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 Verbier,a luxury ski village in the French side of Switzerland at 1500m, 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.
In Verbier, we stay further amongst the clouds at 1500m, in luxury ski chalets complete with another set of majestic mountain views.
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.
For this first time we use a large support bus to ensure anyone can join without feeling the pressure of keeping up each day.
THIS WILL BE A CLASSIC TRIP ! But only for a small group... Check out the photo show from our 08 trip which also used the 3 bases: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/ZN5HV6Bb Or the 2010 version: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/QA5ym2Uk
| 13 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 12th July 2011 | 11 Nights |
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| Price: | AUD$3650 | (currently US$2710) |
| Plus Local Payment: | CHF$300 | (What is this?) |
| 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 - 12th July 2011 - Lauterbrunnen Meet in Lauterbrunnen at 6 pm.
This village is our arrival point and base for the first 4 nights. After our group meeting we will enjoy a local meal in the village. A traditional Swiss fondue is included tonight. Day 2 - 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. A short train journey up to Grindelwald for the local’s music night with live bands, food and generally a fun time. Day 3 - 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 - 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 90kms. 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 - Lauterbrunnen to Verbier (one way) A classic ride today !
This 140km ride has it all, long valleys, an epic climb to Les Mosses at 1445m 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 another 40k gradual climb up to the base of our tricky 9k acsent to Verbier, our magnificent home for the next 5 days.
Of course there are always options to shorten your journey by jumping on a comfy train. Day 6 - Verbier to Lausanne A long downhill run through some great towns, with luxury bike paths, along the shores of Lake Geneva we pass through the funky towns of Montreux and Vevey before arriving in beautiful Lausanne for lunch. The home of the Olympics, we stop to check out the great museum and maybe a dip in the lake with the locals. A train ride home with a soothing ale or bike back for a big day if your keen ? Day 7 - Verbier / Today is a rest day from cycling as we recover from yesterdays great ride. Chance for a walk around the ampitheatre style village above 2000m, relax in a cafe or pedal a local route if you must ? Day 8 - Verbier to Briancon A long journey to our French base in the haute-alpes region and Europe's highest town of Briancon. Lots of ride options today including over the Col de Forclaz and down through Chamonix & views of Mt Blanc. expect the bus to take us through the tunnel & under the Alps before settling in the old town section & our base for the next 4 nights. Day 9 - Col Du Galibier or Alpe D'Huez (le tour stage finish) ? We await the confirmation of the Tour De France route before making our final 4 days itinerary. Either way it will be spectacular and rewarding - trust me ! Day 10 - Col Du Galibier or Alpe D'Huez (le tour stage finish) ? We await the confirmation of the Tour De France route before making our final 4 days itinerary. Either way it will be spectacular and rewarding - trust me ! Day 11 - Maybe Col D'Izoard at 2350m ? Maybe another incredible day in the Alps. The Izoard is right on our doorstep and although the climb is long, so too is the incredible descent and down into the beautiful town of Embrun where we can relax in one of the bars or cafes and watch the afternoon tour action. Ride the final 50k home or jump aboard the train for our final night in Briancon.
Terrain rating (1-10): 7-8 Challenging with easier options. Day 12 - Depart Briancon No activities planned. Assistance with travel plans if required. Bus returns back to Geneva and / or Zurich, Switzerland. |
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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 (excluding Stresa add on) - 20 days/18 nights"
is
AUD$5450 (local payments still apply
(AUD$500 discount if you do both tours)