Custom Getaways | Tour de France packages

2012 Polka Dot Jura, Burgundy, Alps

July 6th to July 14th, 2012

Itinerary - What's Included - Options

This trip features great experiences of the race as it goes through the Jura mountain range, Burgundy and Alps, with a Time Trial thrown in for good measure!

The mountain top finish on the Plateaux des Belles Filles is one of the steepest the Tour de France has offered. The stage into Porrentruy will also be a great challenge and riders contending for the overall GC will need to stay fresh for the Time Trial taking place the next day.

The stages in the Jura may not have the same name recognition as the big names of the Alps, but are some of the most important stages in 2012!

VIP access to 3 stages and viewing of 5 stages are planned on this trip!!!

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 Jura, Burgundy, Alps

Rate : $4695.00/person

8 nights, 9 days - July 6th to July 14th

Pick-up in EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (MLH) and Drop-off in Toulouse airport

Highlights: The "new" mountain top finish at Plateau des Belles Filles, La Toussuire, Grand Colombier, Time Trial, VIP access, Burgundy region, ride Alpe d'Huez.

OPTIONS: Trip insurance / Bike Rental / Pyrenees to Paris July 16th to 25th

July 6th
Hotel Location: Alsace region

We will be picking up at Euroairport Mulhouse-Basel-Freibourg (!!!) around noon and make our way to our first hotel located nearby in the Alsace region.

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 - but hilly ride - will follow to ensure proper operation.

Those who prefer not to ride will be able to relax a bit and we'll also take a bit of time to watch today's stage finish on TV!

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 7th
Hotel Location: Alsace region

Our first day on the Tour will prove quite exciting as today's stage is the first time the Tour de France tackles the Planches des Belles Filles which is a very "serious" climb in the area! The existing climb is already quite difficult and the road is being extended up as we type these words.

We'll leave the hotel and ride another great climb in the region; the Ballon d'Alsace. The climb itself is a challenge, but you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views atop. Looking south, one can see the Jungfrau, Monch and other +4000m Swiss mountains!

We'll make the descent and rally the base of the Planches des Belles Filles - time and legs allowing, those who wish to ride up can do so and those who prefer to call it a day and drive up can enjoy a ride in one of our vehicles with on-course credentials.

Once at the summit, 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.

July 8th
Hotel Location: Beaune

We saw a mountain top finish yesterday - today we will view the race on one of the climbs in the middle of the stage. The pageantry and excitement is well worth the experience in mid-stage climbs.

Since the race is going into Switzerland we figured it would be fun to ride across the border ourselves and we will plan on starting the ride in France, viewing the race in Switzerland and finally making our way back into France. We'll have setup our own private viewing location where a picnic lunch will be served and TV's setup!

The publicity caravan will go past us throwing "valuable" swag and the race will follow.

Once the broom wagon has gone by, we'll finish our ride heading East and board the vehicles to make our way East to the wine-capital of Burgundy; Beaune.

July 9th
Hotel Location: Beaune

What a stage this promises to be! The 2 previous days were mountainous and we fully expect those with more climbing than time-trial abilities will have had to make their presence known already.

Today the power role shifts to the likes of Evans, Wiggins or perhaps Contador.

Will any time gaps taken in the "hills" hold today? Can this time-trial equalize things? We will find out today!

We'll plan our ride around the time-trial schedule and will either ride before or after as we have great VIP access to the start village and won't want to miss much of the action.

Starts in general offer great interaction, during a time trial it is even better as we have access to the rider's enclosure where each warm up on trainers by their buses.

July 10th
Hotel Location: Annecy

This is the first rest day in the 2012 Tour de France and we will plan a great ride heading South into the Burgundy area. After a hilly past few days, we'll get to spin the legs a bit as we ride a wonderful bike trail to the area of Macon; city hosting the rest day.

The timing of the day will depend in great part upon what interaction with the race we can line-up. We will plan on visiting the hotel of one of the teams, to see what interaction we can have and/or visit one of the technical partners (Mavic perhaps?).

It is much too early to say what exactly will be involved. In previous years, we rode with one of the teams for a little over an hour which was a great treat. Another year we attended the "press-only" conference from Cadel Evans the day after he wore the Yellow Jersey, etc.

We'll end the day just outside the Venice of the Alps; Annecy and will go over plans for tomorrow's stage over another great dinner!

July 11th
Hotel Location: Annecy

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 Lake Annecy and make our way to this majestic climb. The climb itself is difficult of course, but the views along the way are spectacular!

As you climb up, make sure you take the time to look at the views over the Rhone River and the Lac du Bourget.

We'll setup on he side of the road again to see the caravan and race go by while enjoying a nice picnic lunch!

July 12th
Hotel Location: Chambery

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 to Chambery for a one night stay.

July 13th
Hotel Location: Alpe d'Huez

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. Since we are staying overnight in Alpe d'Huez, those who wish can take advantage of this final day of riding to visit one of the many other climbs in the area.

Once at the top of the climb, you'll want to find your souvenir jersey before we get together for a final farewell dinner this evening to celebrate these memorable past few days together.

July 14th
Hotel Location: N/A

We'll be leaving Alpe d'Huez relatively early to drop-off at Grenoble train station. From there Lyon and Paris are within a train ride!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Transfer from Mulhouse airport and to Grenoble train

- All transfers throughout trip as needed

- Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (8 nights).
- All breakfasts at the hotels
- 6 Dinners

- picnic Lunch on July 8th and 11th on course

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

- 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

- Visit of technical/media areas

- VIP access to Izoard pavilion at mountaintop finish (Stage #7 - July 7th)

- VIP access to start village and rider's enclosure on time trial (stage 9 - July 9th)

- Viewing of 5 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

July 6th Hotel Location: Alsace region We will be picking up at Euroairport Mulhouse-Basel-Freibourg (!!!) around noon and make our way to our first hotel located nearby in the Alsace region. 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 - but hilly ride - will follow to ensure proper operation. Those who prefer not to ride will be able to relax a bit and we'll also take a bit of time to watch today's stage finish on TV! 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 7th Hotel Location: Alsace region Our first day on the Tour will prove quite exciting as today's stage is the first time the Tour de France tackles the Planches des Belles Filles which is a very "serious" climb in the area! The existing climb is already quite difficult and the road is being extended up as we type these words. We'll leave the hotel and ride another great climb in the region; the Ballon d'Alsace. The climb itself is a challenge, but you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views atop. Looking south, one can see the Jungfrau, Monch and other +4000m Swiss mountains! We'll make the descent and rally the base of the Planches des Belles Filles - time and legs allowing, those who wish to ride up can do so and those who prefer to call it a day and drive up can enjoy a ride in one of our vehicles with on-course credentials. Once at the summit, 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.


July 8th Hotel Location: Beaune We saw a mountain top finish yesterday - today we will view the race on one of the climbs in the middle of the stage. The pageantry and excitement is well worth the experience in mid-stage climbs. Since the race is going into Switzerland we figured it would be fun to ride across the border ourselves and we will plan on starting the ride in France, viewing the race in Switzerland and finally making our way back into France. We'll have setup our own private viewing location where a picnic lunch will be served and TV's setup! The publicity caravan will go past us throwing "valuable" swag and the race will follow. Once the broom wagon has gone by, we'll finish our ride heading East and board the vehicles to make our way East to the wine-capital of Burgundy; Beaune.


July 9th Hotel Location: Beaune What a stage this promises to be! The 2 previous days were mountainous and we fully expect those with more climbing than time-trial abilities will have had to make their presence known already. Today the power role shifts to the likes of Evans, Wiggins or perhaps Contador. Will any time gaps taken in the "hills" hold today? Can this time-trial equalize things? We will find out today! We'll plan our ride around the time-trial schedule and will either ride before or after as we have great VIP access to the start village and won't want to miss much of the action. Starts in general offer great interaction, during a time trial it is even better as we have access to the rider's enclosure where each warm up on trainers by their buses.


July 10th Hotel Location: Annecy This is the first rest day in the 2012 Tour de France and we will plan a great ride heading South into the Burgundy area. After a hilly past few days, we'll get to spin the legs a bit as we ride a wonderful bike trail to the area of Macon; city hosting the rest day. The timing of the day will depend in great part upon what interaction with the race we can line-up. We will plan on visiting the hotel of one of the teams, to see what interaction we can have and/or visit one of the technical partners (Mavic perhaps?). It is much too early to say what exactly will be involved. In previous years, we rode with one of the teams for a little over an hour which was a great treat. Another year we attended the "press-only" conference from Cadel Evans the day after he wore the Yellow Jersey, etc. We'll end the day just outside the Venice of the Alps; Annecy and will go over plans for tomorrow's stage over another great dinner!


July 11th Hotel Location: Annecy 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 Lake Annecy and make our way to this majestic climb. The climb itself is difficult of course, but the views along the way are spectacular! As you climb up, make sure you take the time to look at the views over the Rhone River and the Lac du Bourget. We'll setup on he side of the road again to see the caravan and race go by while enjoying a nice picnic lunch!

July 12th Hotel Location: Chambery 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 to Chambery for a one night stay.

July 13th Hotel Location: Alpe d'Huez 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. Since we are staying overnight in Alpe d'Huez, those who wish can take advantage of this final day of riding to visit one of the many other climbs in the area. Once at the top of the climb, you'll want to find your souvenir jersey before we get together for a final farewell dinner this evening to celebrate these memorable past few days together.

July 14th Hotel Location: N/A We'll be leaving Alpe d'Huez relatively early to drop-off at Grenoble train station. From there Lyon and Paris are within a train ride!

WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer from Mulhouse airport and to Grenoble train - All transfers throughout trip as needed - Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (8 nights). - All breakfasts at the hotels - 6 Dinners - picnic Lunch on July 8th and 11th on course - Air-conditioned Minibuses with on-course accreditations for support - 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 - Visit of technical/media areas - VIP access to Izoard pavilion at mountaintop finish (Stage #7 - July 7th) - VIP access to start village and rider's enclosure on time trial (stage 9 - July 9th) - Viewing of 5 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