AAA Tours & Triathlon Coaching

Swiss Alps Cycle Tour

SWISS ALPS CYCLE TOUR (including Le Tour De France)

A simply amazing tour in 09, taking in the very best of the Swiss Alps & culminating in 2 mountain stages of the Tour De France.

Starting in the gorgeous village of Lauterbrunnen at 800m, in the heart of the world famous Jungfrau region for the first 5 days. We finish in the French side and the luxurious ski village of Verbier at 1500m for the last 5, this tour has it all.

Setting out from our two separate bases each day on new journeys, experiencing one of the world's most cycle friendly and spectatcular regions. After travessing the cultural divide from Swiss-German, with a legendary day ride over the Col De Mosses we enter the subtle differences of the Swiss-French region.

Our comfortable Lauterbrunnen accommodation comes complete with balcony views of Switzerland’s 4000m peaks. The perfect place to unwind with a cheese platter and glass of red after a scenic day in the saddle.

In Verbier, we stay further amongst the clouds at 1500m, in luxury ski chalets complete with another set of majestic mountain views.

Of course our timing is perfect. Stage 15 of Le Tour just happens to finish in Verbier, so we can wander from our chalet after a well deserved rest day of our own and take in the spectacle that is the worlds most famous race. We head over to the nearby Italian border and the famous climb to the Grande St Bernard to watch the Tour pass by again just 2 days later.

Just enough to whet your cycling appetite, whilst enjoying our own amazing cycle adentures & relaxing in a mountain paradise.

Day 1: Lauterbrunnen (Mon 13^th July)

Meet in Lauterbrunnen at 6 pm.

This village is our arrival point and base for the week ahead. After our group meeting we will enjoy a local meal in the village. A traditional Swiss fondue is included tonight.

Day 2: Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken and Thunersee (Tue 14^th July)

A gentle start to our cycling tour today with a short pedal down to the energised town of Interlaken. Set between two beautiful lakes we cycle the perimeter of Lake Thun popping in for a coffee at Spiez castle. Cooling waters beckon us for a swim so we stop for a picnic lunch and a dip at Thun. The round trip is around 80kms of mostly gentle rolling hills with the final 10k uphill back into Lauterbrunnen.

The afternoon may be spent in the lakeside cafes or checking out the incredible mountain villages of the Jungfrau region. A short train journey up to Grindelwald for the local’s music night with live bands, food and generally a fun time.

Day 3: Lauterbrunnen/ Grindelwald (Wed 15th July)

The long, steep climb to Grosse Scheidegg at 2000m will test us all today, but the rewards are worth it. A truly amazing view of the majestic Eiger and nearby 3000m + peaks. You are so close here you feel you could touch them. If the weather is kind, we enjoy a coffee and take in the views before a hair raising descent down to Meiringen and onto Lake Brienz. A peaceful ride along the bike paths is only broken by a short gravel section into the ancient Geissbach Hotel for lunch. Once again the views are mind boggling. For many, this will be their toughest but equally most enjoyable day. And we wrap up the tour with a treat.

Day 4: Lauterbrunnen (Thu 16th July)

So much to do in this remarkable valley. The choices are yours today as we offer countless options, from Mountain bikes up the valley, to an early morning train to Europes highest cafe.

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen (Fri 17th July)

Another scenic wonder ride today heading alongside the Magnificent Lake Brienz & up and over the Brunigs Pass (at 1007m) and down into the city of Lucerne. A beautiful scenic road takes us through mountain passes and past azure blue lakes on bike paths as good as most highways. This journey is a scenic wonder. The trip one way today is 90kms. Lucerne is a clean and friendly city based on the lake. The old wooden bridges are prominent in the town centre. Plenty of time to enjoy lunch and take in the sights. A comfy Train ride back or cycle back to base for a big mileage day ?

Day 5: Lauterbrunnen to Verbier (Sat 18th July)

A classic ride today !

This 140km ride has it all, long valleys, an epic climb to Les Mosses at 1445m followed by an incredible 20k+ descent past the vineyards down to Lake Geneva. This ride is so amazing you wont have time to notice your tired legs. After descending onto the lake its another 40k gradual climb up to the base of our tricky 9k acsent to Verbier, our magnificent home for the next 5 days.

Of course there are always options to shorten your journey by jumping on a comfy train.

Day 6: Verbier (le tour stage) (Sun 19th July)

Today is a rest day from cycling as we recover from yesterdays great ride. Chance for a walk around the ampitheatre style village above 2000m, relax in a cafe or pedal a local route if you must ? The tour caravan will be finishing right in our village this afternoon so find your best spot early and watch the action.

Day 7: Verbier to Lausanne (Mon 20th July)

A long downhill run through some great towns, with luxury bike paths, along the shores of Lake Geneva we pass through the funky towns of Montreux and Vevey before arriving in beautiful Lausanne for lunch. The home of the Olympics, we stop to check out the great museum and maybe a dip in the lake with the locals. A train ride home with a soothing ale or bike back for a big day if your keen ?

Day 8: Col De Grand St Bernard (Tue 21st July)

The famous col,home of the legendary St Bernard rescue dogs is just one long but memorable climb away from our base. It sits on the border of Italy, surrounded by some majestic peaks, with Mt Blanc nearby. The Tour will follow the same route before heading down the other side. We will be up early to nail the ascent and claim the best vantage points for the tour arrival.

Check out the monument befoe our sensational descent and the last 9k ascent to home.

Another day to remember.

Day 9: Verbier (Wed 22nd July)

Today we take the roads less travelled, swapping our roadies for some Mountain bikes and testing our skills on some of the many wonderous trails amongst the forests. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon sun whilst admiring this amazing landscape and reflect on our last action packed 10 days.

Day 10: Departure day (tour closes) (Thu 23rd July)

Today is departure day for the trip and no activities are planned. For those joining us in Tuscany you have the option of spending three relaxing days in the Northern Italy lakes region (see attached itin.)

Distances: 500k - 700k for longer routes & return journeys if you must.

Terrain rating (1-10): 7-8 Challenging with easier options.

Tour Costs:

Payment for Swiss Alps Tour of (non-refundable) deposit AU$300 and balance TBC (payable by April 30th 2009) with a local payment of $350 CHF due on arrival.

Inclusions:

* Accommodation - Lauterbrunnen 5 nights, Verbier 5 nights.

* Trains (incl. bikes) - x3

* Coffee stops / Picnic Lunches - x6

* Welcome dinner - Lauterbrunnen

* Entrance to Olympic museum lausanne

* Entrance to Trummelbach falls Lauterbrunnen

* Tour guide / Mechanic Support / Technical advice if required