After early morning pickup from your Geneva hotel in a private vehicle, your day trip starts with a scenic 1.5-hour drive across the Switzerland-France border and through the beautiful Arve Valley to Chamonix, located at the base of magnificent Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe at 15,780 feet (4,800 meters). You'll arrive early to beat the crowds.
Transfer to a cable car and ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif, on the world's highest vertical-ascent cable car, taking you from 3,395 feet to 12,605 feet (1,035 meters to 3,842 meters) in 20 minutes. Reach the top of the staggeringly beautiful Alpine peak and be amazed by panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see Matterhorn, the iconic Swiss peak.
Cozy up on a terrace or balcony at the Aiguille du Midi summit to admire the scenery and watch skiers zooming down toward the glacier. There's also a cafe, where you can have a hot chocolate or enjoy a light snack (own expense).
Take the cable car back down the mountain to the gorgeous Alpine town of Chamonix, where you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch at Albert Premier Restaurant, a 2-star Michelin restaurant. Indulge in a luxurious spread of French gastronomy (see Itinerary for sample menu) crafted to perfection by the esteemed chef.
After lunch, board the Montenvers Railway for a scenic train ride through the mountains to Montenvers. Enjoy fantastic views of the Mer de Glace, a massive glacier surrounded by the towering summits of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grands Charmoz.
You'll be taken back to your Geneva hotel to conclude your private Mont Blanc and Chamonix day trip.