The Alps Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1
With a pick-up in Montreux, we have to say, “welcome to the Switzerland.”  Our stay will be short but, oh, so sweet.  It’s not immediately the mountains that surround Lake Geneva -but we’ll make our introductions this afternoon – it’s the UCI velodrome.  A two-hour session waits where you will learn the basics of racing as you ride around the track, even getting a chance to beat the vélodrome’s speed record!  Afterwards, trade in the vélo de piste for  our carbon road bike (or your own bike carefully assembled by your talented guides) and get ready to stretch the legs in the Swiss Rhone Valley before we hit our first categorized climb, the Col de la Forclaz  (8.37m, 7.5%, 4904ft of climbing).  A short descent, a final invigorating climb (Col de Montets, 4.35m, 4.4%, 1010ft) and a steady descent brings us to the Hotel Albert I in Chamonix, at the foot of Mt. Blanc.  Rest up after a classic savoyard meal; mountain air and spectacular beds will ensure you are ready for tomorrow.  (70km, 4970feet of climbing)

Meals: Light Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: UCI velodrome, Col de Forclaz, Col de Montets, Chamonix
Distance cycled:70km

Day 2
After a spectacular breakfast, hop on the bikes and ride!  There are lanes that lead down from Chamonix, so we won’t be worrying about highways of cars.  A long warm-up between the cliffs of the Valle d’Arve will bring us to our first test of the day, the Col de la Colombière (Or we can make an on-road decision to start off on the brutal Col de Romme). The Colombière,  10.11m, 6.8%, 5308ft. is a classic of the Tour de France, crossed 20 times since 1960.  Its sweeping descent will introduce you to the Massif de Aravis, and bring you to the base of the Col de Aravis (7.22m, 4.9%, 4839ft).  This steady pass never puts a rider in the red, but the descent is spectacular, a thrill-ride of hairpins, beautiful forests and meadows.  Almost home!  With a gentle ascent towards the chic ski-town of Megeve, we will be come to our rest, the incomparable Flocon de Sel.  Settle into this modern chalet, get a massage.  And be prepared for dinner!  Owner Emmanuel Renaut is one of the top chefs in France, specializing in meals that will amaze your palate and nourish your body.  With local, fresh and varied ingredients, you will regain all the nutrients you need – luxury has never been so healthy!  (110km, 7014ft of climbing)

Meals: Breakfast /  Dinner
Destinations visited: Col de la Colombiere, Col de Aravis, Flocon de Sel
Distance cycled:110km

 
Day 3
After a rehabilitating breakfast of eggs and warm croissants, we will transfer you to St. Jean de Maurienne at the base of the Col de la Croix de Fer and La Toussuire.  La Toussuire is known for the jour sans of Floyd Landis in 2006; the Col de la Croix de Fer [5.1 % at 30km] has been crossed 15 times since 1947.  Tackling one or both of these legends, we will then watch the riders attack on this day which is sure to see some contenders rise and pretenders fall.  After the finish, we will bike to our beautiful chalet in the mountains, Solneige.  A hearty Savoyarde meal awaits with views over the lake and valley below.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Distance cycled: apprx. 60kms
Destinations visited: St. Jean de Maurienne, Col de la Croix de Fer and La Toussuire, Vaujany

Day 4
The peleton will pass early today, giving us plenty of time to enjoy some little rides in the area.  Little rides like, say, the Alpe d’Huez.  A short ride from Solneige, this fantasy-climb will display that it is much more than just 21 curves averaging 8.1 % – there are gorgeous routes that wind all around the mountain.  Today is the perfect day to discover them.  After a ride back up to Solneige, we will be treated to another wonderful meal.  You’ll have earned every calorie!

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance cycled: apprx. 60kms
Destinations visited: Bourg d’Oisons, Alpe d’Huez, Allemond

Day 5
Ready to race with 500 other avid cyclists?  Today we will be riding the L’Arvan Villards – a cyclosportif created by the french organization LVO. Choose from three different parcours between 140 and 90kms, and feel free to race or simply take your time to enjoy the views. This is an incredible chance to fully immerse oneself in the great cycling traditions of Europe, and should not be missed!  After the race, we’ll have the afternoon to relax, explore, and take in le fin d’étape. Celebrate and toast the amazing week you had this evening with a delicious meal in Bourg d’ Oisans.
 
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Distance cycled: 90-140km
Destinations visited: Col de la Croix Fer, Col de Molliard

Day 6
Enjoy another amazing breakfast, and take a little spin or find that perfect jersey in Bourg d’Oisans before your guides transport you to Grenoble.  The Alps will fade away from view, but the memories never will!

Meals: Breakfast