TdF grand Depart Express Weekend
The perfect long weekend of experiencing the thrill and excitement of the TdF in the magnificent setting of the Republic of San Marino.
Breathtaking landscapes, world-class cycling, and the electrifying atmosphere make viewing the Tour de France an experience that is a must for all cycling enthusiasts. Add the majesty, hospitality and warmth of Italy and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable cycling holiday. Join us for a long weekend of viewing, riding and living the TdF in Italy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; do not miss out on the holiday you deserve. We welcome the opportunity to discuss adding days to this trip both before and after the tour should you wish.
TdF Team Presentation
2 TDF Stage Viewings
VIP Stage Start Experience
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour
Guided Rides
Transfers
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Activity level:
LEVEL 2 – Gentilissimo
- I ride my bike most weeks back home. - I enjoy chatting and stoping to take in the view when riding. - The best part of my ride is the coffee stop. - I can’t do a wheelie yet. - Duration: 5 days | 4 nights
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Date 2024:
JUN 27 - JUL 01SOLD OUT - Price from: €2499
- Single supplement €399
- Room upgrade available: Yes
- Please note we are not an Official Operator of the Tour of France.
The Perfect Cycling Holiday
Is this what I’m looking for?
- Are you wanting to enjoy fine hospitality and a tour seamlessly organised by the Italian experts?
- Are you in search of a tour that allows you to ride part of the stages of the TdF?
- Would you like to maximise your time when in Italy with an action-packed weekend?
- Do you wish to book a holiday that offers unbeatable value for money?
- Are you a fan of Marco Pantani and interested to learn more about the Italian cycling legend?
Magical & Unforgettable
What to look forward to……
- Discover the party that is the TdF Team presentation.
- Ride the same roads as the pro peloton on three stages.
- Fall in love with the magic of San Marino and its enchanting wines.
- Enjoy VIP stage start hospitality in the home of Marco Pantani - Cesenatico.
- Be guided by an ex-pro who will share his experience of riding the TdF.
Stages of your Tour
TdF TEAM PRESENTATION
0 km, 0m climb.
Welcome to Italy. We will meet for lunch in Florence, a chance to meet fellow guests and staff. After the obligatory (actually it’s optional) tiramisu for dessert we will walk over to the TdF Team Presentation. A chance to see your favourite riders and get a selfie or two. After the presentation we will transfer you to the Republic of San Marino which is characterised by its rugged terrain and picturesque hills.
Grand Hotel - San Marino
ROLLING HILLS AND VINEYARDS
90 km, 2200m CLIMB
After breakfast we hop on the bikes and enjoy a ride with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Adriatic Sea. Highlights include San Leo and the Pantani training climb. We encourage you to take the time to stop and appreciate the stunning scenery along the way. This evening we will enjoy dinner in a local farmhouse.
Grand Hotel - San Marino
TdF Stage 1 VIEWING
40km, 550m climb
This morning before the stage passes the Republic of San Marino we will have a lovely ‘easy’ ride along the old railway line. The popular cycle route connects Borgo Maggiore and Serravalle. It offers stunning views of the countryside and will sure to be busy with cycling fanatics. The highlight of the day is experiencing the thrill of the TdF on the most important climb of the stage. Dinner this evening will be served in the hotel restaurant.
Grand Hotel - San MarinoTDF STAGE 2 VIEWING
75 KM - 1300m cliMb
Our destination today is a 40-minute transfer to enjoy the stage start of Stage 2 in Cesenatico. On arrival we will present you with your VIP lanyard that gives you access to superb viewing of the riders warming up and being presented to the ‘tifosi’ (fans). After the pro’s roll out, you will enjoy a tour of the Pantani museum, lunch on the beach and then a ride back to San Marino. Dinner this evening served in the Terrazzo restaurant.
Grand Hotel - San MarinoArrividerci
All good things must come to end and following this amazing few days, our team will help you depart for your onward travel.
BIKE HIRE
The perfect cycling holiday requires pedalling on the perfect bike. So should you not wish to bring your own bike with you we have a number of beautiful bikes that you can hire at very reasonable prices. If you are not sure what is the perfect bike for you then fire us a mail, and we will be delighted give you some expert advice. You can find more information about our bikes below. And yes, you can buy our bikes if you fall in love with them!
Colnago V3 - the perfect road bike to hire on our more challenging cycling holidays. Lightweight, aerodynamic and above all great handling.
COLNAGO V3
COMPONENTS:
- Shimano 105 12 Speed Di2 Drivetrain (50/34 Chainset and 11-34 Cassette)
- Fulcrum Racing 600 Wheelset
- Pirelli P7 Sport 28mm Tyres
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Flow saddle
- (Sizes: XXS(42S), XS(45S), S(48S), M(50S), L(52S), XL(54S), XXL(56S), XXXL(58S))
3T Primo - in our opinion 3T make the world’s finest gravel bikes. The Primo offers clients the very best in handling and comfort. If you love riding gravel you will love the 3T Primo.
3T PRIMO GRAVEL
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM Rival Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (42T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette)
- Fulcrum Rapid Red 900 Wheelset
- Pirelli Cinturato 35mm Gravel Tyres
- SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- WTB SL8 saddle
- (Sizes: S, M, L, XL)
Guerciotti Brera Touring ION - the ideal bike for guests looking for a little assistance when riding. The flat handle bars perfect for clients looking for maximum comfort.
GUERCIOTTI BRERA TOURING ION
COMPONENTS:
- SRAM NX Mechanical 1 x 11 Speed Drivetrain (40T Chainset and 11-42T Cassette) URSUS Orion Disc Wheelset
- Challenge Gravel Grinder 42mm Tyres
- SRAM Guide Rival Hydraulic Levers and SRAM Rival Caliper Disc Brakes (160mm rotors)
- Electric Polini E-P3 250 watt motor, with 70 N/m maximum torque
- 500 wh battery with 220 km range in assist mode
- DPV Touring saddle
- (Sizes: S, M)
Guerciotti Navir ION - loved by clients that enjoy the challenge of riding some of our more challenging tours. Assisted road bikes are a real ‘game changer’.
What’s included?
- 4-nights 4* accommodation
- All breakfasts and all dinners
- Airport transfers
- GPX routes
- Ex-ro guide
- 2 TdF stage viewing
- 1 VIP pass stage start
- Pantani museum entry
- Wine tasting and vineyard tour
- Van and mechanical support
- Gift bundle
- City taxes
What’s not included?
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- All beverages at meal times
- Lunches
The nuts and Bolts
Useful information about your holiday
Still Undecided?
Clive and his team has just provided myself and fellow tourists from all corners of the globe an amazing cycling experience, both on and off the bike.
I personally have used several other operators for cycle tours and this one was truly unique.
All aspects were exceptionally well done , from cycle routes, accommodation, food, especially the young guides, who are world-class ,as an older rider I have lots of experience in this field, the behind the scenes ,drivers mechanics are first rate,
Congratulations Clive, be proud of your team.
Robert | TDF 2023
| Where to meet? |
Please arrange to meet us at Florence airport or Florence Station around 12:00 (Day 1) - we will then transfer you to lunch near the city centre. We will contact you via WhatsApp in the days leading up to the start of your tour to confirm your transfer and the name of the staff member collecting you. Alternative transfers can be arranged but may incur an additional cost. |
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| Drop off Location? |
We can assist you with planning and booking of onward travel following the conclusion of your tour. We will run one morning transfer to Milan airports. |
| Transfer Time |
The transfer time to the hotel in San Marino is 3 hours (Day 1). We will be travelling after the team presentation and stop in Arezzo for a pizza dinner along the way. |
| Riding in Italy |
The general road conditions in Italy are good with many cycle paths. At certain times of the year roads may be busy with cars and motorbikes. For these reasons we may adjust ride times. |
| Cuisine |
The food is excellent in San Marino. Restaurants now cater for both vegan and vegetarians. Homemade local wines and beer are a must to try. |
| Hotel Facilities |
The hotel on this tour has a spa and we recommend bringing swimming costumes. The hotel also has a laundry service, good WIFI and bar service. The hotel may charge extra to use some of these facilities. |
| Private Tours & Groups |
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a private tour with you should you be in a group of six or more. A private tour allows you to choose dates and personalise the itinerary according to your requirements. |
| Weather |
Our highly experienced local guides check the weather on a daily basis and amend rides accordingly - should there be a need. The average summer temperature in the area can range from 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F). |
| What happens next? |
Are you thinking about joining us? You probably have some questions! There are a number of ways to contact us, email is best, we will reply within 24 hours. Please check your SPAM / JUNK folder should you not have received an email in this time. You can also find a contact form at the bottom of this page. |
Hotel
Grand Hotel San Marino
Get In Touch
If you would prefer to give us a call and talk cycling and Italy please WhatsApp us on the number below and we will arrange a call back.
ITA: +39 320 638 4713
Or you can chat to us online by clicking the button at bottom right of page.
Drop us a direct email to: info@italybiketours.com
