In the past, the Tour de France was well known mostly among avid cyclists and Europeans. In more recent years, interest has spread and now just about anyone anywhere knows of and is interested in the race. With its growing popularity, Tour de France travel package options have skyrocketed. With all the options that are available to you, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect Tour de France travel option.
As with travel packages of any kind, you’ll find a variety of different price ranges to choose from. The more exclusive Tour de France travel packages offer such amenities as four-star hotel accommodations, breakfast and dinners at some of the finer restaurants, and spectator tickets to view the race from some of the prime locations on the course.
Along with offering you the opportunity to view different stages of the race, many also offer you the chance to actually ride along a strip of the actual race. For many biking enthusiasts this is the pinnacle of cycling. The length of these packages is also usually a little longer, allowing you the opportunity to sit back and relax as you spend several days in one location. The prices of the more exclusive travel packages will vary but they generally run up to about $7,000 based on double occupancy. Beware, though, these travel packages almost never include airfare. This is an added expense you will need to budget in.
There’s also a variety of more modest Tour de France travel options for those who are on a tighter budget. These travel packages offer accommodations at the more modestly priced two-star hotels. Meals may or may not be included in the package. If you choose not to include your meals, you have the option of going to fast food type restaurants where your meals will be much less expensive.
Many of these modest-level packages also offer you the chance to view one or more of the stages of the race, but not necessarily from the prime locations. You’ll also be given a biking route that you can ride yourself. Note however that these are self-guided tours and you are on your own when it comes to following the map! The bottom line is these more moderately priced tour packages are great and you will still have a fantastic time. They just won’t be chock-full of some of the more luxurious benefits. Since most of your time will be spent outside enjoying the race and the beautiful French countryside, I’m not sure how important a four-star hotel is anyway.
These more modest Tour de France travel packages also come in a wide range of prices. Some can be found for as low as $1,000 based on double occupancy and continue on up from there. If you are a single reservation, you can request to be grouped with another single and that way, you can split the cost. Traveling solo is a great way to meet someone with similar interests. As with the more luxurious travel packages, these packages generally do not include airfare. Your best bet is to shop around for the best airfare deal that’s available for the time frame you need.
Whether you’re going first-class, second-class or flying solo, the bottom line is that you’re sure to find a Tour de France travel package that’ll fit your needs. And with the retirement of the current champion, the 2006 Tour de France is wide open, adding an appealing element of the unknown to the race. That alone is sure to make your Tour de France travel package well worth the price.
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