Saturday 19^th July:
We shall collect clients from Geneva airport and at 14.00hrs we shall travel to the Col du Lauteret, where we shall spend 4 nights on half board basis (Dinner, B&B) at the exclusive 4* Hotel des Glaciers. Not only is this an excellent hotel it offers great access to all the Alpine stages of the 2008 Tour de France.

Sunday 20^th July:
Today the Tour de France enters the Alps with a 216km stage that will take them from Digne les Bains into Italy and the ski station of Prato Nevoso, en route they will face a number of cols including the 2,000mt Col de Larche whose summit forms the border between France and Italy.
After breakfast we shall travel to see the stage, and those with bikes will be able to ride to the Col de Larche from our base on the Col du Lauteret, whilst those without bikes will be taken to see the stage in the touring bus.
After seeing the stage we shall return to our base on the Col du Lauteret.

Monday 21st July: TDF REST DAY
As the Tour de France spends its 2^nd Rest Day in Cuneo (Italy), this gives us the chance to ride the monumental climbs of the Alps, as the Col du Galibier and Col d’Izoard are within easy reach of our Col du Lauteret base. Those without bikes will be taken to see the Col du Galibier or spend the day a leisure in Serre Chevalier.

Tuesday 22nd July: [Live the Dream ] Ride an Alpine stage of the Tour de France
Have you ever dreamed of riding a stage of the Tour de France, crossing the finish line with your hands in the air, and climb the Tour de France podium to have the yellow jersey put on? Well dream no more, with our [Live the Dream] package, dreams become reality.

After an early breakfast we shall leave the Col du Lauteret in the support vehicles and travel out onto the stage route, and commence to ride the last 90km approx of the stage, from the Col de la Lombarde to Jausiers.
Dressed in Graham Baxter Sporting Tours cycling kit you will ride the highest climb in the 2008 Tour de France, the Col de la Bonette-Restefond (2,802mts its also Europe’s highest pass) before descending to the finish in Jausiers. We feel that we have chosen a great stage for you to ride, very challenging but not impossible to complete, but you need to be trained and in condition. However, if you can’t ride the whole stage it’s not a problem, you will travel part of the stage in the support vehicle and ride the rest.

As you ride the stage in front of the Pros you will experience the special atmosphere along the route and the crowds will be out their thousands to cheer you along “Le Route du Tour”.

You will be supported throughout the ride by 2 Graham Baxter Sporting Tours officially accredited vehicles and for the last 20km you will be escorted to the finish line in Jausiers by an official Tour de France vehicle.
On arrival in Jausiers you will have the exclusive right to cross the finish line and afterwards have your photo taken on the Tour de France podium. After our own protocol ceremonies you will get changed and await the arrival of the Tour de France stage itself. We shall see the stage finish in Jausiers from a very privileged location, 5mts from the finish line and next to the Official Tour de France commentator Daniel Manges. This is standing access only.

After seeing the stage we shall return to the Col du Lauteret.

Wednesday 23rd July: VIP Hospitality for the Alpe d’Huez stage finish
The best is saved for last…..as L’Alpe d’Huez (cycling’s mecca) will play host to the final Alpine stage, and what a stage it is going to be. It’s an absolute classic stage that takes in the monumental climbs of the Col du Lauteret, the mighty Col du Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer before climaxing on the 21 hairpin switchbacks to the ski station of L’Alpe d’Huez.

After breakfast we shall leave the Col du Lauteret and the Hotel des Glaciers and ride to L’Alpe d’Huez and you will be able to ride this infamous 21 hairpin bend climb.

On arrival at L’Alpe d’Huez we shall check in to our hotel, 3* Hotel Grandes Rousses, have a shower and get changed before taking our place in the exclusive VIP Izoard hospitality bus located very close to the finish line. Here you will have hostess service of drinks and snacks whilst watching the stage live on T.V. and after seeing the stage finish from this exclusive viewing area champagne will be served to celebrate the stage winner.
After the stage we shall return to the Hotel Grandes Rousses where we shall spend 1 night on Half Board Basis (Dinner B&B). In previous years this hotel has been used by the teams.

Thursday 24^th July: Exclusive access to start village & riders enclosure
After breakfast we shall leave Alpe d’Huez and descend the short distance to Bourg d’Oisans, where you will have VIP access to the official start village and riders enclosure. Here you will get to meet the Tour de France riders and other cycling legends.
After seeing the riders off from Bourg d’Oisans we shall return to Geneva airport for approx 17.00hrs. If you need accommodation we can book you into a hotel by the airport.