Alps Journey Bike Tour

Welcome to an epic week of cycling. Before we head out across the Alps, meet your guides on the shores Lake Geneva for a short transfer to our starting point. There’s no honeymoon ride and the Mediterranean isn’t getting any closer, so we start with 12 kilometers of steady climbing—and this pass doesn’t even warrant a name. Today’s name-worthy climb is the Col de Tamié, an approachable 9.7 kilometers at 4% on narrow (but scenic) roads. Rest up at tonight’s hotel in the heart of the Savoy region—the thermal spa makes a soothing soak for sore legs.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Annecy, Albertville
Accomplished: 73 miles / 117 km, elevation gain: 6,361 feet / 1,939 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Radiana

Yesterday we climbed some hills; today we climb some mountains. Our to-do list consists of twin cols, and there are mere moments to warm up before we hit the Col de la Madeline first. It’s a hair-raising way to start the day, with 26 kilometers averaging 6.1%. The descent into La Chambre offers some sweet relief before we tackle the Col du Glandon: a 21-kilometer climb at 6.9% with the final two kilometers over 10%. Get in the zone for the last stretch to tonight’s hotel, where we’ll have a taste of Alpine food and hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: La Chambre, Vaujany
Accomplished: 62 miles / 99 km, elevation gain: 12,952 feet / 3,948 meters
Accommodations: Hotel V de Vaujany

After a breakfast fit for a professional cyclist, we head east on roads that make all the fatigue worthwhile: one lane of crisp asphalt clinging to the edge of the Romanche Valley, and not a car in sight except for the support van. Our first real challenge is the most famous of them all: the Alpe D’Huez and all 21 of its hairpin switchbacks. After that, the Col de Sarenne and Col du Lautaret might as well be considered cool-downs. There’s extra credit for anyone who wants to tag the summit of Galibier—what’s another eight kilometers at 7% for some serious bragging rights? Descend down the valley into Le Monêtier-les-Bains. If you have the energy, take a walk around town and stretch your legs as you head to dinner on your own tonight.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Alpe D’Huez, La Grave
Accomplished: 68 miles / 110 km, elevation gain: 11,164 feet / 3,403 meters
Shorter Option: 58 miles / 94 km, elevation gain: 9,281 feet / 2,829 meters
Accommodations: Le Monêtier

We’re halfway through the trip. Your legs are sore. But the hump today is none other than the Col d’Izoard. This climb was the battleground for the epic rivalry between the legendary Italian, Fausto Coppi, and the French great, Louison Bobet, in the 1950s. It is also the highest point of our tour at 2,360 meters. We are heading south into the Maritime Alps where the passes aren’t household names but the riding is out of this world: no cars, just ribbons of pavement winding through pines and mountain pastures. This is exactly what we’ll experience on the Col de Vars before rolling into Villa Morelia for a relaxing afternoon by the pool or a much-needed massage.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Briançon, Guillestre, Jausiers
Accomplished: 66 miles / 107 km, elevation gain: 8,738 feet / 2,664 meters
Accommodations: Villa Morelia

The Col de la Bonette is billed as the highest pass in Europe—which means we have basically no choice but to conquer this gentle (or perhaps not-so-gentle) giant. A one-kilometer warm-up prepares us for the 24-kilometer climb through Mercantour National Park. At its steepest, the gradient hits 15%, but it’s easy to distract yourself with the extraordinary views all around. The flying descent down the other side is equally as memorable: towns begin to look more and more Italian, and we start to feel the hint of a Mediterranean breeze. Tonight, we feast like locals on good, honest food served in an outdoor setting, then rest up for tomorrow’s final push.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Jausiers, Bousieyas, Isola
Accomplished: 60 miles / 96 km, elevation gain: 8,997 feet / 2,743 meters
Accommodations: Pure Montagne Resort

Our last ride is nothing short of spectacular as we follow one-way roads all the way to Nice, but one more col stands between us and our celebrations: the Col de Turini. It’s easy to understand why pro riders flock here in droves—the city’s mountainous backyard makes a perfect training ground, and luxurious recovery is within easy reach. Take a victory lap around the harbor, have champagne on the beach, and check into our sea-view hotel. The afternoon is all yours: spend it blissed out on the beach or weaving through the bustling port before we celebrate our last evening like champions. Our journey across the Alps has earned us a platter of fresh fish, veggies, pasta, and olive oil—a culinary reflection of all the ground we’ve covered along the way.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Nice
Accomplished: 58 miles / 94 km, elevation gain: 6,235 feet / 1,901 meters
Accommodations: Hôtel la Pérouse

Enjoy an easy morning and decadent breakfast at our hotel. Your guides will transfer you to the Nice airport or TGV train station as you head to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast