2024 Tour de France Grand Depart

Start your day with a morning ride around the enchanting hills of Tuscany, soaking in the scenic beauty. By early afternoon, catch a train into central Florence. Spend your afternoon exploring the cultural treasures of Florence and witness the Team Presentations in town. Conclude your day with a convenient train or bus ride back to Lucca, capping off a day filled with cycling adventures, cultural exploration, and a taste of the exciting atmosphere surrounding the Team Presentations in Florence.

Begin the day with an invigorating morning bike exploration, indulging in the breathtaking regional scenery known to captivate visitors. Later, the afternoon invites you to discover the captivating allure of Lucca’s Old Town. Encircled by intact Renaissance walls, Lucca’s historic centre exudes an intriguing blend of mediaeval architecture, charming piazzas, and ancient Roman roots, all waiting to be explored.

In the realm of cycling history, while the Tour de France may not directly grace this area, Italy’s cycling heritage, deeply intertwined with the Giro d’Italia, resonates here. Lucca and its surroundings have often been favoured training grounds for cycling champions, drawing upon the region’s diverse terrains and scenic routes. Engage with Lucca’s historical tapestry, and relish a serene afternoon amidst its timeless beauty and cycling legacy.

Today marks the commencement of the 2024 Tour de France, and it will be our primary focus. Setting out by luxury coach, we’ll journey into Florence to witness the official start of the 2024 Tour de France. After observing the riders’ impressive rollout, our group will reunite with our bus and head to our next destination, the charming city of Turin.

Once we arrive, a satisfying dinner awaits us at the hotel in Turin, offering a relaxing end to an exciting day filled with the commencement of this iconic cycling event and the transition to our new hotel.

Following the excitement of yesterday’s Grand Depart, today invites a more relaxed ambiance away from the bustling crowds. Embrace a leisurely exploration of Piedmont’s exquisite Italian villages by bike, immersing in their beauty and tranquillity. The afternoon offers personal leisure time, allowing you the freedom to further explore and savour the local offerings at your own pace.

Today, our attention shifts back to the professionals as the sprinters set themselves up for a showdown in Turin. Turin exudes a regal ambiance with grand boulevards and historic squares, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The city, once the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, intertwines cycling enthusiasm as a periodic host of the Giro d’Italia. Amidst this cultural splendour, the day culminates with anticipation for the thrilling sprint finish of the stage. 

Before the excitement, the morning invites an easier ride in Piedmont. Afterward, immerse yourself in the city’s allure and then gather to witness the exhilarating stage climax, immersing in the dynamic atmosphere. The evening presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s wonders or indulge in its renowned culinary scene.

The day commences with a visit to the charming village of Pinerolo, anticipating the stage start. As the professional cyclists race away, our journey begins on our bikes, tracing their path through Sestriere and into the majestic French Alps. Prepare for a thrilling and demanding ride, offering both the challenge of the route and the breathtaking beauty of the Alpine scenery.

Upon reaching our next hotel, we gather for a well-deserved dinner, uniting to share tales of the day’s cycling exploits. This shared experience of cycling along the professional route creates a sense of camaraderie, bonding us over our collective cycling journey through the picturesque landscapes of the French Alps.

Having attended the race and presentations on four occasions, our focus now shifts to our personal riding experiences as the Tour de France continues its northern route. Today, we step away from the race action to fully immerse ourselves in the scenic allure of the French Alps. The morning’s highlight includes conquering the renowned Col du Galibier, a legendary climb featured in numerous Tour de France events. Despite its altitude, accessing this iconic ascent from our valley-based location will offer a manageable challenge.

Post our invigorating ride, we’ll relax at our hotel, catching the electrifying climax of the TDF stage on television. To conclude this day of exploration in the French Alps, we gather for a delightful dinner at the hotel, where we share anecdotes and experiences from our Alpine escapades.

In the morning, embrace the chance to conquer another renowned French peak, the Croix de Fer, or opt for a smaller loop around Huez, allowing a day of leisurely exploration in the village. Later in the afternoon, we’ll watch the Individual Time Trial on TV, savouring the excitement from the comfort of our accommodation. To conclude our memorable trip, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our collective journey, share stories, and toast to the unforgettable experiences and achievements gained throughout our time exploring the picturesque French Alps and witnessing the exhilarating stages of the Tour de France.

Today marks the end of our incredible journey together. We’ll bid you a fond farewell and wish you safe travels for your onward adventure. Our morning will begin with our departure from the hotel, as we embark on a comfortable journey aboard our luxury coach. To our departure point at Lyon Saint Exupery Airport, ensuring a seamless transition for your onward flights.

As you head towards your next destination, take with you the memories, experiences, and the camaraderie forged during our remarkable Tour de France adventure. Bon voyage!