Essential Information
Trip Profile
Average daily distance: Approximately 55km (34 miles) on warm up days. On race day itself, the Etape route this year is a manageable 130km but still with around 3000m of challenging climbing.
No. of days cycling: 3.
Vehicle Support: 100% (with limited seats).
Terrain and route: the Etape is one of the toughest challenges for amateur cyclists. Distances are long and there will be plenty of climbing as well as possible high temperatures to contend with. You should be an experienced road rider and be confident of your high level of fitness.
Accommodation
5 nights in a nice 2 star hotel, ideally located near the historic old town with its many shops and restaurants. Rooms will be on a twin or in some cases triple share basis.
Food
5 breakfasts included.
Reality Check
The 2013 Etape du Tour route is easier than in some previous years, but is still a very serious challenge. It is as much a state of mind as your fitness that will see you up and over the climbs, the secret is to plug away at your own steady pace and not get too drawn into the excitement of the day.
The roads are good quality - they just aren't flat! Although the gradients do not get much steeper than 10%, the climbs are long (up to 16km). This trip is classified Road and graded D (Tough).
Please see the introductory pages of the Cycling Brochure for more important information on classification and grading.
Distances are approximately 55km (34 miles) on the warm up days, then on race day itself, the Etape route this year is 130km (80 miles) with around 3000m of cumulative climbing (around 40 uphill kms!). The event benefits from exactly the same professional organisation as the actual Tour de France, there are regular feed and water stations for you to refuel and rest.
NB: You will need an up to date medical certificate from your doctor to confirm that you are fit enough to take part in the race. This will need to be shown at the registration and must be less than 3 months old. You will not be allowed to ride without one.
Normal group size and age
Normally 6 to 16, plus cycling leader/driver. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
At this level previous experience of the cycling style or surface is a must. These routes have long cycling days and tougher terrain on both road and off-road trips. You need complete confidence in your fitness and technical ability to cope with difficult or steep terrain, rough surfaces and longer distances. Ideal for those seeking a challenge!
Exodus is always looking to improve our current itineraries and to offer something different. With many new trips this year, there is something unique and different to try every year.
Cycling: Our cycling holidays come in all shapes and sizes; from gentle self-guided trips in the Veneto, to tackling the High Atlas in Morocco, or exploring the length of Vietnam.
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