12
The Grand Depart in Italy with the Premier Official Tour Operator
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Italy. Witness the Team Presentation and LIVE race-viewing of Stage 1 in Florence and Stage 2 in Bologna.
Thomson Tour de France E-BIKE Trips are designed exclusively for e-bikers looking to combine the thrill of LIVE TDF race-viewing with fun rides on the iconic routes and climbs of the Tour de France.
Experience the opening stages of the Tour de France in Florence and Bologna. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village & Team Paddock at the Opening Stage in Florence. Experience a memorable day in Bologna with an official ride across the Finish Line before the peloton, a photo shoot on the Official Podium, then witness the Finish of the Stage, LIVE from the Official VIP Lounge.
You’ll also enjoy a magnificent ride program. Ride the beautiful but challenging routes of Tuscany including a stunning ride in Chianti and an epic ride to San Gimignano and Volterra. The trip ends with a spectacular ride into the Apennine Mountains south of Bologna.
E-BIKE Trips explained
Why separate trips: we take e-bikes seriously, which means giving them the extra attention they require. To create the most successful trip possible, our E-BIKE trips have been designed specifically with e-bikes in mind. These machines need specific support; from the vans that transport them to the e-bike mechanics and tools that keep them running in perfect condition. Even the hotels have to be selected carefully to be able to cater for storage and charging.
What if I ride a road bike but my partner or friend rides an e-bike: both you and your partner or friend should sign up for the E-BIKE trip. Road bikes will be available to rent (or you can bring your own) on our E-BIKE trips.
Kevin Harrison, Canada — 2017
John Belshaw, USA — 2023
Jill Anderson, USA — 2023
Daily itineraries
Only with Thomson: a choice of 2 fully supported rides each day. With daily rides from 25km to 100km (15 miles to 60 miles), no matter your ride preference, we’ve got you covered!
Your partner doesn’t ride but is a Tour de France fan: no problem, our Non-riding Companion program features daily activities and Tour de France viewing for those who prefer not to ride.
Check out our Sport, Performance and Non-Riding Companion itineraries below.
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Itineraries
Compare rides
Choose your itinerary
Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | ||
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01 | Benvenuto in Toscana | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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01 | Benvenuto in Toscana | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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01 | Benvenuto in Toscana | ||||
02 | San Gimignano Ride & Tour de France Team Presentation | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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02 | San Gimignano Visit & Tour de France Team Presentation | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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02 | San Gimignano Ride & Tour de France Team Presentation | ||||
03 | Chianti | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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03 | Chianti wine region tour | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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03 | Chianti | ||||
04 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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04 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access | Hotel Borgo San Luigi |
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04 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access | ||||
05 | Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish | Hotel Relais Bellaria |
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05 | Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish | Hotel Relais Bellaria |
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05 | Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish | ||||
06 | The Apennine Mountains | Hotel Relais Bellaria |
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06 | Bologna visit | Hotel Relais Bellaria |
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06 | Into the Apennines | ||||
07 | Arrivederci! |
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07 | Arrivederci! |
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07 | Arrivederci! | ||||
Sport Daily Averages |
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Day | sport Distance | Elevation | performance Distance | Elevation |
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Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Benvenuto in Toscana
Your trip starts at Florence Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to the magnificent Hotel Borgo San Luigi.
After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride, a beautiful route through the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. Our destination today is the unique, medieval village of Monteriggioni. Often described as the most spectacular walled village in Tuscany, within the impressive fortifications you’ll find an incredibly charming village with cobbled streets and piazas, perfect for a coffee (or gelato) stop.
Benvenuto in Toscana
Your trip starts at Florence Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to the magnificent Hotel Borgo San Luigi.
After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride, a beautiful route through the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. Our destination today is the unique, medieval village of Monteriggioni. Often described as the most spectacular walled village in Tuscany, within the impressive fortifications you’ll find an incredibly charming village with cobbled streets and piazas, perfect for a coffee (or gelato) stop.
Benvenuto in Toscana
Your trip starts at Florence Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to the magnificent Hotel Borgo San Luigi. In the afternoon we’ll organise a visit to the unique, medieval village of Monteriggioni. Often described as the most spectacular walled village in Tuscany, within the impressive fortifications you’ll find an incredibly charming village with cobbled streets and piazas, the perfect spot for an afternoon coffee or gelato!
Day 2
Distance
-
Elevation
-
San Gimignano Ride & Tour de France Team Presentation
Your destination today is the world-famous medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site. The town is especially famous for the 14 remaining medieval towers that remain inside the city walls, each one constructed in the 12th and 13th century by powerful families, keen on proving their wealth by building the tallest tower.
After lunch at the hotel, we’ll have a short drive over to Florence for the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
San Gimignano Ride & Tour de France Team Presentation
Your destination today is the world-famous medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site. The town is especially famous for the 14 remaining medieval towers that remain inside the city walls, each one constructed in the 12th and 13th century by powerful families, keen on proving their wealth by building the tallest tower.
After lunch at the hotel, we’ll have a short drive over to Florence for the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
San Gimignano Visit & Tour de France Team Presentation
Today you’ll visit the world-famous medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO world heritage site. The town is especially famous for the 14 remaining medieval towers that remain inside the city walls, each one constructed in the 12th and 13th century by powerful families, keen on proving their wealth by building the tallest tower.
After lunch at the hotel, we’ll have a short drive over to Florence for the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
Day 3
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Chianti
Today’s ride features Tuscany’s most famous wine region, Chianti. Your destination today is the beautiful town of Radda in the heart of the Chianti vineyards.
From the hotel enjoy the first relatively flat 10km to Spedaletto where you’ll start the climb to Castellina in Chianti. From Castellina, the next 20km are simply stunning as you ride through some of Chianti’s most prestigious vineyards, eventually arriving in Radda in Chianti where we just happen to know a wonderful gelateria. After a well-earned gelato we’ll jump in the vans for a short transfer back to the Borgo San Luigi hotel.
Chianti
Today’s ride features Tuscany’s most famous wine region, Chianti. You’ll enjoy a magnificent ride featuring the most scenic routes and most challenging climbs through these famous vineyards.
From the hotel enjoy the first relatively flat 10km to Spedaletto where the first climb to Castellina in Chianti starts. From Castellina, the next 70km are simply stunning as you ride through Greve in Chianti, Lucolena and a fabulous descent through vast vineyards to Radda in Chianti where we always stop at a wonderful gelateria. After a well-earned gelato the ride heads back to Castellina in Chianti before the final stretch back to the hotel.
Chianti wine region tour
As your cycling partner rides through Chianti’s famous vineyards, you’ll enjoy a slighlty more leisurely journey through this spectacular region, from the comfort of our 9-seater vans. You’ll visit the towns of Castellina in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Lucolena and Radda in Chianti and we’ll organise lunch and a winery visit in one of the towns.
Day 4
Distance
-
Elevation
-
LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access
After breakfast you’ll head over to Florence to experience the start of the Opening Stage of the 2024 Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they relax and warm-up before the start of today’s stage.
After the peloton has departed around mid-day, enjoy a free afternoon to discover the magnificent city of Florence before meeting up with our staff in the late afternoon for the short shuttlle back to the Borgo San Luigi Hotel.
LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access
After breakfast you’ll head over to Florence to experience the start of the Opening Stage of the 2024 Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they relax and warm-up before the start of today’s stage.
After the peloton has departed around mid-day, enjoy a free afternoon to discover the magnificent city of Florence before meeting up with our staff in the late afternoon for the short shuttlle back to the Borgo San Luigi Hotel.
LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access
After breakfast you’ll head over to Florence to experience the start of the Opening Stage of the 2024 Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they relax and warm-up before the start of today’s stage. After the peloton has departed around mid-day, enjoy a free afternoon to discover the magnificent city of Florence before meeting up with our staff in the late afternoon for the short shuttlle back to the Borgo San Luigi Hotel.
Day 5
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish
A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Bologna.
Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 25km of today’s stage on the actual race route, including the 18km finishing circuit over the San Luca climb and through the centre of downtown Bologna where you’ll be cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!
Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish
A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Bologna.
Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 50km of today’s stage on the actual race route, including the 18km finishing circuit over the San Luca climb and through the centre of downtown Bologna where you’ll be cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!
Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish
Our cycling group will be riding across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton where you’ll be invited to join them for a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Bologna.
Day 6
Distance
-
Elevation
-
The Apennine Mountains
A magnificent ride into the foothills of the Apennine mountains that lie to the south of Bologna.
Riding from the hotel you’ll head out through the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi to Zena and the start of the 11km climb to Quinzano. From Quinzano enjoy super-quiet roads as you head northwards back towards Bologna and a long descent back to the hotel.
In the evening, we’ll meet up in the Hotel Bar to toast a sensational week in Italy with a few celebratory drinks before dinner.
The Apennine Mountains
Our final day and we’ve planned a sensational ride into the Apennine mountains that lie to the south of Bologna, covering parts of the annual Diece Colli Gran Fondo, one of the most prestigious gran fondos in Italy.
Riding from the hotel you’ll head out through the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi to Zena and the start of the 11km climb to Quinzano. From Quinzano enjoy super-quiet roads as you head northwards back towards Bologna, but be ready for a few steep “surprises” before the final long descent back to the hotel in Bologna.
In the evening, we’ll meet up in the Hotel Bar to toast a sensational week in Italy with a few celebratory drinks before dinner.
Bologna visit
Your final day and we’ve planned an organised tour of the town of Bologna. Visit the impressive main square, the Piazza Maggiore and the many surrounding basilicas. For motor sport enthusiasts we can also organise a visit to the Ducati motorbike museum. In the evening, we’ll meet up in the Hotel Bar to toast a sensational week in Italy with a few celebratory drinks before dinner.
Day 7
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Arrivederci!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Italian Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Bologna Airport.
Arrivederci!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Italian Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Bologna Airport.
Arrivederci!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Italian Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Bologna Airport.
Map & Profile
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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Celsa from Scorgiano |
5.1% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
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Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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Castellina in Chianti from Castellina Scalo |
3.6% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
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Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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Castellina in Chianti from Castellina Scalo |
3.6% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
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Panzano in Chianti from Bridge over River Pesa |
4.3% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
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Poggio di Sugame from Greve in Chianti |
5.2% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
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Badia a Montemuro from Dudda |
5.2% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Luca from Giardino Meloncello |
9.5% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Luca from Giardino Meloncello |
9.5% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinzano from Zena |
3% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quinzano from Zena |
3% | 3 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
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Casoni from Bisano |
6.3% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
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Cà de Masi from San Clemente |
6.3% | 2 | |||
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No major climbs today |
Climbs
Stage
Grand Depart
Stage
Team Presentation
Stage
Grand Depart
Stage 1
Florence > Rimini
It’s rare for the Tour de France to start with more than 3,600 metres of climbing – in fact it’s never happened before! – and it’s also the first time that the race has visited the home city of Gino Bartali. The succession of hills in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna are likely to be the setting for an immediate and testing confrontation between the contenders for the title, particularly the climb into San Marino (7.1km at 4.8%), where the race will add a 13th name to its catalogue of foreign visits.
Stage 2
Cesenatico > Bologna
The passage across the Emilia-Romagna region is straightforward enough to begin with as it takes the peloton to Imola and its famous motor racing circuit. The final part of the stage, featuring the climb to the Sanctuary of San Luca (1.9km at 10.6%), the traditional finale of the Giro dell’Emilia, which will be tackled twice in the final 40km, offers fertile terrain for the peloton’s puncheurs.
Stage 3
Piacenza > Turin
The sprinters will have started the 2024 Tour with their teeth gritted, but now they’ll have something to sink them into with the finish in Turin. Prior to that, the peloton will pay a passing tribute to Fausto Coppi by heading through Tortone, where il campionissimo died. By that point, though, the sprinters’ domestiques will already be hard at work, their focus on ensuring a sprint finale. There’ll be little room for manoeuvre for the breakaway riders.
Stage 4
Pinerolo > Valloire
The race leaves Italy after a long climb to the resort of Sestrières, where Coppi triumphed in 1952, the border subsequently reached at the Col de Montgenèvre. Then, after ascending the Lautaret pass, the riders will tackle the 2,642-metre Galibier. This will be the first opportunity for the favourites to test themselves in the high mountains.
Tour de France
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Dates and prices
Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||||||
Closed
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June 26 to July 2 |
Closed |
USD $7,695
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USD $950 |
n/a |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
Hotels
Hotel Borgo San Luigi
Situated just outside the medieval, walled town of Monteriggioni, between Siena and Florence, the 4-star Hotel Borgo San Luigi is in the perfect spot to enjoy the best cycling routes in Tuscany.
The hotel is actually a 17th century hamlet with beautiful gardens, a half-Olympic size pool, pool-side bar and a chic, Tuscan-style restaurant.
Hotel Relais Bellaria
Just outside downtown Bologna, and directly on the route of the TDF Stage 2 Finishing circuit, the hotel is in the perfect spot to allow us to take full advantage of the stage finish in Bologna. Set in a large woodland area, and with a lovely outside pool and bar, you really don't feel like you're so close to the city. Bologna is renowned for its great food and the hotel’s Ristorante Corbezzoli offers delicious regional specialities and a wide range of Italian wine.
Pick-up and Drop-off
Arrival
Pickup Location | Time |
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Florence Airport |
June 26 at 9:00am |
OR |
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Hotel Novotel Florence North Airport |
June 26 at 9:00am |
Departure
Drop Off Location | Time |
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Bologna Airport |
July 2 at 8:30am |
What's included
What's Included | What's Not Included |
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Tour de France Viewing
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
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What's Included |
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Tour de France Viewing
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
|
What's Not Included |
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Rental bikes
3T Exploro Boost e-bike
Read More
Frame
3T Exploro Ultra Boost Carbon
Groupset
Sram Rival AXS XPLR Electronic
Weight
12.8kg
Wheels
Rodi alloy 700c
Chainrings
40
Cassette
12-speed 10-44t
Sizes
XXS, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Rental Fee
USD $750
Specialized Aethos Expert
Read More
Frame
Aethos FACT 10r Carbon
Groupset
Di2 Shimano Ultegra
Weight
699g (size 56)
Wheels
Roval C38
Chainrings
52/36T
Cassette
11-34t (12-speed)
Sizes
49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
Rental Fee
USD $550
VIP Experience
Embark on the ultimate cycling pilgrimage with our exclusive VIP trip to witness the Tour de France in unparalleled style. Immerse yourself in the thrilling energy of the race with spectacular access to the start and finish lines, as well as prime vantage points along major climbs like the legendary Col du Tourmalet and the Col du Galibier. Rub shoulders with cycling royalty as you meet the pro riders up close, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling event. Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our VIP areas, where the finest champagne and cuisine await you. Experience the Tour like never before – you'll be as close to the pros as a Directeur Sportif, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, meticulously supported by the Thomson team, and elevate your passion for cycling to new heights.
Designed for E-Bikes
Get ready to ride your way into cycling history! Join us on an exhilarating adventure along the legendary routes of the Tour de France. Channel your inner pro cyclist as you conquer iconic climbs such as the Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez. Feel the rush of ascending these famed Cols, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have witnessed cycling greatness. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of professional cycling, supported by a dedicated team ensuring you tackle each ride like a champion. Grab your e-bike, bring your determination, and let's ascend to new heights together!
2024 TDF by E-BIKE – Grand Depart in Italy
Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator