Tour de France Final Week 2012

Transcription

Tour de France Final Week 2012
Day 1: Cauterets, Pyrenees Mountains
Your tour officially starts at the Pau Airport at 10:30am or the Lourdes TGV train station at 1:15pm. The Gourmet Cycling
Travel team will be waiting to welcome you to the Pyrenees and the start of your Tour de France adventure!
Our team will transfer you by van to our home for the first two nights – the Bois Joli hotel situated in the beautiful ski
village of Cauterets, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees. Enjoy a welcome drink as you meet your fellow travelers.
Cyclists: we’ll get you sized on your bikes and then coach Simon will lead a first ride up the climb to the Pont Espagne
where we will be touching the border with Spain. Our earlier arriving group has the option to get in a few extra miles
before the welcome drink and our first official ride.
If you are a non cyclist or don’t feel like cycling today, enjoy a guided walking tour of the village taking in the sights and
sounds of this sleepy mountain village. We will regroup for our first gourmet dinner at one of Cauteret’s best
restaurants.
Gourmet Cycling Travel LLC 27221 State Road 56 #107 - Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 USA
Toll Free USA: 1.888.327.2283 info@gourmetcyclingtravel.com www.gourmetcyclingtravel.com
Road Cycling: 14-26 miles with climbs to the Pont Espagne (6 mile) and up to Cauterets (6 miles)
Day 2: Cauterets, Pyrenees Mountains
Wake up to a typical French breakfast of freshly baked mouthwatering croissants, locally made confiture and coffee.
Cyclists are in for a treat today! We will ride over some of the famous mountains in the Tour de France including the Col
d’Aubisque! Together with the Galibier and the Tourmalet, the Aubisque is one of the great legendary climbs of the Tour
de France. Climbing the Soulor and Aubisque today will take us over 19 miles of climbing at an average of 4.1% gradient.
The views at the summit are spectacular!
Non cyclists have the option to follow their cycling spouses in our support van. Alternatively, enjoy the thermal baths of
the town, world famous for their healing properties. Since the 14th century, crown heads of Europe have made
Cauterets their summer residence due to the healing property of the thermal springs. The waters emerge from deep
within the earth at a high temperature and are rich in oligoelements, silica and sulphur. If thermal springs are not for
you then a morning hike exploring the mountain countryside is another option.
We’ll regroup in the afternoon for a wine tasting presented by Chef Jon then it’s on to a gourmet dinner overlooking a
majestic waterfall. We’ll celebrate together a magical day in the Pyrenees with a multiple course gourmet delight.
Road Cycling: 57 miles including the Col du Soulor, Col d’Aubisque and the final mountain to Cauterets.
Hotel for Nights 1 & 2: Hotel Le Bois Joli
The 3-Star Hotel Le Bois Joli is situated in heart of the famous ski resort Cauteret. This quaint hotel has been chosen for
its incredible location for cycling and its surrounding beauty. From our hotel we are only 25 miles from the Col
d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet.
Le Bois Joli
1, place du Maréchal-Foch
65110 CAUTERETS
FRANCE
Tél. +33 (0)5 62 92 53 85
Fax +33 (0)5 62 92 02 23
Email : info@hotel-leboisjoli.com
Cauterets
Cauterets is located 32 km (20 mi) southwest of Lourdes in the beautiful valley of the Gave de Cauterets and borders the
Pyrenees National Park. Cauterets is well known for its copious thermal springs. They are chiefly characterized by the
presence of sulphur and silicate of soda, and are used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory organs,
rheumatism, skin diseases and many other maladies. The main thermal baths, Thermes Cesar, were opened in 1843 and
continue to offer treatments today. Cauterets provides both cross country skiing and downhill skiing. There are 36 km of
cross country tracks at Pont d’Espagne and 25 downhill pistes at Cirque du Lys between 1700m and 2500m altitude
which are mainly suited for beginners and intermediates.
Day 3: Vielha e Mijaran, Pyrenees Mountains *TdF Tourmalet Viewing!
Today we have an incredible day in store for all! Cyclists will experience an epic ride over the biggest Tour de France
mountain stage on race day! You will be cheered on by the race fans as you tackle the giant of the Pyrenees! The
Tourmalet is the highest road in the Pyrenees at over 7000 feet. The climb is 11 miles long at just over 7% average
gradient. Once you climb to the summit, make sure to take some photos and enjoy your achievement. After a well
deserved rest, descend back down to our viewing area at the start of the climb located in the beautiful town of Luz San
Saveur.
Non cyclists can explore the town and soak up the Tour de France energy and excitement while the cyclists are climbing
the Tourmalet. We’ll have lunch in town while the race excitement builds. First witness the race caravan spectacle with
its high-energy carnival like atmosphere. Then it’s the turn of the best riders in the world to arrive! Experience the
incredible excitement as the riders pass inches in front of you. Once all the riders and race entourage have passed by,
we’ll transfer by vans to our next hotel in Spain, but first we’ll make sure to stop along the journey so we catch the final
hour of the stage live on television. Total drive time is 2-2.5 hours split in two parts.
Tonight is our first night at the Hotel lori. Our Japanese host Yoko will prepare for us a traditional Japanese meal and, of
course, some good old pasta for the hungry cyclists. This completes an epic day for all!
Road Cycling: 37 miles including the Hors Category Col du Tourmalet.
Day 4: Vielha e Mijaran, Pyrenees Mountains *TdF Stage Start in Bagneres!
We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast together for our first morning in Spain before heading out by bicycle and van to the
stage start in Bagneres de Luchon. Today’s ride to the stage start is 22 miles and includes the Col de Portillon, a 5.5 miles
climb at 6.8% average grade and rated Category 1 in difficulty in previous Tours. Once we arrive in Bagneres, explore the
start village or “village depart” and the picturesque town.
After we cheer on the riders as they leave the start line we’ll head back to our hotel by van and bicycle. This time cyclists
will climb the Col du Portillon from the opposite side which is a 6.5 mile climb at an average gradient of 6.5%. Enjoy a
relaxing afternoon watching the stage on television at our hotel or explore the local village.
Everyone is in for a special treat after the stage as Chef Jon shares his years of knowledge and experience from working
in top Michelin starred restaurants, in an exclusive cooking class for cyclists and non cyclists alike.
Tonight’s dinner will be prepared personally by Chef Jon as he takes over the hotel kitchen to prepare a very special
dinner for our last night in Spain and the Pyrenees.
Road Cycling: 43 miles including the Col de Portillon from both sides.
Hotel for Nights 3 & 4: Hotel Iori
The lori Hotel is perfectly integrated in the Pyrenean natural environment of the Aran Valley, cradle of one of the best
Spanish Pyrenees ski resorts: Baqueira-Beret. Iori Hotel is located in the quietest area of the Vielha old quarter, where
tourism meets tradition, mixing the atmosphere of bars and restaurants with the tranquility coming from its narrow
streets.
The decoration combining design and vanguard flows perfectly with the organic and ecologically friendly policy of the
hotel owners. Chef Jon will be preparing an exclusive dining experience for our group one evening of our stay.
Hotel Iori
C/ Frederic mistral, 1-C
25530 Vielha, Spain
Tél. +34 (0)973 64 33 04
Fax +34 (0)973 64 28 40
Email : hello@iorihotel.com
Aran Valley, Spain
The Aran Valley is surrounded by mountains of between 6000-9000 feet high. Due to these high peaks the area was
completely isolated until 1965 when the Vielha tunnel was completed. Construction, landscape and customs have
remained intact here as they were a long time ago. The Aran Valley enjoys an excellent gastronomic variety as well as
many cultural activities.
Day 5: Paris (travel day)
After a delicious breakfast we’ll bid farewell to our Spanish hotel and transfer by van to the Toulouse train station to
board the high-speed TGV train heading to Paris in style. Relax, unwind and enjoy the French countryside roll past.
Today is a great day to catch up on news, write post cards, edit your tour photos, and chat with your travel companions.
Recharge in preparation for the city of lights! Upon arrival you’ll board our private shuttle to our home for the next 3
nights – the 5 Star Hotel du Louvre! Relax late afternoon in Paris before we head out on foot, enjoying the sights and
sounds of Paris, as we walk to our Parisian restaurant tonight for a group dinner.
Day 6: Paris *TdF Final Time Trial in Bonneval
There are two great options to choose from today: The first option is to watch the final time trial in Bonneval and see
the world’s best cyclists on their state-of-the-art machines preparing for the race of truth. Today’s race access has plenty
of opportunities for photos or signed autographs. This stage often decides who will become the final yellow jersey!
The second option is a guided tour of Paris led by Chef Jon on foot along the Seine river and over the island of the
original Paris. Stroll past Notre Dame and through the Latin Quarter on towards the beautiful Luxembourg gardens. After
enjoying the majestic gardens, a short train trip will take us to Montmartre, where we’ll enjoy lunch together. The Sacre
Coeur church is just a few yards away and offers incredible views of the city.
Tonight is open and yours to explore and learn for yourself why Paris is world famous for its incredible cuisine - discover
a local bistro or visit one of your guides’ recommended restaurants.
Day 7: Paris *TdF Stage Finish in Paris
You can sleep in today or join us for an early morning cruiser bike ride through the streets of Paris and on the Champs
Elysees’ final stage race course. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Paris and its historic sites and boulevards with a
leisurely bike ride in the fresh morning air.
Late morning and lunch are open for you to explore. We’ll regroup in the afternoon to witness the final stage from our
private Balcony overlooking the race course at 1 mile to go! Experience the thrilling action from one of the best views in
Paris overlooking the Louvre and the Eiffel tower. The race will pass by for close to 2 hours with 8 laps covered. Chef Jon
will prepare delicious snacks throughout the afternoon while we enjoy the final day unfold.
Tonight we have an unforgettable final night in store with a cruise along the Seine! Enjoy a delicious final celebratory
dinner while we experience the City of Lights from the Seine, passing along the original Paris and the Eiffel Tower.
Memories for a lifetime are sure to be etched in your mind tonight as we reflect and celebrate with our fellow Tour de
France travel companions on an incredible week together.
Day 8: Paris
Choose to sleep-in today or enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. This marks the end our 8 day adventure at the Tour
de France. We’ll say our “Au Revoirs” before noon when our tour officially ends. Your guides will help you arrange
transportation to the airport, train station or any other destination of your choice.
Hotel for Nights 5-7: Hotel du Louvre
The 5-Star Hotel du Louvre is just a block from the TdF final stage route and an impressive venue to celebrate our last 3
nights. Stepping through the doors of this hotel is like walking into a magical world. The pristine courtyard garden, pool,
spa/hammam (Turkish bath) and lavish bedrooms invite peace and tranquility.
This stylish and elegant boutique hotel stands at the heart of Paris culture and arts. Each one of the Hotel du Louvre's
four facades looks out at a famous Parisian landmark – the Louvre Museum, the Opera Garnier, the Comédie Française
and the Place du Palais Royal.
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Hotel du Louvre
Place Andre Malraux
75001 Paris
Tél. +33 (0)144 58 38 38
Fax +33 (0)144 58 38 01
Email : ebarrero@concorde-hotels.com
What’s Included
Accommodation, Meals and Transportation
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7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts, 6 gourmet dinners and 5 lunches
Wine at dinner (a set amount of local, artisanal bottles included with dinner)
Snacks and drinks between meals
All transportation during the tour
Luggage transfers and handling
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Cycling Support & Nutrition
Fully guided rides lead by coach Simon with expert on-the-road coaching
Mechanical back-up and support
High quality sports nutrition
Turn-by-turn ride directions for each ride
Support following vehicle for longer rides
Gourmet Cycling Travel full-zipper cycling jersey or T-shirt for non cyclists
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Cooking Classes and Gourmet Picnics
Private cooking classes hosted by Chef Jon
Gourmet picnic lunch on TdF stages
Tour de France Stage Viewings
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Stage 16: Col du Tourmalet (mountain stage)
Stage 17: Bagneres de Luchon (mountain stage start)
Stage 19: Bonneval (Individual time trial)
Stage 20: Paris (private balcony on the rue de Rivoli)
Not Included
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Airfare
High quality carbon fiber road bike ($400 additional for full tour)
Transportation to the tour starting point (Pau airport or Lourdes TGV train station)
Transportation leaving our final hotel in Paris (Hotel du Louvre)
Accommodation before and after the tour
All alcohol except a set amount of wine included with dinners
Personal items purchased
Gratuities for guides
Hotel room telephone, mini bar and hotel food and drinks between meals
Before You Go
Valid Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the US. Passports must have a
minimum of one blank page for entry/departure endorsement for each country.
Non-US citizens or residents should check with the embassy or consulate of the country they are visiting for visa
requirements. Most European countries do not require an entry visa for US or Canadian citizens for stays of less than 90
days.
Airline Ticket & Train Ticket
Purchase your airline tickets and your train ticket to our meeting point in Pau or Lourdes. Arrange pre and post tour
accommodations and transportation arrangements, should you be staying on longer than the tour dates.
Please email us (info@gourmetcyclingtravel.com) your airline and train travel details before the tour start.
Travel Insurance & Other Insurance
Purchase travel insurance in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, or if you need to cancel your trip. Review
your health insurance coverage to ensure that you will be covered in case of a medical emergency.
Foreign Currency and Credit Cards
We recommend 200 Euros+ in cash which you can order ahead of time from you bank in the US.
Call your credit card company to let them know about your travel plans so they don’t block your international
transactions. Check the fees applied for foreign transactions. Some credit card companies charge lower fees than others
for international transactions.
Calling in France
Make sure your cell phone will work in France in the case of an emergency or if you take a wrong turn on a bike ride (you
will have your guides’ cell phone numbers and the hotel numbers).
Contact Information while Travelling
Give your family the contact information of the hotels where you will be staying provided in this Itinerary.
Packing List
Luggage
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1 x small to medium suitcase
1 x small back-pack
Clothing
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Clothes for temperatures between 55-85 degrees
Dressy-casual for dinners
Casual and sportswear for daytime activities
1 x Sweater/jacket for cool evenings
1 x Sunglasses and hat
1 x Walking shoes and/or sandals
1 x Bathing suit (for spa option)
Cycling Gear
 3 x Cycling jersey and shorts/bibs
 1x Cycling shoes & 3 x cycling socks
 1 x Pedals (for rental bike)
 1 x Rain/wind jacket
 1 x Helmet & Sunglasses
 2 x Gloves & 2 x Undershirts
 1 x pair of ¾ or full Leg warmers & 1 x pair of arm warmers
 Multi tool (optional)
 Sun screen and chamois cream
 Exact saddle height in inches (for rental bike)
*If you are traveling with your own bike, you should bring a spare chain, extra tires and tubes.
Don’t Forget
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Valid passport and visa, if required
Airline & train tickets (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Foreign currency and credit cards
Plug adapters
Camera and video camera
Personal cell phone
Medication
Travel alarm clock
Travel iron and hair dryer
Sun screen and mosquito repellent

Tour de France Final Week 2012

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