Pyrenees Sea to Sea Tackle famous passes in the French Pyrenees On this bicycle tour, you ll ride through the Pyrenees, crossing from Atlantic to the Mediterranean, summiting many of these famous cols and relaxing in the soothing thermal waters of Ax-les-Thermes. You ll never forget your visit to the prehistoric cave in Niaux, known for its wall drawings, the pilgrimage site of Lourdes, or your hike through the glacial region of the Cirque de Gavarnie. This cycling adventure introduces you to the world of the French Pyrenees with a brief visit across the border into Spain. Get ready to test those legs and enjoy an exciting ride with Massimo as your guide! ITINERARY OUTLINE Trip Essence / Page 2 Daily Itinerary / Page 3-6 Arrival & Departure / Page 7 Bike Information / Page 7 Terms & Conditions / Page 8 Reserve Your Space! / Page 8 Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 1
TRIP ESSENCE Stay in authentic and unique hotels and inns Spectacular guided cycling tour of the most famous cols in the Pyrenees A visit the cave of Niaux famous for the prehistoric wall drawings Enjoy the famous thermal waters of the spa town of Ax-les-Thermes Climb the famous Tour de France giant, the Tourmalet WHAT S INCLUDED Carbon bike rental, see page 7 for details Service of local, professional guides throughout the program Ciclismo jersey and water bottle All accommodations All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners Shuttle during and at the end of the tour TRIP DETAILS 2018 Trip Dates Jul 12 - Jul 21 Aug 2 - Aug 11 Aug 30 - Sep 8 Check website for departure dates Ability Level Advanced Summary of Daily Distances Day 1: 45 miles Day 2: 53/70 miles Day 3: 58 miles Day 4: 71 miles Day 5: Optional 35 miles Day 6: 88 miles Day 7: 40/48 miles Day 8: 53 miles Day 9: 63 miles Day 10: Au Revoir! Optional extra loops available Trip Price $5,495 Single Supplement: $900 RECOMMENDED PRE-NIGHT In order to begin the tour rested, we recommend you arrive the night prior to the tour and stay at Hotel la Reserve in St. Jean de Luz Hotel website: http://hotel-lareserve.com/en/ To book the pre-night, please contact Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314 For more details on arrival information, please see page 7 Have something else in mind? Itinerary available as a private tour or... Create a custom itinerary with help from our experienced travel consultants! Contact Us 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 2
DAY 1 ST. JEAN DE LUZ TO ST. JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT Daily Mileage - 45 miles Elevation gain - 4,100 ft Hotel - Hotel Les Pyrenees Location: St. Jean-Pied-de- Port www.hotel-les-pyrenees.com/ en/ We meet at Hotel la Reserve in St. Jean de Luz at 9 am. After introductions and bike fitting we will venture out on our first ride of the day, crossing the border into Spain and riding through the Pays Basque to Saint Jean-Piedde-Port, where we will spend the evening. This town is also famous for being the starting point of the Camino de Santiago. The 4-star Hotel Les Pyrenees offers spacious rooms, all individually designed with contemporary decor. They have all the necessary comfort: flat screen TV, free wifi, air conditioning, desk and safe. The large pool and garden of the hotel are surrounded by greenery. The hotel is in the city center, an ideal base for exploring the citadel or streets of the old town. DAY 2 ST. JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT TO OLORON SAINTE MARIE Daily Mileage - 53/70 miles Elevation gain - 5,400/9,200 ft Hotel - Alysson Hotel Location: Oloron Sainte Marie www.alysson-hotel.fr DAY 3 OROLON SAINTE MARIE TO ARGELES-GAZOST Daily Mileage - 58 miles Elevation gain - 6,600 ft Hotel - Arrieulat Auberge des Pyrenees Location: Argeles-Gazost s www.hotel-arrieulat.com Today our ride takes us along the border of the Pays Basque as we officially enter the amazing landscape of the National Park of Pyrenees. Then it s time to test your legs on our first hors category climb up the col de Soudet, an ascent that will surely make you feel like a pro, tackling one of the longest climbs in this area. Col de Burdincurucheta (6 miles and 2,500 of elevat. gain 7.8% avg grade) Col d Iraty (4 miles and 1,000 ft of elevat. gain 5% avg grade Col de Soudet (19 miles and 4,200ft of elevat. gain 4.4% avg grade The Alysson Hotel is a place of quality near the Pyrenees mountain chain. Hotel has a spa and fitness center (free). We will begin the day with a challenging ascent to the top of Col de Marie- Blanque. Then, prepare to launch your attack on the Col d Aubisque, one of the most famous climbs in the Pyrenees. This well-known hors category pass has been featured in the Tour de France more then 40 times, and will be quite a rewarding experience to summit. We will end the day with an exhilarating descent towards Argeles-Gazost, a little town near Lourdes, the famous pilgrimage site that is visited by more than 5 million tourists a year. Col de Marie Blanque (6 miles and 2,300 ft of elevat. gain 7.5% avg grade) Col d Aubisque (12 miles and 3,600 ft of elevat. gain 6.3% avg grade) Col de Soulor (it is only 1 mi uphill coming after a 4 mi descent from top of Col d Aubisque) The Arrieulat has spacious rooms with free wifi internet access. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 3
DAY 4 ARGELES-GAZOST TO BAGNERES DE LUCHON Daily Mileage - 71 miles Elevation gain - 10,300 ft Hotel - Hotel Alti Location: Bagneres de Luchon Duration: 2 Nights www.luchon.com/alti-hotel/ bagneres-de-luchon Another epic day of riding continues on one of the oldest climbs ever featured in the Tour de France, the Tourmalet. Since 1910, this challenging pass has been spotlighted on many stages of the Tour and it is still considered one of the most important for the final victory overall. Keep in mind that you should save some steam on this climb, as you still have two long passes that follow on your way to Bagneres de Luchon. Col de Tourmalet (12 miles and 4,600 ft of elevat. gain 7.3% avg grade) Col d Aspin (11 miles and 2,700 ft of elevat. gain 4.6% avg grade) Col de Peyresourde (12 miles and 2,700 ft of elevat. gain 4% avg grade) The Hotel Alti has spacious rooms equipped with TV, minibar, air conditioning. Also has a fitness center, indoor pool and free wifi. DAY 5 BAGNERS DE LUCHON, REST OR RIDE Daily Mileage - 35 miles Elevation gain - 2,700 ft Hotel - See Day 4 Just in case you want to take it easy today, you can relax at the hotel or visit the town of Bagneres. You also have the option to join us for a quick loop that features the Col de Portillon and a brief visit to Spain where you can practice your Spanish for about 10 miles before we cross the border and loop back into France. Col de Portillon (6 miles and 2,100 ft of elevat. gain 6.5% avg grade) Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 4
DAY 6 BAGNERES DE LUCHON TO TARASCON SUR ARIEGE Daily Mileage - 88 miles Elevation gain - 9,300 ft Hotel - Hotel Le Manoir d Agnes Location: Tarascon sur Ariege www.manoiragnes.com DAY 7 TARASCON SUR ARIEGE TO AX LES THERMES Daily Mileage - 40/48 miles Elevation gain - 3,800/6,200 ft Hotel - Le Chalet Location: Ax les Thermes www.le-chalet.fr/index_ en.htm DAY 8 AX LES THERMES TO MOLTIG LES BAINS Daily Mileage - 53 miles Elevation gain - 7,300 ft Hotel - Chateau de Riell Location: Moltig les Bains www.chateauderiell.com Today we conclude our visit to the regional park of the Pyrenees Ariegeoises with another glorious day riding the challenging passes near the border with Spain. This ride offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this breathtaking natural landscape that passes through the Pyrenees mountains almost all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Col de Mente (7 miles and 2,700 ft of elevat. gain 8% avg grade) Col de Portet d Aspet (3 miles and 1,300 ft of elevat. gain 9.5% avg grade) Col de Caougnous (4 miles and 1,000 ft of elevat. gain 4.8% avg grade) Col de Port (8 miles and 2,100 ft of elevat. gain 4.7% avg grade) The 3-star Manoir d Agnes is a charming hotel set in a hundred year old park. Their gourmet restaurant uses high quality products from local producers. In addition to another great day of riding near Tarascon-sur-Ariege, you have the opportunity to visit the cave of Niaux, famous for the prehistoric wall drawings of bison, horses and ibex. If you still have legs, you can challenge yourself with the extra loop to the famous Plateau de Beille. Our final destination is Ax-les-Thermes, a spa town situated in the region of Midi-Pyrenees, famous for skiing, hiking, and a unique natural landscape blessed by the healing power of its sulfurous waters. Details re: the passes: Col du Chioula (8 miles and 1,650 ft of elevat. gain 3.8% avg grade) Plateau de Beille (10 miles and 3,700 ft of elevat. gain 7.9% avg grade) Le Chalet is not far from the Ax les Thermes city center and faces the mountains. It offers comfortable rooms with balcony. As we set out from Ax les Thermes, we will encounter two exciting climbs en route to Molitg les Bains. First, we ll ride 11 miles up the Port de Pahileres, passing through Sainte Colombe sur Guette on our way to the Col de Jau. Our day ends in Molitg les Bains, a stunning natural setting at the foothills of the Pyrenees in the department of the Pyrenees-Orientales in the south of France. Another scenic spa town with warm thermal waters. Port de Pahileres (11 miles and 3,900 ft of elevat. gain 6.6% avg grade) Col de Jau (from Sainte Colombe sur Guette - 8 miles and 3,000 ft of elevat. gain 6.7% avg grade) The 4-star Chateau de Riell has a garden, restaurant, spa and bar. The chateau overlooks mount Canigou and free wifi is available. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 5
DAY 9 MOLTIG LES BAINS TO COLLIOURE Daily Mileage - 63 miles Elevation gain - 3,000 ft Hotel - Les Relais des Trois Mas Location: Collioure www.relaisdestroismas.com/ uk/ Our last ride takes us toward the sea. In the morning, we gain some elevation on a few short climbs and then slowly descend toward the ocean with a final 25 mile flat section with some gentle rolling hills as we approach our final destination - Collieure on the Mediterranean. Congratulations you made it! Col de Palomere (13 miles and 2,100 ft of elevat. gain 4% avg grade) The 4-star Les Relais des Trois Mas offers comfortable accommodations. The rooms offer a superb view of the Bay of Collioure and the church Notre Dame des Anges. The new jacuzzi, the sauna and the swimming-pool with its terrace overlooking the bay are the best way to relax. DAY 10 AU REVOIR! After breakfast, around 9 am, we will hop in the shuttle for the 1 hour transfer to Perpignan airport (PGF) to catch your next connection. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 6
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE GETTING TO ST. JEAN DE LUZ Fly to Paris (CDG) or Orly (ORY) and arrange a one-way flight to Biarritz (BIQ). From Biarritz to the recommended pre-night hotel, Hotel la Reserve in St. Jean de Luz, it is about a 15 minute/35 Euro taxi ride from the airport. We meet at Hotel la Reserve at 9 am on day 1 for the first ride. DEPARTING FROM COLLIOURE After breakfast, around 9 am, we will hop in the shuttle for the 1 hour transfer to Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport (PGF) to catch your next connection. The small airport of Perpignan is connected to Paris Orly with Air France and also London-Stansted with Ryanair. OTHER INFORMATION For Flight Reservations Valerie Wilson Travel Call: 1-855-780-2022 or E-mail: ciclismoair@vwti.com Travel Insurance MH Ross Call: 1-800-423-3632 http://bit.ly/mhross_insurance Transportation Rome2rio http://www.rome2rio.com BIKE INFORMATION Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Bianchi carbon fork, Shimano 105 triple groupset, an adjustable stem, and a wheel set laced with 32 spokes and 25mm tires. Included on all tours Aluminum Hybrid More relaxed riding at a look-around-you pace, this is our custom-built, highperformance aluminum hybrid bicycles with straight handlebars. We also have woman-specific frame. Included on all tours Bianchi Intenso and Vertigo The carbon frame guarantees maximum performance with minimum stress for the riders, thanks to Bianchi s special C2C (Coast to Coast) frame design/ geometry and different material combination. Carbon bikes are equipped with compact crank and 11/32 cassette. Available for $250 Bianchi Intenso or Vertigo with Shimano included on all intermediate and advanced tours at no extra charge Tandems Cannondale road or hybrid: racing posture with 700c wheels, or a more straight up position and 26 inch wheels. Co-motion Periscope: accommodates smaller team or even children. Available for $400 Honey tandem: light and responsive and perfect for experienced tandem riders. Available for $400 ebikes Available on all easy and athletic beginner tours, some intermediate and advanced tours. Please contact us for more information. Available for $400 Bike type outside of Europe may vary, please contact us at 800-866-7314 for more information. ON THE BIKE Included Ciclismo Classico water bottle Two water bottle holders Map holder on handlebars (or Garmin Edge GPS) Handlebar bag Tire pump Combination bike lock Gel-padded saddle Choice of pedals Card with your tour leaders mobile phone numbers Garmin Edge GPS Included on all carbon bikes and premium tandems (Co- Motion and Honey) $30 rental fee for other bikes Pedal Options Flat pedals Half-toe pedals (without straps) Toe cage pedals Things to Bring Helmet Optional: clipless pedals with shoes Optional: your own saddle Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 7
INSURANCE, TERMS & CONDITIONS Insurance Ciclismo Classico will not assume responsibility or liability for any loss or damage of personal effects or for any injury or loss during the duration of the tour. Therefore, we highly recommend that you obtain travel insurance. Information on travel insurance will be sent to you via email once trip deposit is received. We recommend MH Ross, but travelers may choose the insurance carrier of their choice. Cancellations and Refunds All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing as soon as possible to Ciclismo Classico. Exceptions to their cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies. There is no refund for unexpectedly leaving a trip early or arriving late. The purchase of short-term travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. Cancellation fees are determined as followed: Days before departure Cancellation fee 121+ days - 50% of the deposit* 91-120 days - 100% of the deposit* 61-90 days - 30% of the trip price 31-60 days - 60% of the trip price 31-44 days - 100% of the trip price *You may transfer your trip deposit to another departure in the same tour season up to 90 days before your original departure with payment of a $100 per person transfer fee. Prices quoted are subject to adjustment without prior notification. OR your deposit (currently $600) may be carried forward to the following year as a credit toward the final balance of a tour. At the time of booking, we will ask for another $600 deposit to secure your spot. Carried-forward credits expire at the end of the year to which they are applied. Alterations to the tour itinerary Sometimes modifications may be made to the itinerary. We will notify you of any changes that may affect your arrival, departure or lodging. Any changes to the program are made in the best interest and safety of the group. To review our policies, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/plan-your-trip/policies/ RESERVE YOUR SPACE! To reserve a space, call Ciclismo Classico at 800-866-7314. Or, mail your deposit and contact information to: Ciclismo Classico attn: Rosa 30 Marathon St Arlington, MA 02474 At the time of registration, a deposit of $600 per person is due, payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or check, made payable to Ciclismo Classico, along with your full name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email address. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before departure payable by check, credit card, wire transfer or money order. All travelers must review and sign a terms and conditions statement and a waiver form. Ciclismo Classico 1-800-866-7314 info@ciclismoclassico.com www.ciclismoclassico.com 8