July 2010

Great Explorations has been selected as an official tour operator of the Tour de France in 2010 (one of only two in North America). These credentials give us additional advantages in being able to offer the best Tour experience possible, as we chase the maillot jaune in 2010.

When the tour route was announced on October 14, as an official tour operator, we were in Paris as invited guests along with Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador and Andy Flesch to witness first-hand the unveiling of the 2010 course. With this advantage, we were able to secure hotel reservations (while North American based companies slept). With the cadre of pros expected this year, the 2010 Tour is set to be the most exciting in history.

Burgundy, Lake Annecy & the Alps

Starting from the charming wine village of Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, we’ll begin our trip cycling along tiny paved roads that wind through lush vineyards; we’ll taste wine in wine caves and dine in atmospheric bistrots. From here, we’ll head to Lake Annecy, which boasts some of the best cycling (and scenery) in France, and then into the Alps, finishing with some epic cols in pursuit of the peleton. We’ll have a chance to see the race on at least 4 stages and will ensure that you have ridden, dined and sipped the best of these regions.

Departures: July 8-15, 2010 US$3950 (8 days/ 7 nights)

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The Pryenees, Bordeaux & Paris

2010 commemorates a century since the Pyrenees were ridden at the Tour and to mark this, there will be two ascents of the legendary Col Tourmalet. With Great Explorations, you’ll have the opportunity to ride routes ahead of the pros, and then watch from privileged positions. In Bordeaux, we’ll have access at the stage start and finish of the exciting time trial on our Yellow Jersey trip, and in Paris, we have a surprise finish that will make this one of the most memorable trips ever.

Departures: July 19-26, 2010 US$3950 (8 days/ 7 nights)

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For both our Alps and Pyrenees trips, register early so as not to be disappointed.


10 Questions to ask your Tour de France tour operator:

1. Are you registered as an official tour operator of the Tour de France? Great Explorations is.

2. How large are your groups? Most of our trips have 16 participants maximum; our yellow jersey trip will have 25 maximum and this is because it comes with this number of access passes which gives you privileges at a stage start and at a stage finish.

3. What are the support vehicles used on this trip? Great Explorations uses 9 passenger vans, not buses. This gives us independence and manoeuverability, which is critical during the Tour de France.

4. How long have you been operating trips to the Tour de France? 10 years

5. What class of hotels will we be staying at? Great Explorations has confirmed 4 star hotels on our Alps trip and 3, 4&5 star hotels on our Pyrenees trip.

6. What kinds of bikes are provided? We own our bikes which are Cannondale racing CAAD 4 and Cannondale hybrid Adventure (your choice); detailed specs are available on our web site.

7. Is there an opportunity to ride in Etape du Tour (a race on July 18 of a stage of this year’s Tour)? We have a limited number of guaranteed entries available.

8. Why are some Tour de France trips so expensive? Great Explorations trips offer value for money. Considering the standard of hotels, the guide to guest ratio, services and extras provided, and the fact that Great Explorations is an official tour operator, our price is extremely competitive.

9. Will I meet Lance Armstrong? We can’t guarantee that you will meet Lance, but on most of our Tour trips, guests have been able to get close enough to feel honoured.

10. How do I sign up? You can register on-line at www.great-explorations.com

We hope you’ll join us for the trip of a lifetime in 2010.

 

Great Explorations

www.great-explorations.com

info@great-explorations.com
Tel: 1 604 730 1247
Fax: 1 604 738 7655
Toll Free: 1 800 242 18 25