VIP Cycling Tour - Dolomites & Grand Departure Adventure - TOUR DE FRANCE

Our adventure in the Dolomites and on the Grand Départ of the Tour de France will begin in the early afternoon at one of Milan's airports or the Milan train station. We'll meet the group and take a 3-hour transfer to our hotel in Bormio. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Bormio is a classic Italian town, and the ideal starting point for exploring the best climbs in the Region. After a brief orientation meeting and bike fitting, you can take your time to explore the town on foot, or even hop on your bike and discover some great short loops from the hotel. Tonight we'll meet for dinner in the hotel restaurant and toast the start of our adventure.

Below is the profile of your Tour de France Trip



A beautiful cycling loop awaits you on this first day, in the heart of the Dolomites. The Dolomites, a cyclist's paradise with numerous pics to climb and breathtaking scenery. You'll be tackling 3 passes today: Passo di Foscagno (2289m-7710 feet), Passo d'Eira (2208m-7244 feet) and Forcala di Livigno (2313m - 7588 feet). A great warm-up outing, with sumptuous views of the Italian Alps around every bend. Take time this evening to dine in one of **Bormio'**s many restaurants and discover the atmosphere of this alpine town.

Distance 1: 120 km (75 mi)

Elevation 1: 2700 m (8860 ft)

Distance 2: 82 km (51mi)

Elevation 2: 1850 m (6070 ft)

Distance 3: 39 km (24mi)

Elevation 3: 1300 m (4265 ft)

After a good breakfast, today you'll be climbing the most famous pass in the Dolomites: the famous Stelvio (2758m - 9048 feet). Things get serious right from the start of the climb, as Bormio lies at the foot of the Stelvio. You'll climb its 20km (12,4 mi) ascent and roll around its famous bends, admiring an exceptional view over the valley. For the more motivated, you can descend on the other side and climb back up to the north face. This way, you'll have climbed both sides of this spectacular path to reach a cumulative vertical drop of 3385 m (1263 feet)! Then back to Bormio to enjoy the evening in a restaurant, where dinner will be served for everyone and where you can share your sensations during the Stelvio ascent(s).

Distance 1: 92 km (57 mi)

Elevation 1 : 3400 m (11150 ft)

Distance 2: 46 km (29 mi)

Elevation 2 : 1850 m (6070 ft)

A third and final day of cycling awaits you today, with a 100km (64 mi) loop and two mountain passes on the program: the Passo del Mortirolo (1855m - 6086 feet ) and the Passo di Gavia (2618m - 8589 feet). The Mortirolo begins with just over 12km (7,4 mi) and an average gradient of 10.5%, with sections of over 18%! After the descent and a few kilometers of recuperation, you'll have to reach the last major summit of your stay, the Passo Gavia, a longer but steadier climb than the Mortirolo (17km-10,5mi with an average gradient of 7.9%). After all this effort, you'll be glad to return to your hotel for a cool drink at the end of this magical day.

Distance 1 : 102 km (63 mi)

Elevation 1 : 3000 m (9840 ft)

Distance 2 : 82 km (51 mi)

Elevation 2 : 1800 m (5900 ft)

Distance 3 : 39 km (24mi)

Elevation 3 : 1300 m (4265 ft)

In the morning, you'll be transferred to Florence to finally experience the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2024. You'll have time to settle into your hotel and then head off to visit Florence. Stroll through its typical narrow streets and discover this multi-faceted city. You'll already feel the fervor of the Tour de France on the eve of the Grand Départ. You might even bump into a few riders in town. This evening, you'll all gather at the hotel for dinner and to exchange predictions for the first stage of the following day.

It's the big day, the long-awaited day: the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2024 in Florence! You'll experience the Grand Départ in a VIP area right next to the starting line. You'll meet some of the riders and experience the fervor of a Grand Départ with a wild crowd! Once the start has been given, we'll have lunch together and then get back on our bikes for a short loop through the Chianti region and its magnificent vineyards. You'll then head off to explore Florence's surroundings, and finally return to Florence, where you'll be free to enjoy your evening.

Distance : 65 km (40 mi)

Elevation : 1100 m (3600 ft)

ACCESS DEPARTURE VILLAGE

You have special access to the sign in area where the pro teams arrive to start the race and where media, event officials, and former pros gather prior to the stage start. Here is a chance to meet some legends of cycling and cycling media.

Today, you'll be in the shoes of a Tour de France rider, who hasn't dreamed of crossing the finish line and standing on the podium a few hours before the pros? That's what you'll experience on a day you will never forget! You'll first ride the last 40km (24,8mi) of the day's stage over the famous San Luca Basilica hill, the final climb of the Giro d'Emilia pro race. You'll pass the finish line in Bologna and climb up to the Tour podium to immortalize this unforgettable moment. Finally, you'll make your way to the VIP finish area right next to the finish line, where you can watch the professional peloton arrive as VIPs, with a glass of champagne in hand.

Distance 1 : 42 km (26 mi)

Elevation 1 : 500 m (1640 ft)

PODIUM-DAY - CROSS THE FINISH LINE

Live your passion !

After a filling breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the final thirty kilometers of the Tour’s course. You will ride the last kilometers and ride a dream - cross the finish line of the Tour de France moments before the pros.

Like the pros, the roads are closed for the occasion and you will be escorted by an official vehicle. You will be cheered along by hundreds of Tour de France fans. Don’t forget your camera.

Then cheer the pros from the backstage of the world’s largest cycling event.

IZOARD FINISH LINE AREA ACCESS

From this area you have an exceptional view over the end of the stage and all the comforts needed to wait for the pro to come : drinks and hors d'oeuvre are at your disposal. Our team will be at your entire disposal, taking care that you have everything you need. With live broadcasting of the race on plasma screens, you can follow the step and the stage arrival with a glass of champagne in your hand !

While the peloton heads for the French border, it's your departure day. After a hearty breakfast, your guides will take you to Florence airport or train station.