Can anyone recommend a full tour package for the TdF this year? Would appreciate any recommendations. Looking to travel by myself and get away for a bit.

I've heard of the Ciclismo Classico. They just sent me an email today:
https://www.ciclismoclassico.com/trip..._de_France.htm

If you go, let us know how it was.

Koffee

This is actually much less expensive than other TdF packages I've seen. I'll take a closer look at them. Thanks!

Wow! I was wondering about them. Let me know what other info you get on them.

Koffee

I've heard good things about Ciclismo too. Seam like a fun group, I just missed riding with them on Patriots day. They led a ride along a bit of the Boston Marathon route, then chalked the nasty "Heartbreak Hill" for the runners spirits-cool!

I know that if you refer someone, you get $250 off. So if you're going with a friend, tell them your friend referred you, then you guys split the money saved.

Koffee

Good to know, but I'm really going to get away. Looking to go by myself and spend some time on my own. But thanks!!!

Well ok. But if you refer someone else for a different trip they offer, they'll give you $250 off. So that's something to think about if you know others who want to do trips by bike.

Koffee

A friend referred us to Graham Watson's cycling tours, out of the UK. Our friend had a good experience. So in 2003 we joined a GW group for a week to follow the Tour through the Alps. We found the trip to be a little disorganized, but it was low cost. Our impression was that, with the rise of Lance and American interest, GW had to organize more groups/busses than in the past and so perhaps they were stretched thin on support. That said, our leader (his first time with GW) did a great job and was genuinely interested in showing us the best of the tour.

The "goal" of our tour was to pedal along the actual route on race day. Climb at least one alp on that route, and wait at the top to watch the race go by. Then continue pedaling the route once re-opened to traffic. If you have a similar goal, to see the race every day, then be aware that you'll get up early every day, spend time on a bus/van both before and after the ride, arrive at hotels late every night (eating at perhaps 10pm), and not get too much sleep. We felt it was worth it to see the spectacle of the Tour. Once.

OK. Looks like I can't make the TDF, but maybe I'll have September free to go to the Vuelta.

Does anyone think using this company is worth it...seems good on paper:
https://www.yellowjerseytours.com/pag/vuelta.htm