Across the Alps, Via Alpina

From Mount Blanc to the Mediterranean... in just 12 days you will travel from the glaciers on the Roof of Europe to the vines and olive groves of Provence. You will hike on the paths of the most beautiful national parks of the Alps discovering a fauna but also a wild and single flora... without forgetting the encounters of proud.... mountain dwellers who will be able to share their traditions, so admirably preserved, with you.

• Day 1/ Arrival Geneva, transfer to Chamonix
• Day 2/ Sea of Ice - warm up hike - Aiguille du Midi Cable car (12,392 feet)
• Day 3/ Transfer and strolls in the Beaufortain region
• Day 4/ Hike from Arêches and transfer to Pralognan (4,593 feet)
• Day 5/ National Park of Vanoise
• Day 6/ Iseran Pass (9,068 feet) - Hike in the High Valley of the Arc
• Day 7/ Mont Cenis Pass (6,831 feet) - Hike - Transfer to the Lautaret pass (6,749 feet)
• Day 8/ Glacier Blanc Hut (8,340 feet), Ecrins National Park - Briançon (4,101 feet)
• Day 9/ Grand Morgon (7,625 feet) - Castellane (2,320 feet) - Provence
• Day 10/ Verdon Canyon - Cassis
• Day 11/ Calanques
• Day 12/ Transfer to Marseille airport -Provence for flight home.

From Mount Blanc to the Mediterranean... in just 12 days you will travel from the glaciers on the Roof of Europe to the vines and olive groves of Provence. You will hike on the paths of the most beautiful national parks of the Alps  discovering  a fauna but also a wild and single flora... without forgetting the encounters of proud.... mountain dwellers who will be able to share their traditions, so admirably preserved, with you.

Day 1/  Reception in Geneva - transfer and night in Chamonix (3,380 feet)
Upon your arrival at the Geneva airport, reception by the guide and transfer by taxi towards the Chamonix hotel. Presentation of the course of stay and visit of Chamonix (depending on planned arrival of participants). Night at the Valley Blanche hotel *** located in the middle of Chamonix.

Day 2/  Sea of Ice - Warm up Hike - Aiguille du Midi Cable car (12,392 feet)
Ascent via the small Montenvers mountain train to the Sea of Ice, the most vast glacier of France (2nd of Europe). Balcony path hike to join the intermediate station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car (7,602 feet). Ascent (+ 4,900 feet in just 10 minutes!) to the higher station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car; the starting point of one of the most fabulous downhill glacier ski runs in the world and an incredible view-point on the Mount Blanc mountain range. Return to Chamonix by cable car (- 9,000 feet in just 20 minutes!). This excursion can also be carried out in the other direction. Night in the Valley Blanche hotel ***
3 H Walk -  Ascent: 1,837 feet - Descent: 492 feet.
 
Day 3/  Transfer and strolls in Beaufortain
While passing by Megève, the famous jet set ski resort, via the Saisies Pass (5,358 feet), we join the small mountain village of Arêches (1h30).
Settle in at the hotel, then excursion towards the lakes of the Tempête at the foot of the Grand Mount (8,812 feet). In the evening, visit of the Beaufort dairy cooperative (manufacture of cheese). Night in the Inn of Poncellamont **.
4 H walk-  Ascent and Descent: 2,133 feet

Day 4/  Hike starting from Arêches and transfer to Pralognan (4,593 feet)
Ascent to the Prè Pass (5,587 feet) starting from the hamlet of Boudin (4,265 feet). Then balcony path hike to the top of the large Roselend Lake up to the Charmette Passage (6,824 feet). Descent to the Lake of St Guerin. Transfer to Pralognan (1h30) at the doors of the Vanoise National Park. Settle in at the Grand Bec Hotel ** for two nights.
4 H30 walk  - Ascent: 2,625 feet - Descent: 1,640 feet.

Day 5/  Vanoise National Park 
Hiking in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. Cable ascent to Mount Bochor (6,562 feet). We arrive at Long Lake (8,094 feet) then the refuge of the Vanoise Col (8,254 feet) at the foot of the Grande Casse (12,648 feet) and its hanging glacier. Lunch at the hut. Back to Pralognan and the hotel.
4 H 30 walk - Ascent: 1,693 feet - Descent: 3,661 feet.

Day 6/  Iseran Pass (9,068 feet) - Hike in the High Valley of the Arc
Transfer to the Iseran Pass (1h45). Hike to the very end of the Vanoise Park, at the border of the Great Italian Paradise National Park. From the Iseran pass (one of the highest road passes in the Alps), balcony path hike to the refuge of Carro (9,055 feet), at the edge of the Noir and Blanc Lakes. Lunch at the refuge. Descent to the small hamlet of the Ecot (6,562 feet). Transfer to Bessans (10min). Night in the Mont Iseran Hotel **.
5 H 30 walk - Ascent: 1,312 feet - Descent: 2,625 feet.

Day 7/  Mont Cenis Pass (6,831 feet) - Hike - Transfer to the Lautaret pass (6,749 feet)
Transfer to the Mount Cenis pass (20min). Balcony path hike above the vast lake of Mount Cenis while passing by the Forts of Ronce and Variselle built by the Italians in 1870 and crossing the dam (390 feet height, 4,500 feet length). Transfer to the Lautaret pass (1h45) via the Galibier pass (2642m). Lautaret Alpine Garden visit (2000 vegetable species). Night in the Bonnabel Hotel ****, facing the majestic Meije.
3 H 00 walk - Ascent and Descent: 1,312 feet.
 
Day 8 /  Glacier Blanc Hut (8,340 feet), Ecrins National Park  - Briançon (4,101 feet) 
Transfer to the Pre of Mrs. Carle (1h15) in the middle of the Ecrins National park. Ascend to the Glacier Blanc Hut by ascending the vast glacier. Lunch at the refuge. In the evening, transfer to Briançon, walled city and the highest town of Europe. Night in the Castors Hotel ***.
3 H 30 walk - Ascent and Descent: 2,198 feet.

Day 9 /  Grand Morgon (7,625 feet) - Castellane (2,320 feet) - Provence
Transfer (1h) to the Grand Clos (5,446 feet). Hike towards the Peak of Morgon, superb view-point on the Serre-Ponçon lake, the largest artificial water reserve in Europe. When returning from the stroll, visit the Roman Abbey of Boscodon (XIIe). Transfer (2h20) to Castellane, in the Natural reserve of the Verdon. Night in the Commerce Hotel ***.
3 H 30 walk - Ascent and Descent: 2,182 feet.

Day 10/  Verdon Canyon - Cassis
Balcony path hike to the top of the largest canyon in Europe, on the path of the View-points between Maireste and Maline.the Maline one. Transfer (2h00) to Cassis, on the Mediterranean coast. Settle in at the Jardins de Cassis Hotel *** for two nights.
4 H 00 walk - Ascent: 820 feet - Descent: 492 feet.

Day 11/  Calanques
Depending on accessibility to the Calanques (creeks): Boat for Morgiou. Hike in the Calanques (Sugiton, Oeil de Verre, Devenson, the Oule...) between immense white limestone cliffs and the major blue of the Mediterranean, to the creek of d'En Vau. Swimming along the way.  Boat to return to Cassis
Or: circuit from Cassis while passing by the creeks of Port-Miou and Port-Pin. 
5 H 00 walk - Ascent and Descent: 1,969 feet.

Day 12 /  Transfer to the airport
According to the hour of your flight, transfer by taxi to the Marseilles-Provence Airport. End of stay.

All facets of this trip are optional and adaptable, thus making this a great trip for catering to your daily needs and desires.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

During the treks, all of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack and/or a traveling bag carried during our walks.
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

The guide
- an English-speaking professional French Mountain World Travel hiking guide (European Mountain Leader)
The local team
- a driver in charge of the bus.

Private minibus, air conditioning.
Cable car (Aiguille du Midi, Mount Bochor), mountain train (Mer de Glace), boat (Calanques). 

In the cities, we book hotels, inns, or similar, of excellent standard, 3 stars, based on double occupancy and according to availability at the time of reservation. We choose these hotels, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations in the mountains, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes or close to the departure of the excursions but sometimes there is only one accommodation in the area and so in this case, we do not have the choice.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

- Breakfast and dinner prepared by our hosts or enjoyed at a restaurant.
- Lunch: picnic, in the form of sandwiches, cheese, mixed salads and fruits, typical local food.
- Drinks: mineral water provided.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in Geneva (Switzerland)/out Marseille (France)
• All services mentioned in Services+/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant, refuge)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guide
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Geneva, Switzerland / out Marseille, France

• Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - Klm), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva / out Marseille, through Amsterdam or Paris.
• StarAlliance (United, Lufthansa) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva / out Marseille, through Frankfurt or Munich
• Oneworld (American, British) operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Geneva / out Marseille, through London.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to France and Switzerland for up to 90 days.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
France      Switzerland
For other nationalities, please contact the French and Swiss embassies in your country.

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Health hazards
- Heat: protect your eyes and your skin against the sun, as it is more intense with altitude.
- Cold: plan on packing protective clothing against the cold (jackets, fleece, gloves, hat), especially in relevance to the activity.
- Dehydration: drink and nourish yourself sufficiently and correctly throughout the effort.
- Small wounds: blisters, tendonitis...bring along band aids, an antiseptic and another cream for muscle aches. They will take up a bit of room, but well worth the space.

Altitude sickness: can be felt at around 8,000 feet and above and can come on quickly (after just one night spent in altitude). Hard to predict and varies completely from one person to another. Good hydration is necessary, progressive altitude acclimatization and Aspirin can all help in preventing the unpleasant side effects of altitude sickness.
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 2
2 months prior:  Hike 7 to 9 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).