2012 Tour de France Bike Tours, Biking Trips, & Bicycle Vacations of a Lifetime

Months To Go	July \| View Dates»
Price (USD)	From $2,599 \| See Pricing»
Start & End	Varies, see trip itinerary
Trip Length	Varies, see trip itinerary
Rider Type	2-4 \| Learn More»
Daily Rides	Options from 40 - 75 miles
Beyond Biking	Ride Pro Race Course, RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK Team Access, Live Private Race Viewings
Trip Options	Make It Private or Choose Your Own Date
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We are proud to announce that Trek Travel is an Official Tour Operator of the Tour de France as well as other prominent pro races. With our legendary first-class support, exceptional full carbon Trek bikes (included in the price of your trip) and all the benefits of our exclusive relationship with Trek and RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK team, the best just got better. Our 2012 Tour de France bike trip itineraries are available now and are our best race trips ever.
View Itinerary»

Reserve Your Bike Trip Today!
Book now—some trips are already sold out! Don't miss out on your chance to get a front row seat to the world greatest cycling race!

We are also now taking deposits for the 2013 Tour de France. Please contact us for details.

Trip Wow’s

Behind the scenes race access
Exclusive Trek Travel Race viewings
Special team access to RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK team
Colossal WOW! Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d’oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities
Experience firsthand Trek Travel's legendary service and support

Trek Travel Difference

Tour de France Offiical Tour Operator
Enjoy on select trips:

VIP Access to Stage start or Stage Finish Village
Guided visits of team areas and technical zones
Access to ride around the Departure Village
Visits to Team buses
Ride the last few km of the stage escorted by an Official Race Car
Cross the finish line and have your picture taken on top of the Tour podium!

RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK team Official Tour Operator
Trek Travel also enjoys exclusive access to RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK team to offer guests unparalleled behind the scenes experiences on select trips:

Enjoy Q&A sessions with Team members, managers and support personnel
Visit the team bus and learn about life during a major race
Quiz team mechanics and pick up some tips and tricks!
Gain insight from the decision makers into team strategy and tactics

Race Viewings

Relax in front row seats in our exclusive viewing locations - the envy of every spectator!
Hand-picked sites commanding premier views of the racecourse in warm, dry, sheltered restaurants / hotels or event tents strategically located to get you up close to the action
Fully catered meals featuring an array of local delights and cycling friendly food
Unlimited beverages including beer and wine
Big screen coverage of the race
Professional sports masseur service to help you wind down after your ride (At select viewing locations. Not included in the price of your trip.)
Clean dry clothes waiting for you as you arrive so you can enjoy the race in comfort
Fully equipped Trek Travel restrooms and changing facilities
Our Grand Finale WOW Paris viewing location situated behind the security line on the 'Place de la Concorde', with an open bar, catered meal, Trek Team bikes display, and Trek members present. You can even walk down to the team buses and get a photo or two!

Support & Logistics

Our reputation as the experts in the industry for our race trips
Each trip has 3-4 dedicated professional guides/mechanics and a minimum of 1 full equipped support vehicle and private coach transfers
Full logistics crew to support guests on the bike and at our viewing sites providing the best support in the industry
Provision of local energy drinks, bars and other rider friendly snacks
Detailed and fully verified route directions and maps
Downloadable GPS files

Trek Gear
Trek Travel provides the widest selection of high-tech race ready bikes and gear to ensure you have the best and lightest ride.

Use of Trek 5.2 Madone road bike is included in the price of your trip
Options to upgrade your ride to a lighter 6.5 Madone or a set of XXX Lite Carbon wheel set
Upgrade to Garmin GPS devices
Our highly trained guides, combined with a broad selection of stems, saddles, seat posts and other equipment ensure your bike is individually fit to you

Click Below To Download	Week 1
	Belgium Race Access

Click Below To Download	Week 2
	Burgundy to the Alps TEAM/RACE ACCESS
	Alps Race Access

Click Below To Download	Week 3
	Pyrenees to Paris TEAM/RACE ACCESS
	Pyrenees to Paris Race Access
	Pyrenees with Optional Paris Add on Package
	Epic Climbs of France with Optional Paris Add on Package

Click Below To Download	Finishing Packages
	Paris Finishing Package
	Meet Your Friends at the Finish Paris Package
	Paris VIP Viewing

Note: Custom and Private Trips are available. Please contact a trip consultant for more information.

Week 1

Map of Tour de France Bicycle Tours

Belgium (Non-Riding Options Available) | June 29 - July 4
Race Access | 6 days, 5 nights
3 Race Viewings, 1 Official Race VIP Experience, 4-star Accommodations

Prologue: Enjoy VIP passes and guided tours of the Liège departure village and team area
Stage 1: Trek Travel race viewing
Stage 2: Witness the excitement and energy at the start
Relax in majestic luxury in a Chateau at the heart of the Ardennes
Savor traditional Belgian beers with locals as you watch the racers 'fly-by' from our exclusive viewing location in the Ardennes
Ride with Axel Merckx, director of Bontrager LiveSTRONG U23 team

Week 2

Burgundy to the Alps (Non-Riding Options Available) | July 8 - 13
Race & Team Access | 6 days, 5 nights
2 Official Race VIP Experiences, VIP Team Access, 3 & 4-star Accommodations

Stage 9: VIP passes to ITT finish in Besançon
RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK Team Access. Exclusive VIP access to meet the mechanics, visit the Team bus and talk tactics over drinks with a team representative. If the race permits, meet several members of the Team
Stage 11: VIP passes to the race start in Albertville
Indulge in the luxury of Burgundy, one of France's oldest wine regions, before challenging epic climbs among the French Alps with fully dedicated Trek Travel support

Alps | July 9 - 14
Race Access | 6 days, 5 nights
2 Official Race VIP Experiences, 3 & 4-star Accommodations

Stage 10: VIP Access, ride ahead of the peloton escorted by a Tour de France official race car to cross the finish line cheered on by the crowds, before mounting the podium for a commemorative photo
Stage 10: Experience the suspense and thrill of an adrenaline-fueled sprint finish with VIP access to the official technical zone in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
Conquer epic climbs of the Tour de France - Grand Colombier, Col du Glandon and Alpe d'Huez with fully dedicated Trek Travel support

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Week 3

Pyrenees to Paris (Non-Riding Options Available) TEAM ACCESS | July 16 - 23
Race & Team Access | 8 days, 7 nights
2 Official Race VIP Experiences, VIP Paris Finish Viewing, VIP Team Access, 3 & 4-star Accommodations

Stage 15: VIP Stage Finish Village passes
RADIOSHACK NISSAN TREK Team Access. Exclusive VIP access to meet the mechanics, visit the Team bus and talk tactics over drinks with a team representative. If the race permits, meet several members of the Team
Stage 16: Exclusive Trek Travel viewing on Tourmalet
Stage 17: VIP Stage Finish Passes let you dive into the excitement with taking you behind the scenes of what could be this year’s decisive Pyrenees mountain stage in Peyragudes
Stage 20: VIP Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d'oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities
Ride legendary climbs of Soulor, Aubisque, Tourmalet and Peyresourde featured in this year's Tour with fully dedicated Trek Travel support

Pyrenees to Paris | July 16 - 23
Race Access | 8 days, 7 nights
2 Official Race VIP Experiences, VIP Paris Finish Viewing, 2 & 4-star Accommodations

Stage 16: VIP Access, ride ahead of the peloton escorted by a Tour de France official race car to cross the finish line cheered on by the crowds, before mounting the podium for a commemorative photo
Stage 16: Experience the suspense and thrill of an adrenaline-fueled sprint finish with VIP access to the technical zone in Bagnères-de-Luchon
Stage 17: VIP Access to the departure village in Bagnères-de-Luchon
Summit the legendary cols of Soulor, Aubisque, Tourmalet and Peyresourde with fully dedicated Trek Travel support
Stage 20: VIP Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d'oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities

Pyrenees with Optional Paris Add on Package | July 17 - 21
5 days, 4 nights
2 Exclusive Trek Travel Viewings, 2, 3 & 4-star Accommodations

Stage 16: Exclusive Trek Travel viewing. Climb Col du Tourmalet ahead of the race to our roadside viewing location to toast the riders as they climb onwards to the top of this legendary pass
Stage 17: Exclusive Trek Travel viewing. Witness the climax of this decisive high mountain stage as riders launch their final assaults on this year's title and surge towards the finish line at Peyragudes
Summit the epic cols of Soulor, Aubisque, Tourmalet and Peyresourde with fully dedicated Trek Travel support
Ride a fully fitted Trek 5.2 OCLV Madone bike

Epic Climbs of France with Optional Paris Add on Package | July 12 - 21
10 days, 9 nights
2 Exclusive Trek Travel Viewings, 2, 3 & 4-star Accommodations

Ride France's legendary climbs - the Alpe d'Huez, Tourmalet and Mont Ventoux
Ride more famous climbs—Galibier, Telegraph, Glandon, Peyresourde and the Port de Bales
Stage 17: Exclusive Trek Travel viewing. Celebrate the thrill and excitement of the final mountain stages in the Pyrenees at exclusive Trek Travel viewing locations
Ride Trek's famous 5.2 OCLV Madone bike or upgrade to a 6.5 for an even lighter ride

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Paris Finishing Packages

Paris Finishing Package | July 20 - 23
4 days, 3 nights
Non-Riding, 4-star Accommodations

Savor the City of Lights as Paris crowns the world's top cyclists
Stage 20: Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d'oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities

Meet Your Friend at the Finish Paris Package | July 21 - 23
3 days, 2 nights
Non-Riding, 3 or 4-star Accommodations

Savor the City of Lights as Paris crowns the world's top cyclists
Stage 20: Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d'oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities

Paris VIP Viewing Package | July 22
No Accommodations
Non-Riding

Savor the City of Lights as Paris crowns the world's top cyclists
Stage 20: Paris viewing location on the Place de la Concorde; full open bar; catered hors d'oeuvres; access to the secured team buses area and riders as they return; excellent photo or autograph opportunities

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All of our hotels are the best in the area and ideally located to maximize your riding. For specific descriptions please consult the individual trip itinerary.

What’s Included in the Trip Price

Nights of accommodations vary per trip, please check trip itinerary for details
Daily breakfast, please check trip itinerary for other meals, and all snacks and drinks for each day
The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
Daily route support
The use of a Trek Madone™ 5.2 carbon road bike, or Trek Madone™ 5.1 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.5 FX™ hybrid bike
The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
Trek Travel water bottles
Private tours
Entrance fees to all group events/activities
All luggage transfers
All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
$300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Madone purchase at your local Trek retailer

Not Included

Airfare to and from the trip
Transportation to the trip pick-up location
Lodging before and after the trip
Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
Personal items purchased during the trip
Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.

Paris, France Weather Forecast

What is the weather going to be like?
The summer months in the Alps & Pyrenees can bring warm days, ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s, with evenings dropping to the mid 50s to mid 60s. When traveling in the mountains it is best to be prepared for variable conditions as weather can change very quickly. There is always the chance of snow and rain. We recommend always traveling with rain gear as well as breathable layers to provide warmth when the temperature drops.

What are the daily rides like?

Rider Type \| 2-4	Average Daily Mileage \| Varies for each trip
Terrain \| mountainous	Average Daily Elevation \| Varies for each trip

On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Tour de France is best suited for our Type 2-4 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 3 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is stunning in the France with views, quiet roads and challenging terrain. We will climb an average of 2-3 major climbs per day. You will be surrounded by the fresh mountain air, wonderful vistas and the landmarks that dot the routes of France’s most famous races. But please bear in mind, this trip has been designed for strong and/or experienced cyclists who are able to ride long and challenging mileage for repeated days. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.

What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
The following trips offer non-riding options:

Week 1 Belgium
Week 2 Burgundy to the Alps – Race and Team Access
Week 3 Pyrenees to Paris – Race and Team Access
Paris Finishing Package
Friends at the Finish in Paris

How do I train for my trip?
We work with Vision Quest Training to give you that little boost before your Trek Travel bike trip. Vision Quest offers custom training plans that will get you ready to tackle your trip with confidence. The coaches consider the amount of hours you can train per week, what you need to focus on based on your goals and milestones you need to hit in order to achieve them. They develop a detailed write up and training plan just for you!

General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.

Week 1 Trips	Dates	Price (USD)
Belgium Race Access	Jun 29-Jul 4, 2012 \| Guaranteed Date	$4,999 per person \| $1,000 single occ.
Week 2 Trips	Dates	Price (USD)
Burgundy to the Alps TEAM/RACE ACCESS	Jul 8-13, 2012	$5,599 per person \| $1,000 single occ.
Alps Race Access	Jul 9-14, 2012 \| *Sold Out*	$4,599 per person \| $1,000 single occ.
Week 3 Trips	Dates	Price (USD)
Pyrenees to Paris TEAM/RACE ACCESS	Jul 16-23, 2012 \| *Limited Availability*	$7,499 per person \| $1,500 single occ.
Pyrenees to Paris Race Access	Jul 16-23, 2012	$6,499 per person \| $1,500 single occ.
Pyrenees with Optional Paris Add on Package	Jul 17-21, 2012	$4,299 per person \| $1,000 single occ.
Epic Climbs of France with Optional Paris Add on Package	Jul 12-21, 2012	$6,499 per person \| $1,300 single occ.
Finishing Package Trips	Dates	Price (USD)
Paris Finishing Package	Jul 20-23, 2012	$2,599 per person \| $750 single occ.
Meet Your Friends at the Finish Paris Package	Jul 21-23, 2012	$999 - $1,499 per person
Paris VIP Viewing	Jul 22, 2012	$450 per person
Optional Paris Add-on Package	Varies	$1,999 per person \| $650 single occ.