Tour de France Cycling Tour 2012

The 2011 Tour was a thrilling race. Australia claimed its first ever victory, while the infamous Schleck brothers snatched up second and third places. 2012 should be equally (if not more) exciting; the inclusion of a few new stage sites will certainly spice things up. The Tour invariably promises high tension, particularly in the mountains, where the roads switchback and the steep grades separate out the real contenders. You will be there to witness all the epic moments: the climb at La Planche des Belles Filles in the Vosges, and the Alpine finish at La Toussuire.

Your week starts high in the Vosges mountains for the uphill finish of Stage 7 at Planche des Belles Filles, a newcomer as a finish for the Tour. We follow the peloton the next day with a ride through the nearby Jura Mountains in Switzerland, and will be there again along the fences to witness the stage finish in Porrentruy. After two days of mountain stages we should have an indication of who the real contenders are.

From there we power through to Besançon for the highlights of an individual time trial, before heading south to the imposing peaks of the Alps. Here, with Lake Annecy at our backs, you’ll ride the cols of the Parc Naturel Massif des Bauges before pedalling the famous hills and villages of the Chartreuse Massif.

Our final day of riding we will tackle the legendary climb to La Toussuire (1,705m), arriving in plenty of time to join the screaming, flag-waving fans awaiting the arrival of the leaders.

Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Basel
Rendez-vous in Basel before being driven into the Vosges Mountains. You’ll connect with the peloton today, high in the Vosges mountains to witness the finish of stage seven.

Day2:
Ride through the Jura Mountains in Switzerlandon our way to witness the drama of stage eight.

Day 3:
Leaving the peaks behind you you’ll power on to Besancon in time for what will be the highlights of the individual time trial

Day 4:
The tour rests today but you don’t as you head south and ride into the Laps with Lake Annecy at your back

Day 5:
Cycle south through the hills and villages of the Chartreuse Massif on a loop ride from your hotel

Day 6:
The big Alpine stage today and you’ll be there atop La Toussuire to witness the 2012 contenders’ battle their way to the finish of stage eleven.

Day 7:
Breakfast and then tour concludes in Chambery.

Included
• 6 nights accommodation
• Expert guides
• All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners with wine
• All special events and private tours
• Baggage handling and transport
• All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
• A 30-speed Cannondale bicycle equipped with handlebar bag and helmet

Validity: 7-12 July 2012

Highlight: There isn’t any other sport that allows the ‘fans’ to be up close and personal with the world’s best athletes. The finish of stage eleven should be the most exciting day of this tour.

Additional Information:
Single supplement is USD500.00. Challenging level of cycling. Most of the rides have long and often steep climbs. An 80 km ride through rolling countryside, from the Vosges to Besancon. A 120 km option is also available, riding directly to the finish of the time trial and stage nine of the Tour

Please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for prices more information.