Day 2 - June 10

Highlights: Grosse Scheidegg climb, Reichenbach Falls, Tour de Suisse Stage Finish VIP Style
Total KM: 50
Total Meters gained: 1458

After a hearty bowl of muesli and several bowls of coffee, we begin our cycling with a tough ascent up Grosse Scheidegg (1,962 m). Once at the summit, we'll picnic on sandwiches and chocolate before plunging to our destination: Meiringen. Leave your bikes with your guide: its time to experience the Tour de Suisse in VIP style! In the VIP tent we will sip wine and enjoy some warm dishes before watching the riders cross the finish line right under our noses ! (This viewing access is only available to VIP participants only, the public does not have the same availability!)

You are likely to be very surprised by the cozy and intimate feeling at the Tour de Suisse. Talking shop with former pro racers or team owners in the VIP tent happens every year. You will be amazed by the natural camaraderie that plays out between these professionals and yourself. 

We then walk through the Tour de Suisse "village" and take in the atmosphere as we make our way to the team buses to see the pros and their crews. Although we cannot make any promises, our partnerships close association with Team BMC means that we'll likely get a special peek at the team and their crew. If youre a BMC fan, have your cap and pen ready for some autographs just in case.

It's been a long first day, so we plan to leave our bikes in the area and head back to Interlaken by train and the same hotel with dinner included again. (B,L,D --Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner included) [click the map image below to see the ride profile for this day]

TDS1

Day 3 - June 11

Highlights: Boat ride across Brienz, Starting line photos, Brunig pass climb, VIP access at Stage Start
Total KM: 67
Total Meters gained: 875

Although we plan to return to Brienz with a panoramic boat cruise, our plans may change based on the Stage 4 start time. This stage begins at Innertkirchen, just a few kilometers down the road from Meiringen. We will make sure to arrive early, as the Tour de Suisse director himself plans on showing us behind the scenes. We'll see the mobile drug-testing unit, the sign-in area and the various hospitality tents used by riders just before the race. Do you want to know what it takes to plan a world-class race ? There will be plenty of time to ask your questions this morning. 

Then we watch the riders jockey for position as they take off on Stage 4. We follow the pro peloton out of town on our own bikes and get pumped up by the throngs of cheering fans lining the route!

We then double-back to Meiringen, where we will take a more scenic route up the Brunig pass and follow Swiss National Cycling Route 9 to the awe-inspiring city of Lucerne.  Hotel in central Lucerne, Hotel des Alpes***, dinner included. (B,L,D) [click the map image below to see the ride profile for this day]

TDS2

Day 4 - June 12

Highlights: Mountain stage, Swimming party and BBQ
Total KM: 103
Total Meters gained: 1174

You have now seen a stage start and stage finish in VIP style, and so today we are going to be on the side of the road as the riders haul themselves over the hills between Lucerne and Leuggern. We will get an early start, maneuver into position and have our radios on to anticipate their arrival. Once the riders pass, we then take a scenic loop back to Lucerne.  You will have seen and done a lot today and so we'll savor those memories on the terrace of a local spa/bath we know that makes for a perfect finish and respite for the muscles! We can a soak, swim, and enjoy some bbq while watching the sun set over Lucerne, back to the same hotel and dinner on your own tonight. (B,L) [click the map image below to see the ride profile for this day]

TDS3

Day 5 - June 13

Highlights: Tour de Suisse finish, Rapperswil
Total KM: approx 94
Total Meters gained:  +1002 

We will be on beautiful car free bike paths for most of todays riding. Today the ride is an easy 80 km and so we will be in the town of Meilen in plenty of time for the finish and festivities. The Tour de Suisse, being a very intimate race with fewer crowds than other grand tours, you'll have easy access to the team buses, mechanic stations and former Swiss pros who are now Tour de Suisse. Local celebrities such as Beat Zberg ( Swiss National Champion) and Alex Zulle are just a few of the riders you are likely to meet in the VIP tent. 

Of course, you are one of the VIPs ! There will be no doubting this, as we will make sure to get some pictures of you on the Tour de Suisse podium this afternoon. Finish at Hotel Jakob in Rapperswil; a very nice 3 star hotel in the center of town. (B,L,D) [click the map image below to see the ride profile for this day]

TDS4

Day 6 - June 14

Highlights: Tour de Suisse Start, Panoramic loop
Total KM: 107
Total Meters gained: 1243

Today is our last day and we will train to Meilen for the start of Stage 7. This will also give you the opportunity to bid farewell to the organizers and have a last look at your favorite riders. The last days of the Tour de Switzerland will be on the eastern side of Switzerland and so we let the pack go at this point. We are free to set our own itinerary today and plan to take you on the most scenic roads of the region while making sure to include at least one mountain pass to finish your vacation in style. Back to same Hotel Jakob tonight. (B,L,D) [click the map image below to see the ride profile for this day]

TDS5

Day 7 - June 15

Departure day.

Today you depart on your own after breakfast. The Tour de Switzerland goes from Zernez to Bad Ragaz. If you are inclined to move ahead to the Tour finish tomorrow in Flumserberg, you may wish to stay in Zurich and travel by train or car, then back. VIP services are not available at the finish of the last stage, but we may be able to arrange some special access for those interested.

Additional cycling from Geneva can be arranged, or guided hikes in Interlaken/Grindelwald area also possible. Please inquire in advance.