Tour de France
Week 1
Grand Depart & Pyrenees

TDF K/QOM Challenge – Week 1 Grand Depart & Pyrenees

The Grand Depart and Pyrenees stages with the Premier Official Tour Operator

LIVE race-viewing of the opening stages in the Basque region of Spain and the French Pyrenees. Ride the Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Portet, Jaizkibel and many more of the legendary climbs in the Pyrenees and Spain.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

June 30th 2023

From

USD $6,495

Duration

8 days / 7 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

Yes

Rental Bike

USD $500

Overview

Thomson Tour de France K/QOM Challenges are the trips of choice for avid cyclists of all abilities looking for a unique blend of LIVE race-viewing and challenging riding.

Experience the opening stages of the Tour de France in Bilbao and San Sebastián, and witness the key Pyrenees stage live on the Col du Tourmalet from the comfort of our Private Hospitality Marquee. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village at the Opening Stage in Bilbao, and cherish the unique experience of riding across the Finish Line ahead of the peloton in San Sebastián.

You’ll also have a challenging ride program. You’ll conquer numerous famous climbs including the Col du Tourmalet, Col de Portet, Port de Balès, Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin and the legendary Jaizkibel climb, just 20km from the Finish of Stage 2 in San Sebastián.

No one rides like Thomson!

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Tour de France
What a wonderful experience. I felt so well cared for by the ride leaders and van drivers while out riding. I had wanted to go ...

Jennifer Brennan, USA — 2019

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Tour de France
The Thomson crew is top notch. The ride leaders have in depth knowledge of the climbs and are able to give even the average rider ...

Larry Goodreau, USA — 2018

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Tour de France
It's difficult to describe this week as anything other than a dream come true! You and your outstanding team delivered an incredible experience. The hotel ...

Ross Sly, Australia — 2019

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3 fully supported daily rides!

Yes, that’s correct! Each day you’ll have the choice of 3 different fully supported rides – from 20km to 130km (12 miles to 80 miles). No matter your fitness level, our extensive ride program has you covered. Perfect for couples who love to ride but have different fitness levels.

 

Check out our Sport, Performance and Epic ride programs!

Performance  Itinerary

RIDE ITINERARY SELECTOR

Click the tabs to see our flexible ride programmes.
You can change between rides each day.

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Spain! Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
01 Welcome to Spain! Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
01 Welcome to Spain! Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
02 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
02 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
02 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
03 LIVE Race-Viewing, Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op in San Sebastián Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
03 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE Race-Viewing in San Sebastián Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
03 LIVE Race-Viewing + Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op in San Sebastián Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca
04 Into the Pyrenees Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
04 Into the Pyrenees Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
04 Into the Pyrenees Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
05 Port de Balès (Chaingate) Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
05 Port de Balès (Chaingate) Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
05 Col de Val Louron-Azet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
06 The stunning Cap de Long Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
06 The stunning Cap de Long Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
06 Col d'Aspin & Hourquette d'Ancizan Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
07 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Tourmalet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
07 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Tourmalet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
07 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Tourmalet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
08 Au revoir!
08 Au revoir!
08 Au revoir!
Performance Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
Performance Performance Itinerary
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Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Spain!

Your trip starts at Bilbao Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in San Sebastian.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on your first ride in the Basque Country. The warm-up ride takes you into the rolling hills to the south of San Sebastian before the climb to Igeldo and the incredibly scenic coastal road that leads back to the hotel in San Sebastian.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage

The 2023 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Bilbao.

This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Bilbao before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Bilbao.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


LIVE Race-Viewing, Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op in San Sebastián

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 finish of Stage 2 in San Sebastián.

In addition to all of the above, you’ll also enjoy a spectacular ride through the rolling hills of the Basque Country to the medieval town of Hondarribia. Leaving Hondarribia you’ll ride the legendary Jaizkibel climb, the ultimate climb in the annual Clásica San Sebastián pro race, and where you can expect to be cheered on by thousands of passionate Basque cycling fans.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Igeldo
from Aginaga
4.8% 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
toggle arrow Jaizkibel
from Hondarribia
5.5% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15

Climbs

Stage

Grand Depart


Stage 1

Bilbao > Bilbao


The Basque Country doesn’t lack options when it comes to offering opportunities to the puncheurs. With 3,300 metres of vertical gain and a double springboard where gaps can be created in the final 30 kilometres in the shape of the Vivero and Pike climbs, discussion about the identity of the first Yellow Jersey holder will focus on attackers with real pedigree, those capable of taking allying their instinct to their power.

Stage 2

Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastián


Those familiar with the San Sebastián Classic will find themselves in familiar territory, especially when it comes to the eight-kilometre ascent of the Jaizkibel, which always plays a decisive role in the selection during that race. Beyond the summit, there’s a 20-odd kilometre drop into Saint-Sébastien.

Stage 3

Amorebieta-Etxano > Bayonne


Another phase begins as the race reaches French soil in the department of Pyrenees-Atlantiques, where the sprinters will for once be to the fore. The profile of the closing kilometres for what is the Tour’s reunion with Bayonne will give the sprinters’ teams the chance to manoeuvre their lead-out trains into position. The winner of the first sprint always gets a big lift from their success.

Stage 4

Dax > Nogaro


The stage is set for a rematch between the sprinters, but the hilly terrain of the Gers could also suit a small breakaway group. Their cooperation would have to be total to hold off the peloton, while the finish on the Nogaro motor-racing circuit will provide the stage winner with a success with a rare flavour. The peloton’s speedsters will certainly want to go head to head on the final 800-metre straight.

Stage 5

Pau > Laruns


There’s still time for questions going into the first rendezvous in the mountains. The climbs of the Col de Soudet and Col de Marie Blanque will provide some answers about the form of the contenders for the title, but the terrain isn’t really suitable for big attacks. That said...

Stage 6

Tarbes > Cauterets


The Pyrenean challenge continues on a route where those with ambitions of overall success will have to deal with the Aspin and Tourmalet passes. However, the course through the mountains will also pique the interest of other riders. Those puncheurs who are in good form could still take aim at the Yellow Jersey, as the climb to the Plateau du Cambasque isn’t an insurmountable obstacle, its gradient averaging 5.4% over 16km.

Stage 7

Mont-de-Marsan > Bordeaux


The visit to the department of Landes doesn’t provide much hope for breakaways, as the profile invites the sprinters’ teams to control the race. The two-kilometre finishing straight along the quayside will allow them to stake their claim for victory in the high-speed dash to the finish line near the Place des Quinconces, hailed by the people of Bordeaux as the biggest in France.

Tour de France

Climbs

Category Climb Day Difficulty Length Ele. Gain Av. Grade
2 Igeldo (from Aginaga) 01 33 4.8%
3 Muro de Aia 01 45 7.6%
3 Aia (from Andatza) 01 33 6.0%
2 Igeldo (from Orio) 01 46 5.4%
2 Jaizkibel (from Hondarribia) 03 47 5.5%
2 Jaizkibel (from Hondarribia) 03 47 5.5%
2 Peñas de Aya (from Oiartzun) 03 47 5.0%
2 Jaizkibel (from Hondarribia) 03 47 5.5%
HC Pla d’Adet (from St Lary Soulan) 04 97 7.7%
1 Col de Val Louron-Azet (from St Lary Soulan) 04 82 7.1%
1 Col d’Aspin (from Arreau) 04 80 6.7%
HC Col de Portet (from St Lary Soulan) 04 151 8.5%
1 Col d’Aspin (from Arreau) 04 80 6.7%
2 Hourquette d’Ancizan (from Payolle) 04 49 5.3%
1 Col de Val Louron-Azet (from St Lary Soulan) 05 82 7.1%
HC Port de Balès (from Mauleon-Barousse) 05 108 6.5%
1 Col de Peyresourde (from Junction to Port de Balès) 05 86 7.6%
HC Port de Balès (from Mauleon-Barousse) 05 108 6.5%
1 Col de Peyresourde (from Junction to Port de Balès) 05 86 7.6%
1 Col d’Aspin (from Arreau) 06 80 6.7%
2 Hourquette d’Ancizan (from Payolle) 06 49 5.3%
HC Cap de Long (from Fabian) 06 111 7.7%
HC Pla d’Adet (from St Lary Soulan) 06 97 7.7%
1 Bielsa (from St Lary Soulan) 06 85 5.8%
2 Bielsa (from Parzan) 06 68 7.1%
HC Cap de Long (from Fabian) 06 111 7.7%
HC Col du Tourmalet (from Ste Marie de Campan) 07 126 7.5%
1 Hourquette d’Ancizan (from Guchen) 07 91 7.6%
HC Col du Tourmalet (from Ste Marie de Campan) 07 126 7.5%
1 Col de Val Louron-Azet (from St Lary Soulan) 07 82 7.1%
1 Hourquette d’Ancizan (from Guchen) 07 91 7.6%
HC Col du Tourmalet (from Ste Marie de Campan) 07 126 7.5%
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Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices

Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2023
June 30 to July 7
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $6,495
USD $850
n/a
Book this trip
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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:



    Trip Hotels

    Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca

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    Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan

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    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Departure Village in Bilbao
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Bilbao
    • TDF Stage 2: VIP ride across the Finish Line, Podium photo op, view the Finish in San Sebastian
    • TDF Stage 6: access to our Private Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the Col du Tourmalet
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All but 1 dinner
    • 3 x lunches
    • 3 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Bilbao Airport
    • Drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Special Discount card for Official Tour de France stores
    • Thomson Bike Tours S/S cycling jersey
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Departure Village in Bilbao
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Bilbao
    • TDF Stage 2: VIP ride across the Finish Line, Podium photo op, view the Finish in San Sebastian
    • TDF Stage 6: access to our Private Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the Col du Tourmalet
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 8 days / 7 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All but 1 dinner
    • 3 x lunches
    • 3 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Bilbao Airport
    • Drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Special Discount card for Official Tour de France stores
    • Thomson Bike Tours S/S cycling jersey
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Bilbao Airport

    June 30th at 9:00am

    OR

    Holiday Inn Express Bilbao Airport

    View website arrow

    June 30th at 9:00am

    OR

    Hotel Carlton Bilbao

    View website arrow

    June 30th at 9:30am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Toulouse Blagnac Airport

    July 7th at 10:00am


    Rental Bikes

    Frame

    Felt FR Advanced

    Groupset

    2023 SRAM Force AXS 12-speed

    Weight

    7.7kg (size 53)

    Wheels

    Reynolds AR46 DB Custom

    Chainrings

    48x35

    Cassette

    10-33

    Sizes

    47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61

    Price

    USD $500

    View Full Details

    See Videos

    VIP Departure Village Experience

    Meet the riders and Tour celebrities in the VIP Departure Village

    VIP Ride across the Finish Line

    Official VIP ride across the Finish Line followed by a memorable photo shoot on the Official Podium

    No-one prepares like Thomson

    An inside view of how we prepare a Thomson trip, to ensure you have the optimal experience


    TDF K/QOM Challenge – Week 1 Grand Depart & Pyrenees

    Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator