This morning you will meet your group and your guide in the delightful Italian town of Courmayeur where you can sample the excellent ice creams. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route climbs steadily through birch forest and the tree line before arriving at the refuge. In good weather the views are superb. Overnight refuge with shower. 4.5km/2.8mi, +800m/2625ft

Meals:  L,D

We walk to the road head and transfer to the next section of the trail. There are great views over the 'Grandes Jorasses' and we can see the southern face of Mont-Blanc which is really quite spectacular. We will pass through the high mountain pastures of Arminal, Malatra and Arnuva, before climbing up to Elena refuge where there are excellent views to the glacier and mountains beyond. Overnight refuge with shower. 10km/6mi, +704m, -631m/+2310ft, -2070ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today views of the Pré de Bar glacier, (a glacier that boasts a perfect tongue formation), are with us all the way as we make our way towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), which marks the border of Switzerland and Italy. The day starts with a steep climb to the pass and the view back to the Italian Val Ferret is superb, as is the view to the Grand Combin to the east. The descent from the pass takes you to the valley floor and your refuge just before the charming village of La Fouly. Overnight refuge with shower. 11km/7mi, +624m, -700m/+2047ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Half an hour in to this mornings walk you arrive in the pretty village of La Fouly. Although this is most definitely a quieter day, it is also one that brings you into contact with some scenes of amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of cold, fresh water and chalets that are as black as the small Heren cows that roam about, and are surrounded by flower filled gardens. Swiss village life is all about us and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent today, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des Hommes”. Overnight gîte with shower. 17km/10.5mi, +600m, -700m/+1968ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s walk takes you on a gentle ascent through the Bovine mountain pastures which overlook the Rhône valley and the village of Martigny. In the distance are the Bernese Alps. On a good weather day there are extraordinary views to the Trient Glacier during the days walk. The high point of the day is at around 2049m before we descend to the Col de la Forclaz. Overnight Refuge with shower. 16km/10mi, +7000m, -700m/+2297ft, -2297ft

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we make our way to the Balme mountain passage. Weather permitting we will be afforded wonderful views over the Mont Blanc chain. We spend the night in the refuge at the head of the Chamonix Valley. 6km/7.5mi, +910m, -200m/+2985ft, -656ft

Meals:  B,L,D

Today takes you up to the Col des Montets (1481m) and through the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges (red needles) to view glaciers tumbling from across the valley. Within the nature reserve view wildflowers and drink in impressive views from a different perspective. Continue to Le Tour where the walk concludes at 2pm. +100m, -600m/+328ft, -1968ft

Meals:  B,L