Custom Getaways | Tour de France packages

2012 Polka Dot Alps and Provence

July 10th to July 15th, 2012

Itinerary - What's Included - Options

This trip features great experiences of the race as it goes through the Alps, with a ride up Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux thrown in for good measure!

The "new" (for the Tour de France) Grand Colombier is very exciting. This is one of THE great climbs in France and it is amazing that the race has not conquered this summit yet, but this omission will be corrected in 2012!

VIP access to the race is included on 3 stages, 2 ride distances will be offered daily and those not riding will be taken on the stage itineraries witnessing all the pageantry of a Tour stage.
Please read below for a daily itinerary.

Registrations:
A 25% deposit per person is required to reserve a spot. If places are still available when we receive your application along with deposit, you will receive notification of your registration. If the trip is sold out, you will be given the option to be placed on a waiting list or choice of another trip. Waitlist order is on a first come first serve basis as well.

ITINERARY

2012 TOUR DE FRANCE - Polka Dot Alps

Rate : $3545.00/person

4 nights, 5 days - July 10th to July 15th

5 nights, 6 days - July 10th to July 15th (afternoon)

Pick-up in Geneva airport (GVA) and Drop-off in Avignon TGV Train Station

Highlights: The "new" mountain climb; Grand Colombier, VIP ride across the finish line with podium pictures on the mountain top finish of La Toussuire! VIP Access to a stage start, VIP access to a stage finish, ride Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux, Alps and Provence region!

OPTIONS: Trip insurance / Bike Rental / Extend through the Pyrenees from July 16th to 23rd

July 10th
Hotel Location: Aix les Bains

We will be picking up at Geneva airport (GVA)

around 2pm and make our way to our first hotel located in Aix les Bains. Aix les Bains is on the banks of France's largest and deepest lake.

Once at our hotel, we'll check-in and those who wish to ride can assemble or get fitted for their bikes (if renting). Our mechanics will be there to assist in any way possible.

A short ride will follow to ensure proper operation of our trusted steeds.

Those who prefer not to ride will be able to relax a bit!

It will then be time to get together over a welcome toast, do proper introductions and go over the next few days' fun and action... of course a nice dinner will follow!

July 11th
Hotel Location: Aix les Bains

For the first time ever, the Tour de France will be going over the otherwise very famous col du Grand Colombier (at last!!!). This is one of France's greatest climbs and this is truly the only place to see the race from!

We'll ride from the banks of the Bourget Lake, meet up with the Tour route a bit prior to the Grand Colombier and will ride to Bellegarde sur Valserine which is hosting the stage finish.

In Bellegarde, we'll gain access to the exclusive VIP Izoard hospitality area located about 50-75 yards from the finish line and overlooking the course.

Here hostesses will serve drinks and snacks while you watch the live broadcast on Big Screen TV. After seeing the stage finish from this exclusive viewing area champagne will be served to celebrate the stage winner.

The Izoard is among the more exclusive areas at stage finishes and you should expect to see/meet plenty of Tour celebrities.

Once the stage is over, we will return to our hotel on the banks of lake Annecy!

July 12th
Hotel Location: Aix les Bains

While not the last day of the trip, this is the last day of Tour viewing and we are finishing in style!

If you've ever had the dream of riding a Tour de France stage along roads filled with spectators and raise your arms to the sky as you cross the finish-line, today is the day it comes true... and it happens on "THE" stage in the Alps this year; La Toussuire!

Those who wish to ride the most will be able to ride the col de la Madeleine before the climb to la Toussuire, others can choose to ride "just" the final climb.

This means that the longest ride distance would be 80km nearly all on course with an HC and Cat1 climbs.

The easier option will start on the downhill of La Madeleine and take you to the stage finish - as always other options are available.

Custom Getaways vehicles with on-course accreditation will be accompanying you and providing an extra lift if necessary, and an official Tour de France vehicle will escort us over the final few kms of the course and you will cross the finish line on closed roads just a couple of hours or so before the Peloton.

Once this ride of a lifetime is complete, the dream will continue; you will be invited to climb the official podium where we will take souvenir pictures. Those not riding will be driven to the finish and will enjoy the excitement of the climb and podium pictures just the same.

It will then be time to see the pros battle on the climb and we will be directly overlooking the finish line to see how the pros stack up as we will have special access to the "Bulle Mangeas". Daniel Mangeas is the French commentator for the Tour de France ("La voix du Tour").

Once we have witnessed the podium ceremony we will make our way back to Aix les Bains for a final overnight.

July 13th
Hotel Location: Provence

We are in the Alps and within striking distance of Alpe d'Huez so it would be a crime to be so close and not use the opportunity to ride cycling Mecca!

We'll initially drive out a bit and make our way up the (in)famous 21 switchbacks. Once at the top of the climb, you'll want to find your souvenir jersey before we make our way south to the Provence region - near the Pont du Gard

July 14th - Happy Bastille Day!!!
Hotel Location: Provence

The start will take place in nearby Saint Paul 3 Chateaux where we will have VIP access to the activities surrounding the stage start. The "start village" should open around 10:00am or so.

There, we will be greeted by a person from ASO who will show us around the area and explain how things work.

There will be some time in the partner's gated "village" which features various exhibits and entertainment. A Tour de France shop is also on site.

Thanks to our passes, we will also have access to the rider's area, meet some of the racers, meet Directeurs Sportif, personalities, possible visit of team bus, etc.

Tour starts are often a favorite part of our trips as the interaction with the riders/teams is unparalleled.

Once the peloton is off; we will return to our hotel and have an option of rides. We've kept the elevation gains down to be able to spin the legs and do more distance than climbing.

We'll get together tonight over a final celebratory dinner.... even though we still have a bit of unfinished business to tend to tomorrow!

July 15th
Hotel Location: N/A

It is nearly always best to ride Mont Ventoux early in the morning, so we will get an early start drive out nearer the base.

After a few short warm-up kilometers, the road starts going up, and up, once you reach the forest, the serious slopes start. The forest is usually a nice reprieve from the sun and wind and last, in essence, until Chalet Reynard.

The final 6km take place in a lunar-like decor.

Just the same as the climb up the Geant de Provence is one of France's most arduous climbs, the downhill to Malaucene is one of the fastest.

After lunch, it will be time to bid each other a fond "Au Revoir"! And we will be dropping you off at Avignon TGV around 4:00pm

Mont Ventoux profile

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Transfer from Geneva airport and to Avignon train

- All transfers throughout trip as needed

- Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (5 nights)
- All breakfasts at the hotels
- 3 Dinners

- Exclusive VIP ride of stage #11 to La Toussuire with official Tour Vehicle escort just hours before the peloton
- Crossing of finish line in La Toussuire (Stage 11 - July 12th)
- Tour de France Podium photo finish

- VIP access to stage finish In Bellegarde sur Valserine (stage 10 - July 11th)

- VIP access to start village in Saint Paul Trois Chateaux (Stage 13 - July 14th)

- Restricted access to rider's enclosure in Saint Paul Trois Chateaux (Stage 13 - July 14th)

- Air-conditioned Minibuses with on-course accreditations for support

- Visit of technical/media areas

- Viewing of 3 stages in total

- Bi-lingual and bi-cultural group Leader

- Bike Mechanic and guides

- Tour de France welcome package

- Discount card for Official Tour de France stores

- Cycling Jersey

- 2 ride distances daily

- Detailed cue-cards, directions, maps, profile of stages, etc.

- Special Tour de France gift

- Memories to last a lifetime!

OPTIONS

- Rental Bikes. Full carbon Frame w/ Ultegra group with compact cranks (34x 25/27 low gear)
- Trip Insurance
- extend in the Pyrenees through Paris: Yellow Jersey Deluxe or Cycling Pyrenees to Paris

July 10th Hotel Location: Aix les Bains We will be picking up at Geneva airport (GVA) around 2pm and make our way to our first hotel located in Aix les Bains. Aix les Bains is on the banks of France's largest and deepest lake. Once at our hotel, we'll check-in and those who wish to ride can assemble or get fitted for their bikes (if renting). Our mechanics will be there to assist in any way possible. A short ride will follow to ensure proper operation of our trusted steeds. Those who prefer not to ride will be able to relax a bit! It will then be time to get together over a welcome toast, do proper introductions and go over the next few days' fun and action... of course a nice dinner will follow!


July 11th Hotel Location: Aix les Bains For the first time ever, the Tour de France will be going over the otherwise very famous col du Grand Colombier (at last!!!). This is one of France's greatest climbs and this is truly the only place to see the race from! We'll ride from the banks of the Bourget Lake, meet up with the Tour route a bit prior to the Grand Colombier and will ride to Bellegarde sur Valserine which is hosting the stage finish. In Bellegarde, we'll gain access to the exclusive VIP Izoard hospitality area located about 50-75 yards from the finish line and overlooking the course. Here hostesses will serve drinks and snacks while you watch the live broadcast on Big Screen TV. After seeing the stage finish from this exclusive viewing area champagne will be served to celebrate the stage winner. The Izoard is among the more exclusive areas at stage finishes and you should expect to see/meet plenty of Tour celebrities. Once the stage is over, we will return to our hotel on the banks of lake Annecy!


July 12th Hotel Location: Aix les Bains While not the last day of the trip, this is the last day of Tour viewing and we are finishing in style! If you've ever had the dream of riding a Tour de France stage along roads filled with spectators and raise your arms to the sky as you cross the finish-line, today is the day it comes true... and it happens on "THE" stage in the Alps this year; La Toussuire! Those who wish to ride the most will be able to ride the col de la Madeleine before the climb to la Toussuire, others can choose to ride "just" the final climb. This means that the longest ride distance would be 80km nearly all on course with an HC and Cat1 climbs. The easier option will start on the downhill of La Madeleine and take you to the stage finish - as always other options are available. Custom Getaways vehicles with on-course accreditation will be accompanying you and providing an extra lift if necessary, and an official Tour de France vehicle will escort us over the final few kms of the course and you will cross the finish line on closed roads just a couple of hours or so before the Peloton. Once this ride of a lifetime is complete, the dream will continue; you will be invited to climb the official podium where we will take souvenir pictures. Those not riding will be driven to the finish and will enjoy the excitement of the climb and podium pictures just the same. It will then be time to see the pros battle on the climb and we will be directly overlooking the finish line to see how the pros stack up as we will have special access to the "Bulle Mangeas". Daniel Mangeas is the French commentator for the Tour de France ("La voix du Tour"). Once we have witnessed the podium ceremony we will make our way back to Aix les Bains for a final overnight.

July 13th Hotel Location: Provence We are in the Alps and within striking distance of Alpe d'Huez so it would be a crime to be so close and not use the opportunity to ride cycling Mecca! We'll initially drive out a bit and make our way up the (in)famous 21 switchbacks. Once at the top of the climb, you'll want to find your souvenir jersey before we make our way south to the Provence region - near the Pont du Gard

July 14th - Happy Bastille Day!!! Hotel Location: Provence The start will take place in nearby Saint Paul 3 Chateaux where we will have VIP access to the activities surrounding the stage start. The "start village" should open around 10:00am or so. There, we will be greeted by a person from ASO who will show us around the area and explain how things work. There will be some time in the partner's gated "village" which features various exhibits and entertainment. A Tour de France shop is also on site. Thanks to our passes, we will also have access to the rider's area, meet some of the racers, meet Directeurs Sportif, personalities, possible visit of team bus, etc. Tour starts are often a favorite part of our trips as the interaction with the riders/teams is unparalleled. Once the peloton is off; we will return to our hotel and have an option of rides. We've kept the elevation gains down to be able to spin the legs and do more distance than climbing. We'll get together tonight over a final celebratory dinner.... even though we still have a bit of unfinished business to tend to tomorrow!

July 15th Hotel Location: N/A It is nearly always best to ride Mont Ventoux early in the morning, so we will get an early start drive out nearer the base. After a few short warm-up kilometers, the road starts going up, and up, once you reach the forest, the serious slopes start. The forest is usually a nice reprieve from the sun and wind and last, in essence, until Chalet Reynard. The final 6km take place in a lunar-like decor. Just the same as the climb up the Geant de Provence is one of France's most arduous climbs, the downhill to Malaucene is one of the fastest. After lunch, it will be time to bid each other a fond "Au Revoir"! And we will be dropping you off at Avignon TGV around 4:00pm	Mont Ventoux profile


WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer from Geneva airport and to Avignon train - All transfers throughout trip as needed - Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (5 nights) - All breakfasts at the hotels - 3 Dinners - Exclusive VIP ride of stage #11 to La Toussuire with official Tour Vehicle escort just hours before the peloton - Crossing of finish line in La Toussuire (Stage 11 - July 12th) - Tour de France Podium photo finish - VIP access to stage finish In Bellegarde sur Valserine (stage 10 - July 11th) - VIP access to start village in Saint Paul Trois Chateaux (Stage 13 - July 14th) - Restricted access to rider's enclosure in Saint Paul Trois Chateaux (Stage 13 - July 14th) - Air-conditioned Minibuses with on-course accreditations for support - Visit of technical/media areas - Viewing of 3 stages in total - Bi-lingual and bi-cultural group Leader - Bike Mechanic and guides - Tour de France welcome package - Discount card for Official Tour de France stores - Cycling Jersey - 2 ride distances daily - Detailed cue-cards, directions, maps, profile of stages, etc. - Special Tour de France gift - Memories to last a lifetime!
OPTIONS
- Rental Bikes. Full carbon Frame w/ Ultegra group with compact cranks (34x 25/27 low gear) - Trip Insurance - extend in the Pyrenees through Paris: Yellow Jersey Deluxe or Cycling Pyrenees to Paris