This trek links the villages of the Mont Blanc region and the western Valais, crossing through the highest mountain range in western Europe, the Pennine Alps. We hike through two distinct cultural regions, the French speaking and German speaking Alps. Starting in the bustling alpine center of Chamonix under the dramatic flanks of Europe's highest summit, Mont Blanc, and its spectacular Aiguilles, or needles, we traverse eastward into Switzerland. We cross the Valais by a number of high passes and visit a number of small villages with their blackened timber houses and slate roofs.

We finish in the incomparable Zermatt set beneath the soaring pyramidal flanks of the Matterhorn. This dramatic and often remote hiking tour sees surprisingly little traffic, and we will enjoy the most spectacular views of the western hemisphere from quiet footpaths between Chamonix and Zermatt.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Travel by rail to Chamonix. Overnight in an old world, first class hotel with superb French cuisine. Meet guide and group.

Day 2 Start with a lift ride and enjoy a gentle introductory hike with spectacular views over the Mont Blanc range. Overnight in a comfortable French country inn.

Day 3 Hike from Argentiere to the village of Trient, Switzerland with spectacular views of the Aiguilles or needles of Chamonix, its glaciers and Mt. Blanc. Overnight in a simple hiker's hostelry.

Day 4 A challenging and dramatic hike climbs along the Glacier du Trient to a high and beautiful pass with views of the Trient Glacier and the Swiss Val Ferret. Overnight in a charming three star, chalet style inn in the lakeside village of Champex.

Day 5 Transfer to Arolla for an afternoon walk and overnight in a atmospheric old turn of the century hotel.

Day 6 A spectacular hike lies ahead with views of Mont Collon. L'Eveque, the Pigne D'Arolla, the Aiguilles Rouges and the Val D'Herens. Overnight in a simple inn in the traditional village of Les Hauderes.

Day 7 Ascend through pastures (one often sees the women raking hay in traditional costume here) with views back to the Aiguilles Rouges, the Grand Combin and the Alps in France. Transfer to St. Luc and a charming old world inn.

Day 8 Cross a pass with views back to the Aiguilles Rouges and the Dent D'Herens, and forward to the peaks above Zermatt: the Matterhorn, OberGabelhorn, Dent Blanche and Weisshorn. Overnight in a simple hostelry in the remote Turtmanntal.

Day 9 Another pass lies ahead, this one along a medieval trading route with views of the Mischabel range separating Zermatt from Saas Fee and the peaks of the Oberland to the southeast. Transfer to Zermatt and a charming country inn with superb cuisine and every comfort and amenity.

Day 10 Depart.