Custom Getaways | Tour de France packages

2012 Signature Series Pyrenees to Paris

July 13th to July 23rd, 2012

Itinerary - What's Included - Options

Our Signature Series trips continue to be a great hit and to set the standard when it comes to experiencing the Tour de France in style. The accommodations, experience of the Tour and service are second to none! No wonder more and more of our guests return year after year!

This trip will allow you to see the Tour from the inside. By that we mean: VIP access, visit of the Press rooms, Technical Zones, of teams or partners of the race, visits guided by a representative of the Tour de France organization, access to the Riders Zone, meeting personalities that have marked the Tour (former Tour winners, personalities, etc...). On the rest day we will try to meet with one of the teams or some of the Tour de France partners. In the past we have spent quality time riding with one of the teams, went to Cadel Evans' press conference the day after he captured the Yellow Jersey and more. We can't say what exactly we'll have planned on the rest-day just yet, but it will be a great experience!

In addition we are working on having celebrities of the Tour come have dinner with us on selected nights. While some of the highlights you will experience are known at this time, others will take more time to detail. Regardless, one thing is for sure, you're certain to have an experience of a lifetime and great memories for years to come.

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 Pyrenees to Paris

Rate : $9250/person

10 nights, 11 days - July 13th to July 23rd

Pick-up in Toulouse airport (TLS) and Drop-off Paris Airport (CDG)

Some of the highlights of this trip include:

- Beautiful hotels and restaurants

- Bastille day in Carcassonne with its fireworks

- Viewing of the stages in the Pyrenees

- Vip ride up into Luchon under Official vehicle escort (18th)

- Climbing the official Podium and souvenir pictures

- Vip access to Stage finish for the final Time Trial in Chartres (21st)

- Visiting with one of the teams/race partners on the rest day (17th)

- Vip access to Stage start and riders enclosure (15th)

- Incredible viewing of the Arrival in Paris (22nd), directly opposite the finish line in Private Pavilion (big WOW moment)

- Sunset dinner cruise in Paris (22nd)

- other surprises are in the works

OPTIONS: Trip insurance / Bike Rental / Signature Series Alps July 10th to 14th

July 13th
Hotel Location: Carcassonne

We will be picking up at Toulouse airport around noon and make our way to our first wonderful hotel located nearby in the Medieval part of Carcassonne.

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.

Riders can then take a nice ride in the area to ensure proper operation.

If you prefer not to ride, you 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 14th
Hotel Location: Carcassonne

Happy Bastille Day! This is going to be an unforgettable experience. As the fireworks over the "Cite" in Carcassonne are quite a sight.... but we've got a full day ahead of us first!

We'll plan our ride in the morning and those riding will get to cycle some of the vineyards in the Minervois region. While less famous than the vineyards of Bordeaux or Burgundy, the Minervois are part of the Languedoc AOC.

On the way we will pass some of the Cathare landmarks of the area such as Villerouge or the Castles of Saissac and Lastours.

We'll end our ride at a vineyard where we can enjoy a nice picnic lunch and wine tasting.

It will then be time to get back to Carcassonne for a bit of R&R time, dinner and finally the great show!

(click on the picture below for a sample of what to expect)

July 15th
Hotel Location: Carcassonne

The start will take place in nearby Limoux 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 want to get going ourselves as we are going to try to intersect the race once along the way by using a shortcut and then again at the finish in Foix!

It will then be time to make our way back to Carcassonne for a final overnight within the Medieval walls.

July 16th
Hotel Location: Tarbes

The Peloton is going over a flat stage to get to Pau, so we figured we would take advantage to start riding some "real hills" at our own pace and with little time element.

We'll drive out first and make our way to near Saint Gaudens and will ride up to the last 2 climbs of the stage on July 19th; i.e. the Port de Bales and the col de Peyresourde (and on to Peyragudes).

Those who do not fancy riding both climbs can skip the port de Bales and ride "just" the climb up the col de Peyresourde.

There will be a nice downhill into Arreau where we hope to join together in time to see the stage finish on TV. This stage should go to a sprinter vying for the Green Jersey!

We will then make our way to our deluxe hotel in Tarbes where we anticipate sharing the property with one or two of the teams!

Port de bales

Peyresourde (from Luchon)

July 17th
Hotel Location: Tarbes

This is the second and final rest day of the 2012 Tour de France and the timing of the day will depend in great part upon what interaction with the race we can line-up.

While it is much too early to say what exactly will be involved, 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?).

This might be as easy as meeting the team in our own hotel or could require traveling to Pau!

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 still have a ride planed of course and will conquer the (in)famous col du Tourmalet. This climb has been featured more than any other in the history of the Tour de France - tomorrow will mark the 78th time the race goes over its summit!

At the summit, a visit to the Cafe/Restaurant should not be missed - the decoration is well worth a picture... we won't say more to keep the surprise.

We're also working on another surprise for a late lunch perhaps.

July 18th
Hotel Location: Luchon

This is as classic a stage as there can be in the Pyrenees and with just a few opportunities remaining to make time differences, this will be a contested stage without a doubt.

The finish comes immediately after the downhill of the col de Peyresourde.

We will be in Luchon to witness the victory first hand. So who will be first to cross the finish line today? Can Cadel Evans hold off the likely attacks from more climbing specialists?

The answer is... YOU!!!

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...

Those who wish to ride the most will be able to have an epic ride and leave the hotel, go over a first cat 3 climb, followed by the Col d'Aspin and Finally the col de Peyresourde for a total of 90km and 2100m in elevation gain (6900').

Shorter distances will be available of course and there is a time element to adhere to.

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 it out 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").

July 19th
Hotel Location: Luchon

The final High Mountains Pyrenees stage of the 2012 edition ends atop Peyragudes which is a first. While the final climb isn't as difficult as others in the area, the Port de Bales just preceding it is another animal altogether and someone could launch an attack from this climb already.

At 144km the stage is fairly short and the GC contenders will have tomorrow to stay sheltered in the pack, so we expect a wild stage.

From our hotel we will be able to be immediately on course, so we will plan on an early departure. The ride will take you up the col de Mente followed by the col des Ares (a Cat 3 "easier" climb).

We will be on course from the start and ride over the first 75km or so stopping to see the race in the Port de Bales which is the climb we intend to watch the race live from.

As always there will be other ride options

Our private viewing location will be catered to with several TV broadcasting the race live as it nears us!

See pictures of our private viewing location setup.

July 20th
Hotel Location: Paris

As mentioned above, the Peloton today is going over a flat stage through an area with limited transportation options.

The choice was to see the stage today or tomorrow and given the importance of tomorrow's time trial we will skip Tour viewing today.

We will enjoy a morning ride before making the transfer up to Paris.

Your luggage and bikes will be traveling separately so you will not have to worry about them during transportation.

There are a number of possible rides in the area including a beautiful ride into Spain while going over the col du Portillon!

This evening we have a fantastic dinner planned at the Eiffel tower!

July 21st
Hotel Location: Paris

This will be the last opportunity for the contenders to the Yellow jersey to make their mark on the 2012 Tour and we will be in the heart of the action.

Once the stage is under way we will 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 bus is among the more exclusive areas at stage finishes and you should expect to see/meet plenty of Tour celebrities.

We will see the entire Time Trial before making our way back to our hotel in Paris.

On Cadel's bike in 2011

July 22nd
Hotel Location: Paris

This is what every professional cyclist aspires to; the arrival of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees!

Who will be wearing yellow tonight?

We will find out today as we watch the arrival from our superb viewing location. We will have a private pavilion setup across the avenue from the finish line.... the best seats in the house!

A gourmet sit-down lunch will be served there directly on course and there will be an open bar throughout the afternoon!

In 2011, many of the riders stopped in front of our pavilion to say hi and shake a few hands! Cadel Evans, George Hincapie, Tom Danielson, etc...

Once the Tour festivities are over, we will get ready for a great dining experience. This year again we will be renting an entire boat for our dinner-cruise along the Seine river. Great food and unbelievable sight-seeing of Paris by night will end our “sensory overloaded day”!!!

Our hotel is located within walking distance of the Champs Elysees and the dinner cruise.

July 23rd
We will transfer you to Paris CDG airport based on your flight time... or extend your stay in Paris!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Transfer from Toulouse airport and to Paris airport or train

- All transfers throughout trip as needed

- Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (10 nights).
- All breakfasts at the hotels
- 6 Dinners, including Eiffel Tower and Sunset Dinner cruise

- 4 lunches

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

- Exclusive VIP access to stage start on July 15th

- Exclusive VIP access to rider's enclosure on July 15th
- Crossing of finish line in Bagneres de Luchon on July 18th
- Tour de France Podium photo finish

- Visit of technical/media areas

- VIP access to Izoard pavilion at final time trial on July 21st

- wine tasting

- 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
- Post-Trip extension in Paris; July 23rd to 26th - a few days to enjoy Paris

July 13th Hotel Location: Carcassonne We will be picking up at Toulouse airport around noon and make our way to our first wonderful hotel located nearby in the Medieval part of Carcassonne. 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. Riders can then take a nice ride in the area to ensure proper operation. If you prefer not to ride, you 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 14th Hotel Location: Carcassonne Happy Bastille Day! This is going to be an unforgettable experience. As the fireworks over the "Cite" in Carcassonne are quite a sight.... but we've got a full day ahead of us first! We'll plan our ride in the morning and those riding will get to cycle some of the vineyards in the Minervois region. While less famous than the vineyards of Bordeaux or Burgundy, the Minervois are part of the Languedoc AOC. On the way we will pass some of the Cathare landmarks of the area such as Villerouge or the Castles of Saissac and Lastours. We'll end our ride at a vineyard where we can enjoy a nice picnic lunch and wine tasting. It will then be time to get back to Carcassonne for a bit of R&R time, dinner and finally the great show! (click on the picture below for a sample of what to expect)

July 15th Hotel Location: Carcassonne The start will take place in nearby Limoux 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 want to get going ourselves as we are going to try to intersect the race once along the way by using a shortcut and then again at the finish in Foix! It will then be time to make our way back to Carcassonne for a final overnight within the Medieval walls.


July 16th Hotel Location: Tarbes The Peloton is going over a flat stage to get to Pau, so we figured we would take advantage to start riding some "real hills" at our own pace and with little time element. We'll drive out first and make our way to near Saint Gaudens and will ride up to the last 2 climbs of the stage on July 19th; i.e. the Port de Bales and the col de Peyresourde (and on to Peyragudes). Those who do not fancy riding both climbs can skip the port de Bales and ride "just" the climb up the col de Peyresourde. There will be a nice downhill into Arreau where we hope to join together in time to see the stage finish on TV. This stage should go to a sprinter vying for the Green Jersey! We will then make our way to our deluxe hotel in Tarbes where we anticipate sharing the property with one or two of the teams!	Port de bales Peyresourde (from Luchon)


July 17th Hotel Location: Tarbes This is the second and final rest day of the 2012 Tour de France and the timing of the day will depend in great part upon what interaction with the race we can line-up. While it is much too early to say what exactly will be involved, 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?). This might be as easy as meeting the team in our own hotel or could require traveling to Pau! 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 still have a ride planed of course and will conquer the (in)famous col du Tourmalet. This climb has been featured more than any other in the history of the Tour de France - tomorrow will mark the 78th time the race goes over its summit! At the summit, a visit to the Cafe/Restaurant should not be missed - the decoration is well worth a picture... we won't say more to keep the surprise. We're also working on another surprise for a late lunch perhaps.

July 18th Hotel Location: Luchon This is as classic a stage as there can be in the Pyrenees and with just a few opportunities remaining to make time differences, this will be a contested stage without a doubt. The finish comes immediately after the downhill of the col de Peyresourde. We will be in Luchon to witness the victory first hand. So who will be first to cross the finish line today? Can Cadel Evans hold off the likely attacks from more climbing specialists? The answer is... YOU!!! 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... Those who wish to ride the most will be able to have an epic ride and leave the hotel, go over a first cat 3 climb, followed by the Col d'Aspin and Finally the col de Peyresourde for a total of 90km and 2100m in elevation gain (6900'). Shorter distances will be available of course and there is a time element to adhere to. 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 it out 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").

July 19th Hotel Location: Luchon The final High Mountains Pyrenees stage of the 2012 edition ends atop Peyragudes which is a first. While the final climb isn't as difficult as others in the area, the Port de Bales just preceding it is another animal altogether and someone could launch an attack from this climb already. At 144km the stage is fairly short and the GC contenders will have tomorrow to stay sheltered in the pack, so we expect a wild stage. From our hotel we will be able to be immediately on course, so we will plan on an early departure. The ride will take you up the col de Mente followed by the col des Ares (a Cat 3 "easier" climb). We will be on course from the start and ride over the first 75km or so stopping to see the race in the Port de Bales which is the climb we intend to watch the race live from. As always there will be other ride options Our private viewing location will be catered to with several TV broadcasting the race live as it nears us! See pictures of our private viewing location setup.


July 20th Hotel Location: Paris As mentioned above, the Peloton today is going over a flat stage through an area with limited transportation options. The choice was to see the stage today or tomorrow and given the importance of tomorrow's time trial we will skip Tour viewing today. We will enjoy a morning ride before making the transfer up to Paris. Your luggage and bikes will be traveling separately so you will not have to worry about them during transportation. There are a number of possible rides in the area including a beautiful ride into Spain while going over the col du Portillon! This evening we have a fantastic dinner planned at the Eiffel tower!


July 21st Hotel Location: Paris This will be the last opportunity for the contenders to the Yellow jersey to make their mark on the 2012 Tour and we will be in the heart of the action. Once the stage is under way we will 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 bus is among the more exclusive areas at stage finishes and you should expect to see/meet plenty of Tour celebrities. We will see the entire Time Trial before making our way back to our hotel in Paris.	On Cadel's bike in 2011


July 22nd Hotel Location: Paris This is what every professional cyclist aspires to; the arrival of the Tour de France on the Champs-Elysees! Who will be wearing yellow tonight? We will find out today as we watch the arrival from our superb viewing location. We will have a private pavilion setup across the avenue from the finish line.... the best seats in the house! A gourmet sit-down lunch will be served there directly on course and there will be an open bar throughout the afternoon! In 2011, many of the riders stopped in front of our pavilion to say hi and shake a few hands! Cadel Evans, George Hincapie, Tom Danielson, etc...


	Once the Tour festivities are over, we will get ready for a great dining experience. This year again we will be renting an entire boat for our dinner-cruise along the Seine river. Great food and unbelievable sight-seeing of Paris by night will end our “sensory overloaded day”!!! Our hotel is located within walking distance of the Champs Elysees and the dinner cruise.

July 23rd We will transfer you to Paris CDG airport based on your flight time... or extend your stay in Paris!

WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer from Toulouse airport and to Paris airport or train - All transfers throughout trip as needed - Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (10 nights). - All breakfasts at the hotels - 6 Dinners, including Eiffel Tower and Sunset Dinner cruise - 4 lunches - Air-conditioned Minibuses with on-course accreditations for support - Exclusive VIP access to stage start on July 15th - Exclusive VIP access to rider's enclosure on July 15th - Crossing of finish line in Bagneres de Luchon on July 18th - Tour de France Podium photo finish - Visit of technical/media areas - VIP access to Izoard pavilion at final time trial on July 21st - wine tasting - 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 - Post-Trip extension in Paris; July 23rd to 26th - a few days to enjoy Paris