5 Stars (185 reviews)
Great time hiking in the mountains. Couldn't ask for a better time then to sit at the base of glaciers for lunch and relax (even have a nap) while listening to the cow bells.
, September 2016
Donna, United States
5 Stars (185 reviews)
Another wonderful trip with Active Adventures! That is what I say about Active Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc. This was my fourth trip with Active and once again I was impressed with how they do business. Active’s Andy and Nick were excellent representatives for Active Adventures. They are fun, personable, engaging, helpful, and quick to help if there was a problem. The local guides, Jean-Marc, Suzanne, and Jean-Pat, were fun and a joy to be around. Their English language skills were excellent which was great since my French is pathetic! Point to a mountain or an object of curiosity and they could tell you about it. The whole crew worked together great to ensure everyone enjoyed the hiking regardless of pace, weather or skill level. The accommodations were great. Even the one hotel described a “rustic” (meaning it didn’t have en-suite bathrooms) by the guides was delightful. The food was excellent as to be expected and thankfully the hiking burned off the calories allowing for full indulgence at every meal! Oh! The Cheese! The wonderful cheese! Be prepared to sample some of the best cheeses around.
Now, for the important part, the Tour du Mont Blanc. Definitely something everyone should do in their life. The Alps are magnificent and the towns along the way are beautiful. Active picked great trails to hike that highlighted the beauty of the area. Throw in their choice of towns to explore (especially Annecy’s Old Town), kayaking and mountain biking and it really is an Active Adventure. I highly recommend taking the gondola from Courmayeur, Italy all the way to the Agullie de Midi if the weather is nice (Mother Nature was kind to us with only one day of rain, some fog, and LOTS of clear skies). The view from the gondola over the glaciers is awe-inspiring. Definitely a highlight of the trip. Active doesn’t pay for this but it is well worth the Euros. Active does pay for an Aguille de Midi trip from Chamonix, France but it doesn’t cross the glaciers so I suggest doing it from Italy (weather permitting) and choose the Accro-Park option in Chamonix at the end of the tour. However you decide to do it, the Agullie de Midi is a must do. The views of the Mont Blanc mastiff are spectacular! If you like zip lines and ropes courses the Accro-Park is a great time. If you want a challenge and have the time I recommend doing the Black course (they have four courses; Green, Blue, Red, and Black). Overall, I really enjoyed this trip. If Active didn’t have so many other trips I want to do, I would do this one again!
, September 2016
Damon, United States
5 Stars (185 reviews)
Fantastic! It was like walking in a post card!
, August 2016
Ally, United States
5 Stars (185 reviews)
What an incredible trip! The itinerary has the perfect balance of activities to keep the trekking exciting but not too exhausting, and provides flexibility in the case of unexpected changes that may come up. The food was one of the highlights of the trip; there is nothing quite like setting up a picnic on the side of a mountain full of cheeses, meats, and other delightful treats. But what truly made this an exceptional adventure were our guides Phil, Andy, Jean Marc, and Jean Marie. Their energy, enthusiasm, and flawless teamwork provided the signature of an ACTIVE Adventure, and continues to make these trips stand miles apart from any other travel company. Though we started as 10 individuals, we quickly became 1 family. Thank you for another unforgettable journey; we look forward to the next one!
, July 2016
Georgina, United States
4 Stars (185 reviews)
Fair warning, I always consider that the 'glass' half full as opposed the half empty version.
First of all, the enthusiasm of our chief guide Jean-Marc, was more then one could ask for. Combined with his experience and knowledge of the historical facts of our various destinations made our treks all the more enjoyable. Needless to say, his assistance at the few difficult areas gave me the confidence that 'all will be well'. To be frank, this is what I want when I book any trip. Someone to figure out what is needed to have a great time.
To follow that thought, the accommodations were above average. Always clean, always convenient, and without exception, every question no matter what the issue, was answered immediately and any issue resolved.
, July 2016
Louis, United States
5 Stars (185 reviews)
I have hiked in Switzerland many times in the past and each time have wanted to find more of a challenge. I'm not going to climb the Matternhorn or the Eiger, but to hike up in the mountains has been a long-time dream. The Tour de Mount Blanc trip was the answer. We climbed up high snow-covered passes (with the occasional gale force wind) and down into lovely valleys in France, Italy, and Switzerland. This was exactly the type of active adventure that I wanted.
, June 2016
Tom, United States