Two of the finest long-distance treks in the Alps, the Tour de Monte Rosa and the Tour du Mont Blanc are both spectacular choices for a walking holiday in Switzerland or Italy. The Tour de Monte Rosa is a full circumnavigation of the Monte Rosa massif through Switzerland and Italy, while the Tour du Mont Blanc circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif through both countries and France. These routes take you through spectacular mountain scenery, cross international borders and offer the point-to-point trekking experience. While the Tour du Mont Blanc has become one of Europe's most famous trekking routes, the Tour de Monte Rosa remains a little more under the radar. So, which one is right for you?

The Tour de Monte Rosa is a grade nine challegening trek. At its core, it is one of the most demanding Alpine routes as, unlike many other KE trips, there is no vehicle support – the mountain huts you stay in are simply too remote to reach by road – meaning you carry your own equipment from start to finish. Your pack should be around 8kg, or less if you're nifty with your packing! The Monte Rosa circuit also takes you deep into the wilderness of the Alps, where easier route alternatives aren't always an option, certainly adding to the challenge.

The Tour du Mont Blanc has variations spanning from a grade six - which we deem to be moderate - to a grade nine. So, if you're looking for easy walking holidays in Switzerland, neither route is the right choice. Families that consider themselves “hill-walking families” can enjoy our Tour du Mont Blanc Family Adventure which covers a mini tour of the route whilst still taking in the highlights - so you and your family can have the joy of watching the peaks reflected in Lac Blanc. Our full circuits span from grade seven to nine, with the Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc being the most challenging as it takes the high level route wherever possible to enjoy a quieter time on the trail with even more incredible views.

Short answer, the Tour de Monte Rosa is more challenging, but those who crave a thrill can also find challenges on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

The question really isn't which is better - both deliver views that stop you in your tracks - but which views would you prefer. The Tour du Mont Blanc follows picturesque valley trails, wonderful mountain paths and passes through beautiful Alpine villages. One of the great things about this route is the variety, from the spectacular views and valleys around Chamonix to peaceful mornings at the beautifully located Bonatti Refuge, where the mountains are right on your doorstep. The views at Lac Blanc are one of the highlights of the route, with the Mont Blanc massif creating a breathtaking backdrop.

If it's all about mountains for you, with the focus shifting from pretty walking trails and charming villages to sheer Alpine drama, then the Tour de Monte Rosa may be the better choice for your hiking holiday in Switzerland. With views of Alpine giants such as Dom, Weisshorn and the mighty Matterhorn, this is a rugged landscape that won't disappoint.

This one is more straightforward to answer; the Tour de Monte Rosa. Travellers who have experienced it consistently describe it as the best-kept secret of the Alps - it's the route that serious trekkers seem to whisper about. Whereas, the Tour du Mont Blanc has been the trip on everyone’s lips in recent summers and that's for good reason – the TMB is a truly iconic trek, but if you're after a more serene time in the mountains, the TMR is the trek for you.

The Tour de Monte Rosa is a nine day trek, with eleven days factored into the itinerary. However, depending on departure dates, recent trips have meant you can complete it while taking just eight days of annual leave – although you’ll still be away from home for almost two weeks, giving you plenty of time to truly immerse yourself in the Alps.

The Tour du Mont Blanc has a little more flexibility. The Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc is only 8 days in its entirety requiring only five days annual leave, but for those with more time, there are entire two week versions of the routes so you can take it at a more relaxed pace and enjoy rest days in fascinating Alpine towns.

The Tour de Monte Rosa is only offered as a guided walking holiday in Switzerland due to the nature of its challenge, but the Tour du Mont Blanc can be completely guided or self-guided. A guide is a great option for those who may be a little nervous about taking on the 170km trek - your guide will keep you safe, offer support and ensure you get around the route comfortably. Your guide brings the mountains to life too - from the local flora and fauna to the centuries of history written into these landscapes. A guided adventure also offers you the exciting opportunity to meet like-minded travellers who could turn into life-long friends.

On the other hand, a self-guided version is great if you want to take the route at your own pace and have flexibility over breaks, stops and when you set off in the morning, meaning you can make the adventure more of your own.

There is no vehicle support on the Tour de Monte Rosa so you are doing it the old-school way , carrying all your equipment from start to finish. For some travellers, this is part of the adventure and adds to the sense of achievement when finishing the trek.

On the Tour du Mont Blanc, you have the luxury of vehicle support, so your luggage is transferred for you each day and will be waiting when you arrive. On our Ultimate version, there are four nights in refuges that are inaccessible by vehicle, so you’ll need to carry just a few extra overnight items. Not having to carry all your luggage can make a massive difference, and for those of us who like to be over-prepared, it means you can pack more kit options – and take more souvenirs home!

Choose the Tour de Monte Rosa if you...

• Want to take on one of the best walking holidays in Italy and Switzerland
• Prfer something more off the beaten track
• Relish a challenging trek
• Like the idea of glacier walking
• Don't mind carrying your kit
• Want Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, Dom and Weisshorn views
• Are seeking a classic hut-to-hut experience

Choose the Tour du Mont Blanc if you...

• Want to tackle one of Europe's most iconic trails
• Prefer more choice over difficulty and trip style
• Like the option of guided or self-guided
• Prefer your luggage transferred
• Want to experience three countries on one trek
• Would love to experience some of the Alps' most spectacular scenery
• Appreciate the convenience of a well-established, well-supported route

You don't have to – your walking holiday in the Alps doesn't have to be confined to one experience. With two amazing routes on offer, why not enjoy them both? We'd suggest starting with the Tour du Mont Blanc and then graduating to the Tour de Monte Rosa - just so the busier TMB paths don't come as a surprise after the wilderness of the Rosa.

Why not check out what some of our team have enjoyed most about these trips too: 

Aaron took on the challenging Tour de Monte Rosa

Bex enjoyed the shorter version of the TMB on the Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc tour