Trek The Alps from Francy to Italy and Switzerland

Trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland (10 Days)

 Cross glaciers and pine forests, visit remote villages and mountain refuges before finishing your days with local cuisine and wines.  The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world’s premier hiking circuits and the highest mountain in Western Europe.  (GAP Adventures) 

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Chamonix

Arrive in Chamonix at any time. Welcome meeting in the evening.

 Day 2 – Les Contamines (D)

Head to Les Houches and begin with a cable car ride to the starting point of your trek in Bellevue. Hike through beautiful spruce forests and alpine meadows, on past the magnificent Bionnassay Glacier, and continue along the old Roman road towards the Col Du Bonhomme. Enjoy views of the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc Range before descending to Les Contamines valley to the La Balme gite, near Col du Bonhomme. 

Day 3 - Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux (B,D)

As we ascend the flanks of Mont Blanc, we are rewarded with awesome views down into the Vallée des Chapieux, where you'll spend the night 

Day 4 - Col de la Seigne, Val Veny, Courmayeur (B)

Continue climbing through open pastures, arriving at the Col de la Seigne and the border with Italy. We pass Col Checroui, before descending into the beautiful Val Veny. Hike along picturesque glacial lakes en route and then enjoy a night in the Italian town of Courmayeur. 

Day 5 - Courmayeur (B)

Relax today with a much-needed rest day. Spend the day taking it easy, with options for a cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner on Mont Blanc or a transglacial crossing from Italy into France 

Day 6 - Col de Grand Ferret, La Fouly (B,D)

Hike from Courmayeur to Mont de la Faxe. We take the "balcony road", for fabulous views of the Grandes Jorassses Ridge, and spend the night in the mountains at the rustic Bonatti Refuge 

Day 7 - Champex (B)

Hike through the Grand Col Ferret to the border with Switzerland, before descending to the Swiss side of Val Ferret to the village of the same name. Here we hop on a local bus towards Champex, and onto Prazde Fort, where we can choose to hike the final segment of the walk, or continue by bus all the way to the village if your feet are weary 

Day 8 - Trient (B,D)

Today’s hike starts at Champex d’en Bas. We take the spectacular Bovine Way, an ancient trail used to access the flower-filled summer cow pastures high above the valley. We cross the Col de la Forclaz and continue on to the Swiss town of Trient. 

Day 9 - Chamonix Valley (B)

Saying goodbye to Switzerland, we return to France via the Chamonix Valley. We hike over the Col de la Balme and the Col de Posettes, descending to Col des Montets in the Chamonix Valley, from where we jump on a train or bus back to Chamonix for our final night on the town. 

Day 10 - Departure - Depart Chamonix at any time.

Biking Tour from Split to Dubrovnik Via Croatia's Island Paradise

Biking Tour From Split to Dubrovnik Via Croatia's Island Paradise (6 Days)

 

Stretching along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is a mere 100 miles from Italy as the sea gull flies. Reclaiming its reputation as a premiere destination in the Mediterranean, Croatia is renowned for its warm waters, clusters of wooded islands and ancient sites steeped in history. The most intriguing stretch of coast - the sparkling waters between Dubrovnik and Split - is the setting for this unforgettable adventure that combines bikes and boats to bring you the best of the Dalmatian Coast.  (BackRoads)

 

Day-to-Day Itinerary

 

Day 1 – Pucisca

Meet in Split, home to the famous Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace.  Embark on a scenic cruise to the island of Brac, renowned since Greek times for its milky-white marble - used in the construction of the White House. Ride to the quiet seaside village of Milna for lunch and a swim. Before dinner, raise a toast with Croatian rakija (fruit brandy).

 

Day 2-3 - Hvar Town

Start the day with a beautiful coastal ride.  Boat to sunny Hvar, a chic Adriatic island where the average "sun fall" is 2,724 hours per year.  Bike in a dramatic landscape of jagged limestone cliffs and undulating fields of rosemary and lavender.  Stop for a swim at one of the island’s many quiet beaches.  Round out the day with a sunset stroll along the Hvar Town harbor and a tasty local meal.

 

Day 4 – Brna

Sail to the isle of Korcula and explore the walled medieval town, the island’s elegant centerpiece (and one of several reputed birthplaces of Marco Polo).  Pedal a hilly route around the island, lush with vineyards, olive groves and forests.

 

Days 5-6 Dubrovnik

Lovely ocean vistas and quaint villages highlight our morning route.  Travel to Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic.  Enjoy a walking tour of Dubrovnik's historic city wall, replete with turrets, towers and commanding vistas.