Alpine Cols of the Tour de France

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
This epic ride starts in the charming Italian town of Cuneo, before climbing into France in search of some of the most iconic climbs in cycling history. The first big challenge is the Col de la Bonnette, at 2802m the highest col in Europe and a favourite of Robert Millar. From here on the legendary climbs come in quick succession as we make our way across...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    This epic ride starts in the charming Italian town of Cuneo, before climbing into France in search of some of the most iconic climbs in cycling history. The first big challenge is the Col de la Bonnette, at 2802m the highest col in Europe and a favourite of Robert Millar. From here on the legendary climbs come in quick succession as we make our way across the spectacular cols of Vars, Izoard, Galibier and Croix de Fer. We finish the route by tackling the famous 21 hairpins bends to Alpe d’Huez, a memorable finish to a memorable trip!A spectacular cycling route through the Italian and French Alps

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCuneo
End CityBourg d'Oisans

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

Activities

  • Cycling

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 6

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to Turin; transfer to Cuneo in the Italian Alps.

Fly to Turin, transfer to Cuneo, a provincial capital in western Italy whose old town centre dates from the 12th Century when it was a fortified town. The Renaissance style arcaded main street is lined with shops and cafés giving it an elegant appearance. Cuneo was...

Day 2 Ride from Cuneo to Isola across the Col de la Lombarde.

In the morning we enjoy a nice gentle warm up cycling along the Stura Valley to the village of Pratolungo. From here we start the Hors Category climb of the Col de la Lombarde (21.3 km, avg. 6.8%), located on the French/Italian border at 2351m. The climb was last u...

Day 3 Ride to Jausiers over the Col de la Bonnette.

After breakfast we descend to Isola (862m) where we reach the Tinée Valley. The valley is very narrow and typically alpine, with superb views and some attractive waterfalls. A relatively gentle climb brings us to Saint Etienne from where we tackle the infamous Col ...

Day 4 Climb the Col de Vars en route to Guillestre.

Today's ride is a little shorter but still very challenging! In the morning we ride up to Jausiers and then climb the beautiful Hors Category Col de Vars, climbed 20 times since 1947 in the Tour de France. (2108m, 15km, avg. 5.5%). Here we enter the spectacular Hau...

Day 5 Ride to Briançon across the Col d'Izoard.

The Hors Category Col d'Izoard (2360m) is a unique place to cycle and one of the greatest cols of the French Alps (32km, avg. 4.5%). The Tour organisers clearly agree as it has been included 23 times in the race since 1947! The scenery here is beautiful, from the s...

Day 6 Climb the famous Col du Galibier before descending to Saint Jean de Maurienne.

This morning the 'Giant of the Alps' awaits us, namely the Hors Category Col du Galibier (2645m). It is a mammoth 37km of climbing from Briançon, but it is the final 21km where the effort really kicks in at an average gradient of 6%. In 2011 the summit saw a solo s...

Day 7 Climb the Col de la Croix de Fer and the legendary Alpe d'Huez; descend to Bourg d'Oisans.

For our final days ride, two superb challenges are on the menu! We warm up on the Hors Category Col de la Croix de Fer (2067m, 30km, avg. 5%). This is a lovely peaceful climb that has featured 15 times in the Tour since 1947. But no cycling trip to the Alps is comp...

Day 8 Free morning; transfer to Lyon; fly to London.

Spend the morning relaxing in Bourg d'Oisans before transfering to Lyon airport; fly to London.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Cuneo in the Italian Alps.

Cuneo is a provincial capital in western Italy whose old town centre dates from the 12th Century when it was a fortified town. The Renaissance style arcaded main street is lined with shops and cafés giving it an elegant appearance. Cuneo was made famous in the cycl...

Day 2 Ride from Cuneo to Isola across the Col de la Lombarde.

In the morning we enjoy a nice gentle warm up cycling along the Stura Valley to the village of Pratolungo. From here we start the Hors Category climb of the Col de la Lombarde (21.3 km, avg. 6.8%), located on the French/Italian border at 2351m. The climb was last u...

Day 3 Ride to Jausiers over the Col de la Bonnette.

After breakfast we descend to Isola (862m) where we reach the Tinée Valley. The valley is very narrow and typically alpine, with superb views and some attractive waterfalls. A relatively gentle climb brings us to Saint Etienne from where we tackle the infamous Col ...

Day 4 Climb the Col de Vars en route to Guillestre.

Today's ride is a little shorter but still very challenging! In the morning we ride up to Jausiers and then climb the beautiful Hors Category Col de Vars, climbed 20 times since 1947 in the Tour de France. (2108m, 15km, avg. 5.5%). Here we enter the spectacular Hau...

Day 5 Ride to Briançon across the Col d'Izoard.

The Hors Category Col d'Izoard (2360m) is a unique place to cycle and one of the greatest cols of the French Alps (32km, avg. 4.5%). The Tour organisers clearly agree as it has been included 23 times in the race since 1947! The scenery here is beautiful, from the s...

Day 6 Climb the famous Col du Galibier before descending to Saint Jean de Maurienne.

This morning the 'Giant of the Alps' awaits us, namely the Hors Category Col du Galibier (2645m). It is a mammoth 37km of climbing from Briançon, but it is the final 21km where the effort really kicks in at an average gradient of 6%. In 2011 the summit saw a solo s...

Day 7 Climb the Col de la Croix de Fer and the legendary Alpe d'Huez; descend to Bourg d'Oisans.

For our final days ride, two superb challenges are on the menu! We warm up on the Hors Category Col de la Croix de Fer (2067m, 30km, avg. 5%). This is a lovely peaceful climb that has featured 15 times in the Tour since 1947. But no cycling trip to the Alps is comp...

Day 8 End Bourg d'Oisans.

Spend the morning relaxing in Bourg d'Oisans before the trip ends here.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,249
Price per day$281
Last Updated: 7/14/2021

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,508
Great
3,271
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Top of the Alpine World

Its tough and you shouldn't do this ride without training, but the reward is worth it! Stunning views, thrilling descents, and climbs that last for hours give you ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Breathtaking scenery and challenging cycling.

An amazing week full of hard cycling climbs, adrenaline filled descending, great company, magnificent regional food and a superb tour guide. Whilst cycling the Col ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Great trip

Great trip, tough climbing but managable, even for a Dutch person, with proper training. Nice company. Great tour guide (Thierry) who makes sure there is enough to...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Cols du Tour de France 2017

This was a truly amazing experience and certainly one which I will remember for a very long time. The climbs are indeed challenging but manageable for most regular...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Alpine Cols

Great trip, fantastic scenery, superb guide Completing the final climb up Alpe d'Huez Couldn't fault him, knowledgeable, helpful, fun. It can be very cold in mid...

Write a Review

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Bike hire (available locally from GBP220 paid on booking)
    • Single accommodation (available on request from GBP235)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

6 days cycling with 100% vehicle support (with limited seats) 100% tarmac roads Climbs are long and steady (avg 7%) 7 nights in hotels with en suite facilities All breakfasts included
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts are included.For breakfast you can expect a continental style buffet with cold meat, cheeses, bread, eggs, jams and pastries as well as tea and coffee. Throughout the trip you can expect really good food with strong influences from Spain and France. Lunches and dinners are not included in the trip price to allow you to take advantage of the local restaurants and cafes along the route and give you freedom over what you eat. Our guide will be able to recommend the best local restaurants and will have planned some stops at good coffee shops to break up the days rides.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-MWU

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