Iconic Alps Tour

Arrival Day: After a short transfer from Geneva Airport, we’ll have a meet and greet at our beautiful lakeside hotel on the Lac d’Annecy before heading out for a relaxed spin around the picturesque shores of the lake.  With relatively gentle terrain and plenty of opportunities to admire the scenery, this is the perfect ride to loosen the legs, get to know each other, and stretch out after traveling. 

After a hearty lakeside breakfast, we’ll leave for our first climbing day of the tour in the heart of the French Alps. We’ll ride the iconic Col de la Colombière climbing to 1,613 metres, with an average gradient of roughly 6%. A regular feature of the Tour de France, this legendary pass combines winding mountain roads, stunning alpine scenery and a few steep ramps to test your legs. Keep an eye out for grazing cows and traditional mountain chalets as you climb — and remember, every pedal stroke brings you closer to that unforgettable summit view. The perfect ride to warm up the legs for the next day’s even bigger elevation gain!

Leaving the beautiful shores of Lac d’Annecy behind, we’ll ride the legendary Col de la Madeleine at 2,000 meters on our way to our next base in the Maurienne Valley. A regular feature of the Tour de France, the Madeleine offers long, demanding gradients, spectacular panoramic views and a real test of climbing endurance. After conquering the summit, enjoy a rewarding descent through the Maurienne Valley towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, a town steeped in cycling history and the perfect base for the following day’s journey over the Galibier. 

Our tour’s Queen Stage will feature the legendary Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier – one of the most iconic challenges in the French Alps, combining a steady, forest-lined climb to the Télégraphe with the breathtaking high-altitude ascent to the Galibier at 2,642 meters. A regular feature of the Tour de France, the Galibier has witnessed countless battles between cycling legends — and with thinner air, dramatic alpine peaks and a spectacular summit, it’s a true test of endurance and a climb you’ll never forget. Once over the spectacular pass, we’ll head to the charming village of Le Bourg D’Oisans, nestled at the foot of the legendary Alpe d’Huez.

Starting in Bourg d’Oisans, this short but world-class loop begins with the legendary 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez before leaving the crowds behind for the wild, rugged beauty of the Col de Sarenne. The famous Alpe climb stretches around 14 km at an average gradient of 7.9%, with sections reaching 14% — a true test of climbing legs!  Fun fact: in 2013, the Tour de France climbed Alpe d’Huez twice in a single stage, taking on all 21 hairpins two times for a total of 42 bends! A bucket-list Alpine ride combining Tour history, legendary climbs and remote mountain scenery.

Setting off from Bourg d’Oisans, this ride takes on two popular Alpine climbs, the Col du Glandon (1,924 m) and the Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 m). Expect sustained gradients, quiet mountain roads and spectacular views of towering peaks and alpine valleys as you work your way towards the high passes. Both climbs have played their part in Tour de France history, providing the backdrop for some memorable battles between the sport’s greatest riders. With its demanding ascents and rewarding descents, this is a fantastic day in the saddle and a chance to experience two of cycling’s most celebrated mountain roads from Le Bourg d’Oisans.

After a morning transfer back to our starting point at the Lac d’Annecy, we’ll head into the mountains for our final ride together – towards the charming Alpine village of La Clusaz and up the Col des Aravis at 1,486 meters. The climb offers a steady test of the legs, with winding roads, traditional mountain villages and beautiful views of the Aravis range along the way. A classic of the region, the Aravis combines a rewarding ascent with a beautiful descent for our last ride in this Alpine cycling paradise.

Enjoy one more breakfast together by the shores of Lac d’Annecy, sharing stories and highlights from an unforgettable week in the Alps. Then it’s time to say our goodbyes before a comfortable transfer to Geneva Airport, taking home great memories, new friendships and plenty of tales from the climbs.