Swiss & French Alps Cycle Tour (including Le Tour De France)
Starting in the gorgeous village of Lauterbrunnen at 800m, in the heart of the world famous Jungfrau region for the first 5 days. Cruising over to Montreux,on the picturesque Lake Geneva then crossing into France and Europe's highest town of Briancon, beside all the legendary climbs of the Alps.
Setting out from our three separate bases each day on new journeys, experiencing one of the world's most cycle friendly and spectatcular regions. After travessing the cultural divide from Swiss-German, with a legendary day ride over the Col De Mosses we enter the subtle differences of the Swiss-French region. And then the famous French region of Hautes-Alpes
Our comfortable Lauterbrunnen accommodation comes complete with balcony views of Switzerland’s 4000m peaks. The perfect place to unwind with a cheese platter and glass of red after a scenic day in the saddle.
Montreux is situated right on Lake Geneva, great chance for a soothing dip in the cool waters after enjoying the summer festvities & cafes of this funky region. In Briancon, we step back in time and stay in the heart of the old town with its cobbled streets and tiny alleyways, right on the doorstep of some of Europe's most famous cycle climbs.
THIS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE A CLASSIC TRIP ! But only for a small group... Check out the photo show from 2011 trip which also used the 3 bases: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/hq9se7gF Or the 2010 version: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/QA5ym2Uk
"I thought it was well planned and executed. I think everyone realises that there are some variables when overseas and you need to run with it. I liked the way you guys took the thinking out of everything like dinners etc. If it wasn’t for your advice we would have missed heaps. The group was a good fit also. Katie and I ended up sharing four days in Milan with Pony which was awesome also.
A rating of 1-10 on how likely it is you would recommend a getbiking tour to a friend or colleague in the future ? 10+"
Clyde Rosanowski
"My most memorable experience is Briancon & the last riding day. For me personally I achieved what I came on tour for (push my cycling limits - descending & bike skills) and more! It was the most spectacular roads to ride on & the atmosphere of cycling enthusiasts due to the tour was insane! I literally had a teary moment on my way home from the ride on the last day. It was awesome to watch the tour de France too."
Tricia Hughes
"Overall I loved it mate and it was the most challenging, rewarding and enjoyable holiday I've ever done. That says a lot too as I've done some amazing snowboarding trips and plenty of other travel. I'm keen to do it again when I'm at race weight, training hard to ride the mountains I missed out on."
Stephen Pozzebon
| 13 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 5th July 2012 | 11 Nights |
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| Price: | AUD$3550 | |
| Inclusions and Exclusions | ||
See below for our amazing add on tour to the Italian Lakes. An ideal way to link your Swiss and Tuscan cycle adventures or enjoyed as an add on if you are only participating in 1 cycle tour. |
Day 1 - 5th July 2012 - Lauterbrunnen Meet in Lauterbrunnen at 6 pm.
This village is our arrival point and base for the first 5 nights. After our group meeting we will enjoy a local meal in the village. A traditional Swiss fondue is included tonight. Day 2 - 6th July - Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken and Thunersee A gentle start to our cycling tour today with a short pedal down to the energised town of Interlaken. Set between two beautiful lakes we cycle the perimeter of Lake Thun popping in for a coffee at Spiez castle. Cooling waters beckon us for a swim so we stop for a picnic lunch and a dip at Thun. The round trip is around 80kms of mostly gentle rolling hills with the final 10k uphill back into Lauterbrunnen.
The afternoon may be spent in the lakeside cafes or checking out the incredible mountain villages of the Jungfrau region. Day 3 - 7th July - Grosse Schiedegg (2000m) The long, steep climb to Grosse Scheidegg at 2000m will test us all today, but the rewards are worth it. A truly amazing view of the majestic Eiger and nearby 3000m + peaks. You are so close here you feel you could touch them. If the weather is kind, we enjoy a coffee and take in the views before a hair raising descent down to Meiringen and onto Lake Brienz. A peaceful ride along the bike paths is only broken by a short gravel section into the ancient Geissbach Hotel for lunch. Once again the views are mind boggling. For many, this will be their toughest but equally most enjoyable day. And we wrap up the day with a treat and the locals music night in Grindelwald. Day 4 - 8th July - Lauterbrunnen to Lucerne Another scenic wonder ride today heading alongside the Magnificent Lake Brienz & up and over the Brunigs Pass (at 1007m) and down into the city of Lucerne. A beautiful scenic road takes us through mountain passes and past azure blue lakes on bike paths as good as most highways. This journey is a scenic wonder. The trip one way today is 100kms. Lucerne is a clean and friendly city based on the lake. The old wooden bridges are prominent in the town centre. Plenty of time to enjoy lunch and take in the sights. A comfy Train ride back or cycle back to base for a big mileage day ? Day 5 - 9th July - Lauterbrunnen / Mountain bike - Hike A change of pace today. We swap the road for Mountain bikes and head deeper into the Lauterbrunnen valley, climbing gradually up to our coffee stop at 1200m. From there we hike further to 2000m and enjoy a rewarding ale at the Hotel Obersteinberg with some amazing views of all the 4000m peaks, waterfalls and glaciers of the valley. A day you wont forget. Its all downhill home with a stop at the trummelbach falls. More afternoon time to explore the region. Day 6 - 10th july - Lauterbrunnen to Montreux (one way) A classic ride today !
This 140km ride has it all, long valleys, an epic climb over the Col Du Pillon at 1500m, followed by an incredible 20k+ descent past the vineyards down to Lake Geneva. This ride is so amazing you wont have time to notice your tired legs. After descending onto the lake its just a flat 20k into Montreux.
Of course there are always options to shorten your journey by jumping on a comfy train. Day 7 - 11th July - Montreux Two options today. A short easy ride down to Lausanne for a look at the Olympic Museum or if your keen you could tackle the circuit of Lake Geneva for an incredible long ride day. Day 8 - 12th July - Montreux to Briancon (Le Tour de France stage) An early departing bus journey to our French base in the haute-alpes region and Europe's highest town of Briancon. Our first day of Le Tour as we catch the peleton on its way from Albertville to La Toussuire. Time in the afternoon to check out the old town section of Briancon & our base for the next 4 nights. Day 9 - 13th July (Le Tour de France stage) - Col Du Galibier & Telegraphe What a day ! An early start is required as we head over the majestic Galibier via Col Du Lauteret. Continuing over the Col De Telgraphe and down the valley to the town of St Jean De Maurienne and the start of Stage 12. We take in the atmosphere of the tour before a bus ride back to Briancon with great memories. Day 10 - 14th July - Col D'Izoard A spectacular 80k circuit today ascending another famous col, this time the Izoard. The final descent finishes right in our base town of Briancon. Shorter options for those not so keen. Day 11 - 15th July - Alpe D'Huez Perhaps the most famous and well known tour climb of them all. A classic one way route from Briancon, over the Lauteret and down the incredible 40k descent to the Base of the Alpe. A chance to cruise the monumental mountain at your own pace, taking in the signs and history before a deserving lunch at the top.
Our last night in Briancon is sure to be a classic with so many great Col's climbed and so many memories. A trip never to forget !
Terrain rating (1-10): 7-8 Challenging with easier options. Day 12 - 16th July - Depart Briancon No activities planned. Assistance with travel plans if required. |
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Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | (Click here to inquire) | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | (Click here to inquire) Single | Details |
| (Click here to inquire) Double |
See the Itialian Lakes Sojourn tour as an add on to this tour, or to link this and the Tuscan Back Roads adventures.
off the total price if you combine the Swiss Alpine Roads and Trails and Tuscan Back Roads adventures.
Total price for the combination
"European Grand Cycling Tour (including Stresa add on) - 23 days/22 nights"
is
AUD$6540
(AUD$700 discount if you do both tours)