die for. If that was not enough, GBBO standards of cake for afternoon tea . While sitting in a hot tub soothing tired muscles looking towards Mont Blanc we all concluded that location may be everything but our Hosts were the icing on the cake. We also did a bit of walking, words can't really capture that part!
A superb selection of hikes on the Tour, an excellent guide, easy transport to less accessible start/finish points. and a lovely chalet and hosts is an unbeatable introduction to the glories of the Alps. The weather, well, you need a bit of luck. We did, for most of the hikes. Thoroughly recommended.
A fantastic week. The accommodation was top notch as were the chalet caterers. The description of the weeks walk was accurate sadly the weather let us down a little.
Had a wonderful week walking in the Mont Blanc massif. Everything was fantastic - the walks were thoughtfully planned and well guided, chalet was comfortable with amazing views, food was delicious and varied, company was excellent........and the weather was brilliant.
This was my first trip with Exodus, but it won't be my last. From the moment we pulled up to the chalet we were greeted by our hosts Zoe and Ben who immediately grabbed our stuff and showed us to our rooms and made us feel right at home. The Chalet Chocolat is very cozy and homey with a view out the back that never gets old. Our hikes were terrific, challenging but so worth it. Every day was different. The terrain, the scenery, the challenges... and the views. Our leader, Egle was great! Fun, sociable, knowledgeable and very organized. We very much enjoyed her leadership and had alot of laughs along the way. The food is amazing. Having cake waiting for you when you get back from a long day of trekking is even better than it sounds once you've done it. And these are real homemade cakes that are to die for. 3 course meals every night? So spoiled!
I couldn’t have asked for a better trip, helped by excellent weather. Zoe and Ben were responsive and friendly hosts (the food was amazing!) and Egle did a fantastic job as our guide. The walks were challenging in terms of ascent and descent but always worth the effort. The chalet was very comfortable and the group was friendly and fun. I would happily recommend this trip to anyone of reasonable fitness.
It was an excellent holiday. The leader had local knowledge and involved everyone. The hostesses were excellent and prepared some lovely meals.
Highly recommend this trip, not only for the varied walks and wonderful views but for the brilliant chalet hosts and group leader. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Chalet Chocolat. Thanks to Zoe and Ben for looking after us really well with faultless home-cooked food and for cultivating a comfortable atmosphere at the chalet. They were also a great source of knowledge about the local area of Chamonix in terms of food recommendations and things to do on our 'free day'. Our group leader Shaun handled our group of people with varied abilities very well, provided local knowledge and pointed out different peaks and points of interest as we encountered them on our hikes. Shaun's experience came in very handy when certain planned routes needed to be adjusted to account for sudden changes in weather conditions during our walks.
Hopefully you are lucky enough to stay at chalet chocolat with Ben and Zohi, nothing was too difficult and the food was exceptional. Our guide Sean was helpful and catered to everyone’s need and ability, allowing me to run ahead and made sure I knew where I was going. Everything was perfect and can’t rate this trip high enough.
This was an outstanding trip. Stayed at Chateau Chamonix in very comfortable accommodation. The hostess and host (Sarah and Rich) were brilliant people. Very welcoming, organised, knowledgeable and great fun to be around. The quality of their cooking (especially Sarah) was second to none. It was like being in a Michelin star restaurant. Food quality was matched by the fun at the kitchen table, where we met wonderful people with similar mind sets. Jim, our guide, was also a sensational fellow. Our tours were organised carefully, were varied and Jim was extremely considerate to all on the walks, taking into account different fitness levels. He was also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the terrain. We had a fantastic time and would not hesitate to do it again. Would highly recommend this to anyone with an outdoor interest (and have done so!).
Exodus Travels was recommended to me and I chose this trip because it is a region of natural beauty and would enable me to make a good assessment of the activity levels. Trip information and fitness plan were very useful. Chalet Chamonix is a very good location; our hosts Sara and Richard were excellent; informative, good natured and food to 'die for'. Beyond all our expectations. Our guide Shaun Rhodes was very competent, unassuming but maintained a unity within the group which made every day a pleasure. We were very fortunate to have great weather, the views were stunning.
Good variety of walking on both the French and Italian sides of the Mont Blanc Massif with the added benefit of staying in a comfortable and well run catered chalet. All you have to do is turn up every day at breakfast time!!
Overall, I felt the holiday was a great experience - the walks were varied and the views we saw were breathtaking. The chalet was perfect, we were fed more than enough and the cake and the hot tub after each walk was the perfect ending to a day walking in the sun.
I have just returned from the highlights of Mont Blanc walking holiday. I can wholeheartedly recommend this trip, from the location of the chalet to the varied walks & excellent chalet hosts.
The trip was very varied, each days walk was different, from a challenging climb into the snow line of les houches one day to the sunny, technically easier but longer hike in the Aosta valley to Courmayeur the next. Our guide Mark was very organised and kept to schedules he had planned wherever possible.
I must particularly praise the chalet hosts Sarah & Rich, they did a fantastic job keeping us well fed, from the continental breakfast provision to the varied self service lunch selection, afternoon tea & cakes ready for you after a long day hiking to the absolutely delicious 3 course dinner. The dinners were a highlight for me as Sarah made each evening a ‘theme’ based on their travels which meant we experienced a wide range of cuisine.
Overall a fantastic trip that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
I would highly recommend this trip to any keen walker and foodie. I very much enjoyed the week at Chalet Chocolat, being looked after by the lovely hosts Zoe and Ben and the amazing walks guided by Jenny.
Jenny, our hike leader shared her experience with us and made us feel safe throughout the week. Walks were varied each day with breathtaking views. Zoe and Ben were great hosts at Chalet Chocolat. The facilities are very comfortable, the daily homemade cakes and 3 course dinners were delicious and worth going for! Chalet is in a good location where you wake up and watch sunset over the mountains from the garden and hot tub each day. It was the perfect hiking holiday.
Lovely chalet about 20 mins walk from centre of Chamonix with easy access to buses & trains. Our hosts, Zohi & Ben were lovely and looked after us really well with a freshly baked cake waiting for our return each afternoon and some really tasty dinner menus. Essentially, nothing was too much trouble which goes for our walk leader; Jenny who inspired us all with her enthusiasm, knowledge and fitness. Fantastic holiday throughout which was over way too soon. Roll on next Exodus trip!
A big thank you to Paul, Zohi & Ben from Chalet Chocolate and my fellow hikers who made this trip such a memorable holiday & a fun experience for us. Five days of good walking/ amazing views/ delicious food/ fun chat and a cosy chalet to return to every afternoon where Zohi's freshly baked cake and tea would be waiting.
Ben & Zohi were wonderful hosts, nothing was too much trouble and the 3 course evening meals were a stand-out. There was plenty of time after a great days walking to rest, soak in the outdoor hot tub with a view up to Mt Blanc, eat more cake while you reviewed the days photos or nip to the local pub with your new friends!
Excellent trip made more brilliant by Sarah and Rich who were the perfect hosts. Food was outstanding as were the cleanliness and quality of the chalet.
Sean also made a brilliant guide - very quiet but also sensitive to how people were feeling about the walks.
The group was well matched and I think bonded very well.
good to provide a temporary home for day hiking in the beautiful mountain areas with a good guide;
healthy food, though not particularly delicious; yet for hikers this should be fine
good guide arranged the distance and difficulty according to the people's capability; this is good
convenient for choose different routes each day, sending us to different starting points by cars or public transportation;
the cost is reasonable
Staying at Chalet Chamonix was the icing on the cake for me. If you 'live to eat' rather than 'eat to live', then you'll appreciate home made cakes every day, delicious, freshly prepared salads, cheese, hams, baguettes, fruit etc for lunch. Zohi was a fabulous chalet host and superb chef. I enjoyed all of our three course dinners. Popular with our group were the haricot beans, cheese souffles, tartiflette, meringues, panacotta, cheesecake, well, pretty much everything really! There was much interest in recipes:) I particularly appreciated how Zohi accommodated my preference for vegetarian/fish at short notice. Ben was quietly efficient and ensured all the 'behind the scenes stuff' worked and was on time. The bar arrangement in the chalet worked well too.
Sarah and rich were amazing hosts the food was out of this world and always on time
Put simply, one of the best holidays I have ever been on! I cannot recommend this trip enough as a complete de-stressing and uplifting break away. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and the walks (although a bit shorter than I had imagined!) let you see some of the highlights of this stunning area. The chalet is a good size for relaxing in the evenings - and the hot tub is a nice extra feature (we had it seating 8 of us). The afternoon tea and delicious evening meals prepared by Rich and Sarah also truly make this holiday something very special. I fully recommend this trip to others.
Each day we walked, trekked, and climbed up a different mountain to get a view of Mont Blanc. Some breathtaking views and we were incredibly lucky with the weather, only one cloudy day the rest was sunny and great. We stopped at chalet Chamonix and our hosts were Sarah and Richard. The itinerary said “dinner provided”, but what it didn’t tell us was that Sarah and Richard prepared a magnificent meal for us each evening, themed from different countries they had visited. It was excellent.
Our guide was Shaun Rhodes and his personality and knowledge made each day on the mountain great. He was laid back but still kept us on time, and I enjoyed my chats with him
Thanks to Shaun Sarah and Richard for making it a truly enjoyable week.
An amazing week walking around Mont Blanc, spectacular views, great company, knowledgeable guide and Michelin star quality meals!
The daily trips were well organised and all had some excellent photo opportunities. There were some relatively tough sections (at least for a 71 yo guy with a well-controlled heart condition!) but the sense of achievement at reaching the 'summit' was well worth the effort. We had quite a variable group young to old and with variable levels of fitness but our guide, Paul, looked after us well. The group 'gelled' together amazingly well and we all contributed to our Group Whatsapp with photos and comments. What made it extra special was the cooking of Zohi and Ben who served up an amazing variety of meals, all of 4-star restaurant quality and alway served exactly on time. A great variety of dishes, I don't think we had the same dish twice. The food was one of the highlights of the trip. 'Chalet Chocolat' is about 15 minutes walk from Chamonix and full of shops and extra activities. A lovely town and we enjoyed the walk (and train!) in and out several times.
What a wonderful trip from the first day we arrived at Chalet Chocolat and we were greeted by the sweetest hostesses Ben and Zohi and a delicious cake. The food each day was fabulous and the accommodations was like being wrapped in a warm blanket each night. Those beds, I had the best sleep of my life. The view! I can not think how anything could be better. Jenny, our fearless leader, always keeping an eye on everyone, pushing out limits and her passion and excitement of the views shined through.
I highly recommend this trip, but make sure you you are ready to hike up hills. At least 1 hour and half at at time. ;) You got to see all the nice bits.
Thank you Ben, Zohi for your laughter and amazing meals and Jenny for your kindness, encouragement and strength, you are an inspiration. You made my memories that much more special!
Elaine Waller
This is one of our best hiking trips, like our previous trips in the world best trails - Patagonia, Swiss VAT, Alaska, etc. The mountains are beautiful, the hiking is challenging while enjoyable, the facilities are good, even weather is wonderful - five sunny days.
For anyone who enjoys photographing and viewing spectacular landscapes and enjoys shorter walking days and excellent food and drink, the highlight trip ticks all boxes.
The whole trip was extremely well organised with all transport being provided and a free bus pass being available for travelling on public transport. The walks cover a variety of terrains and there are some steep ascents and descents but well worth it for the views. The pace was very comfortable and allowed plenty of photo opportunities and drink stops.
The whole pace of the tour is very relaxed with a 9am set off time and a 4 pm finish. This was unlike any other trek I'd been on and the added bonus was cake and tea waiting for you at the chalet on the return and the choice of finishing the day in the hot tub. This helped the group bond together quickly and the chalet accommodation is perfect with a communal dining area and vegging out area where free tea and coffee was made available.
The location of the chalet was perfect. Chaminox centre is a 10 min walk away and there is plenty of choice should you wish to eat or drink out. Likewise, for the free day, there is plenty to choose from (depending whether or not you go out of season) and we had no problem in filling the free day. Both the tour guide and Sarah and Rich (the chalet hosts) were on hand to provide details of what to do and how to go about arranging this.
Big thanks to Sarah and Rich who really did go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. Sarah's cooking is excellent and each night there was a 3 course meal waiting for us which had a specific theme. The home made cake at the end of each walk was also welcome and delicious. The daily picnics were a treat as you were able to choose what you wanted to take and the selection was always healthy and freshly made. They really do a fantastic job and are very approachable, helpful and friendly. They were excellent at recommending places to eat and drink whilst in Chamonix and organised the booking of our paragliding sessions for the free day so we knew exactly where we needed to be and when. Much appreciated guys!
So, I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who is looking for a more relaxed walking holiday, with a later start time and earlier finish time than the usual trekking holiday. The pace was comfortable, there are some challenging walks due to the terrain and the steepness of some of the climbs but the pace is comfortable and there is plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the sights. Apart from the free day and a few beers there is little else to spend your money on so it is not expensive unless you decide to eat out or shop in Chamonix.
Fab holiday
We were lucky to have a week of sun, so had excellent views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and glaciers, everywhere we went. Walks were a good distance each day, with some challenging parts, but moderated by second-breakfast and first & second lunch stops... And our evening highlight was always dinner at Chalet Chocolat where Zohi and Ben served up beautifully presented, restaurant quality food every day.
I am 4 days back from my trip, but a piece of my heart remains in the vicinity of Mont Blanc.
We were a group of 13 hiking enthusiasts from all over the world, based in Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix. My expectations were exceeded in every regard; Chalet Chocolat was so homely - the hot tub is a delight. The staff were 1st class - The hosts Zohie and Ben looked after our every need - and the food - wow - this is not just a hiking trip - with Zohie's cooking and baking, its a gastronomic adventure too. Paul our leader was so professional and sociable - he was just like one of the gang. He had an abundance of information about the geology and nature (flora and fauna) of the area. The organisation was flawless.. I particularly enjoyed the group briefing every evening; explaining the plan for the day ahead. The hiking itineraries were very varied and I feel that they represented the route very well. Transport and logistics were meticulously planned. The main star of the trip was of course the beautiful hikes and scenery around Mont Blanc - and the weather was fantastic (apart from one hr of rain), but Exodus and their gang made it a trip of a lifetime. On a final note I was lucky enough to be part of a wonderful group of people; fun was had and friends were made; wonderful memories to be relived forever. Also on my day I did a paraglide with Air Sports which was incredible. And the hike from Mer de Glace to Aiguillette du Midi is not to be missed.
The Chalet & Food prepared by the staff was out of this world, it was very comfortable other than the form mattresses.
The Walk Guide was very knowledgeable & friendly; & the walks were of right difficulty but could been slightly longer on a few days.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and was so impressed with how well we were looked after. All the travel arrangements went smoothly, the chalet was great and the food superb (thanks Zohi & Ben) and our guide Sally was brilliant. I'll definitely recommend Exodus to my friends and I'm already thinking of another trip.
Challenging hikes (for me) of about 8-10 miles per day to either summits or saddles that are part of the Mont Blanc classic circuit. We were blessed with excellent weather and terrific views of Mont Blanc, the glaciers, and the adjacent peaks. This trip fulfilled a lifelong dream of hiking in the French Alps. Great terrain, great guide, and great comrades to enjoy this spectacular place. The Chamonix Chalet was wonderful too, but I was a little challenged in terms of food because I am gluten free and also avoid red meat. I would have liked more cheese choices rather than heavy beet and bean salads for lunch, but the dinners were gourmet! A few times we were a bit rushed to make trains and avoid a long wait at the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This is definitely not a leisurely trip -- we were constantly on the go, but it was worth it. Overall, great trip! Thank you Exodus!
A great trip in all aspects! With the stunning scenery all around in every direction, and our very capable guide Sally safely guiding us up and down the sometimes challenging hills on our daily walks around Mont Blanc, days were full and tiring but also fun and energizing.
Our wonderful chalet hosts Zohi and Ben took such wonderful care of us, spoiling us with gourmet meals every evening - and delicious cake after returning from our walks! Really enjoyed the homey feel to the stay as well as the great group of friendly walkers from three continents. Highly recommended.
I had never been on an organised walking trip before but I really enjoyed the experience. Travel, food and accommodation were excellent. Our guide was really helpful, knowledgeable and safety-conscious and the scenery was mind-blowing. The days were all set at a level that was fine for the standard of difficulty Exodus had set. All in all a memorable experience that I'd recommend. I'm already thinking of my next Exodus trip!
Never been on an Exodus Travels tour before but after a fantastic week on the Mont Blanc Highlights tour I couldn’t be happier. The scenery was breath-taking, the daily treks were challenging enough and greatly increased my fitness, and the people I met in our group were great. The chalet accommodation was really good. And the food & three course dinners each night were outstanding. Can’t wait for my next adventure!
The hosts of Chalet Chocolat, Ben and Zoe, were great. Very welcoming and the food would easily sit alongside anything a top chef would produce in a Michelin restaurant. Plenty to eat all the time, especially home cooked cakes by Zoe. The chalet is just like home from home which is what you want after a days hiking, nice and relaxing. We could not fault this holiday and it was probably one of the best we have had and we've had quite a few.
The chalet is a perfect lodge for this trip, easy access to the local bus and train and only 10-15 minutes walk into the centre of Chamonix, with fantastic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
The walking holiday itself was a fantastic chance to sample some sections of the full tour route of Mont Blanc, Sally our guide was great, full of local knowledge on the mountain range, plants and flowers and we couldn't ask for more from our guide for looking after our group. The assents at times were quite tough but doable and Sally kept a steady pace and the team together, the descents at times were quite steep but again doable (make sure your boots are broken in if new).
The chalet was warm and welcoming due to the fact that at it's heart were the hosts Zohi and Ben, it was clean and tidy. The food was AMAZING, continental breakfast, pack-up for lunch with a great selection of salads, rolls, fruit etc. A fantastic surprise was a delicious and different type of cake waiting for us back at the chalet every day after a day's walking.
The finale of every evening was a three course dinner thanks to Zohi and Ben which was just superb.
We had the most amazing tour. Exodus organised fantastic accommodation (Chalet Chamonix) with tremendous hosts Sarah and Rich. The food was 5 star restaurant quality and the couple made sure all stop offs and pick ups ran smoothly. They were entertaining and informative, nothing was too much trouble. Exodus also arranged a fabulous guide for our hiking, Sean was excellent, he planned the hikes according to the ability of all the group and judged the pace perfectly. Sean was extremely experienced and a real pleasure to follow.
I would not hesitate to recommend this amazing hiking tour.
We had an excellent week. Staying a Chalet Chocolat, our hosts Zohi and Ben took good care of us. The food was home cooked and superb and they were very friendly and accommodating. Our hikes were varied and our trip guide Sally set a good pace and was knowledgeable about the area.the
Another great Exodus trip under my belt, and I'm looking ahead to see where I want to go next.
The Highlights of Mont Blanc seemed to be the perfect blend of exercise and comfort for me. Our guide, shaun set a great pace that we were all able to maintain. We had several opportunities to go higher and further or shorten the day with a descent or cable car ride.
The food at the chalet was the best I've ever had on a group tour. Thanks to Rich and Sarah!
My only complaint was the weak and unreliable wifi in the chalet. Couldn't get a connection in my room, only in the lounge.
This trip does what it says on the tin - seeing the best of the Mont Blanc circuit in just one week.
I simply cannot fault the Mont Blanc Highlights holiday with Exodus Travels. The walks were challenging and wonderfully varied in terms of terrain, steepness, flora and fauna and views - which were utterly worth the exertion.
Chalet Chamonix was an absolute dream, made so by the hosts Sarah and Rich, whose hospitality knew no bounds. So warm, thoughtful, intuitive. Amazingly gourmet cuisine, and they also made my birthday there very special too. I cannot rate them highly enough. So sad that this is their last season!!
Mark, the walking guide is super fit and knows his stuff re geography and points of interest. He is kind too and although we had a schedule to stick to, he catered for the abilities of the entire group, in terms of sufficient R&R along the routes.
Chalet Chamonix is in a perfect location for a stroll into the shopping and relaxing delights of the town. Huge lido too, for swimming plus fun slides in a separate area.
My husband and l had a great time on this trip. The area is gorgeous and the varied walks allow you to really get a feel for the place. We particularly enjoyed the views on the Aiguillette des Houches and Auguillette du Brevent walk and the walk through the alpine meadows in Italy. Walking in this region even in peak season August is not as busy as we feared on the trails which was a nice surprise. Can be like sheep all following the masses up the paths in the Breacons Beacons for example but it just wasn't like that. Yes a few people up the summits and the no 2 transfer bus was uncomfortably packed at times but otherwise good. There is so much to do on the free day if you want. Sarah and Rich are really lovely at the Chalet Chamonix - prepare to eat restaurant quality 3 course meals and very yummy afternoon tea homemade cakes. The chalet sits within easy reach of Chamonix town which is nice to visit at the end of the day's walk. Chamonix is very vibrant and bustling with lots of shops and a good bakery or two. Our group was a really nice bunch of people and made for lovely walking and scrabble fests in the evening!
This was our first Exodus holiday and it fulfilled all expectations. The walks, led by our guide Mark, were varied and provided us with a fantastic opportunity to sample some of the TMB. He had an abundance of local knowledge and we felt safe in his hands. Some of the days were quite long but the rewards well worth the achy knees! Our stay at Chalet Chamonix was super, Chalet hosts Rich and Sarah were so welcoming and all the food we were provided with was simply amazing. We were lucky to be with a very friendly bunch of fellow trekkers and have many lovely and happy memories from our trip.
If you are not sure whether to book this or not just do it because it will be incredible! I stayed at Chalet Chocolat - Ben and Zoe were our hosts and their food is absolutely incredible! Jim was our tour leader and he made each hike really special - he told us riddles to make going uphill easier, helped us connect with nature and had a ton of knowledge about the local area. The group was fab - I travelled solo and and everyone got on really well. The chalet is fabulous with a great hot tub, scrumptious post hike cakes and an honesty bar! Just a great trip with a great group! 100% recommend it.
We had a fantastic chalet experience in Chalet Chamonix. Sarah and Rich were brilliant hosts and exceptional chefs. The hikes were very well organised with amazing scenery and the chalet group was really lovely. The food which Sarah and Rich prepared was really exceptional and a highlight of the trip - we looked forward to dinner every evening, it was better than any restaurant could offer in Chamonix! A brilliant week.
Highly recommend this trip, everything was great from the magnificent walks to the incredible food. The chalet itself and town of Chamonix are lovely, and each day trip and hike provided beautiful scenery.
If you are looking for a weeks hiking within one of the best mountain valleys in Europe, you should take this trip. The scenery is awesome and this trip enables you to see Mont Blanc from a wide variety of perspectives.
Our hosts Zoe and Ben at Chalet Chocolat were so welcoming and accommodating. The food was delicious, of an extremely high standard and always beautifully presented. Ben would always head out early to get the fresh baguettes. The range of salads to select for your packed lunch changed daily. The cake ready for your return from a days trekking was always delicious. They were always smiling and cheery and wanting to ensure you had the best possible stay.
Mike was our guide for the week and his knowledge of the area and his leadership was outstanding. The banter and humour throughout the week and his skill at ensuring the pace and routes met the needs of all the group was fantastic.
Generally it was a fun trekking trip.
Everyone in the group were pleasant and enjoyable to be with. However, there was a large discrepancy in hiking fitness level so daily hikes were rather slow and sometimes shortened as a result.
Food was excellent.
Accommodation was comfortable and spacious. Only negative was location which was far out from town centre Chamonix. Wasn't feasible to just go to town for an hour or so before dinner.
Public transport in Chamonix over-crowded as the bus/train service was insufficient.
Our Mont Blanc highlights trip exceeded our expectations. The walking was at a perfect level for us as fit 60+ yr olds who climb hills weekly. We were with a wonderful, friendly group with similar abilities and a god guide, Frank. Our hosts, Sarah & Rich were wonderful, warm and well organised and cooked us superb meals and made my birthday there a special occasion. Their meals and afternoon cakes were an unexpected' icing on the cake' aspect of the trip. The weather was perfect and the walks varied and spectacular. We loved reaching a summit and sitting on rocks or in meadows to soak up the view and fresh mountain air. There is time to explore Chamonix and on our free day we took the train into Switzerland and visited Emosson Dam via a steep funicular. A great day. We would highly recommend this trip.
This was one of the best organised tour holidays I've ever been on. We had an exceptional week of hiking, our tour guide Tom was awesome - he had fantastic local knowledge, kept us clear of the big tour groups, showed us all the hidden gems and kept us entertained with his stories. The hiking was very civilised and reasonable, should be no problem if you're in decent physical fitness. Great introduction to the beautiful Mont Blanc area. The weather in July was perfect - we were lucky to not get even one day of rain or bad weather. Staying at Chalet Chocolat was also great - our chalet hosts Zohi and Ben looked after us so well; amazing breakfasts, buffet pack-your-own lunch, fresh baked cakes every day and a three course meal - the food was really well done, dietary requirements catered for. Couldn't ask for more - would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!
My wife and I were apprehensive about booking a guided group tour that was center-based as all our previous hiking trips were both self-guided/planned and a bit more aggressive. However, we found the center-based, guided and group aspects made for a truly delightful holiday. The chalet was extremely comfortable and clean, located perfectly at the edge of town with magnificent views right out the front door. The hikes were challenging enough to satisfy most athletic people yet not so demanding that they could not be enjoyed by moderately active people. And the views - WOW! Every view seemed better than the next. Every day ended with tea (or cocktails) and home made treats in the common area followed by a 3-course, gourmet meal, paired with wine prepared by our private chefs extrordinaire, Sarah and Richard. Our guide's (Peter) knowledge of the history, geology and botany of the area made each hike interesting and enjoyable and meeting new people who share enthusiasm for the outdoors was the icing on the cake. All-in-all, we were thrilled with our Exodus experience and can't wait to start researching our next Exodus trip.
Excellent week, surpassed expectations. Great fun group, super guide & above all, amazing chalet hosts, Sarah & Rich treating us to their warm welcome, local knowledge & 5* gourmet meals in Chalet Chamonix
Fantastic week in amazing surroundings with great people, we stayed in chalet chocolat which is a lovely chalet with everything needed for a comfortable stay, hosts zohi and ben were brilliant, very friendly and accomodating and kept us well fed with excellent food. 5 days of walking amongst fabulous scenery and a day to explore, paraglide, ride the cable cars etc. Our guide for the walks, tom, was fantastic, friendly, full of knowledge and contributed to a brilliant week. All round a great holiday, would highly recommend.
My husband, son, and I just spent a delightful week in Chamonix , France on the Mt Blanc highlights trip. We stayed in Chalet Chocolat and loved every minute of the trip. Each day we enjoyed a great breakfast and packed up a lunch that included sandwiches with fresh locally baked bread and salads prepared by our wonderful chalet hosts Zohi and Ben.
Our guide Shaun would lead us daily to a different area around Mt Blanc for a beautiful hike in the Alps. The hike itineraries were well planned out. We saw a variety of areas and had time for a great picnic lunch each afternoon.
In the afternoons Zohi had a delicious cake waiting upon our arrival back at the Chalet. We could also enjoy time in the hot tub with views of Mt Blanc.
Every night Zohi and Ben cooked a delicous gourmet meal.
We couldn't have been happier on our trip.
Wow, what can I say? This holiday exceeded my expectations in every way - the walks were varied and interesting, the weather was amazing and our hosts Sarah and Rich at Chalet Chamonix were brilliant, providing us with gourmet international cuisine every evening and gorgeous cakes in the afternoons after our walks. The scenery and views were stunning - I was in awe of the scale of everything compared to our English Lake District mountains. The days weren't as long as I was expecting - we had plenty of stops for refreshments and time to go into the lovely town of Chamonix.
A fantastic combination of a very friendly group, wonderful guide and the culinary delights of Chalet Chamonix. Quite a jackpot! We enjoyed it all and the mountains and breathtaking views lived up to all expectations. We also benefited from a tremendous work out each day for legs more accustomed to the flat lands of The Netherlands! It was a great experience.
The unassuming superstars of Chalet Chamonix are Sarah and Rich whose hospitality and delicious food exceeded our expectations; I think they must set a new culinary standard for Exodus trips! The teatime cakes and international cuisine at dinner created a welcome and unexpected element to the trip which was quite a talking point.
Our group had quite a discussion about the activity grading of this trip, most felt that parts of it felt more strenuous than the indicated 'Moderate 3' might suggest. However, you do feel like you have had a very full and enjoyable week at the end.
A thoroughly enjoyable trip with expert guidance walking in the Mont Blanc region.
Comfortable accommodation in Chamonix, within easy walking distance from town centre.
Gourmet, three course dinners also provided with breakfast and picnic lunches
A good introduction to walking in the Chamonix region
Organisation of trip excellent. Stayed in Chalet Chocolat, comfortable, what made our stay was out hosts Zoe and Ben who ran the chalet efficiently and were great fun. The catering was gourmet standard with fabulous cakes every day. Our guide Mark has lived in the area for 10 years, he was a superb guide and had many interesting stories. The terrain was quite tough for us in our 60's but very enjoyable with world-beating views. We enjoyed sharing the chalet with a good crowd.
I wasn't sure about a holiday in the mountains. I enjoy walking and thought I'd be up for the challenge. I wasn't disappointed. Most of the week we were in Chamonix we had warm sunshine, which simply made the mountains more spectacular.
Chalet Chamonix was comfortable as a base and the food, including the cakes on our return from walking, little short of amazing. It was interesting to have 2 hosts at the chalet who both looked after us for the week as well as driving us to where we needed to be so that our guide could lead us up the mountain paths.
Recently returned from an amazing walking holiday in the stunning area surrounding Mont Blanc. A lovely break away in the fresh mountain air with great hospitality & food, staying in a comfortable chalet in Chamonix.
This trip went far beyond my expectations. The walking was great, through lush wooded hills and fields full of the most beautiful wild flowers. The weather was mixed with one day completely washed out, although not spoilt as we still enjoyed the variety of walking even when soaked!
What stood apart was the food - Sarah and Richard were the best hosts I have yet encountered - and I have traveled for over 25 years. The themed menus, quality and presentation of meals was second to none. The freshly baked daily cakes were so good to come back to after a challenging day in the mountains too. My only problem was leaving enough room for dinner each evening.
Mont Blanc was really the star of the trip. I loved the way we were put together in the Chalet (Chocolat) and led by Pete our group leader. Zoe and Ben also put every possible effort to look after us well. Most of all I met such wonderful and inspirational people in the group. I will be staying in touch with some and never forget the rest.
Great Walking without being over stretched phyically
Amazing Views
Great Chalet Hosts
Super Guide
Great Company
Fabulous Alpine walking trip. Base camp at a nice chalet, communal style. 13 people.
My husband has already done a review and i echo his thoughts. i did find this the most challenging of the walking holidays we have done. We have previously been to Croatia, Turkey (Cappadocia) Picos de Europa, The Dolomites and Slovenia.
The views were wonderful and the food was outstanding. Sarah and Rich were just great hosts.
The paths were fine and the journeys to and from the walks easy. It was lovely being walking distance from Chamonix.
We have just returned from a great week in Chamonix. The weather could certainly have been better and the low lying snow meant that a few of our walks did not run as planned. The guide managed to find alternatives which allowed us to see the region, weather permitting. The trip is classed as moderate but some of the days were quite challenging for some of the group. We were lucky to be part of an exceptional group of people which made each day an adventure no matter what the weather threw at us. The highlight of the trip was definitely Chalet Chamonix with Sarah and Rich. The meals were themed for different countries the couple has spent time in. But the cooking was at Haute Cuisine standard. Rich's afternoon cakes were also fingerlicking good . The buffet from which we made up our packed lunches had a selection of homemade salads as well as meats and bread.Delicious!
The guest lounge and kitchen , with a well stocked honesty bar, turned into the hub where we spent time before and after the evening meal.
The hot tub helped to relieve the sore legs.
Sarah and Richard provide a service in the chalet that is second to none. I have not had food as good as this unless paying premium prices in a very expensive restaurant.
The company on the trip was superb a mix of Brits, Kiwis and Americans. The banter on and off the mountains was top notch.
Shaun our guide was great.
I have been on a few of these trips both working for companies and as a holiday maker. Can fault it and great memories.
The tour was extremely well organized. Our safety was considered in planning where we went based on weather and conditions. We ate the most delicious food including our to go lunches. The meals where also themed towards regions we hiked in for that day. I even celebrated a birthday while on this tour and the trip leaders made a nice fuss of me and prepared me a cake and sang me 'Happy Birthday.' It was a wonderful trip to the Alps. Thank you for the wonderful memories
An excellent holiday which delivered fantastic views of the mountains.
We travelled in the middle of September and the week began with some unseasonably cold weather which resulted in one day walking in the snow. It was not too demanding but be prepared for cold weather.
The second half of the week was much warmer and the variety of weather made the trip even more interesting as the snow was beautiful but we were also able to enjoy very sunny days.
The Chalet Chamonix was very comfortable and the meals provided by Sarah and Rich were absolutely outstanding, the best we have had.
My sister and I had an absolutely fantastic week.
The chalet was located right in the middle of Chamonix and the cooking provided by Sarah and Rich was to die for. The hot tub in the garden at the end of the day with stunning mountain views was great too. The tea and cake around 4 o'clock at the end of a day's walking was always something to look forward to!
We had really good walking with our guide Jenny who was really first class. The scenery is truly amazing and the walk in Italy for a day will live with me for a long time to come. We saw glaciers and lakes, walked down rickety ladders and over little himalayan like bridges.
I have been wanting to do this week's walking for nearly 10 year and it exceeded my expectations
Thanks
Mark
as avid followers of the Tour du France for all the scenery shots, we hooked on the idea of this trip when the 2016 tour went through Chamonix and a helicopter fly over of Mont Blanc was part of the coverage. We started to look for a reputable company that had local representation in Australia and we came across Exodus. Having never travelled to this part of the world and unsure what to expect the agents answered our many questions and for those they couldn't they organised a conference call with their UK office, who later sent photos of some of the areas I had queries on. This level of customer service convinced me Exodus was the right company for us and it turned out to be a good decision we had a great time, the Chalet was beautiful, food great and the company even better
hiking was wonderful and loved every moment - even the hard parts
We got lucky with the weather and had 5 great walks showing off the stunning scenery in the Mont Blanc region. Chamonix itself is a beautiful town. Don't miss the craft brewery and definitely do the parapenting!
One of our most memorable holidays. We were lucky to have fantastic weather (mountain weather can be unpredictable), and we enjoyed the usual mix of friendly and interesting people that we've come to expect on Exodus holidays.
When not enjoying spectacular alpine views on the walks, Chamonix provided ample opportunities to do some shopping, experience local bars, just a stroll away from Chamonix Chalet where we could read a book in the garden with views of Mont Blanc, whilst relaxing in the hot tub and wait for a fabulous dinner prepared by our hosts Sara and Richard. This holiday provided the perfect mix of beautiful walks, fantastic food and great company. We highly recommend it.
This was our first trip with Exodus and it definitely won't be our last. We knew the location was going to be outstanding, but the service from our initial phone call to book the trip, right through to the staff in resort was faultless. Our chalet hosts at Chalet Chamonix, Rich and Sarah, quite simply were phenomenal. Their knowledge and service was second to none and I just can't speak highly enough about the food. No basic comfort food here! It was like dining out at a fabulous restaurant every night! Our mountain guide Peter was a true gent, who in his understated manner, shared his incredible knowledge of the area and ensured our safety and enjoyment was paramount at all times.
I'm already looking forward to browsing through the brochure and finding our next adventure!
This trip is definitely one not to be missed! The scenery and walks are breathtakingly beautiful and the Chamonix the perfect setting. The chalet was a real haven to come back to each night with home made cakes and a stunning three course meal which would not be out of place at any top restaurant. The chalet hosts, Richard and Sarah, were outstanding. Sarah's passion and love for hosting were a joy to behold and the positive, upbeat attitude of them both really helped to make our group feel at home.
Thank-you both for the welcome, and the a 'la carte food, and afternoon tea.... and the creative foods to try. sarah has a passion for cooking... thank-you also for getting the red wine out of my top. rich and sarah.. work beautiful together.. making everyone's holiday a pleasure... both very helpful.. the chalet was lovely with great views of mount blanc.. hope u guys make chalet leader's...
have a fab time in Everest....
The Mont Blanc highlights trip is a real treat! The chalet is quaint and comfortable, especially when you have Rich and Sarah as hosts. The meals are exquisite, and each made with love which you can taste in Sarah's food. The walks are all certainly 'highlights', choosing the best parts of Chamonix snd Mont Blanc to experience in the short stay. I would highly recommend this tour.
An overall wonderful experience with magnificent scenery and food for such a reasonably priced tour.
The walking was a bit harder than the moderate rating given to it
The accommodation although basic chalet style was adequate but was more than made up for by the charm and efficiency of our hosts, Sara and Rich.
The gourmet evening meals provided by Sara were consistently amazing.
I would highly recommend the tour based on Sara and Rich being your hosts at the chalet.
We had a wonderful 5 days walking parts of the TMB with exodus. Our guide Mark was extremely experienced and knowledgeable. As a slower walker I found some aspects of the walks a little bit challenging but Mark was accommodating and encouraging as were other members of the group.
Back at the chalet our wonderful hosts Sarah and Rich made our stay most comfortable. Sarah is a brilliant chef and her 3 course dinners were up there with the best restaurants we've been to.
Really enjoyed this trip ,lots of good point's - here's a few
Firstly we had brilliant weather the whole week so we did all the walks and saw all the sights in glorious sunshine.
Secondly the chalet and our hosts were superb ,the food was delicious and plentiful all week.
Thirdly our walk leader was very capable and gave a sense of security and safety throughout the trip.
I did this trip during the last week in September and the weather was great every day. A well organised trip and everything went to schedule. Comfortable chalet and excellent meals in the evening.
Very enjoyable week with lovely people. Beautiful scenery in a stunning location.
A thoroughly enjoyable week - spectacular walking with an interesting and varied group of fellow guests; very comfortable accommodation in the chalet; delightful and welcoming hosts (Sarah and Rich); fantastic food; easy access to the lovely town of Chamonix.
Beautiful hikes in wonderful Chamonix! Charming chalet with wonderful hosts (Sarah & Rich) and great cooking! Not luxury accommodation, but ok for the purpose. Tt was the end of the season, so not perfect weather but good enough. Well-planned hiking week. The only complaint is the same breakfast and the same lunch bread & meats every day, no variation - as well as the coffee: I was expecting great darkroast French cafe au lait at the chalet, but was offered weak British-style (?) coffee.
This was the best holiday of my life so far and that says a lot as I am a frequent traveller who visited approximately 20 European countries, many beautiful places and had several fantastic holiday experiences. But this holiday trumped all of that. For those who are not sure if this is the trip for you, trust me it is worth every penny.
I am absolutely satisfied with how Exodus dealt with all of my questions and how they organised this trip. It was all very simple. I arrived to Geneva early Saturday afternoon and met with everyone at the airport included our tour guide. The journey to Chamonix took one hour. Chamonix town is like no others. The town it self is very beautiful and is surrounded by even more beautiful mountains. The views were absolutely unbelievable. We were accommodated in a Chalet which was very beautiful. In the Chalet we met with the rest of the group, and I have to say I couldn't ask for a better group. Everyone (including our guide - Jenny Smith and the two hosts - Rich and Sarah) was nice and friendly and made this experience even better. The weather was very good, except for one day when it was raining, so we had all the fantastic views. Every day was absolutely fantastic, so get in shape so you don't miss a thing. No words can describe just how beautiful the views were. The trails them self were in good conditions and I felt very safe on them. Yes there were some difficult sections, but our guide has always helped us out. The best thing about the trip is that when you think nothing can out do your day/moment/view there is something even better, and better and better... You will truly see the best parts of the Alps, experience a new culture, taste things you never ate before. You really want to have a hot chocolate in Italy. The hosts Rich and Sarah were wonderful and I am thankful that they were out hosts as they were friendly and funny and always lifted the atmosphere. Not to mention the fantastic food, truly it was world class, and I miss it already.
Great Group, fantastic guide/leader, brilliant walking routes, lovely accommodation in a stunning location, marvellous catering by Sarah and Richard and great driving to the trail heads every morning by the same catering team.
The Mt. Blanc Highlights trip is one of the best I´ve done in a long time. The balance of hiking, leisure time, eating the good food after hiking and good rest was just perfect!
Excellent trip with stunning scenery on every day and outstanding cooking.
We can't recommend this trip highly enough! The hikes were incredible--challenging, beautiful, varied, and expertly-guided. There were plenty of stops at local refuges for hot chocolate, coffee, and water bottle refills along the way. Our guide (Mark) was quite knowledgeable about the area, and our hosts (Rich and Sarah) were absolutely lovely. Sarah's cooking was OUTSTANDING--a true highlight! Finally, we enjoyed terrific camaraderie and great conversations with the other members of our group.
An incredible week filled with exhilarating walking, spectacular scenery, a superb professional guide and a really great group.
Great accommodation, fabulous food (thank you Sarah and Rich) and wonderful walks (thank you Mark).
I can't recommend Mont Blanc Highlights enough. I had never been on an organised activity holiday before, so I was a bit apprehensive about what it might involve. Also, I think it felt like a lot of money to be spending on a holiday (well, to be anyway). I think in light of the experience I had, I would've paid more for it. It was wonderful. The standard of everything was so high, my expectations were surpassed at every stage. The walking was glorious, and pitched exactly right for my fitness. We all loved our leader and our hosts. The food was out of this world. And the views... oh my. Italy day was my fave. But there wasn't a single day that I didn't enjoy. Even though this is an activity holiday, it was such a relaxing holiday: all you can concentrate on is putting one food in front of the other, which is incredible therapeutic.
In July I walked the Mont Blanc Highlights tour. For anyone short of time or concerned about doing the full circuit this a great tour. You get to see the best of the best and are based on Chamonix. I think it is great to come back to the same base each night . We had a delightful chalet right in Chamonix town, with the excellent hosts and chefs. Sarah and Rich looked after us, cooked a delicious three course meal every evening, baked wonderful afternon tea each day on our return and took us to the beginning of your walk daily.
I can't talk highly enough of the general organisation, Sarah and Rich and the professionalism and knowledge of our guides, Rupert and Jen. I highly recommend Exodus Travels and will use them again.
This was an excellent trip to do. I do have a pretty good fitness level but have not done a huge amount of hiking, however although I did find it challenging it was enormously rewarding and I can't say strongly enough how fantastic the views are!
Great trip with stunning scenery on each hike. Great town, great food and hot tub at the exodus chalet
An excellent walking holiday that encompasses all the best bits of the tour of Mont Blanc into 1 week with the luxury of a chalet base in Chamonix.
This was my first experience of an Exodus holiday and I loved it. I will definitely be using Exodus again. We were in a group of 14 with one guide for each of the walks, Rupert on the first day, then Jen for the rest of the week. Both guides were excellent and tailored the walks very well for our group, and for the conditions. ourwalks weren't as strenuous as indicated in the tour information, but that was appropriate for our group. I and one other member were very uncomfortable with some of the drops around us, but both Jen and Rupert were very supportive and helped me achieve more than I was expecting. The walks were all amazing in beautiful scenery.
The Tour of Mont Blanc highlights proved to be an excellent holiday for myself and my wife. The scenery, the walks, the weather and the supporting Exodus people were all brilliant.
I recently went on this trip and as per usual I enjoyed another Exodus adventure. We enjoyed sunny days, blue skies and warm weather for early June. Lots of snowy mountain tops all around us. The timing was perfect as the previous two weeks were showers, bleak days.
Alpine spiritMont Blanc highlights – Guided walk – 03.10.2015 to 10.10.2015- Sharwari DeshpandeI stood in the balcony of our pretty chalet, gazing humbly at the Alps, hoping they would welcome us. Then I looked a bit higher, at the blue sky and made a silent appeal for the weather to be favorable. I sensed the invitation as well as the approval, the optimism, generating some warmth in me in spite of the chill in the open balcony. En-route to Chamonix, anxiety peeped through the colouring foliage, it was a one and a half hour ride in the bus with Mark, our guide and the other team mates. Settling down in the Chalet was easy, after which we explored charming Chamonix. A river flowing busily beneath a bridge, sports shops, eateries, chocolateries, lots of flowers everywhere, friendly people and of course a cute little train crossing by, did a great deal to raise the spirits. Supper times in the chalet, promising to please, chatting, sipping wine with the team mates and enjoying the hospitality of the wonderful hosts, Jane and Collins. The edible delicacies that the culinary expert in Jane dished out, were always looked forward to. The meals were well presented, appetizing and always followed by simply irresistible Desserts. The walks were not easy but not too difficult. A certain level of fitness is required. One should be able to run, may be 5 Km in 30-35 minutes and walk for 8 hours. Anything less than that is bound to hold up other members of the group who are fit. The trek was graded as moderate but the definition of Moderate was not given so I thought of providing one as per my understanding. We were a team of 8 people. 6 from UK, and two of us from India. One solo woman was older, around 70 and one 25 year old young man. All the rest were within 40 to 50 years of age. The older woman had to drop out on the first day as she could not catch up with the others. On the last day, 2 of them dropped out. The rest of us completed the 5 day trek. The walks provided spectacular views and we were blessed with good weather. Apart from fitness, these are requisites which make the trek enjoyable. We were fascinated as we explored around the Mont Blanc, passing through three countries France, Switzerland and Italy. Mark knew the route well and also had a fair understanding of the weather forecast. We walked almost 7 to 8 hours for five days. Day one was Orientation. On the second day, we went from Montroc to Aiguettes des posettes at 2201 m height. Col de Posettes to Chalet du Balme and from Le tout back to Montroc. The third day, we walked through the Merlet national park, spotting some red deer and gazelles inside a fenced area. We stopped at a very picturesque refuge, Bellechat at 2259 m. From here to Aguettes des houches, chalet Chailloux and then to Bettey parking where the car took us back to the Chalet Chamonix. This was an interesting and long walk through the woods. It was drizzling and the ground was wet and slippery and we had to watch every step. Day four was free day. The free day was spent in sight seeing and shopping in Chamonix and at night dinner at a plush restaurant with the team mates, followed by drinks at the Jekyll and Hyde pub ! Day Five took us to Col de Voza from Maison Neuve. We stopped for lunch near the Passerelle bridge, moving on to Le Champel and then to La gruvaz. The next day was interesting as we walked on the Italian side. We drove through the Mont Blanc tunnel(22 miles) to Italy, walked through the Bonnatti refuge, moving further to the beautiful Ferret valley and ending at Courmayeur. On the last day we started from Col de Montet. Then from Windy point to Lac Chesery, a calm and serene place. On the way stopping at La Floria and then the unending walk through sloping loops, into Chamonix outskirts and back to Chalet. The 2 minute standing stops were timed so well, they gave some relief after a steep climb. There were some adrenaline moments, wherein the road was narrow or no road, climbing on large stones, slippery road but Mark was careful and helped wherever required. Almost every time after this, on the next turn, full of beauty, the landscape would be treat to the eyes. The five days brought to us different flavors. The first day introduced us to the Alps. We were awestruck by the breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc, Aguille du Midi. The walk through the woods of Merlet National park was interesting. It rained on one of the days and that too was enjoyable, gave opportunity for the poncho to be worn. Most of the packed lunches we had, by a stream, lake , very scenic refuges. These beautiful locations refreshed and replenished the energy. Café au lait in a cute café on the way on one of the days, provided the ‘high’ which had me almost romping downhill. I was most delighted to have the yummiest Hot chocolate at Café Bonatti. The chocolate walnut biscuit was great accompaniment. This also helped to infuse some enthusiasm. The Café is named after the legendary Italian climber Walter Bonatti. Photos of the climber were displayed in the Café. We enjoyed great views of the hills during a balcony walk. Climbing on the Italian side exciting. At the end of the long stretch, we had ice cream at the Gelateria in the cute Italian town of Courmayeur. The most exciting moment was when we spotted the Ibex and Chamois grazing in the mountains. They were indifferent to our ogling and continued with their meal hungrily. It was good to know they felt safe and did not flee at the sight of humans. The last day was longest but Mark took us, on the route, to the ‘ Chalet Floria’ , floral extravaganza in a Café. We had the nicest blue berry cake and myrtille yoghurt but what gladdened the heart was the flower garden so well maintained, colourful and lovely. We were once again rejuvenated to carry on our long trail, on the last day, back to cosy little chalet Chamonix. To summarize, this was the most well organized, efficiently guided walk, at a splendid location with excellent company of like minded and fit fellow trekkers, hosted at the chalet with great warmth and care.This was indeed the best way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and my husband Upen and I will cherish every moment. Thank you Exodus.
Chalet was lovely and hosts Jane and Colin just the best people. Cordial, hilarious, amazing chefs and always willing to lend a hand or correct you on your pronunciation of 'croissant'.. Loved them.
Hot tub was very much appreciated after a long day trekking.
Don't take this trip lightly, it can be pretty tough in places and would not grade this as Moderate but more Moderate - Strenuous. Don't let that put you off, it is a gorgeous trip in every way and you will hobble away from this feeling pretty damn wonderful!
Mt. Blanc highlights was an enjoyable experience. First was the easy connection at the Geneva airport and spacious bus ride to the chalet. Then all the great scenery of Mt. Blanc and the surrounding peaks, which was made possible by a moderately paced hike to great viewpoints picked by a local leader, did not disappoint. The morning rides to the trailheads were quick and would have probably taken me half the day to find. The trip also offered a wide array of participants from several countries which made for interesting conversation with like minded people. Last but not least was the great food prepared by the friendly folks at the chalet.
We enjoyed the trip. The food prepared was fantastic! Our group leader was very nice but we felt that he wasn't as engaging as other leaders on other trips that we have been on.
Just returned home from this fantastic trip. We had fabulous weather which made it even more enjoyable. The scenery and views were brilliant and worth every puff and upward step to reach the top to gain them.
A week of trekking in the Chamonix valley and various parts of the Mont Blanc circuit, with time to relax and unwind in a comfortable chalet in Chamonix.
A very enjoyable trip which exceeded my expectations. Stunning scenery, great walks, very comfortable chalet,
fantastic hosts, with great food, and knowledgeable guide.
One of the best holidays in years, spending time in stunning alpine scenery with a great group of people. Although it took a few hours to hike up to the summits, the effort was worth the huff and puff. At the end of the day, we were welcomed back to the chalet by home-made cake (nothing like a hike to build up an appetite) and a hot tub to ease tired muscles. Well, as for the evening meals, please can you come and cook for our next dinner party, Jane and Colin?
If you enjoy solid alpine hiking but prefer a base camp this is the alpine trip you want.
In my opinion this was a fantastic trip! Our accommodation at the Chalet was so cozy and well looked after, our food was great and it was so nice to sit and share with our travel friends! Great moderate paced walking with beautiful views. I thought the first day was great but the views just kept eating better!
A truly spectacular trip! The walks provide excellent views throughout. The varied nature of the trip allows you to see the snow capped peaks of Mont Blanc in every way through balcony walks and reaching the top of cols. We trekked through forested trails, bridges crossing glacial rivers and up to turquoise mountain lakes.
Excellent experience, with good hospitality at the chalet and well paced walking. The mist and rain for the first 4 days didn't spoil the overall enjoyment!
An amazingly well organized week in stunning surroundings of Chamonix, definitely worth every penny. Enjoyed the chalet, the company, the hikes and the catering + free time in the alpine village - recommendable to all fit enough for the ascents and descents ;)
If you want a holiday with 360° spectacular views and muscle-building, heart-pounding ascents then this trip will fulfil your requirement.
This was an excellent holiday; I wholeheartedly recommend this trip. I went with my grown-up daughter and we both thoroughly enjoyed the walks which, thankfully, were blessed with excellent weather. Had we organized the trip ourselves (which I thought about doing), I doubt we would have found such interesting and varied walks. A very good itinerary that has to remain flexible owing to the vagaries of mountain weather. The accommodation at Chalet Mont Blanc was very comfortable, with excellent homely food cooked by our equally excellent hosts Collin and Jane. They made the group feel very welcome.
An excellent trip taking us all around Mont Blanc whilst having the comfort and convenience of staying in one comfortable clean Ski chalet with attentive and friendly hosts serving top notch plentiful food.
The walk were challenging but not killers; though you will need to be fairly fit. The leader was exactly what one would want: informative, knowledgeable (especially on flora and fauna), attentive and supportive, taking health and safety appropriately seriously. A really nice guy and an excellent guy.
The sun shone, the group gelled together very well and the Mountains were majestic and awesome (in all of its magnificent breathtaking scintillating true meaning).
Want to feel really alive? this is the trip folks.
Good views
Every person at the end of this trip left saying 'I wasn't expecting to have that good of a time.' People said things like 'I've been on a lot of holidays, and this was the best one yet.' This trip was so incredible, from the actual hiking itself to the views to the hospitality of the hosts of the chalet to the organization of it all to the expertise of the guide.. I could go on. I can't speak highly enough about it. I wanted to extend the trip another week. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
Excellent relaxing & stimulating break in the Alps. Despite the unexpected heatwave our guide still managed to show us all the Mont Blanc highlights. Having booked very last minute we were glad to get a chalet spot as well as all the information needed to catch-up with the group on arrival. Would highly recommend for a quick early summer trek to blow all the cobwebs away. Returned refreshed & rejuvenated - Cheers !
Great food, excellent company and good walking in awesome scenery!
an excellent trip made by stunning scenery,a good crowd of fellow hikers, a good leader who adapted well to his team and temperatures of 35C and great chalet hosts. well done exodus !
It was a great week of hikes supported by yet another lovely team of Exodus support
staff. Despite the heatwave baking Europe, the group enjoyed the daily routes (especially the shady bits!) and felt we'd earned our nightly dinner, each of which was impressive (to judge from how we asked for the recipes) and served wtih great kindness and care to detail by our chalet cooks/house managers Colin & Jane who seemed to think of and to anticipate everything we needed.
Hard to summarise. What made it a fab holiday? Fab walking, fab views, fab mountains, Colin and Jane's cooking, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille du Midi, chalet room with a balcony, orchids and Alpine flora, good company, safe, knowledgeable and funny leader and even alto cumulus lenticularis (thank you, Richard) sitting on top of Mont Blanc.
Brilliant weather,lovely chalet & host's and also very lucky with the weather. I say lucky but because your in the mountains and they don't call them cloud catchers for nothing (but don't let that put you off going on this trip)
A great trip - good accommodation, food and great walks
My girlfriend and I had never taken a group tour of any kind. We are frequent world travelers and have always been independent in our travel plans. But while doing research for a trip to the French Alps we found the Exodus website and were intrigued by the simple but compelling descriptions of the Exodus experience as well as the beautiful photographs and helpful reviews. We weren't sure we would like the group travel experience but decided to give it a try.
We have now returned from our trip and are still surprised at how much we enjoyed the Exodus experience. The accommodations were very comfortable. We usually like to stay in boutique luxury hotels and stay away from the home style 'bed and breakfast' type of accommodations. We found the chalet provided by Exodus to be very comfortable and enjoyed the chalet atmosphere. It really felt like having a vacation home instead of staying in a hotel. We also have very high standards for food and wine. My girlfriend is an accomplished restauranteur and sommelier and cuisine is a critical part of any vacation for us. We found the food to be healthy, delicious, creative, and prepared with great flair.
But what surprised and delighted us the most about the trip was the people. Our chalet hosts, Jane and Colin, were warm, caring, and friendly while at the same time professional and talented. Our guide Simon was educational, entertaining, and patient. He and his wife Jenn were delightful to spend time with both on the treks and while sharing a glass of wine. Our other trekking companions were a truly splendid group of 'proper' English and Australian ladies who seemed as comfortable socializing around the dinner table as they were trekking on the trail in the rain. In a short week my girlfriend and I developed a true and heartfelt admiration for each of them.
We loved our first Exodus experience and plan to add Exodus to our regular repertoire of travels. We had a fantastics time sharing 2 birthdays and 1 marriage proposal with our new friends during our altogether too short week together. (My girlfriend is now my fiancé!) We would heartily recommend the Exodus experience to anyone looking for a world class trekking experience. We've already started planning for our next trip!
A perfect hiking vacation for those with a moderate level of fitness who are used to several consecutive days of hiking in the mountains. Snow capped peaks, verdant alpine meadows full of flowers in June and (lucky me) blue skies and sunshine every day (not guaranteed!!). A small group of friendly and fun people led by an expert professional who made sure everyone was safe and comfortable all the while letting people enjoy the hiking, the scenery, photography at their own pace. Excellent food and accommodation which far exceeded expectations.
We went at the end of September and were blessed with sunshine on all but 1 day, so could appreciate the stunning vistas of Mont Blanc as we walked on the surrounding hills.
amazing food each evening - some of the best deserts I have ever had
great group of people made the trip fun.
Enjoyed different daily walks around Mont Blanc.
The Mont Blanc Highlights are very much that. If you get good weather with good visibility the views are stunning, the walking wonderful and it will be a thoroughly enjoyable week.
Really enjoyed this trip with my daughter in September. The scenery was spectacular, the tour leader (Simon) was very knowledgeable and the company of my fellow walkers was memorable. My daughter and I had specific dietary requirements and we were catered for very well by Graham and Charlotte. The food was top notch. I would certainly recommend this trip and Exodus to anyone interested in walking/active holidays.
This is a great weeks walking in the most beautiful surroundings and staying in lovely accommodation with great food
This was my first trip with Exodus. They were well organised, helpful and friendly all the way along preparation. The chalet where we stayed was very cosy and run by an exceptionally helpful couple. The food was wonderful and the setting magic at the foot of Mt Blanc and her neighbouring mountains. The local village of Chaminoix was delightful with many restaurants. Shops were overly expensive. Daily walks were quite tough even for me an experienced trekker.... but each day was different with superb scenery.
As expected, the scenery is stunning. The walks selected for the ‘Highlights’ were great as they allowed for a good array of views of the Mont Blanc massif and the itinerary was very well paced. Everything ran smoothly and the group were well looked after by the leader and the chalet staff. Good food, a nice selection of local beers and a beautiful setting meant that time at the chalet was nearly as enjoyable as the trekking.
This was my first trip with Exodus and to be honest I was nervous about travelling on my own. The trip was fantastic and one of the best trekking holidays I have been on in a long while. The guide and hosts were very welcoming and helpful, the group were friendly and fun! And the walks just stunning with beautiful with meadow flowers, chocolate box views, glaciers and snow capped mountains. After a hard days walking you come back to wonderful home baked cakes! This is a nice blend of physical challenge and relaxation, a great trip!
I am new to organized group travel and this was far more than I hoped for. The hikes were outstanding! Our guide and hosts were lovely people who did their jobs with knowledge and care, while being friendly and fun to be around. We lucked out with a fantastic travel group and near perfect weather. I am not ashamed to say that I cried when it was time to go. It was a beautiful trip and it was hard to see it end.
Fabulous holiday! Good hiking, splendid scenery, central location, comfortable accommodation with very welcoming hosts, plenty of delicious locally sourced food, knowledgeable leader and great company!
One of the walks was ordinary. Like a woodland walk. Because of snow in the advertised walk we were told. But could have been a better alternative. Apart from that I would have given an excellent. Guide, Simon, accommodation and meals were all great, as were John and Jayne who looked after us.
This was a really enjoyable week walking with a very pleasant and interesting group of people. Our hosts Jayne and John at Chalet Chocolat gave us a warm welcome and provided excellent food.
VERY VERY NICEACCOOMODATION VERY NICE -FOOD VERY GOOD SP. VEGETARIANWALKS VERU=Y GOOD
Great walks...great leader...great chalet with very welcoming hosts and fab food!
Briiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliant.The whole experience was great, we were not dissapointed with anything, the trip notes were accurate and Exodus kept us informed all the way.
The trip exceeded our expectations, the chalet hosts john and janet were amazing , nothing was too muchtrouble and we were spoiled with gourmet meals everyday. The setting was very beautiful and the hot tubwas very special after a days walking.
It was really good, I would recommend the trip. I normally do munros in Scotland and thought the walks on this holiday were much easier than that. The paths are generally really good which makes the walking much easier.
Great accommodation and excellent trek.
Well paced and good variety of walking routes.
This holiday would suit people who have done some mountain walking previously and are willing to fit in as part of a group for a week. A good variety of walks are included, with the option of an extra day unguided. Chalet Chocolat was an excellent base and the standard of food was very good with delicious meals to suit all tastes.
A thoroughly enjoyable week. The weather was superb,good group, super leader and excellent chalet support.
We were fortunate with great weather and a great group of fellow walkers. Accommodation was outstanding - we thought we had the best room in the chalet with fantastic views of Mont Blanc . The walk was well paced to our group. We had a fabulous holiday.
This was an "up and down trip" in several ways. It got off to a particularly bad start when one of the group collapsed and died on the first walk. It was an awful time for his daughter who had accompanied him on the trip and naturally impacted on the whole group.
A great introduction to the Mont Blanc region with great accommodation, daily three course meals, great staff, a lovely group, and some stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape!
Chalet Chocolat is a great place to return to after an exhilarating day of walking/hiking; the chalet hosts, John & Jayne, did their utmost to make us feel at home and comfortable; the food was fantastic, with different home baking every afternoon. The Alpine walking was hard work at times but the views, flowers, wildlife and company made it all worth while. What a fab (albeit tiring) week!
We are a group of eight family and friends. The setting of the hotel was magnificient. Leader of the walk Rupert was excellent. He was able to accomodate each individual requirement with tact and humour. The staff of the hotel Jayne and John were fantastic, always friendly and helpful and nothing was ever too difficult. We had a wonderful holiday and have no hesitation in recommending it to any of our friends and family in future.Sam Wong, Melbourne, Australia ( July 2013)
This was an excellent trip. The chalet accommodation was of a very high standard and loved the hot tub that overlooked the glacier. The walks were very good and matched the abilities of all group members.
This trip was exceptional from the start to finish, the planning, preparation and execution of the whole program was carried out in a very professional manner, the Chalet was without doubt a bonus as it allowed the different nationalities within the group to meld together and become one happy family, the mother and father of which was without doubt Jayne and John who ran a tight but very friendly operation, their work while being unobtrusive made the stay a memorable one. As for the walks they were exceptional, the views fantastic and route selection just right for the variety of group members on the trek.
A brilliant holiday full of fun, breathtaking views, exercise & laughter galore. Ian, our leader, was full of knowledge & anecdotes & had us laughing all the way. John & Jayne, our hosts, went out of their way to help in every way possible & their cooking was superb. All in all I felt very spoilt & had a most memorable holiday, thank you to all of you during that week.
A wonderful getaway, a complete change of scene, I came back completely refreshed.
An excellent holiday in every way. Absolutely loved it all - the trekking, scenery, chalet style of holiday, everything.
This was my first Exodus trip & I was a little anxious about the steepness of the climbs,(as I am a bit over the hill) but our guide Ian was very encouraging, & a gentle pace kept us all chatting & enjoying the scenery. It was a magnificent walk & I am so glad I did it.
An excellent trip with some wonderful walks, magnificent Alpine scenery, a brilliant chalet with out of this world food, and some excellent company. Mild frustration that due to the severe and prolonged winter we were not able to follow all of the itinerary as it was generally not safe to walk on the tracks much above 2000m.
A one week adventure which ticks all the boxes: a great range of walking trails, spectacular scenery, alpine flowers, cosy chalet in walking distance of Chamonix, terrific chalet hosts, fabulous food and great rapport amongst the group. What more could you ask for? Beautiful weather - that as well.
Great walking. Fantastic scenery. Delicious food. Wonderful company. What's not to like
Mont Blanc Highlights is hiking holiday which has the comfort of a permanent base in Chalet Chocolat which is located in a small village within walking distance of Chamonix.
A great taster for what Mont Blanc has to offer! This trip has definately put the Tour of Mont Blanc way up on my "to do" list as a result!
Great. Everything I wanted.
this was such a lovely holiday, wonderful scenery and walks, great food, simply lovely.
A truly excellent Way of experiencing Europe's most fantastic landscape.
The overall experience of the chalet and the walks was excellent. The pace and grade was also very good.
A great insight into the mont blanc area. Seeing genuine highlights and contrasts of this beautiful area.
Mont Blanc Highlights is the perfect title for this trip. The walks and views were amazing every day and the weather just got better and better as the week progressed.
The mountains were high, the sky was blue the group were lovely and the chalet and our hosts Oliver and Elaine were incredibly welcoming. A fantastic week, full of amazing scenery, interesting people and lots of laughter!
Everything about our holiday gets 5 stars, but above all credit goes to the mountains and to Oliver and Elaine for organising, leading and feeding us so well. The wonderful weather and friendly, mutually supportive group were excellent bonus features!
An amazing experience, stunning scenery, fabulous walks and led by
Oliver, a quiet man with a great sense of humour, energy, knowledge and love of his surroundings.
I had a wonderful week on this trip. It was my first walking holiday so was unsure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenary and the varied walks each day. I particular enjoyed the door stopper sandwiches made by the lovely Elaine. When you've been trekking up a mountain all morning they are just what you need!
Fantastic trip, amazing views and really good food. Nice to have the luxury mixed in with the work. Oliver and Elaine make it home from home, really good hosts and bent over backwards to make sure we got to do all the things we wanted on our 'day off'
A wonderfully well-crafted week's walking in an exceptionally beautiful and inspiring area.
A good range of walks with differing terrains and views of the Alps. Travelling time to the walks is limited and time on the walks is well balanced with free time at the end of each day.At the end of each day I felt like I'd had an enjoyable day but never too tired and looking forward to the next day.
I had a wonderful time and would thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the best of this beautiful area. The views on the walks were simply stunning and the hospitality of the hosts Oliver and Elaine made for a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the accommodation. I hadn't travelled on a group trip like this before and was unsure what to expect, but couldn't have asked to spend the week with a nicer group of people, which helped to make the week perfect. If you are as lucky as we were with the weather, make sure you go up the Aiguille du Midi and Helbronner cable cars on the free day - the views are just unbelievable!
This was a fantastic holiday. The walks were well chosen through beautiful scenery and the leadership was great, ensuring that everyone in the group was able to comfortably appreciate the surroundings. The chalet was very cosy and the food delicious.
A relatively easy way to experience awe-inspiring scenery. You can just take in the beauty of nature without worrying about anything else.
Unique! A week wirh some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Walking with Oliver was a special experience, he is an expert in so many fields, but he was ever watchful of his group. He was always bubbling with humour. After our walks there was always a warm welcome home by Elaine, with her delicious food and twinkly good humour. Not to mention the hot tub, Dylan-the-dog, and the puns!
What a stunning week! Unrivalled views, excellent hosting by Oliver and Elaine whose care and obvious enjoyment of their work made this a fun, exhilirating and memorable walking holiday.
The best holiday I ever had in my life so far. Wonderful scenery, wonderful guide and wonderful group.
This was truly a GREAT week and a GREAT walking tour! It starts with the friendly Chalet where you live, to the guide (Oliver) who is simply superb to the actual trekking days which were all very nicely planned out and offered a little bit of a different twist to every day to keep it exciting!
A fabulous introduction to walking in the Alps. Oliver choreographed a terrific week which took us into stunning scenery and must take full credit (ably abetted by Elaine and Dylan) for sensitively taking care of the whole group's needs. Thanks for a great holiday.
Excellent week. Oliver was a fantastic guide and looked after the whole group professionally and expertly. Elaine provided fabulous food the whole week and although I don't usually eat cake - her cakes are so delicious I had one everyday.
This trip was fantastic as it combined trekking in Mont Blanc during the day with the luxury of chalet accommodation in the evenings!
Fantastic trip with great walks and gorgeous mountain views
If you enjoy being safe in good company amongst majestic scenery this is a super holiday. We had a great time.
This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent - they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.
A seamless complete walking package/experience that resulted in absolute enjoyment & many wow factors.Good Alpine walking suited for all ages with average/reasonable hill walking fitness - even for retirees.The joy of being expertly led.
An excellent holiday and nice to know that at the end of each day, one returned to a chalet with all creature comforts and good food.
the best walking trip i have been on....great hosts in oliver and elaine...spectacular scenery and views...
I had never been to walk in the Alps before and had never been on a walking holiday of this sort, so decided to go with Exodus. The whole experience was excellent, from the chalet where we were based, to the area as a whole and the walking in particular.
A fabulous trip, excellent walking, great guide and stunning scenary
A fabulous trip, excellent walking, great guide and stunning scenary
A thoroughly enjoyable and well organised week. Oliver and Elaine are excellent hosts, the Chalet Savoy is a comfortable and homely base for the trip with amazing views, and the food is excellent. The five treks are all different, varied and well planned. All in all, this is a fantastic trip to see the best of the Mont Blanc area.
A really nice break and delivered on all counts - even the weather was kind to us
A great week. Weather not perfect but Oliver varied the programme to fit. The group of 15 had 4 'couples' and 7 singles but all laughed together at Olivers stream of jokes and stories and shared the pleasures of walking in a great area. Elanine kept us well fed and the chalet was cosy with hot tub, sauna, sky and ping pong, as well as goats and a donkey just outside.
Great trip, hospitality by Oliver and Elaine was fantastic. Walks were brilliant with great views (when it stopped raining) and would like to go back and do the whole tour of mont blanc. We went in early June, I would recommend going a bit later in the season for better weather and for the lifts to be open. However overall a fab trip.
One of the best trips I've been on.
A fantasic week of being brilliantly looked after by Oliver and Elaine. The views and walks exceed my expectations. Chalet Savoy is a very comfortable place to stay, with everything that you need, especially a hot tub for the post walk soak.
This was an excellent trip for hikers who do not have 2 weeks to do the complete Tour de Mont Blanc. The mountain views were fantastic. The food was hearty home cooking.
A superb taste of Mont Blanc walks in a week - the best bits ! Good weather, good company, excellent leader and cuisine. Challenging but correctly guaged as Moderate and something for everyone.
Excellent holiday, thoroughly enjoyed the week. Five hikes with a variety of sights and different terrain. The Chalet Savoy is a perfect base for this trip and size of group. Food was fantastic (thanks Elaine) and wonderful tour guide Oliver (except the jokes).
A great summer walking holiday--some really fabulous walks. Long days though, and weather a bit variable.
This was my first group trip and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was my first walking holiday and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was my first holiday without my husband or a friend and I wasn't sure what to expect. And it was great in every way.
The chance to see the scenery was what inspired us, and we weren't disappointed. It was stunning.
Loved the walking and came back feeling much fitter, and relaxed. Beautiful area- when the mist cleared to allow us to see it...
Amazing scenery, delicious food, great fun!
Very friendly and helpful. I was able to talk through our travel requirements with Helen our representative as we had decided to use the train to our destination rather than fly. The service was very efficient and met our needs. I have booked with Headwater previously and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to friends and I also look forward to using them again in the future.
16 Jul 2024
Like the way I am listened and the agent responds to all queries in a timely fashion
22 Apr 2024
My enquiries, which were not particularly straightforward, were handled promptly and expertly.
10 Jan 2024
Guided group walking
On our guided walking holidays you'll experience an escorted tour in a small group of like-minded people. Share cheerful moments with new friends, stroll together through beautiful countryside admiring the landscape, and cap off days enjoying a glass of luscious local wine over dinner.
7 nights,
single centre
On single centre holidays you stay at one hotel. We provide a range of routes so you can mix and match levels to suit how you feel each day. These tours are ideal for parties where some would like to be active every day but others prefer time to relax.
Level: 3
Stretching
Our holidays are graded from 1 to 4, this is a level 3 holiday. Fitness is important on our level 3 routes as you can expect to be walking for 5-7 hours each day, including ascents/descents of up to 1000m. Compass reading skills and experience of mountain walking is important and you should have a reasonable head for heights. Some scrambling may be required, although not rock climbing.
Flights
available
Headwater holds a full ATOL license and is fully bonded with ABTA. So, if you would like to book your flights with confidence, as part of a fully protected package please ask at time of enquiry or on online.
Operated by
Exodus Travels
This trip is operated by our sister company, Exodus Travels.
Printed route
directions
We supply you with a comprehensive selection of guides, route directions and maps for your independent walking holiday.
