Trip Details
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Dates: Friday 17th  Friday 24th JULY 2009
Start-Finish: Transfers from and to Geneva Airport or Moutiers train station (at specified times)
Accommodation: 3* Chalet
Cost: AUD$2290.00- Reserve your place now.

Optional Extras:
Travel Insurance and Car Rental.
Paris VIP Seating (Final day)
Email us for details

A Week in the Alpes

Join us for a week long trip of great road cycling and Tour de France race viewing!!

The 2009 Tour de France is heading back to home base in the Northern Alps and we will be able to offer you 6 days of great accompanied cycling in the Alpes, including these 3 stage visits:

21st July, Stage 16: Martigny – Bourg St Maurice.
22nd July, Stage 17: Bourg St Maurice – Le Grand Bornand.
23rd July, Stage 18: Annecy – Annecy (Time Trial)
Who will take the top step of the podium? With the possible return of Lance Armstrong and the Astana team the race is wide open and with this being the last week of the race any one of these stages could produce the overall winner of the 2009 Tour de France.!!!!!

The  Week in the Alpes  trip is very popular, as you get to spend the entire trip in the same location, making it really friendly and sociable cycling holiday. There is no moving hotel to hotel on this trip .just relaxing on the terrace with a beer at the end of the day!!!!

Who Is This Trip For?

This 8 day, 7 night trip is for anyone who wants to combine the fantastic atmosphere and excitement of Tour de France 2009 stage visits with some big days out cycling in the Alpes. A real cycling enthusiasts holiday, the non-stage visit days will give you the opportunity to ride many of the famous climbs in the area. We can also accommodate non-cycling partners, as there is plenty of sightseeing and walking to be done in the area, as well as watching the Tour of course!

Why are we different?

With the Week in the Alpes Trip you get the best of both worlds! As well as stage visits and big rides, you stay in a luxury chalet, which is your base for the whole trip, a real home away from home. The team of guides and hosts are devoted to making your stay unforgettable and because we keep our group sizes smaller, you are not just a number, you are our guest!

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DETAILED ITINERARY

Friday 17th July:
The start of your stay with us, and a fantastic week in the Northern Alps. You will be collected from either Geneva International Airport or Moutiers train station (see info sheet for pick-up times).
On arrival at your chalet in the Meribel valley you will meet the team, discuss the week ahead and get settled in.
Welcome dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet.

Saturday 18th July:
Breakfast
This will be your first accompanied ride day with the team. To break your legs in gently, we will be staying in the Vanoise area and never to far from the chalet. There will be varying distances & climbs for different abilities, so everyone should have a great first day. Back at the chalet, you’ll be welcomed with afternoon tea to re-fuel you for the week ahead.
Dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet

Sunday 19th July:
Breakfast
Today the coach will take us to Bourg St Maurice and you will get to ride the Cormet de la Roseland, which is the first climb of the day on Stage 17. At 20km and climbing to 1967m, this Col has some of the most spectacular scenery, so bring your camera!!!! Reward yourself with afternoon tea back at the chalet.
Dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet

Monday 20th July:
Breakfast
You have a couple of riding options today, including what the team consider to be the hardest climb in the area, Col de la Madeleine. A 26km climb, rising to 2000m, it is a real challenge, and a great achievement and, on a clear day, has views across to Mont Blanc. But if you are feeling the need to spin your legs out, there will be some easier options.
Dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet.

Tuesday 21st July:
Stage 16: Martigny – Bourg St Maurice.
Breakfast
After your 3 Big Ride Days, it’s time to soak up the carnival atmosphere of the Tour de France 2009 over the next 3 days.
We head to Bourg St Maurice, the finish town for today’s stage. Cyclists will ride from Aime, along the Isere river and can then climb the 30km to the Col du Petit St Bernard, at 2188m. From here you can watch the riders fight it out over the last climb of the day as they come over from Italy. Anyone wanting an easier day can chill in Bourg St Maurice and enjoy the show!
Dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet

Wednesday 22nd July:
Stage 17: Bourg St Maurice – Le Grand Bornand
Breakfast
Today we will watch the peleton on the second climb of the day, the Col de Saises at 1650m.. Cyclists will head out from Albertville towards Beaufort, hooking left for the Col de Saises and a 15km climb. Then find a good spot anywhere you want to wait for the caravan and enjoy the race.
Dinner in the evening will be at a local restaurant (not included)

Thursday 23rd July:
Stage 18: Annecy – Annecy (Time Trial)
Breakfast, and an early start.
On our final stage day visit, we will ride from Ugine to Annecy on a fantastic cycle path network running along the old railway line. After heading to watch the riders sign on, you will have the day to watch them battle it out on the 40km Time Trial route around the lake. You are guaranteed a fabulous final day in this beautiful lakeside town, with plenty of photo opportunities!!!.
Farewell dinner and wine in the evening at the chalet

Friday 24th July:
Breakfast and then heading off to back to Geneva Airport or Moutiers train station (check info sheet for drop off times). So it’s  farewell  after a great week of cycling!!!
What’s included:

• Transfers from and to Geneva Airport or Moutiers train station (at specified times)
• 7 nights half board accommodation in fantastic chalets with excellent hosting
• 2 course home cooked evening meal with wine on 6 nights
• Maps/routes
• The support, experience and enthusiasm of the team
• 6 days accompanied riding (inc 3 Stage days)
• Safe and secure bike storage and use of tools

What’s not:

• Flights or trains
• Laundry facilities (although available at a small extra charge)
• Bike hire