Friday, July 9th:  Arrival.  Pro-stage is Montargis > Gueugnon (6th stage)
Upon arriving by plane or train, we’ll transfer you to your hotel located in the heart of Geneva. After settling in, we’ll provide you with a list of suggested attractions based on our knowledgeable status as Geneva locals. In the late afternoon one of our mechanics will be available for assembling bikes or, if you rented, for fitting and adjusting. You’ll also meet with one of our representatives, going over your tour itinerary in step-by-step detail. In the evening we’ll use our “insider expertise” and taxi you to the top of nearby Mont Saléve for dinner and panoramic views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and other notable tour points.

Saturday, July 10th :  Loop through the Jura (49 miles) & Tour viewing of pro-stage 7 “Tournus – Station des Rousses
Today’s pedal will begin with a climb over Col de la Faucille (1,323 meters – 4,340 feet) and into Jura Regional Park. Since 1911 this 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) climb has been part of Tour de France lore 41 times, lending it legendary status. Along the way you’ll be treated to stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps. From atop the pass you’ll then ride into Les Rousses, a picturesque resort town, and watch the finish of Stage 7. After the race, you’ll follow a scenic route, which includes Col de la Givrine (1,229 meters - 4,032 feet), into Nyon, Switzerland.  You’ll then ferry across Lake Geneva to Yvoire, France. This picture-perfect medieval village, perched along Lake Geneva’s shore, enjoys the rare status of being one of only 152 towns in all of France to be designated “Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France” (One of France’s Prettiest Villages).      

Sunday, July 11th:  Ride to Morzine & Tour viewing of stage 8 “Station des Rousses – Morzine”
Today’s route will ride along the rooftop of the French Alps. Five-star views of green alpine meadows and thick pine forests framed by jutting, snow-patched peaks, including iconic Mont Blanc, western Europe’s tallest mountain (4,810 meters – 15,781 feet), will be the norm rather than the exception. It’s one of the few rides where a back-up camera battery is as indispensable as a spare tire tube. You’ll pedal into Morzine, one of France’s premier ski resorts, to watch the finish of the Tour’s first mountain stage. One of Morzine’s three-star lodges will serve as your home for the next two nights.

NOTE: Due to possible road closures dictated by the Tour de France, an early start will be necessary so we can transfer your luggage to Morzine without delays.

Monday, July 12th:  Loop day or rest.   Morzine.  Rest day for the pros
Today you have the choice of relaxing or riding. You can hop on the saddle and follow our suggested route over Col de Joux-Plane and Col de la Ramaz. Both passes have long histories with the Tour de France and both will be part of tomorrow’s Stage 9. With luck you may find yourself sharing the road with any number of pros, fitting in a ride on their off day. If you opt to relax, you’ll find Morzine contains an abundance of diversions. You can ride a cable car to Avoriaz, a tiny village perched atop a mountain with a noted history for banning cars on its streets. Or you can tour Morzine’s Cheese Dairy, or go for a swim in Montriond Lake. If these options sound all too ambitious, you can always lounge at your lodge, enjoying its accommodating spa.

Tuesday, July 13th:  Morzine – Le Grand Bornand.   Pro-stage is Morzine – Saint-Jean de Maurienne
You’ll jumpstart the day by watching the beginning of Stage 9. After getting the okay from race officials, you’ll follow the pros on your bikes from a sufficient distance. Like the pros, you’ll ascend Col de la Colombiere (1,613 meters – 5,292 feet, 17 kilometers – 10.5 miles).  Though not one of the highest passes on the tour, race officials like it for its technical challenge. Since 1960 Col de la Colombiere has been part of the race route 19 times. From atop you’ll then coast into Le Grand Bornand, another one of France’s famous ski resort towns. You can watch the Tour de France on TV and see some of the climbs you’ll be pedaling tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 14th:  Le Grand Bornand – Albertville.  Pro-stage is Chambéry – Gap (10th stage)
Mirroring sections of yesterday’s Stage 9, you’ll climb Col des Aravis (1,486 meters – 4,875 feet) and Col des Saisies (1,657 meters – 5,436 feet) and experience what the pros felt, minus, of course, maniacal crowds with clanging cowbells. Though Col des Aravis is relatively short in height, it's big with views, especially of I’Etale and Tournette peaks.  You’ll eventually spin into Albertville, your home for the night. This famous village played host to the XVI Winter Olympics in 1992.

Thursday, July 15th:  Departure
Following breakfast, we’ll shuttle you back to Geneva. Should you want to continue pedaling to Alpe d’Huez, additional nights and services can easily be arranged by request.

Price:  875 euros per person sharing a room.  Single supplement is 245 euros

This price includes:

• 6-night accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties
• Daily breakfast
• Daily dinner (drinks are not included)
• Meeting with our local staff on July 9th
• Service of a bike mechanic on July 9th
• Transfer from Geneva airport to your hotel on July 9th
• Transfer from Albertville to Geneva on July 15th
• Luggage transfers
• Marked maps and/or cue sheets
• Tourist information
• GPS 705 Garmin (in limited quantity; will be allocated on a "first-booked-first served" basis
• Tour de France viewing information
• Assistance if necessary
• All tax and service charges
  

Price does not include:

• Expenses of personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Bicycle rentals.  Giant Defy 1 racing bikes are available at the rate of 150 euros (includes the drop-off fee in Albertville).