TOUR DE FRANCE 2014 Week 2 Trip 3 Alps Exclusive 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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1 TOUR DE FRANCE 2014 Week 2 Trip 3 Alps Exclusive 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS Enjoy the drama, excitement and spectacle of the world s ultimate racing event, and some of Europe s most magnificient riding with Trek Travel s cycling vacation of a lifetime to the Tour de France Combining classic rides, superb Trek bikes, expert professional support and intimate cultural experiences, this trip is your chance to immerse yourself in the drama and tradition of the world s greatest cycling race while enjoying the elemental beauty of the Alps and the romance and elegance of France! S C A Y PARIS FRANCE LYON GRENOBLE GERMANY SWITZERLA LA GRAVE Exciting Trek Travel Race viewing of Stage 13 as the pros ascend Chamrousse Spectacular Trek Travel Race viewing of Stage 14 as the peloton powers over Col du Lauteret Conquer the legendary climbs of Alpe d Huez, Galibier, Télégraphe and more Enjoy the comfort, convenience and luxury of staying at one perfectly-located hotel for your entire trip Ride in style on a full carbon Trek Domane bike with electronic Di2 shifting Vive le Tour! Penny Gatward Tour de France Trip Expert M E D I T E R R A N N E A S E TREK TRAVEL CYCLING VACATIONS OF A LIFETIME 613 Williamson St., Ste. 207 Madison, WI USA trektravel.com sales@trektravel.com 14TDF3715 TABLE OF CONTENTS: WELCOME & MAP v ITINERARY v TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS v ARRIVING & DEPARTING v BEFORE & AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS v WHAT S INCLUDED v ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE v Page 1

2 DAY 1: TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014 Welcome & Bike Fit Basic Option: Le Bourg d Arud to St. Christophe to La Grave Approximately 44 miles with 6,500 feet of climbing Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Grenoble Train Station (Rue Emile Gueymard, Grenoble, France) at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Your Trek Travel race adventure begins in the legendary scenery of the Alps where the Pros will battle each other on world famous climbs that have made and shattered champions. After meeting in Grenoble, you ll shuttle 60 minutes to the heart of the Alps and the quaint mountain village of Venosc. Enjoy a satisfying alpine lunch and a professional bike fit on your high tech Trek Domane before setting out along the nearly untouched Bérarde Valley shrouded by soaring peaks. Settle into your first climb on your way to the tiny shepherd s hamlet of St Christophe where you are welcome to take some time to recover while soaking in the majestic views of the stout Ecrins Mountains. Ride the rest of the way to your hotel or opt for the quintessential Alps experience by ascending to Les Deux Alpes by cable car before making your way to the picturesque resort town of La Grave, your home for the next 6 days. Hotel Auberge Edelweiss DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014 Basic Option: La Grave to Col du Télégraphe Return Approximately 52 miles with 8,000 feet of climbing Avid Option: La Grave to St Michel du Maurienne Return Approximately 65 miles with 11,000 feet of climbing Short Option: La Grave to Col du Télégraphe Approximately 54 miles with 7,200 feet of climbing An unforgettable King/Queen of the Mountains day is on tap as you tackle three of the Alps most celebrated passes. Up first is the lofty Col du Lautaret which is sure to get your heart pounding. Next you ll churn up nearly 8,600 feet above sea level as you top the daunting Col du Galibier just as the the pros did over 100 years ago when this climb debuted in the Tour. Last looms the Col du Télégraphe, first crested by Tour rider Emile Georget in If you seek an even bigger challenge, coast down Col du Telegraph to St. Michel du Maurienne, where you can grab a snack before beginning your attack of the fearsome Télégraphe/Galibier duo from the other side. Your attentive guides will support you as you meet today s challenge head on with all the determination of pro cyclist.this evening you re free to discover the perfect bistro of your choice to celebrate with a meal fit for the King or Queen of the Mountains! Hotel Auberge Edelweiss Trip Changes: Trip changes are always a possibility due to logistical changes at the Tour de France. In such cases, Trek Travel reserves the right to make modifications without notice and to make alterations and substitutions as necessary to deal with logistical changes or challenges, in order to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort, convenience and well being of our travelers. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. In this event, Trek Travel will always substitute an equal or better option when possible. When applicable, official VIP stage access is subject to change. Page 2

3 DAY 3: THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014 Basic Option: La Grave to Alpe d Huez to Mizoën Approximately 40 miles with 6,700 feet of climbing Avid Option: La Grave to Alpe d Huez Return Approximately 50 miles with 8,200 feet of climbing Short Option: La Grave to Alpe d Huez Approximately 25 miles with 5,000 feet of climbing Today s ride is a cyclist s dream ascending Alpe d Huez, the most revered and famous mountaintop finish. The day begins with an easy 25km downhill warm-up to the base of Alpe d Huez. After ascending the famed 21 switchbacks to the summit of the imposing pass, fuel up with a lunch of your choice. Like a pro, linger at the top and bask in the afterglow of your conquest of this grueling ascent savor the astounding views, the support and good cheer of your Trek Travel guides, and the knowledge that you ve just mastered one of cycling s most fabled climbs. If this isn t enough for you, continue on to attack Col de Sarenne, first featured in the 2013 Tour. Known as the B side of Alpe d Huez, this quiet road is popular with locals for its understated, quiet challenge that you ll experience firsthand today. After an exhilarating descent, choose to shuttle back or, if you have the legs, ride back to La Grave, where you ll enjoy the best fondue in town when we gather for a dinner of Savoie fare. Hotel Auberge Edelweiss DAY 4: FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014 Live Race Viewing of Stage 13 in Chamrousse Basic Option: Vizelle to Chamrousse Return Approximately 32 miles with 4,700 feet of climbing This morning after a private 90 minute shuttle to Vizille you ll ride the final climb of today s stage just hours before the peloton claims the road. Reconvene with your travelling companions to enjoy your first Trek Travel race viewing, where a fresh change of clothes awaits, along with a sumptuous Savoyard lunch. Sip cold drinks and watch all the live race action unfold on TV, as the tension mounts and the racers approach Chamrousse, or maybe mingle with the crowds to soak up the atmosphere and cheer as the caravan arrives. The second and final classified mountain pass of today s stage, Chamrousse confronts riders with a 12 mile ascent rising a total of 4,055 feet over an average grade of 6.5% so the scene is set for a classic, gruelling mountain top finish! After all the excitement, shuttle back to La Grave to relax and freshen up before rejoining the the group for a hearty dinner in the hotel s excellent restaurant to discuss the day s riding and decide how the teams will respond to challenges ahead. Rider Level Rider Type: 4 Terrain: mountainous Average Daily Distance: 35 miles Average Daily Climbing: 5,700 feet Hotel Auberge Edelweiss Page 3

4 DAY 5: SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 Spectacular Trek Travel Live Race viewing Basic Option: La Grave to Col du Lautaret Return Approximately 20 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing Avid Option: La Grave to Galibier to Col du Lautaret Return Approximately 31 miles with 5,000 feet of climbing Immerse yourself in exceptional Alpine summer beauty this morning as you climb above the village of La Grave to Chazelet to enjoy truly breathtaking views of the tumbling glaciers that form the La Meije massif. Next up is a challenging climb along today s racecourse to Col du Lautaret, just a few short hours before the pros. Once at the top, if time permits, you may also choose to take on the famous Col du Galibier before descending back to the summit of Col du Lautaret. There, you ll be treated to a lavish Trek Travel viewing at the Hotel Bonnabel des Glaciers, which commands a prime location at the very top of this first mountain pass of today s stage. Here you ll have time to relax, freshen up and change into clean clothes before joining your travelling companions for a fantastic buffet-style lunch packed with local mountain flavors and a range of refreshing drinks. Catch up with this morning s race developments as you watch the live action on big-screen TVs and follow the approach of the riders from Grenoble. Venture outside to enjoy the fanfare and excitement of the caravan, before claiming your front row spot to cheer the riders on from under our sideline tents directly on the racecourse. Finish your exciting race day with a finale dinner back at your hotel to toast a fantastic week of live race action, great mountain climbs and newfound friends! Hotel Auberge Edelweiss DAY 6: SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2014 Au Revoir Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with sweeping mountain views stretching toward a brilliant blue sky while you contemplate the highlights of your alpine adventure. After bidding farewell to your guides at 9:00 AM at the Auberge Edelweiss, a private shuttle will take you to the train station in Grenoble, ending your Tour de France Alps Mountain Challenge trip! For all train travel, please check France s rail site Please do not arrange any connecting travel until after 11:30 AM to allow for any unforeseen delays. Thank Your Guides, By Tipping: Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service. Page 4

5 LODGING In every region we travel, we uncover the area s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Tour de France trip, you will stay in a welcoming hotel oozing charm, offering magnificent views from its terrace, and perfectly situated between Alpe d Huez and Col du Lautaret. Auberge Edelweiss La Grave, France Located along the pass between the Col du Lautaret and Alpe d Huez, the charming Auberge Edelweiss is run by a family passionate about cycling. Accustomed to hosting cyclists even a stage winner or two this hotel knows how to cater for active travelers and has all the appropriate facilities, including a whirlpool and sauna. Additionally, the hotel s terrace offers the ideal setting to enjoy a cold beverage and spectacular views of the Meije glacier after a great day of cycling. La Grave +33 (0) DINING Trek Travel scopes out unique and delicious dining locations, and we usually leave at least one meal for you to explore on your own. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary requests. Trip Changes: Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience. On our Tour de France trip, you ll be treated to a variety of classic regional Savoyard cuisine. Particularly renowned for its succulent cheese-based delicacies, this is the home of raclette and tartiflette dishes and of course fondue! Food is presented over a number of courses with smaller portions so you can stretch your appetite to enjoy each and every course to the end. Breakfasts are always served buffet style at the hotel. Page 5

6 HOW TO GET THERE Flights We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS) and take a TGV to Grenoble. This journey is approx 3 hours from Paris and 1 hour from Lyon and costs approximately 80 euros from Paris. For tickets and schedules see The Grenoble TGV station is in the city center and is connected to other parts of the city by bus, tram or taxi. The trip ends in Grenoble and we recommend booking your return flight from Paris (CDG) or Lyon (LYS). Trains run regularly from Grenoble to both Paris and Lyon. Please consult or speak with our travel agent for current train schedules. MEETING TIME AND LOCATION Grenoble Train Station Grenoble, France Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Grenoble Train Station (Rue Emile Gueymard, Grenoble, France) at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. You will then shuttle 1 hour to Venosc where we ll enjoy an alpine lunch. Please have your first day cycling clothes and riding gear easily accessible, separate from your luggage. After lunch your guides will do a thorough bike fitting and begin the day s ride through the Alps. If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Auberge Edelweiss (+33 (0) ), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Grenoble to your first hotel will take about 90 minutes and cost more than 100 euros. Enjoy our Travel Agent Services! For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent can reserve air travel, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and additional tours and sightseeing before or after your trip. Call Trek Travel at and choose option #2 to speak with our in house Travel Agent. DEPARTING TIME AND LOCATION Grenoble, France Grenoble, France You will say farewell to your guides at 9:00 AM at the Auberge Edelweiss After bidding farewell to your guides a private shuttle will take you to the main train station in Grenoble. For all train travel, please check France s rail site Please do not arrange any connecting travel until after 11:30 AM to allow for any unforseen delays. Page 6

7 GRENOBLE, FRANCE If you have the time, consider staying in Grenoble at the beginning or end of your trip to further explore the diverse activities and attractions of this romantic and historic French town. Grenoble offers numerous outdoor activities, including via ferrata, a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges providing access to otherwise isolated routes to climbers with a variety of skills. Not to be missed in this Rhône-Alpes town is a ride on the téléphérique: egg-shaped cable cars, les bulles, take you across the Isère River to the Bastille, a series of ancient fortifications. Enjoy the view from the summit, then wander one of the many trails which lead back down to the city. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel: Park Hôtel 10 Place Paul Mistral +33 (0) ~$130 Situated in the center of Grenoble next to the Paul Mistral Park, the city s only 4-star hotel is sure to win you over with its elegance, charm and excellent service! Patrick Hôtel 116, cours de la Libération 33 (0) Grenoble.com ~$110 Located close to Grenoble s city center, the Patrick offers guests modern comforts and conveniences to ensure a pleasant stay. Hotel Mercure Grenoble President 11 rue General Mangin 33 (0) www. accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-2947-mercure-grenoble-president/index.html ~$110 Last minute question? Your guides will be available 24 hours before the start of your trip. You ll receive their mobile numbers in an one week before the trip start date. In the event you don t receive this , please contact our sales team: sales@trektravel.com or Situated in the historic heart of Grenoble, this hotel offers easy access to the tram and train station. Bright comfortable guest rooms, charming service and Wi-Fi throughout make this an attractive option. Page 7

8 PARIS Paris is home to many of the world s best-known monuments and museums. A backdrop of many famous photos, the Arc de Triomphe sits majestically at the top end of the Champs-Elysées. Visit the observation deck for an expansive view down the worldfamous boulevard from Napoléon s huge triumphal arch the largest in the world. Other monuments with impressive vistas include the view from the white dome of the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, or from atop the 56 floors of the Tour Montparnasse, and of course at the summit of the most famous monument in Paris le Tour Eiffel. The city also boasts some of the world s best museums. At the top of the list is the Musée du Louvre where you can visit one of the world s greatest art collections that include such famous works as the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel: Hôtel Lancaster 7 Rue de Berri Paris ~$400 Hôtel Lancaster is a boutique hotel built in 1889, just 100 yards from the Champs- Elysées. It offers a classic and elegant atmosphere and its own Michelin star restaurant. Rooms and suites at the Lancaster are furnished in luxury fabrics and grouped around a central Zen garden. Some rooms have a separate lounge, a private patio or views of the Eiffel Tower. Additional facilities include a 24-hour front desk with free Wi-Fi and a fitness center with a sauna. The hotel also offers a car rental service and private parking on site. The George V Metro Station is a 3 minute walk away and provides direct access to the Louvre museum and the chic Marais district. Thank To call Your the Guides, trip anything By Tipping: short of amazing is an Gratuities understatement. for your Trek Everything Travel guides was as are promised not included and in the your surprises trip price. that Industry were standard thrown in is along 5-10% of the the way trip put price it right which will over be divided the top. by your guide Jim team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service. Hôtel de l Abbaye Saint-Germain 10 rue Cassette +33 (0) www. HotelAbbayeParis.com ~$275 In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, renowned for its abundant cafés, restaurants, clubs and cinemas, the peaceful Hôtel de l Abbaye offers a pleasant contrast to this famously lively part of Paris. A rare treat in the city center, the enchanting, peaceful atmosphere is an invitation to daydream in the sunshine, far away from the bustling streets of Paris. Hotel Royal Saint-Honoré 221 rue Saint-Honoré + 33 (0) www. leshotelsduroy.com/en/royal-saint-honore ~$300 In the heart of historical Paris on the trendy and fashionable Rue Saint-Honoré, the Royal Saint Honoré offers a luxurious, comfortable base from which to explore Paris. Close to Place Vendôme,The Louvre and the Tuileries as well as the Opéra Garnier and the Place de la Concorde, this hotel is well-situated for to discover the City of Lights. Page 8

9 INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE Dining & Lodging Unique accommodations during the Tour de France trip Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 5 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day s ride Support Dedicated Trip Consultants to answer all of your questions and aid you in choosing a vacation that suits you sent to you one week prior to your trip with guide contact details, meet time & location and any final information The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides Daily route support, detailed route guide, highlighted map, van support All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip Gear The use of a Trek Domane 5.9 carbon road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting or Trek Domane 5.9 Women s Specific Design carbon road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting (limited selection) (visit com/ridethebest.php for more details) The use of a Garmin while on your trip Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise Bike computer, a map case, and stocked seat pack for use during your trip Two Trek Travel water bottles for you to keep Choice of multiple stem lengths, seat posts and saddles for a custom fit The Best Bikes, Period: Bike vacations are more fun when bikes ride and fit well. With the best in the industry and our knowledgeable and well trained guides our bikes always fit and ride smoothly. Enjoy $300 off a select Trek bike after you travel with us. Activities Gratuities for all scheduled restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip Exciting Trek Travel race viewing of Stage 13 on Chamrousse and Stage 14 on Col du Lautaret NOT INCLUDED Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations Lodging before and after the trip Personal items purchased during the trip Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure. Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price. Page 9

10 WHAT S NEXT? If you are ready to book call at or fill out on our online booking form. If you already booked, there is a lot of great information below regarding getting ready for your trip and things like upgrade bikes, trip insurance and housekeeping items that you ll want to ensure are completed on time. THE ESSENTIAL LINKS UPGRADES Upgrade to the Trek Madone 6.5 road bike, electric assist bikes, and carbon wheels. TRIP INSURANCE Protecting your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances that might affect your trip. IN HOUSE TRAVEL AGENT Allow us to arrange your pre and post trip hotels, air travel, trains and other activities for a nominal fee. TRAINING Our partner, Vision Quest Training, offers custom training programs to prepare any rider for their trip. RIDER LEVEL We have trips for every type of rider. Find the best fit with our rider type explained section. TT CLUB Our TT Club rewards repeat guests with trip discounts, complimentary upgrades and more! CYCLING GEAR TO PACK Use this comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike. OFF THE BIKE APPAREL With your bike fashion covered, here are suggestions for off the bike apparel for your trip. FAQS Read a lot of great information about your bike tour in our easy to navigate FAQ section. REFERRAL REWARDS Bring a friend on your Trek Travel cycling vacation and earn a $200 referral bonus each time! CANCELLATION POLICY Be informed rather than surprised. Trip cancellation policies differ so take a moment to look yours over. Cancellation Policy: Once you have confirmed your Tour de France trip with the full $2000 trip deposit, if you cancel your trip 120 days or more from your trip start date the cancellation fee is $2000; between days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price; between days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 75% of the original trip price; there is no refund for cancelling a trip less than 60 days prior to departure. If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee. From days, there will be a $1,000 administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure date. Page 10