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Adventure Vacations in France

Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tour

Adventures abound in France. From culinary to cultural to physically challenging, you'll experience it all on an adventure vacation in France!

An unbeatable place for exploration, the French Alps have called upon explorers for years with its stunning white giant centerpiece: Mont Blanc. From the charming resort of Chamonix, you can behold Europe’s highest peak from most anywhere in town, but you can also discover the town’s cosmopolitan allure, sample its legendary alpine cheese, and, if you’re not up for a hike, take a gondola up to Brevent – one of the highest peaks in the Aiguilles Rouges range – where you can see Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

You can also head off on a wine adventure in the Alps, tasting the unique wines of the Savoie region. While these wines are a bit off the radar, the vermouth produced in this region is well known!

Fine food, local wine (and vermouth!), charming villages, tucked-away mountain lodges, and plenty of heart-pumping activities make our adventure vacations in France quite well-rounded! 

France Adventure Vacations

Europe

Tour du Mont Blanc

4.81

  • Duration 12 days
  • Activity Level Level 4 
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

Experience Mont Blanc in an unparalleled way – by hiking, biking, and kayaking your way around the massif. You’ll delve deep into the history, culture, and cuisine of France, Italy, and Switzerland with plenty of time to soak in the views.

Trip Start: Geneva Trip End: Geneva

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What our guests say about their Adventure Vacations in France

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Tour du Mont Blanc - September 2023

A really great experience in a beautiful part of the world

"I really enjoyed this trip - we were fortunately to have knowledgeable, experienced and relentlessly upbeat guides for our trip. While the weather didn't always go our way, the hiking was spectacular and such a rewarding experience. A great group, good accommodation in lovely small villages and towns and some delicious food made this a thoroughly memorable trip. Warning - the hiking is challenging and you do need to train to enjoy it! Highly recommend.

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"I really enjoyed this trip - we were fortunately to have knowledgeable, experienced and relentlessly… read more

"I really enjoyed this trip - we were fortunately to have knowledgeable, experienced and relentlessly upbeat guides for our trip. While the weather didn't always go our way, the hiking was spectacular and such a rewarding experience. A great group, good accommodation in lovely small villages and towns and some delicious food made this a thoroughly memorable trip. Warning - the hiking is challenging and you do need to train to enjoy it! Highly recommend. read less

4 Stars (124 reviews)

J Justine | September 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - September 2023

Gayle

"The Mount Blanc tour was spectacular! Scenery was incredible, Hiking was challenging and our guides were great!

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"The Mount Blanc tour was spectacular! Scenery was incredible, Hiking was challenging and our guides… read more

"The Mount Blanc tour was spectacular! Scenery was incredible, Hiking was challenging and our guides were great! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

g gayle | September 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - September 2023

Anne

"I really enjoyed the trip. The weather was excellent and although the treks could be challenging, the scenery was awe inspiring and well worth the effort!

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"I really enjoyed the trip. The weather was excellent and although the treks could be… read more

"I really enjoyed the trip. The weather was excellent and although the treks could be challenging, the scenery was awe inspiring and well worth the effort! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

A Anne | September 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - August 2023

Hiking exceeded expectations!

"If you like to hike, this particular trip with Active Adventures is a must! The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains/passes were beyond spectacular (pictures did not do them justice). The daily hikes were challenging but doable, and the guides and itineraries were such that all skill levels could reasonably participate. Everything about the trip, from the accommodations, to the food, to the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, was excellent. Being my 7th trip now with Active Adventures, I continue to come back because I know I’ll always have a terrific experience, and this trip again did not disappoint!

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"If you like to hike, this particular trip with Active Adventures is a must! The… read more

"If you like to hike, this particular trip with Active Adventures is a must! The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains/passes were beyond spectacular (pictures did not do them justice). The daily hikes were challenging but doable, and the guides and itineraries were such that all skill levels could reasonably participate. Everything about the trip, from the accommodations, to the food, to the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, was excellent. Being my 7th trip now with Active Adventures, I continue to come back because I know I’ll always have a terrific experience, and this trip again did not disappoint! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

K Kevin | August 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - August 2023

Mt Blanc!

"Impressive tour around Mt Blanc with a great mix of challenging hiking, and a sprinkling of biking and kayaking for diversity.

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"Impressive tour around Mt Blanc with a great mix of challenging hiking, and a sprinkling… read more

"Impressive tour around Mt Blanc with a great mix of challenging hiking, and a sprinkling of biking and kayaking for diversity. read less

4 Stars (124 reviews)

A Alastair | August 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - July 2023

TMB!

"Amazing hikes, great food, exceptional guides and an unforgettable experience! TMB does not disappoint!

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"Amazing hikes, great food, exceptional guides and an unforgettable experience! TMB does not disappoint! read more

"Amazing hikes, great food, exceptional guides and an unforgettable experience! TMB does not disappoint! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

B Ben | July 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - July 2023

Outstanding

"I can not say enough positive things about the Tour du Mont Blanc trip. The hiking, the guides, the driver(s), the accommodations and, of course, the food were all fabulous. The hiking was challenging, but so worth it for the views. We throughly enjoyed ourselves and our looking forward to our next adventure.

Anonymous please

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"I can not say enough positive things about the Tour du Mont Blanc trip. … read more

"I can not say enough positive things about the Tour du Mont Blanc trip. The hiking, the guides, the driver(s), the accommodations and, of course, the food were all fabulous. The hiking was challenging, but so worth it for the views. We throughly enjoyed ourselves and our looking forward to our next adventure.

Anonymous please read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

M Michele | July 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - June 2023

Incredible Trip for the Senses

"This trip was amazing. The guides were top notch, the food was fantastic. I loved the lodgings. Not the fancy American hotels, but real alpine inns and hotels. The owners at the smaller inns were so nice and would do anything to make your visit better. It was very much an ACTIVE adventure. Wish I had done it when I was younger and more fit.

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"This trip was amazing. The guides were top notch, the food was fantastic. … read more

"This trip was amazing. The guides were top notch, the food was fantastic. I loved the lodgings. Not the fancy American hotels, but real alpine inns and hotels. The owners at the smaller inns were so nice and would do anything to make your visit better. It was very much an ACTIVE adventure. Wish I had done it when I was younger and more fit. read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

G Gary | June 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - June 2023

Tour Du Mont Blanc in June

"This was my first time doing an alpine adventure that involved snow. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction into mountaineering! I left the planning worry behind and just enjoyed the adventure that awaited!

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"This was my first time doing an alpine adventure that involved snow. I couldn’t… read more

"This was my first time doing an alpine adventure that involved snow. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction into mountaineering! I left the planning worry behind and just enjoyed the adventure that awaited! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

S Shawn | June 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - June 2023

A trip well worth the experience

"I would highly recommend this trip for those able to do so physically and financially. It was a very challenging physical trip but my wife and self pushed ourselves to complete it. The tour is not cheap but having the burden removed from worrying about individual logistics, lodging, meals, problem resolution made the expenditure well worth it.

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"I would highly recommend this trip for those able to do so physically and financially.… read more

"I would highly recommend this trip for those able to do so physically and financially. It was a very challenging physical trip but my wife and self pushed ourselves to complete it. The tour is not cheap but having the burden removed from worrying about individual logistics, lodging, meals, problem resolution made the expenditure well worth it. read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

P Philip | June 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - June 2023

One of my favorite trips of all time

"Father/Son trip- highly recommend. My 19 year old son and I did the Tour du Mont Blanc via Active with Jean Marc and Hollly(both outstanding!) and we can’t say enough about the trip. Everything from meals, hotels, transportation and guide services were top notch.

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"Father/Son trip- highly recommend. My 19 year old son and I did the… read more

"Father/Son trip- highly recommend. My 19 year old son and I did the Tour du Mont Blanc via Active with Jean Marc and Hollly(both outstanding!) and we can’t say enough about the trip. Everything from meals, hotels, transportation and guide services were top notch. read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

S Sam | June 2023

Tour du Mont Blanc - October 2022

Challenging and Fabulous

"What an adventure the Tour du Mont Blanc trip was for us. My husband and I had been looking forward to this trip for three years and it did not disappoint. We loved being outdoors and active throughout the trip and found it challenging but fabulous! Our four female guides were top notch, knowledgeable and kept us safe and were fun to be around. Their attention to detail was appreciated along with their after lunch delicious snacks and surprises throughout the trip. We enjoyed the meals and small towns and would have been okay with one more additional day to explore on our own, especially the town of Annecy, France. Having a day to kayak and mountain bike were nice additions to the hiking. Active Adventures from the beginning and throughout the whole process was organized and easy to work with and we would definitely look to take future active adventures with them again.

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"What an adventure the Tour du Mont Blanc trip was for us. My husband… read more

"What an adventure the Tour du Mont Blanc trip was for us. My husband and I had been looking forward to this trip for three years and it did not disappoint. We loved being outdoors and active throughout the trip and found it challenging but fabulous! Our four female guides were top notch, knowledgeable and kept us safe and were fun to be around. Their attention to detail was appreciated along with their after lunch delicious snacks and surprises throughout the trip. We enjoyed the meals and small towns and would have been okay with one more additional day to explore on our own, especially the town of Annecy, France. Having a day to kayak and mountain bike were nice additions to the hiking. Active Adventures from the beginning and throughout the whole process was organized and easy to work with and we would definitely look to take future active adventures with them again. read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

M Maria, United States | October 2022

Tour du Mont Blanc - October 2022

Tour du Mont Blanc

"It was my first time to the alps and I had no idea how beautiful they would be. The entire trip was picturesque with all the small villages/towns nestled in between the mountains and I could not get over all the glaciers. Just fantastic. It was a thrill when we hiked from France into Italy and then down to Courmayeur. Couldn't get over the change in temperature as we hiked over the pass from Italy into Switzerland. It started snowing and it was mid-September. It was very beautiful and short lived once we started descending.
Courmayeur and Chamonix were my two favorite places! The scenery was breathtaking and I will definitely be back to do more hiking in the alps!

read more

"It was my first time to the alps and I had no idea how beautiful… read more

"It was my first time to the alps and I had no idea how beautiful they would be. The entire trip was picturesque with all the small villages/towns nestled in between the mountains and I could not get over all the glaciers. Just fantastic. It was a thrill when we hiked from France into Italy and then down to Courmayeur. Couldn't get over the change in temperature as we hiked over the pass from Italy into Switzerland. It started snowing and it was mid-September. It was very beautiful and short lived once we started descending.
Courmayeur and Chamonix were my two favorite places! The scenery was breathtaking and I will definitely be back to do more hiking in the alps! read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

J Jennifer, United States | October 2022

Tour du Mont Blanc - October 2022

Mont Blanc

"Just want to say it was really tough. I was not fit enough for it! But I got there. Our guide Holly from NZ was fantastic. If you can train in the Mountains at least 2-3 days a week you will be fine. We climbed a lot and going down hill was tough, also the uphill. Definitely the toughest thing I have done. I have run Marathons and they were a breeze compared to this. People that I went with were fantastic. I had never met them before and they were from the USA. Fantastic group of people. Thank you for making this trip a memory for life.

read more

"Just want to say it was really tough. I was not fit enough for… read more

"Just want to say it was really tough. I was not fit enough for it! But I got there. Our guide Holly from NZ was fantastic. If you can train in the Mountains at least 2-3 days a week you will be fine. We climbed a lot and going down hill was tough, also the uphill. Definitely the toughest thing I have done. I have run Marathons and they were a breeze compared to this. People that I went with were fantastic. I had never met them before and they were from the USA. Fantastic group of people. Thank you for making this trip a memory for life. read less

5 Stars (124 reviews)

H Helen, New Zealand | October 2022

Tour du Mont Blanc - October 2022

Awesome Adventure, highly recommend!

"This trip was outstanding. Guides were very knowledgeable and hotels were centrally located to allow seeing the area.

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"This trip was outstanding. Guides were very knowledgeable and hotels were centrally located to… read more

"This trip was outstanding. Guides were very knowledgeable and hotels were centrally located to allow seeing the area. read less

4 Stars (124 reviews)

A Adam, United States | October 2022

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Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days (180 days for Africa and Himalayas trips) from your original trip start date.  

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Meet Your France Adventure Vacation Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit France?

The best month to visit France is any summer month! Therefore the best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc is also in the summer months: June, July, and August. The days are the longest and warmest, with the least rainfall, and the trails are buzzing with life. Most hikers are looking to complete the famous circuit, rather than attempting any serious mountaineering, and summer is definitely the best time for it.

Is France safe to visit?

While the Alps of France is a pretty safe place, we recommend taking the same precautions you would anywhere else - just to be on the safe side! Pickpockets occasionally operate in areas where visitors are found so we suggest you leave any valuables you don’t need with you in the hotel safe (e.g. passports, credit cards). A copy of your passport and any valuables you do need with you should be kept in a passport wallet under your clothes and a small amount of money in your pocket/purse. It’s also a good idea to take a taxi after dark rather than walking.

Do I need a visa to visit France?

It is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

Do I need vaccinations to visit France?

You don't need any vaccinations for France. Easy!

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Can you help me find international flights to France?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!

What's included on your France trips?

Accommodation
On your France trip you'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. For the most part you'll stay in nice, locally owned, beautiful family run hotels in great locations, with private bathrooms, free wifi, great breakfasts and warm local hospitality. Whilst in more remote areas we use rifugios and in the Alps these rifugios are more like hotels with private bathrooms and all the mod cons!

Transport
Your transport will be a mixture of private vehicle, bike, kayak and your very own two feet on our trips in France. All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long hikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed, and Europe's vast array of cuisine won't disappoint you!

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader alongside a local specialist guide. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful, as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting.

How many people are there on each of your France trips?

We generally take up to 14 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

You will need proper hiking boots - trail shoes are not good enough. We'll be taking you to some awesome places where you'll be hiking over a variety of terrain, therefore your boots should have full ankle support and a stiff sole with a high profile tread. It's also important that whichever footwear you decide to bring that it's well broken-in and waterproofed before you come down. If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What is the food like in France?

French cuisine is varied and delicious, usually incorporating lots of fresh produce, cheese, local meats, bread and pastries.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the currency in France?

The currency in France is the Euro €.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time. 

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Europe, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What is the time zone in France?

For the majority of the summer season France is in the Central European (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in France?

France operate on a 220V AC system with Plug Type C which consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected.

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regularly access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at most of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, sometimes for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive.

What is the weather like in France?

France generally has cool winters and mild summers except along the Mediterranean where mild winters and hot summers are more common. With the average winter temperatures ranging between 32-46°F and the average summer temperatures ranging between 61-75°F, you'll find the hotter temperatures in the south. June, July, August, and September have the most favourable weather conditions for the Tour du Mont Blanc, it will be hot in the valleys and temperatures will be between 68°F and 86°F though these can drop to 50°F at night.

What is there to do in Geneva?

Geneva is right on the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), so it's quite lovely to walk around and explore. A boat cruise of the lake and river, and a walking tour or explore of the Old Town as a starting point. Check out here for more info - www.geneva.info/tours The history of La Vieille Ville, Geneva's Old Town, can be traced back 2,000 years. It is where you will find many of Geneva's most interesting attractions and sites like the Barbier-Mueller Museum, the St. Pierre Cathedral (for CHF5 you can go to the top of the cathedral and the views are more than worth it), the International Museum of the Reformation, The Art and History Museum and the Tavel Mansion. It is one of the largest Old Town's in Europe. The Old Town is built on a hill side south of the Rhone River, and has picturesque narrow meandering cobble stone streets lined with historic grey-stone buildings which now hold boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

The United Nations is a great place to check out too, and you can get there through the Botanical Gardens, either walking or biking, or catch local buses. There are also free bikes that you can hire and explore all over the city (you just need to take them back within 4 hours, easy!) you just turn up with CHF20 cash, no need to pre-arrange it, check it our here - Free bikes

What is there to do in Chamonix?

While on your trip we take you to the Mer de Glace (Mt Blanc Glacier) on the Montenvers train, Grotto do Glace (Ice cave) gondola, and take the gondola up to Brevant on the north-west side of Chamonix, and we take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up Mt Blanc too.

There are many other hikes, gondolas and things to do in and around Chamonix if you are planning arriving beforehand, or staying on there after your trip, so here's a few things you may be interested in! 

Summer hiking
Paragliding Flights cost €100 per person and the Gondola will be approximately €15 each.
Rafting on L'Arve River
Canyoning
Via Ferrata
Adventure ropes courses
Chamonix Amusement Park (roller coasters and luge tracks)
Horse riding

While in the middle of your Tour du Mont Blanc trip we have a free day in Courmayeur, and there are a few things you can do based from here too. Courmayeur is smaller than Chamonix, though it's only 12 miles through the Mt Blanc tunnel to get back to Chamonix - if you're wanting to head there for further free time this day as well! (You can book return bus tickets with Savda for ~€21 per person, the ticket office is next door to the Tourist Office in Courmayeur and your guides can point this out to you when you arrive)

If you're a keen cyclist you can catch a local bus to La Tuile and it's about a half hour away. La Tuile is a large ski area in the winter, and a Mountain Bike Park in the summer - with trails all over to choose from :) 

At the next town in Pre St Didier there are a couple of luxurious Spa Resorts you can visit, as well as the Adventure Park with high ropes in the forest, a giant swing/lunge and a walkway over the canyon.

A further option is to go up and visit Mt Blanc / Monte Bianco itself, from the Italian side - especially great if the weather is clear this day! The gondola goes up to Pointe Hellbronner, and from there you can also take the Skyway across to Aiguille du Midi on the France side too - if so definitely take your passport so you can get back again. 

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France Adventure Vacation Tips

Why Travel With Us

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.