Travel

Item Description

The French Alps: Chamonix Mont Blanc

Visit to the Glacier Mer de Glace, Hiking, Private History Tour, 4-Night Stay for 2

This Experience for 2 Includes:

-4 nights at Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons Chamonix in the Refuge Room
-Daily breakfast
-Private panoramic half-day hike in Chamonix
-Visit to the Glacier Mer de Glace with your private glaciologist
-Winspire booking & concierge service

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the mecca for Alpinists and a popular destination among tourists since the 19th century. The town got its name from Western Europe’s highest mountain, the legendary Mont Blanc. Learn more about the area during a cultural half day tour and hike, with breathtaking landscapes as a backdrop and also visit the largest glacier in France together with a glaciologist. If you like mountains, you will love Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Trip Itinerary

Arrival Day

Arrive at Chamonix for a 4-night stay in Chamonix at Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons Chamonix.

Le Refuge des Aiglons is a cozy, modern, lively, and convivial hotel right in the middle of Chamonix. Discover the "Life Space" and its open common areas, come and relax in the spacious lounge, have a signature cocktail at the bar, or have a traditional local lunch at the restaurant. And you can do all that while keeping the majestic mountains within eyesight. The hotel has retained the typical vintage, cocooning atmosphere of a traditional mountain lodge whilst adding a touch of modernity in its design, especially in the rooms. Here you can expect the kind of authentic welcome and service that the French Alps are famous for.

Day 1: Private Panoramic Half-Day Hike in Chamonix

On your first day, experience the beautiful area of Chamonix on foot. Follow your guide on this special Mont Blanc Experience hike. Little flashback: on August 7th, 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard, the first conquerors of Mont Blanc, started out early morning towards their dream. You will walk along the famous Taconnaz and Bossons glaciers, giants of ice, full of history. Your guide and Mountain Leader will take you on this mythical path that is a stone's throw from Chamonix. If you want to continue, you will reach the "Gite a Balmat," a granite block under which the two "heroes" of the time slept. A true historical experience with stories and tales along high mountain trails, spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful! Don’t forget your hiking boots.

Day 2: Visit the Glacier Mer de Glace with your private glaciologist

Today, you will ascend high into the mountains to a glacier. Mer de Glace ("ice sea"), is the largest glacier in France and the Mont Blanc group and the fourth largest glacier in the Alps. The system of individual glaciers belonging to it is about 12 km (7.5 mi) long and varies in width from 700 to 1950 meters (2,300 – 6,400 ft). The ice has a maximum thickness of 420 m (1,378 ft). Meet your guide in the center of Chamonix and board the famous little red Montenvers cogwheel railway train to access the famous glacier. Once you arrive at the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the Mer de Glace. Your guide is also a glaciologist so he will tell you more about the formation of the Mer de Glace, its evolution and why it is disappearing little by little before our eyes so that you can understand the different issues that is facing the Mer de Glace. On site, you can also visit the grotto, which is carved out of the ice every year. Journey into the heart of the glacier and discover the life of the mountain dwellers at the beginning of the 19th century. The ice grotto can be reached either by foot (20 minute walk) or by gondola lift. From the gondola to the entrance of the cave you have to climb about 580 steps. At the end of your excursion, your guide will get you back to Chamonix where you have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 3: Chamonix at your Leisure

Spend your last day at your own pace in Chamonix. Ride up another mountain like the Aiguille du Midi, book an exclusive helicopter flight to get up close to Mont Blanc and see the Alps from above, go on an excursion outside of Chamonix or take it slow and relax in your hotel.

Additional Package Information: Available for travel dates May- October

Blackout Dates: The days around the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Marathon and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

 WINSPIRE PACKAGE REDEMPTION:

Winspire Travel packages and experiences must be booked within one year of the purchase date. The actual travel date must occur within two years of the purchase date.

WINSPIRE BOOKING & CONCIERGE SERVICES:

Winspire provides a team of seasoned travel professionals to help you redeem your experience. We will book all travel-related details and reservations for every part of your experience. Included within our services, Winspire can assist with extra hotel nights, airfare, and additional guests as a full-service travel agency. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Reservations are subject to availability, blackout dates, and major holidays. Reservations must be booked 60 days in advance of travel. Purchases through charity fundraisers are non-refundable.

Certificates cannot be resold or replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed. Ground transportation is the