Overview
Embark on an exclusive VIP Tour de France 2024, offering a unique two-part experience.The first leg unfolds amidst the majestic Dolomites, where you'll tackle challenging ascents like the iconic Stelvio pass. Your base in Bormio ensures daily exploration of magnificent mountain passes, creating an immersive cycling adventure.
The journey then shifts to Florence for the Grand Départ, marking the historic start of the Tour de France in Italy. Immerse yourself in the rich cycling heritage of this nation with VIP starts, crossing stage finish lines in Bologna, and exploring the vineyards of Chianti. Accompanied by a limited group of ten, our guides will be your constant companions, ensuring an exceptional experience both on and off the bike, at VIP access points, and during shared convivial moments.
The Tour de France is a cycling race that was first held in 1903 and is now considered the world's third biggest sporting event. This race is held over a period of 3 weeks in July and attracts the best cyclists from around the globe. The race consists of 20 to 22 teams, each with 9 racers, who wind their way across France, occasionally crossing into neighbouring countries, during the twenty or so stages that make up the event, covering a total distance of approximately 3,500km. The race is attended by 12 million spectators of all ages who line the route to cheer on the cyclists and join in the fun with the famous Publicity Caravan. Additionally, 3.5 billion viewers from 190 countries will tune in to follow the cyclists' adventures.
Itinerary
Day 1 Milan Bormio Valdidentro
Our journey will commence in the early afternoon at Milan's airport or station as we join the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.
Transfer to the hotel in Bormio, which takes about 3 hours. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Bormio is a classic Italian town, and the ideal starting point for exploring the best climbs in the Region. After a brief orientation meeting and bike fitting, you can take your time to explore the town on foot, or even hop on your bike and discover some great short loops from the hotel.
Tonight, we'll meet for dinner (no drinks) at the hotel restaurant and toast the start of our adventure.
Overnight stay in Valdidentro at QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi or similar.
Day 2 Valdidentro Dolomites Passes Valdidentro
Get ready for an amazing cycling adventure on the first day in the heart of the Dolomites. The Dolomites are every cyclist's dream with their stunning peaks to conquer and breathtaking views. Today, you'll conquer 3 passes: Passo di Foscagno (2289m-7710 feet), Passo d'Eira (2208m-7244 feet), and Forcala di Livigno (2313m-7588 feet). It's a fantastic warm-up ride with mesmerizing views of the Italian Alps at every turn.
Take time this evening to dine in one of Bormio's many restaurants and discover the atmosphere of this alpine town (not included).
Overnight stay in Valdidentro at QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi or similar.
Day 3 Valdidentro Stelvio Valdidentro
After breakfast, today you'll be heading to conquer the most famous pass in the Dolomites: the renowned Stelvio (2758m - 9048 feet).
Things get pretty serious right from the start of the climb, as Bormio is situated right at the base of the Stelvio. You'll be tackling its 20km (12.4 mi) ascent and cruising through its famous twists and turns, all while soaking in the incredible views of the valley. For the extra motivated folks out there, you can even descend on the other side and make your way back up to the north face. By doing this, you'll have conquered both sides of this breathtaking route and achieved a cumulative vertical drop of 3385 m (1263 feet)!
Afterwards, it's time to head back to Bormio for a delightful evening at a restaurant, where dinner (no drinks) will be served for everyone. This will be the perfect opportunity to share your experiences and feelings during your conquering of the Stelvio.
Overnight stay in Valdidentro at QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi or similar.
Day 4 Valdidentro Mortirolo & Gavia Passes Valdidentro
Today is your last day of cycling, and it's going to be a good one. We have a 100km (64 mi) loop planned for you, with two mountain passes: the Passo del Mortirolo (1855m - 6086 feet) and the Passo di Gavia (2618m - 8589 feet).
The Mortirolo is a tough one, starting off with just over 12km (7.4 mi) and an average gradient of 10.5%. There are even sections that go over 18%! But don't worry, after the descent and a few kilometers of recovery, you'll tackle the Passo Gavia. It's a bit longer at 17km (10.5 mi), but it's a steadier climb with an average gradient of 7.9%.
Once you've conquered these climbs, you'll be ready to head back to the hotel and enjoy a dinner (no drinks). It'll be the perfect way to end this amazing day.
Overnight stay in Valdidentro at QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi or similar.
Day 5 Florence
In the morning, you'll be transferred to Florence to finally experience the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2024.
You'll have time to settle into your hotel and then explore Florence. Take a walk through its charming streets and discover the different sides of this amazing city. You'll already feel the excitement of the Tour de France getting closer. Who knows, you might even see some riders around town.
Tonight, we'll all meet at the hotel for dinner (no drinks) and to discuss our predictions for the first stage of the race tomorrow.
Overnight stay in Florence at Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti or similar.
Day 6 Florence VIP Departure Village Florence Chianti Florence
It's the big day, the long-awaited day: the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2024 in Florence! You're going to experience the Grand Départ in a VIP area right next to the starting line. You'll get to meet some of the riders and feel the excitement of a Grand Départ with a crazy crowd!
You have exclusive access to the designated sign-in zone "Departure Village Florence" where professional teams commence the race and where media, event officials, and former professionals congregate prior to the commencement of each stage. This presents a remarkable opportunity to meet esteemed figures in the world of cycling, including legendary cyclists and prominent members of the cycling media
Once the start has been given, we'll have lunch together and then get back on our bikes for a short loop through the Chianti region and its magnificent vineyards.
You'll then head off to explore Florence's surroundings, and finally return to Florence, where you'll be free to enjoy your evening.
Overnight stay in Florence at Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti or similar.
Day 7 Florence Bologna (Tour Podium & Izoard finish line area) Florence
Today, you'll get to step into the shoes of a Tour de France rider. Ever dreamt of crossing the finish line and standing on the podium, just like the pros? Well, today is your lucky day because you'll get to experience it all! You'll start by riding the last 40km of the day's stage, going up the famous San Luca Basilica hill, which is also the final climb of the Giro d'Emilia pro race.
Once you reach Bologna, you'll even get to pass the finish line and make your way up to the Tour podium for a truly unforgettable moment. And that's not all! You'll also have access to the VIP finish area "Izoard finish line area Bologna", right next to the finish line, where you can enjoy watching the professional peloton arrive as VIPs, all while sipping on a glass of champagne. Get ready for an incredible day!
Overnight stay in Florence at Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti or similar.
Day 8 Florence
While the peloton heads for the French border, it's your departure day. After a hearty breakfast, your guides will take you to Florence airport or train station.
Accommodation
QC Terme Bagni di Bormio Bagni Nuovi
Bormio
The Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi, a 5 star hotel with its adjoining thermal centre, is part of the famous Bagni di Bormio complex. Its luxurious art nouveau building and spectacular views make it the perfect place for a wellness break surrounded by the majestic nature of the Stelvio National Park.
Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti
Florence
Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti, housed in a 19th-century building, is located in the historic center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers 50 rooms spread over three floors, accessible by an elevator. The rooms are air-conditioned and feature free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and amenities such as a desk, flat-screen TV, wardrobe, safe, and on-demand laundry service. Additionally, it has two conference rooms. All common areas, from the breakfast room to the floors, are accessible to guests with disabilities.
