Day 1, Sunday 4 June

Welcome to France

Amazing scenery. Unbelievable food. The best roads on the planet.

We’re pumped. A lot of thought has gone into this. Bring it on.

Feel free to arrive at any time. Our hotel is located at the airport. It’s literally a 500m walk from the arrivals gate. This afternoon, we’ll put together as many of the bikes as possible. Hire bikes will be in the Pyrenees waiting for us when we get there tomorrow.

Toulouse is a beautiful city, so well worth a day or 2. We will book any extra nights you need (that way you don’t have to move rooms). Also, there’s a great App which you should download called “European Coffee Trip”. It’s important, which is why we’re telling you. There are some really good little cafes in Toulouse, and this will help you find them.

Tonight, let’s meet for a glass of champagne before our welcome dinner. We introduce the team and go through the plan for the next couple of days.

It’s fantastic to have you here. Thank you.

/ Meals Included: Welcome Dinner & Champagne
/ Accommodation: NH Toulouse Airport hotel

Day 2, Monday 5 June

The Magnificent Pyrenees

After breakfast, we load all the bikes and bags onto our 6-star coach. Luc, our driver, has worked for us for many years. He’s an important part of this trip.

We’ll also have 2 smaller vehicles. One for Team Mac and also a support vehicle for cyclists. Luc will drive that from time to time.

It’s our first luggage transfer day which can be logistically challenging. Some patience may be required. Thank you in advance. Door to door is about 3 hours.

Loudenvielle is not a new destination for us. In 2025, TDF2 stayed here and this particular hotel was rated the best for that trip, which is why we’re back.

Cyclists - we roll out of the hotel and pretty much roll up the first hill. Col de Peyresourde backs on to our hotel. A gentle 7km and 727m of vert. Short and sharp, the perfect way to start our time together and tick off your first Col.

Team Mac – Loudenvielle has a gorgeous little lake that will take you about 90mins to walk around. There are also a couple of ice-cream spots along the way (or a wine maybe). We all meet back at the hotel where some of you will no doubt be taking advantage of the spa facilities.

We dine together tonight. Tomorrow is our first decent ride, so let’s talk through logistics.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Mercure Peyragudes Loudenvielle

Day 3, Tuesday 6 June

Superbagnères

Each day there will be a plan. Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso. Something for everyone. Yes, we cover a lot of ground, but I can’t stress strongly enough – it’s a holiday.

Also, we recognize that quite a few of these climbs will be repeats for some of you. We will look at this closer to the time and offer alternatives where we can.

Superbagnères was the absolute surprise package for us in 2025. I have to say... one of the top 5 days I’ve had on a bike. As you gain altitude, the views become increasingly impressive, with rugged peaks and green valley’s stretching into the distance.

Options, options...

Option 1 - Espresso and strong Latte. Hotel to hotel. We roll up Peyresourde, descend down into Montauban-de-Luchon and then climb the Super Duper. Lunch is a pizza at the top. We then retrace our steps (well whatever the equivalent bike term is) back to the hotel. Total mileage is a reasonably short 78km but quite healthy VM with 2900m.

Option 2 – Start and finish in Montauban-de-Luchon. (you’ve already ridden Peyresourde anyway) Making it only 35km and 1100vm. Basically, your goal today is to get to the top of Superbagnères for Pizza. Nothing more, nothing less.

Option 3 – Somewhere in the middle of Options 1 and 2.

Team Mac – we made a mistake when we were last not bring our non-riders up Superbagnères. It’s that spectacular. So, you join us for the morning. In the afternoon, you go to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France was created in 1982. As of 2025, there are 176 member villages recognized as the Most Beautiful Villages in the World. This town is often referred to as the most beautiful in the Pyrenees. It’s not too far away from where we’ll be today, so we suggest a stroll (our walk for today) and probably lunch before catching up with the cyclists back at the hotel.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Mercure Peyragudes Loudenvielle

Day 4, Wednesday 7 June

Flexibility is the key...

Yes, we have a plan, but we won’t hesitate to change it if the weather looks dicey. We basically have 3 days left in the Pyrenees. Let’s make the most of it.

Option 1 - is again designed for the Espresso and double shot Latte cyclists. Hotel to hotel is 94.7km (just roughly). The good news is that the first 15km is pretty much all downhill, followed by the small blip that is the Cat 1 Col d’Aspin. It’s then another descent down to Sainte-Marie de Campan for lunch. After fuel, you then ride the magnificent Col du Tourmalet. Door to door is about 2400vm but you are descending 2870m, which pretty much means that the whole day is downhill.

Right’o. Those wanting less time in the saddle have 2 choices. You either ride d’Aspin and finish at lunch or start at lunch and ride the reverse side to Tourmalet.

There are actually quite a few ways we can make today shorter. We’ll work with you to make sure you have a great day. If you need more time then we’ll simply send out a group earlier.

Team Mac - early this morning we’ve booked tickets on the one and only - Pic du Midi de Bigorre from La Mongie (altitude 2877m). It’s a must do. There's a café at the summit, as well as an interesting observatory, visitor centre and museum. You’ll then see the riders as they summit Tourmalet. This afternoon you hop back in the van and head out to Gavarnie. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for walking. Please make sure you have good shoes as you have two choices... 1- donkey or 2 - by foot. Up to you!!

Our base camp hotel for the next three nights is a small family-run hotel. We book Hotel Les Cimes every year because we love the family, the hotel’s food and its location. Look up and you can see the likes of Hautacam, and Col du Soulor.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes

Day 5, Thursday 8 June

Rest day or Hautacam (HC)

Let’s split up into Mountain people, Valley people or Resting people...

Mountain people - it’s your only opportunity to ride Hautacam. The actual climb is only 16km. (Yes, that’s a puppy dog.) It’s the inconsistency that makes it hard. On average you’re talking 7.4%, however sections of it are flat as you cycle through gorgeous villages. So, if some sections are flat and the average is 7.4% then that means that other sections must be... ahhh. Not as flat!! Yes, it is category Hors.

Valley people - there’s a beautiful (and flat) bike path that follows the Gave de Pau (river) for 20km. You can even extend this as it also runs south of Argeles as well. So, 40 to 60km of reasonably flat cycling. We pop into Lourdes as there’s a great bike café there.

Those who want to rest can do nothing. Catch up on laundry. Drink coffee. Or head off with Team Mac who are on a Lourdes Gastro foodie walking tour. A delightful culinary experience that takes you through the flavours of old town Lourdes. You get to sample local specialties like regional cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and artisanal chocolates while exploring charming streets and markets. You finish with a leisurely gourmet lunch at a local bistro, featuring fresh, seasonal dishes that highlight the richness of French cuisine.

Tonight, after dinner, we recommend you check out the evening candle-lit procession in Lourdes. Even for those who aren’t religiously minded, the procession is a must as thousands and thousands of pilgrims flock to Lourdes daily, making Lourdes’s 2nd only to Paris for hotel rooms in France.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cimes

Ps, we certainly see today as flexible. If you have all ridden Hautacam then we’ll focus on another climb. Flexibility is the key.

Day 6, Friday 9 June

The Mighty Aubisque for Lunch

As guides, we are often asked which is the best ride in France. There are many to choose from. However, for me, Col d'Aubisque is the most beautiful in the Pyrenees.

After breakfast, we ride 20km up to Col du Soulor (yes – up). It’s not a challenging climb as it’s broken up with typically beautiful French villages. Most of these villages have natural springs for you to fill up your drink bottle. From the top of Soulor, it’s another 10km over to Col d’Aubisque. That 10km will make your eyes water – it’s that good!!

The great thing about today is that there are plenty of options for every ability. Cappuccinos may decide to get a lift up Soulor and then roll over to Aubisque. Expresso riders may decide to roll down the other side of Aubisque and then climb back up. Totally up to you. The James Turner (whippets) option involves riding down the other side of Aubisque and then riding back up again (for fun).

After lunch, a 30km downhill to our hotel. We'll have you firmly planted in our hotel bar, beer in hand by the time today’s stage draws to a close.

Team Mac – as mentioned, the road between Soulor and Aubisque is the most scenic 10km in the whole of France (in our humble opinion). We’ll park the van on the mountain road, you can walk as far as you like, turning around when you’ve had enough. (Bring a torch for the tunnels – or use your phone.)

This afternoon you could choose to check out the thermal pools in the centre of Argelès-Gazost. They’re famous for their naturally warm, mineral-rich waters sourced from the Pyrenees. Known for its therapeutic properties, helps soothe muscles and improve circulation. Please keep in mind that many thermal pools in France don’t allow baggy togs. Yes, boys – bring your speedos. Triathlon type shorts would also be fine, but no cycling bibs allowed. (You would be thrown out of the country!!)

/ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
/ Accommodation: Hotel Les Cime

Day 7, Saturday 10 June

Carcassonne for Lunch

Today is purely a transfer day. We leave our Pyrenees paradise early and head for beautiful Provence. The most visited region in France. Known for its great climate, stunning villages, wine and one fearsome mountain. None other than Mont Ventoux. It’s roughly 6 hours on the bus plus stops.

Lunch is at the UNESCO World Heritage fortified town of Carcassonne. The earliest known occupation of the site where Carcassonne now stands dates from the 6th century BC. When a prehistoric hillfort (oppidum) was built on this rocky spur overlooking the valley of the Aude and the ancient routes linking the Atlantic with the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula with the rest of Europe. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and the Gothic Cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the

founders of the modern science of conservation.

Next stop - undoubtedly the best wine tasting in France (again, in our humble opinion). Located under a castle wall in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, we return here year after year. The castle, named Castle of the Popes, can first be accounted for as far back as 1094. Many a Pope lived here from 1316 through to 1387; at which stage it was already a well-established wine region. Prepare to be wowed. It’s also our dinner venue.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is set in the heart of the charming Luberon area, the Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumières. Relax and enjoy the unforgettable experience of staying in this ancient convent (since modernised!!) from the 17th century. Converted into a hotel and entirely renovated (with an amazing swimming pool) and only about 40km away from the mythical - Mont Ventoux.

Oh, what a perfect day. It will be a late arrival at our hotel, but I can guarantee that no one will be complaining. Sleep well. The Giant of Provence is watching.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumières

Day 8, Sunday 11 June

Mont Ventoux – Enough Said!!

Get set for the ride of your life. This is the big one. You’ll be fit by now, so no excuses!! A certain rider who once claimed to have won seven Yellow Jerseys, before admitting to the world that he was indeed as high as a kite, used to vouch that Mont Ventoux is the most difficult of all the Tour de France climbs. Drugs or no drugs - Lance is right!!

Our traditional ride starts at the hotel and rides through country lanes to the town of Bédoin which is at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It’s then a 25km ascent to the top. (Gulp.) However, we are aware that most of you have been here before so we can change things around and start in Sault for example. If need be.

In past years we’ve had some cyclists ride Ventoux twice and even 3 times in 1 day. (Yes, it’s a thing as there are 3 different routes up Ventoux.) If you want to do this, then we’ll make it happen. Please be warned though that if you choose to ride Mont Ventoux 3 times, we will drug test you. In front of the group.

Team Mac – the L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Market, held every Sunday in the picturesque town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the Provence region of southern France, is one of the most famous and vibrant markets in the country. Stretching along the canals and narrow streets of the town, the market features hundreds of stalls selling fresh local produce, regional specialties, antiques, clothing, flowers, and handcrafted goods. The air is filled with the scents of olives, herbs, lavender, and freshly baked bread, while musicians and lively crowds create a festive atmosphere. Known especially for its antiques and vintage items, the market attracts both locals and tourists who come to explore Provençal culture, taste traditional foods, and enjoy the charming setting of this “Venice of Provence.” You will then visit a couple of the beautiful towns that make this region famous. You haven’t been to Provence until you’ve seen the likes of Gordes and Vanasque.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Hotellerie Notre Dame de Lumières

PS, Cyclists - bring your credit card as today gives you the best chance of souvenir shopping. Malaucène is 80% cycling and 20% food shops.

PPS, Team Mac – we will have a cyclist’s support vehicle on Mont Ventoux today. If that’s more your cup of tea than markets and villages then you are very welcome to join us at the top of the Giant. Or we could even you an e-bike for the day.

Day 9, Monday 12 June

Kind of a rest day...

Tomorrow is quite a big day so some of you may want to skip today’s ride.

We’re budgeting on 70km. The highlight being the stunning Gorges de la Nesque are located just outside the medieval hilltop village of Venasque. A dramatic limestone canyon carved by the Nesque river, featuring sheer rock faces over 100 meters high, tunnels, and the famous viewing point at Castelleras looking over the Rocher du Cire. There’s a fantastic 5km walk which we see being on the Team Mac agenda. Cyclists are welcome to join them.

The next 2 nights are spent in the beautiful Villa Morelia in the town of Jausiers in the heart of the Ubaye Valley. It’s also the gateway to the Mercabtour National Park.

Jausiers is a hot spot for skiing in the winter. In the summer, it attracts people like us. Local cuisine includes goat cheese and charcuterie (cold meats). Wormwood Wine is also a local delicacy. Hmmm, be careful here!! Our chateau also has an amazing pool.

This afternoon we can also arrange massages. It’s usually about 40 euro for 30mins. There are a number of hotels throughout this journey that offer massage.

The restaurant at this hotel has been Michelin recognized. The food is excellent. Yum yum.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers

PS, at some stage you simply have to try a French Baguette vending machine. There’s one in town. Follow Abe as he’s a frequent visitor. Even bread that comes out of a machine is spectacular. I can’t say the same for the pizza vending machine I tried last year. Give that one a miss.

Day 10, Tuesday 13 June

Col de la Bonette

Let’s start with the important people first – Team Mac. A few choices today. There are e-bike hire opportunities if you want to ride a short little wee hill. Or you can join the cyclists at the top of Bonette and walk the 1km loop. The last suggestion is visiting the historic Mexican villas in Barcelonnette and then having lunch in the old plaza. By this stage of the trip, we’ll know what you like and dislike, so we’ll put a plan in place around that.

Cyclists - it’s Hors Category which means it’s big and bad. But fun. It’s a first for me though – climbing Bonette from the Jausiers side so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s actually the highest paved (driveable) road in Europe and sits 2860m above sea level.

The mileage isn’t actually too bad. From our hotel to the top and back is only 47km. Total climbing is 1600m. By the way, when you get to what you think is the top of Bonette, make sure you do the little 1km scenic extension loop. That’s what takes this road to the highest paved road in Europe. If you don’t do the loop, then it’s not on strava and you simply haven’t done it.

Let’s get back to this category thing. Originally climb categories were based on the gear an old car (Citroen 2CV) could drive the climb in. Category 1 for first gear and so on. HC means – beyond category and no the car couldn’t get up there. Things have become a bit more scientific since the early days.

This afternoon, it’s become a Bonette tradition to spend a couple of hours at the brewery supporting the local economy. Not compulsory, but you are on holiday... See you there.

It’s a free dinner tonight. There are quite a few restaurants. Please be mindful of the single travellers and maybe invite them to join you.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Villa Morelia, Jausiers

PS, for the whippets – given tomorrow is a bus day you could also add Col de Vars.

Day 11, Wednesday 14 June

Goodbye France, Hello Italy

There’s no way of sugar coating this... Bormio is 500km away. It is what it is. Your legs will be tired so sit back and rest up. We’ll play movies and there’s wi-fi on the bus. If you really get bored, then I guess we could open up the bus bar. (Yes, it’s a thing.)

Stelvio is tomorrow. Yup.

Let’s look for somewhere interesting to stop for lunch. We travel quite close to Lake Como which is a massive wine region. That sounds like a good idea.

Our home for the next 3 nights is Bormio. A very popular alpine town in both summer and winter - mainly due to its thermal baths and stunning mountains. Bormio has long been a tourist attraction. In fact, members of the Roman aristocracy travelled to Bormio in order to enjoy warm baths in the mountainous scenery. We are in good company. The town is centered on the historic Piazza Cavour and Via Roma, a historic main trading point on the route from Venice to Switzerland. Bormio retains its unique medieval town center.

The Eden Hotel is fantastic. The Eden bike room almost brings a tear to the eye. All hotels should have a bike room like this. My house needs to have a bike room like this.

Let’s meet up at our hotel bar before heading to dinner.

Tonight, we head back into the heart of old town Bormio for dinner at Restaurant Osteria la Bajona. There are a few Stelvio logistics to talk through.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel, Bormio

Day 12, Thursday 15 June

Stelvio - Simply had to feature on this trip.

The mighty Stelvio is only 13m away from being the highest pass in the Alps. It’s that high that the ski season closes in the winter and is only open in summer. Yes, you’ll see people walking around with skis today. Hmmm.

I’ve been riding in Europe for 20 years now. I can honestly say that the Stelvio ride is in my top 5. Especially from Bormio as it has a little of everything from incredible views, waterfalls, switchbacks and beautiful highland cows. You’re in for a treat!!

We will offer a few different options today. You simply could ride your bike from Bormio to the top of Stelvio which is 24km long at an average of 7.2%. Or you could ride 18km and then turn off and descend into Switzerland before tackling all 48 switchbacks on the other side. You are in effect riding both sides of Stelvio today. Why not? Please remember that it isn’t a race. Take the opportunity to take photos.

Make sure you keep an eye open for Marmots. They’re everywhere. Especially on the flat just prior to the switchbacks. You just need to follow their whistle. Also, the sheep and cow bells just make it perfect. Sound of music perfect!!

It’s not all about the food. Yes, it’s all about the food. Bormio has plenty of restaurant options from simple Pizza, Burgers, Steak or something flashier like Restaurant Filo. Karl will point you in the right direction. Tonight, dinner is own arrangements.

Here are some suggestions for the next few nights:

• Sunrise Pizzeria Ristorante - across the bridge
• Clem Pub
• Al Filo & Osteria De l Margi - flashier restaurants
• The Steak House - must book
• Cristall Bar Mountain - burgers

Team Mac - we see you joining the cyclists at the top of Stelvio where there are numerous short walks. We can then head to the thermal pools in the afternoon. (with the cyclists)

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel, Bormio

Day 13, Friday 16 June

Options, options... Toot toot or cycling…

My feeling is that you have to make the most of today. There are so many good rides and this is our last full day in Italy.

Team Mac - you’re in for a real treat. You head back to the gorgeous town of Tirano to experience the world heritage listed Bernina Express. The scenic red train crosses the Swiss Engadin Alps as it runs along the heritage listed Rhaetian Railway. (Cyclists are welcome to join.)

Cyclists - would be hard to go past Passo Gavia.

We roll out the door just after breakfast. Today’s plan involves Lago Bianco - The White Lake. When one generally talks about lakes, one has images of nice flat surrounds and beautiful green fields.

Hmmm, not this lake I’m afraid. It sits at the top of a small false flat, known as Passo Gavia.

Gavia was first climbed in the Giro d’Italia in 1960 and has been a regular feature ever since. It isn’t really, really steep. In fact, the average is only 5.5% with the maximum being 11%. The length of the climb is a shade over 25km, and the summit sits at 2621m which is almost identical to that of Col du Galibier which we see in a few days.

In all seriousness, Gavia is a must do. It’s like Stelvio. However, the great thing about Gavia is that the road is straight outside our hotel. You can depart at 8am, 9am, 10am. Totally up to you. You can turn around when you’ve had enough.

Optional afternoon ride plan is for the mountain goats of this world. Yes, it will be Mortirolo Pass, 12.4km at an average gradient on 11%. Even the Pros are scared of this beast. We will ride from our hotel which is a gentle 30km descent along some quiet roads and amazing Bormio bike paths before turning left and tackling the muta that is Mortirolo. Don’t worry, we won’t make you ride back to the hotel, let’s take the van. Have fun.

Tonight, you are on your own for dinner. Please remember to book something ahead of time as they do get busy.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Eden Hotel, Bormio

Day 14, Saturday 17 June

Rest or ride some more switchbacks…

It’s about a 4-hour drive through to Andermatt, Switzerland. You can choose to sleep in and wander into Bormio for a coffee if you wish.

Or….

The other option is an out and back – gentle ride. Only 40km. Before hoping on the bus.

Lago di Cancano is indeed stunning and highly recommended. The switchbacks near the top are some of the best in the world. Italy’s version of Les Lacets de Montvernier. If UNESCO gave out status to bike rides, then this would be right up there. You even finish the climb with a small wee bit of gravel. To make your morning complete, at the top there’s a fantastic cyclist’s café. Espresso, anyone? Team Mac can join us if they wish.

Our driving route takes us via St Moritz. That sounds like a good place to touch down for lunch. Be warned though, nothing in Switzerland is cheap. But they do have amazing chocolate, and I guess you could always buy a knife.

Andermatt is our home for the next three nights. A picturesque Swiss village nestled in the heart of the Ursern Valley, surrounded by towering Alpine peaks. You will get up close and personal with a couple of them.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Radisson – Andermatt, Switzerland

Day 15, Sunday 18 June

Gotthard Pass

There’s no doubt you will have seen photos of this remarkable road. Tight cobblestone switchbacks which would make the cover of any worthy cycling magazine. Swiss precision at its finest.

The Gotthard Pass is one of Switzerland’s most legendary mountain passes, steeped in history, engineering, and Alpine drama. Stretching over 2,100 meters above sea level, it has long served as a critical north-south route through the Alps, connecting the German-speaking north with the Italian-speaking south. The pass is famous not just for its strategic importance—used by armies, merchants, and pilgrims for centuries—but also for its breathtaking scenery, with hairpin bends, rugged cliffs, and sweeping valleys.

The traditional direction starts from the town of Airolo. Finishing in Andermatt. The reason this is preferred is because it includes the historic Tremola Road, a beautifully preserved cobblestone route that winds through a series of tight hairpin bends, offering stunning alpine scenery and a true sense of cycling history. The climb is 13km at 7%. Reaching an elevation of 2,106 meters.

Team Mac – it’s totally up to you but I feel that a day around Andermatt could be a nice option. It’s a really nice town. Also, our hotel is well known for its wellness spa. You are of course welcome to join us on the Pass, but a day off could also be nice.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch & Dinner are own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Radisson – Andermatt, Switzerland

Day 16, Monday 19 June

Furka Pass and Grimsel Pass

Ok, Sh*t is about to get real. Ask any cyclist – this is a top 10 ride. As in the whole wide world!!

The Furka Pass. I can honestly say was the whole reason for me visiting Switzerland. I wanted to ride a bicycle over it. It is spectacular in every way. Team Mac has to join us today.

You would have seen this pass as it featured in films like Goldfinger. In the film, Sean Connery, as Bond, drives the iconic Aston Martin DB5 along the twisting, dramatic alpine roads of the Furka Pass, showcasing steep hairpin turns and breathtaking mountain scenery. If only Bond wore pink and blue lycra. Just imagine how famous it would be.

Over to ChatGPT very briefly... The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, connecting the cantons of Valais and Uri. Sitting at an elevation of 2,429 meters (7,969 feet), it offers spectacular views of glaciers, alpine peaks, and valleys. The pass is famous for its winding roads, popular among cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers, and for the historic Furka Steam Railway, a heritage train that runs during the summer.

The optional extension is the Grimsel Pass. Only 7km at an average gradient of 6.5%, with long sweeping curves and striking views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and hydroelectric reservoirs. We’ll have vehicles with you to bring you home.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Radisson – Andermatt, Switzerland

Day 17, Tuesday 20 June

Rest day as we head back to France

Our last rest day was 6 days ago. Since then – you’ve ridden Stelvio, Cancano, Gavia, Gotthard, Furka and Grimsel.

You’ll be begging us to sit on the bus and relax, especially as the next 3 days look quite busy.

Our home for the next 2 nights is in the beautiful ski valley of Serre Chevalier. One of the largest and most scenic mountain destinations in the French Alps, stretching through the beautiful Guisane Valley near the historic town of Briançon. Known for its vast ski area in winter and spectacular alpine landscapes in summer. We stay at the same hotel every year.

Couple of things about our hotel. It also doubles as a health spa. Yes, you could arrange a massage. There’s also a great swimming pool but it’s the restaurant that keeps us coming back every year. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Ever. Enjoy.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier

Ps, if you really really want to get on a bicycle today then we’ll make it happen. We have 3 vehicles which allows different options.

Day 18, Wednesday 21 June

Col d’Izoard

Team Mac - you spend your day in Briançon. The old town is called Cité Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ve booked a local guide to show you around. It’s a 2-hr walking tour so please make sure you have good shoes. This town is not flat and most of the streets are narrow and cobblestones.

Cyclists - it’s really your only chance to ride the spectacular Col d’Izoard (HC). For us, it’s the most scenic climb in the Alps. Quite long at 19km. But, not as scary as some of the steeper hills with an average of just over 5%. There are a few reasons for loving Col d’Izoard. Other than the ride, there’s a café at the start of the climb that offers the best hot chocolate in the whole entire world. And that’s a fact. No Milo powder at this joint. It is pure Swiss melted chocolate and man it tastes good.

500m from the top of d’Izoard is a fascinating building called Napoleon’s Refuge. It transpires that the man himself left a large amount of money in his will to this particular French Provence - mainly to thank the local people for their support. It was decided that the best way of using this money was to build shelters on isolated high mountain passes. The shelter has now been turned into a café. I wonder what he would say now if he knew that a few skinny cyclists wandered in everyday and asked “latte please”?

This evening, we plan on visiting the excellent local thermal pools. Time to give some love back to your weary legs. NOTE – all men need Speedos or equivalent to access the pools, no baggy board shorts allowed!! Yes, you won’t be allowed in.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation: Grand Hotel - Serre Chevalier

PS, for those who still have energy – there is the option of a 2nd ride this afternoon up Grannon.

Day 19, Thursday 22 June

Queen stage...

After almost 3 weeks together – imagine how fit you’ll be.

We leave Serre Chevalier and cycle towards our last hotel. Situated at the top of L’Alpe d’Huez. Yes, it’s a famous bike ride but the whole reason to finish on d’Huez is the hotel. It’s our #1 in 20 years of bike touring and a very worthwhile tour conclusion. The views are spectacular. It has a health spa but more importantly there’s a chef (and outside BBQ) parked up at the infinity pool. How would you like your steak? I’m not kidding. It’s that good!!

Back to the day. Team Mac - take the express route up Lautaret. There’s a garden on top that’s recognised throughout France as being one of the best. It’s actually funded by the local university. We’ve booked an English-speaking guide to show you around. If our timing is good, then we’ll have you on top of Galibier when the cyclists arrive. They could do with your support. It’s then on to our beautiful hotel where the infinity pool and BBQ are calling.

Cyclists – quite the day. It's a very gentle ride up to Col du Lautaret from our hotel. 20km at 3-4%. That's flat. You can chill out here for a while and re-group. It’s then an optional short little wee 8km (up) to Col du Galibier. It's not that difficult until you reach the last 1km which is when the gradient kicks up. It’s then a 50km descent (not kidding). Yes, 50km of downhill to Bourg-d’Osians and the base of Alpe d’Huez. Our hotel is on top.

The Alpe d'Huez was first climbed in the 1952 TDF, it climbs over 1,100m vertically over 14km and has 21 legendary hairpin turns. The climb can be broken up into three stages. The first part is the steepest with gradients above 10% for the first 6 hairpins until the hamlet of La Garde. The gradient then eases a little to 8% after hairpin 6, and the turns become more spread out for the following 6kms. With only 5 hairpins left, the gradient ramps up again for 1km to 11% before easing off to 9% till you reach the Alpe d'Huez village. It's only 2km to go to the top at around 5% gradient, you can now relax a little and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work.

Please keep in mind that we will have shorter options available but if you ride hotel to hotel then it’s a total of 92km and 2600vm. Tonight we celebrate a remarkable day.

/ Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, L’Alpe d’Huez

Day 20, Friday 23 June

Our last full day together… Here are the suggestions...

Firstly. Don’t do a lot. In the last 48 hours you will have ridden d’Izoard, Lautaret Galibier and Alpe d’Huez. You could simply choose to sleep in. Go for a walk on the ski field. Book a massage. Go for a swim.

The 2nd option is 50 / 50. Relaxing with a spot of exercise. Hop on your bike and roll down Alpe d’Huez to Bourg d’Oisans for a coffee. When you are ready, have a 2nd crack at the most famous 21 switchbacks on the planet. You’ll be done and dusted by midday which leaves plenty of time to relax next to the pool this afternoon.

And then there’s the loop ride. From our hotel at the top of d’Huez we ride in the opposite direction to where we came up d’Huez yesterday. Our route takes us to the top of Col de Sarenne. It’s beautiful. Serene even. (Sorry.) The Mont Blanc views from the top are staggering. We then descend Col de Sarenne to Lac du Chambon. Here you take the balcony road back to Huez. In my opinion, it is the sexiest 50km on the planet, however, that comes with a couple of warnings. The descent down Sarenne is very technical. The 2nd red flag is that even though the distance is short – the VM is quite large. 1700m large. It’s certainly not an easy day on the bike – that’s for sure.

At some stage this afternoon everyone should pop into the bike shop Cycle Huez, which is only a matter of yards from our hotel. It really is the best place to buy up large.

Tonight is a great chance to celebrate and look back at our achievements while raising a glass of champagne. It’s how we started the trip and how we intend to finish. Cheers to you.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)
/ Accommodation : Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, L’Alpe d’Huez

Day 21, Saturday 24 June

Le end…

After breakfast, we hop back on the bus for one last drive. It’s about 3 hours through to Lyon International Airport. There’s also a TGV station there so you can pretty much go anywhere. Please don’t book any travel arrangements until after 3pm.

For those wanting to spend the night in Lyon we will arrange this for you.

The other option is that you stay in d’Huez for a few days. Why not….

What a wonderful trip and a fantastic way of celebrating 20 years riding bikes in Europe. Thank you for being part of it.

Karl and the team at RH