Custom Getaways | Tour de France packages

2012 Signature Series Alps

July 10th to July 14th, 2012

Itinerary - What's Included - Options

This trip features great experiences of the race as it goes through the Alps, all the while enjoying the comfort of 4* hotels and extra conveniences such as helicopter flight off of the mountain top finish at La Toussuire.

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!

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. This trip also includes a VIP ride crossing the finish line on the mountain top finish at La Toussuire, complete with podium pictures and excellent viewing location directly over the finish line.

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 - Signature Series Jura, Burgundy

Rate : $3995.00/person

4 nights, 5 days - July 10th to July 14th

Pick-up in Geneva airport (GVA) and Drop-off in Grenoble train station

Highlights: The "new" mountain climb on he Grand Colombier, VIP ride across the finish line with podium pictures on the mountain top finish of La Toussuire, helicopter off of La Toussuire, ride Alpe d'Huez, Private Chateau.

OPTIONS: Trip insurance / Bike Rental / Signature Series Pyrenees to Paris July 13th to 25th

July 10th
Hotel Location: Lake Annecy

We will be picking up at Geneva airport (GVA)

around 2pm and make our way to our first hotel located in nearby Annecy.

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: near Chambery

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: near 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 back to our private Chateau by helicopter avoiding all the congestion.

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 Geneva airport and to Grenoble train

- All transfers throughout trip as needed

- Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (4 nights) in 4 or 5 star properties
- All breakfasts at the hotels
- 3 Dinners

- picnic Lunch on July 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

- Helicopter transfer off of La Toussuire

- Visit of technical/media areas

- Viewing of 2 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 10th Hotel Location: Lake Annecy We will be picking up at Geneva airport (GVA) around 2pm and make our way to our first hotel located in nearby Annecy. 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: near Chambery 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: near 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 back to our private Chateau by helicopter avoiding all the congestion.


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 Geneva airport and to Grenoble train - All transfers throughout trip as needed - Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (4 nights) in 4 or 5 star properties - All breakfasts at the hotels - 3 Dinners - picnic Lunch on July 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 - Helicopter transfer off of La Toussuire - Visit of technical/media areas - Viewing of 2 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