We are excited to announce that Andy Schleck will be joining us on a handful of cycling vacations in 2015. Join us in welcoming Andy to the Trek Travel team!
We already introduce you to the Trek Factory Racing team through our race trips. We already give you the chance to ride with Jens Voigt in places like Solvang. Now, we’re adding Andy Schleck to our pro roster. He’s signed up to join us on our Etape du Tour trip in July and Mallorca Ride Camp in May. If you’ve ever wanted to be on a first-name basis with one of history’s finest riders, here’s your chance.
Choose to join a few thousand other crazy cyclists at the Etape du Tour and ride your way through a Tour de France mountain stage. Or visit the enchanting island of Mallorca to test your legs in Andy’s old training grounds. There is simply no other way to ride with this former champion. And no excuse to pass this opportunity by.
L’Etape du Tour (French for “A Stage of the Tour”) is a European cyclosportive that attracts over 8,000 riders annually to gather and ride a stage of the Tour de France, over its most famous climbs. It’s a true mixture of pain, suffering, triumph and glory.
Tania Burke has conquered nine years running of L’Etape du Tour with no slow down in site. A gift from her husband John, this Project One Trek Madone commemorates her accomplishment of the first five events, complete with the most challenging summits from each of those courses.
But there is one ride not featured on the bike: the first year Tania and John attempted the Etape. In 2006, Col d’Izoard and Alpe d’Huez highlighted a difficult course. According to John, “It was the most incredible scenery I have ever seen in one day. Every time you turned around there was another mountain, glacier, waterfall, or a tunnel through a mountain. Unbelievable.” Needing to finish by 6PM, they didn’t make the time cuts. Defeated at the base of Alpe d’Huez, Tania and John vowed to return and that’s exactly what they did. Nine L’Etape du Tour’s. Eight finisher medals.
Each one a classic story.
Looking at the top tube of the bike, you will notice ‘Panda the Bear’ on Tourmalet in 2010. It was a monster route to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France. Col de Marie-Blanque. Col du Soulor. Col du Tourmalet. A test of both mental and physical strength. The forecast called for hot and humid weather. What they experienced felt much worse. Citizens lining the roads dumped stream water over the riders’ heads. Tania ran out of gas 3 kilometers from the top of Tourmalet. It was time for Panda to pedal. He did, and together they crossed the finish line.
Flash forward to 2012. Col du Telegraphe. Col du Galibier. Alpe d’Huez. Again just a few kilometers from the finish. Tania had been riding with ‘the boys’ when a few of them decided to leave the group. John told Tania to go hunt them down. She did, but their good friend Dr. T. audaciously passed her on a short downhill. The race was on. 500 meters to the summit of Alpe d’Huez and Tania pounded as hard as she could. Taking the inside edge on the final left-hand turn, she stood up and took off. Dr. T. had no response. Although thousands of people crossed the finish line before her, Tania won on Alpe d’Huez.
This year will be John and Tania’s 10th L’Etape du Tour. New course. New climbs. New stories. Same great event.
As the clock strikes noon on the final day of the Tour de France, July 27, 2014, twenty teams of six riders will race around the Champs-Elysees circuit a total of thirteen times to complete an iconic photo finish.
The inaugural La Course female race is sure to be a day to remember as the event promises to bring together the crème de la crème of women’s cycling as the top ten women’s teams are invited along with the top five national teams and five invited wild-card teams.
The women’s peloton will race on a 90km course leading into a historic finish in Paris and where it is likely to end in a sprint finish. Prizes will include intermediate sprints for the best sprinter’s classification on each of the first eleven laps and a prize for the best young rider under 25-years-of-age in addition to the honor of standing on the podium as the first ever queens of the Tour to be crowned by male blackboard official and kissed by podium boys.
In addition to the 100 cyclists in the female peloton, policewomen from the Paris Police Prefecture will be responsible for watching over La Course, which will also have a 100% female jury. The winner of La Course will collect a prize of €22,500, the same sum awarded to the men’s Tour stage winners. For cyclists the world over, especially females, this day will be one for the record books.
Join Trek Travel with front row seats at an exclusive viewing of the finish of both La Course and Le Tour behind the security lines at the prestigious Automobile Club de France in Paris. In this elegant venue on the magnificent Place de la Concorde, guests will savor a celebratory glass of champagne and a lavish buffet while watching each race unfold. Enjoy the fanfare and excitement of the 1st La Course and the 101st edition of the Tour de France finish as well. Visit Trek Travel’s website for details.
Being experts in the world’s best bicycle vacations is not a title we take lightly.
We’ve spent years researching the ins and outs of every place worth visiting. Collectively, we are a team of seasoned travelers who have been to almost every corner of the Earth. We have experienced firsthand the tranquil hilltop villages of Tuscany, the ancient temples of Myanmar, and the dazzling shores of Costa Brava. Fortunately for you, we want to share our passion. Our hotel of the year award is designed to highlight the best of the best, the hotels that standout above the rest. They are magical places where moments are pure and experience is everything. Together they redefine charm and exceed every expectation of hospitality. Winning our Hotel(s) of the Year Award, it is our pleasure to honor Moraine Lake Lodge and Chateau de Mazan.
Dreamy. That is the word that comes to mind when we think about Moraine Lake Lodge in Banff, Canada. The photos can speak to the beauty of the lodge but cannot capture the oasis away from busy life that the owners have created. It is a place without phones or TVs to interrupt relaxation. This spectacular lodge is the ultimate spot for a getaway to the pristine Canadian Rockies. It is situated just a short distance to Lake Louise, one of the most photographed sites in the region. From this dreamy launch pad, breathe the fresh mountain air and create lasting memories with your travel partners or family. Enjoy delightful days filled with adventure, be it biking, hiking, or canoeing. The water on tap at the lodge is some of the freshest in the world, coming straight from their alpine mountain well. The food is nothing short of divine; the lodge has one of the top gourmet restaurants in the Park. The Walter Wilcox Dining Room offers an outstanding menu showcasing regional specialties like our favorite dish, the deer tenderloin with red currants and juniper berries. In sync with the natural surroundings, the lodge is self-sufficient and has high environmental standards. When it comes to service, this place is exceptional. Their staff is knowledgeable about the area and treats you like a friend from the moment you step through the door. What more could you want on your Canadian Rockies adventure? For the World’s Best Awards, Moraine Lake Lodge is consistently rated nearly perfect in guest evaluations. In the words of a guest, “We were thrilled with the Trek Travel selection of Moraine Lake Lodge.” So are we.
Now travel across the Atlantic Ocean, replace fresh Rocky Mountain air with the scent of luscious lavender, and transport yourself to France. La belle vie spills over in Provence. The leisurely pace of life, the cozy cafés, the local markets, and the historic relics meld to create la vie Provençale. For avid bikers, the epic climb of Mont Ventoux stands waiting to be conquered. For foodies – Michelin-starred meals, wine tastings, and a renowned cooking course tantalize your taste buds. Welcome to Chateau de Mazan—a member of the prestigious Chateau et Hotels Collection. Nestled in the tiny town of Mazan only a short distance from the base of Mont Ventoux, this 4-star property is undeniably beautiful. Originally built in 1720 during the Regency Period, it became the property of the notorious Marquis de Sade and hosted the first Theatre Festival. Fast-forward to 2001 and the new owner, Mme Lhermie, transformed the Chåteau into the quaint, charming hotel it is today. The hotel staff is focused on the essence of hospitality—welcoming each and every guest as part of their family and making everyone feel truly at home. As distinguished guests of Trek Travel you will be treated as trusted friends and you will be put at ease in a manner that is only possible in Provence. Just 30 rooms, a perfectly landscaped garden, and a French gourmet restaurant await. Chateau de Mazan will wow you. And the evening before you ride the famed Mont Ventoux, you want nothing less.
In just 93 days the 2014 Tour de France will kick off in the English city of Leeds for what is sure to be another thrilling three weeks of racing on the sport’s biggest stage.
Last year’s Tour de France undoubtedly lived up to the ‘100th edition’ hype and exceeded fans’ expectations. A double ascent of Alpe d’Huez. Chris Froome’s unprecedented three stage wins and definitive climb up Mount Ventoux. Nairo Quintana’s podium sweep that included 2nd place in the general classification along with king of the mountains and best young rider jerseys. A heated rivalry between cycling’s fastest men, Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish. We were left wanting more after riders circled the Arc de Triomphe at twilight during the final stage in Paris. Then again, doesn’t cycling’s biggest race always create unparalleled excitement?
At Trek Travel, our highlight reel of last years Tour de France looks slightly different. The best part of Alpe d’Huez came after the day’s second ascent, when guests were lifted off the mountain and brought back to their hotel via helicopter. On Mount Ventoux, our guests were provided with first class views of Chris Froome’s solo ride to victory, but a wave from Jens Voigt was the cherry on top. Riding a stage from start to finish with Trek Travel’s Etape trip provided guests with an entirely new appreciation for the strength and courage that professional cyclists must have in order to emerge triumphant after 21 days of suffering. Finally, Paris was highlighted by our annual VIP viewing party at the beautiful and historical Automobile Club of France. With that, we raised our glasses to the maillot jaune and toasted another memorable year.
For 2014, the ASO has crafted yet another unique route and thereby ensured that this year’s race will be better than the last. Setting the stage for a race full of surprises, breakaways, climbs, and sprints is what the race designers do best. This year’s 101st edition of the Tour de France will bring out the history buff in us all, with stages that visit Buckingham Palace and pay tribute to towns and countryside once devastated by World War I. The riders are in for another action-packed race and a strong climber is likely to emerge victorious. Six mountain stages and five summit finishes are sure to get viewers screaming “Allez” as Jens Voigt launches more legendary attacks to make the neo-pros’ legs scream during his last Tour de France. All eyes will be on Stage 5 as it features the unpredictable and punishing cobbles that make Paris-Roubaix so famous. A sole time trail at the end of the race means that no one is safe until Paris. Excitement is guaranteed until the bitter end.
So instead of listening to Phil and Paul tell you what it’s like, join us for the spectacle. Meet the racers that put on the show. Wear a complementary Trek Factory Racing jersey and ride the same bikes as the team. Test your legs on the roads that get devoured by the peloton. The Schleck brothers won’t be the only VIPs at the race, because you’ll be there too. We can’t promise you who will wear yellow, but as an official tour operator and hospitality partner of the Trek Factory Racing team you better believe there will be hundreds of highlights that you’ll miss if you watch it from your couch. Excitement this big simply can’t be experienced second hand. So let us know your thoughts about who will be on the podium, the route, the teams, and the race in general…then join us to watch the magic unfold!
Last week I was driving in Vero Beach, Florida and passed a cyclist wearing the distinctive Trek Travel jersey. Unfortunately, she was riding in the opposite direction and I didn’t have time to turn around to catch up with her. It would have been fun to learn what trips she had been on. It got me to thinking about all the great experiences I have had with Trek Travel over the years and all the fascinating people I have met. I continue to stay in touch with many of them, even though they are scattered throughout the U.S. and Canada. I have stayed in touch with several of the guides, too, and enjoy seeing their posts and photos from around the globe.
What is it about a Trek Travel bike trip that can form enduring friendships among such a diverse group of strangers? Certainly, the common interest in cycling makes for easy conversation. I think the opportunity to be “in the moment” and clear our minds of daily clutter is the biggest factor. In this connected age, we rarely get the opportunity to unplug our devices and “go off the grid” for awhile. It is amazing how much we see and experience when we do. This shared experience of discovering new places and talking about them over cocktails and dinner can lead to lasting friendships.
During orientation on one of my trips to the Tour de France the guides challenged us to avoid telling the other guests what we did for a living. In France, they said it is considered gauche to ask a new acquaintance, “What do you do?”
There were three benefits to this unusual request. Since we couldn’t talk about work, we were able to forget about it for a few days. Without the crutch of superficial conversation, we got to know each other in more meaningful ways. And it made for an interesting after-dinner contest near the end of our trip when we were challenged to guess each other’s occupations. The school teacher and the owner of a fleet of ships were surprised to find that they had enjoyed riding together. Maybe the real benefit of a Trek Travel bike tour is that you can meet interesting people without the usual filters of age, income, and status.
I was just looking at the photo album of the new guides that Trek Travel posted a few weeks ago. I would have loved to deliver the inspirational commencement address at their graduation ceremony. If I had, here’s what I would have said:
Congratulations to the Trek Travel guide class of 2011! You have distinguished yourselves among your peers by gaining admission to a training program that is more selective than many Ivy League colleges. During your course of study you learned how to refill water bottles and tune bikes while your guests make leisurely laps through the breakfast buffet. You learned how to fit a premium carbon bike to the precise measurements and personal preferences of each guest. You learned how to fix a flat on the road using nothing more than a cheap plastic comb and a folded dollar bill. And you learned the art of laying out a classic Trek Travel Picnic that captures the romance of a small village in the French Pyrenees, the majesty of a Redwood forest, or the abundant sunshine of a winery in Mallorca, each time introducing your guests to local produce, specialty foods, and delicious wines.
For all you have accomplished, you know that you have much more to learn. So, for your first few trips you will be paired with a veteran guide. Jacob Young will share his famous recipe for guacamole so you can welcome your guests back from a long day of cycling with chips, salsa, and cold beer. Stephanie Stewart Chapman will tell you she is an “enabler” because she enables her clients to strive for and achieve more than they ever thought they could. Greg Lyeki will show you the art of happily riding along with the slowest cyclists in your group to be sure they find their way. And Cendrine DeVis will show you how to hide champagne in your knapsack so you can toast your guests in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower after they have completed laps on the Champs-Eleysee.
You will also hear stories about some of the legendary feats of your Trek Travel colleagues. You will learn how Dan Frideger persuaded a local boulangerie in central France to open early so that his guests would be greeted by warm pastries as they boarded the 6:30 AM train to Paris for the finale of the Tour de France. You will learn how Diane Suozzo and Doug Kirkby responded when the Italian authorities abruptly closed of the following day’s route at the Giro d’Italia by devising a fantastic climb into the marble quarries above Carrera that include five “gallerias,” or tunnels. And you will learn how one of the guides spent the night sleeping in a van on the Col d’Aubisque in the Pyrenees so she could make it to Trek Travel’s exclusive viewing perch in time to personally congratulate every guest who scaled that legendary climb the next day. Her name? Tania Worgull, Trek Travel’s president!
On our Burgundy bike trip, we visit Pierre and Nicole’s cellar, L’Ange Gardien, in the heart of the charming town of Beaune. Their vines are mainly planted on the ‘Côte de Beaune’ and spread over the following areas: Auxey-Duresses, Beaune, Chorey-les-Beaune, Ladoix-Serrigny, Meursault, Pommard, Savigny-les Beaune.
Our wine tasting there is one of the most fun and laughter-filled I’ve ever enjoyed and includes many spectacular wines. Their best, however, in my opinion, is the Dom Vincent. Yes, it’s a play on Dom Perignon! Dom Vincent is a crémant, another term for sparkling wine, and a regional specialty. At L’Ange Gardien, they have both a white and rosé variety, both of which are amazing. The white features very delicate bubbles, light citrus aromas, and a pale yellow color. The rosé’s color is just beautiful, deep and dark pink, and also features the light and delicate bubbles.
Either can be paired with their most delicious Créme de Cassis (black current liquor) to make a ‘Kir‘ (the traditional Burgundian cocktail). The shining deep red color and fruity smell explode into a velvety smoothness on your palate. And yes, it can very much be enjoyed on its own too.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discover:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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Tania Burke has conquered nine years running of 
So instead of listening to Phil and Paul tell you what it’s like, join us for the spectacle. Meet the racers that put on the show. Wear a complementary Trek Factory Racing jersey and ride the same bikes as the team. Test your legs on the roads that get devoured by the peloton. The Schleck brothers won’t be the only VIPs at the race, because you’ll be there too. We can’t promise you who will wear yellow, but as an official tour operator and