2018 Vuelta Tour – North Coast to Madrid
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2018 La Vuelta Tour
! Basque beaches & mountains to Madrid We are! delighted to present to you our 2018 Vuelta Tour, showcasing several of Spain’s classic regions with their wonderful landscapes, medieval cities, cuisine and !! cycling routes. incredible
! With unprecedented access to the PRO riders and their entourage, you will not only get up and close to many of them for a one on one chat, but also watch and cheer ! them on when we watch them race past over three stages. ! Allan Davis, former PRO, who now calls this region of Spain home, has designed your rides. With intimate knowledge of this entire ! area, you can be confident in setting your own pace on the bike, knowing you are being supported every step of the way by our unparalleled professional team. Our ! guest ratio is the best in the industry, ensuring lots guide to of personal attention. !
Non-riders will enjoy exploring some of the most beautiful and world famous towns & cities of Spain, including ! Bilbao, San Sebastian and Madrid. Wandering Santander, through ancient streets, shops, bars, museums and so much more, this ! tour has plenty to offer. With the! focus on a full holiday experience, cycling is just one element. Our accommodation and cuisine has also been carefully chosen. Long established relationships with many chefs ! and hoteliers, you will be spoilt in luxurious 4 star hotels and fabulous cuisine, ranging from local, traditional Tapas bars to Michelin Starred restaurants. .
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ONE LUCKY GUEST WILL SPEND A DAY IN A PRO TEAM CAR ! ON THE RACE ROUTE DURING THE STAGE for the ULTIMATE Vuelta Experience PLUS all ! return guests receive FREE BIKE HIRE as part of our ‘We’re Back’ campaign DATES: PRICE:
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9 - 17 September (9 days / 8 nights) $5,400 aud
GROUP SIZE: Limited to 12 guests with 4 professional guides START
Santander (Airport or Train Station)
FINISH:
Madrid (Airport)
CONTACT:
info@procyclingtours.com
DAY$1$$$$$$$ !
WELCOME$TO$LA$VEULTA$ESPANA$
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Welcome to the stunning north coast of Spain. We look forward! to collecting you from the nearby airport or train station and commence this fabulous holiday.
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Once checked in we will be available to help set up your bike or ! introduce you to your hire bike. Depending on
how you feel and arrival time, we will enjoy our first ride
through! this interesting town and surrounding beaches and nearby hill-scape. It is important to us to ensure your
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first day on tour with us is truly memorable and not just an average arrival day on a tour!
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Surrounded by mountains and countryside, the streets of
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Santander wind up through the hilly landscape to afford fantastic views of the Cantabrian Sea, which supplies the
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city's restaurants with the fantastic seafood for which Cantabria ! is renowned. The best shopping can be found
on the Alameda de Oviedo Boulevard, bustling with street vendors, ! and the stylish and completely pedestrianised Calle Burgos.
! Santander fell victim to a great fire in 1941. Fanned by a
! strong wind, the fire burned for two days. The fire started in several places next to the harbour, the Cathedral and the
! quarter. The fire destroyed the Old Town Hall, medieval
and many other historical buildings. It led to a major change! in the architecture of Santander, away from the
older small stone and wood buildings with balconies to the
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enormous
blocks
of
flats
built
during
the
reconstruction.
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Our selected hotel is centrally located to enjoy all
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Santander has to offer and also provide us easy access to the upcoming Individual Time Trial.
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Tonight ! we will enjoy getting to know our fellow guests over a delicious and extensive dinner.
! RIDE
2.5 hours / 50km / rolling hills & flat
STAY
Santander 4* city centre hotel!
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DAY$2$$$$$$$ !
WE$RIDE$THE$TIME$TRIAL$COURSE$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$10$Sept$
After filling up on our endless and delicious breakfast, we ! out on our first proper ride for the tour. will head With our! central location, we will have the opportunity to warm up our legs along the picturesque beaches before making our way to tomorrow’s Time Trial course.
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For those who have not exerted themselves too much, trying to get the fastest time, we will ride on a little further ! into the rolling hills. Allan ‘Alby’ Davis, your ride guide, who has raced the ! Vuelta numerous times, will personally chaperone you along the length of the Time Trial course. You will enjoy ! experiencing just what the pros are up for the tomorrow. We will ! spend the afternoon catching up with many of the PRO riders and their PRO teams. It’s a rest day for the peloton, so we will take advantage of their day off the ! a unique opportunity to get up close and bike and personal. With unprecedented access, this is a fabulous chance for a one on one chat and naturally a few ! souvenir photos. We head ! back to the hotel before enjoying a fantastic dinner at a nearby local hotel.
! RIDE STAY
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4 hours / 70km / rolling hills & flat Santander 4* city centre hotel!
DAY$3$$$$$$$ PRO$TIME$TRIAL$ACTION$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$11$Sept ! $ $$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$13!July! Today is our first day of live PRO racing action. We head ! to the ITT course and take prime position to back out watch the rider’s race against the clock.
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Before heading to the course, we will take a fabulous ride into the nearby mountains to challenge our legs and take in some! of Spain’s most breathtaking scenery – a sublime combination of mountains and the sea.
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This is an outline for specialists. The 32,7 km route and the terrain will be perfect for those time-trial specialists who survived! the Asturias-Leon triptych to make significant differences to the general classification with regards to the climbers during the final stretch.
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Having ridden the course the day prior and spoken to many of ! the PRO riders about their thoughts, we will literally free like we are right there on the bike with them. Perhaps! you will even get the chance to ride in a team vehicle today behind one of the riders? A once in a lifetime experience.
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Once the king of the ITT has been crowned we will transfer! the short distance to the amazing town of Bilbao, where we will be based for the next two nights.
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Another fantastic Spanish dinner awaits before our exhausted legs take a well-earned rest.
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RIDE STAY
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4 hours / 70km / mountains & rolling hills Bilbao 4* city centre hotel!
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MOUNTAIN$CLIMBING$WITH$THE$PROS$$
We wake to the excitement of another fantastic day of live ! PRO racing action. We will certainly need plenty of fuel for todays epic ride.
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Leaving the hotel by bike this morning, we head out to today’s final climb for the PROs. Not letting them have all ! the fun, we will climb this monster ourselves before watching the epic finale play out on top of this majestic mountain. ! todays stage finish live at the summit of Monte Oiz Watching on the Balcón de Bizkaia will certainly be unforgettable.
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An unprecedented finale, with a very “Vuelta” profile, the riders must ! overcome over 3000 metres of climbing today, with an explosive finish line in Mount Oiz and slopes of up to 17% and 18%.
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Once the excitement has died down a little, we will head back to! our fabulous hotel. Tonight’s cuisine will be nothing short of delicious – a true Basque feast.
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For those not riding today, you naturally have the option to stay and ! explore this vibrant and exciting city, which has so much to offer, or take in the action of the PRO race in one of our support vehicles and be part of the stage finish ! action.
! With staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene and stunning landscapes just outside the city centre: Bilbao is one of ! the great treasures of the Basque Country. Our fantastic 4 star hotel is located just a short stroll from the world famous Guggenheim Museum. ! RIDE STAY
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4.5 – 5 hrs / 100km / mountainous Bilbao 4* city centre hotel!
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EXPLORING$THE$DELIGHTS$AROUND$BILBOA$
A fabulous benefit of travelling on a procyclingtours holiday ! is that it affords you plenty of choices, and today is no different. With just a short transfer to San Sebastian to make !! today, we have plenty of options on and off the bike.
! If you didn’t get the chance to explore Bilbao yesterday, today is your day. The Guggenheim Bilbao is a museum of modern! and contemporary art built alongside the Nervion River, and is one of several museums belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. It is one of the largest ! museums in Spain and a true masterpiece. A tour is a definite must. !
Overlooking the river, the Mercado de la Ribera is an ! food market that draws many of the city's top expansive chefs for their morning selection of fresh produce. If you're not up !for a picnic, don't miss the pintxo counters upstairs which offer an excellent spread of quintessential Basque tapas.
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The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of !charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the heart of the Casco are Bilbao’s! original seven streets, Las Siete Calles, which date from the early 1400s.
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We have not forgotten about riding today. Once we have transferred to San Sebastian we have selected a very ! enjoyable two-hour coastal ride to take in beautiful views. This area is a true jewel in Spain’s crown. Alby will of course ! be on hand to show you many hidden gems around this, his backyard.
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RIDE STAY
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2hr / 50km / hilly coastal ride San Sebastian 4* old town centre
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PRO$ROADS$ALL$TO$OURSELVES$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Today is a special day on the bike as we take to the roads ! riders train on in the off season…..and we also all the PRO happen to be just a stone throw away from Alby’s home base. ! We wake in this incredible beachside town of San ! Sebastian, which is perfectly nestled between the sea and soaring mountains. So incredible for riding, many of the ! have bases here. PRO teams Exploring ! this region by bike, we will take an unforgettable journey over 3.5 hours and take in the best the area has to offer including the famous Jaizkibel climb. We will also ! head into France for a cheeky coffee before heading back.
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A fabulous, long local lunch, we will be able to get back to our !hotel in plenty of time to watch the PROs cross today’s finish line in Andorra.
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Capping off a very special day, we will enjoy an intimate Michelin starred dinner – as San Sebastian is legendary for ! its cuisine and holds title to no less than 10 Michelin starred restaurants.
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Framed by golden beaches and lush hillsides, San Sebastian ! has undeniable allure, from its venerable dining scene to its grand architecture and packed cultural calendar.
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You will just fall in love with this beautiful town over the next ! three nights.
! RIDE STAY
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4.5 hr / 80km / 1200mt elevation San Sebastian 4* old town centre !
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$$$DAY$7$$$ COAST$AND$MOUNTAINS$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$15$SEPT$$$$ ! $ $ $ While the PRO peloton cover some of their final challenging ! climbs of the Vuelta, in Andorra, we spend the day riding the most beautiful beaches and surrounds of northern Spain.
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Again, Alby will introduce us to some of his favourite places and we! will enjoy a fabulous lunch stop along the way. Today will see us ride a climb very well known to the PROs, ! Monte Igeldo and end in the surf capital of Spain, Zarautz. We will !make it back in time to watch the last action packed climbs of the Vuelta on television with a local cerveza and pintxo in! hand. ! For those who want to see a bit more of San Sebastian, you ! can opt to take the day off the bike and enjoy the fabulous history, culture, shopping and food on offer.
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If you feel inspired to burn off some calories off the bike, head for ! the castle at the top of Monte Urgull – a pleasant 30-minute walk through woodland filled with birdsong ends beneath a giant statue of Christ, and there's an English ! cemetery to explore halfway up.
! are arguably even better from Monte Igueldo, at The views the opposite end of the bay, and a funicular will speed you to the top. ! If, however, you choose to walk up the winding road, be wary of falling head over heels as you glimpse the vistas of! rugged coastline and the high peaks that enfold one of Europe's loveliest cities. With the! late start tomorrow for the finale in Madrid, tonight we will enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner at a nearby local ! restaurant. RIDE
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STAY
3.5hr / 60km / 1000mt elevation San Sebastian 4* old town centre !
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$$$DAY$8$$$$$$$$$$$$STAGE$FINISH$IN$MADRID$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$16$SEPT$$$$ ! $ $ $ This morning we will transfer in comfort to Madrid via ! train in preparation for this afternoons race arrival into the Spanish central capital.
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Settling into our hotel located on the edge of the old town, !we are perfectly positioned nearby the race route of the Vuelta as is makes it’s procession into town in! the evening that will attract tens of thousands of fans.
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You’ll have the afternoon to explore the many attractions Madrid is famous for, from its parks through ! to some 73 museums! For those who would like to spend !more time in Madrid, you have the option to extend your stay in our hotel for additional nights as required. ! This evening, we will enjoy the final moments of La ! Vuelta, as it laps around the city in preparation for a final bunch sprint and for the crowning of the 2018 ! champion! Carry on soaking up the festivities at your leisure ! by heading to one of the many wonderful restaurants in the city; perhaps a traditional paella is beckoning. !
! RIDE STAY
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Transfer day into Madrid Madrid 4* hotel, city centre !
$$$DAY$9$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ADIÓS$AMIGOS$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$17$Sept ! $ $ $ ! Today we bid you farewell to what has been an amazing ! ! and memorable holiday, but not before on last leisurely ride around the main park in Madrid, for those staying on or departing ! late in the afternoon. We will provide any assistance with packing your bike or remove! your pedals, garmin etc from your hire bike. We can also provide all the assistance you need for ! checking into the airport or any onward holiday plans in Europe. Or perhaps you would like to spend a few extra days in this extraordinary city. ! For those of you who would like to extend your stay in Madrid,! we are more than happy to assist. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the many more attractions of this most magnificent city. ! Today we farewell our fellow travellers and look forward to ! welcoming you again on another procyclingtours and Allan Davis Cycling holiday soon. !
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rs Chee s h os t r u o y !
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! ! ! Michelle Heuss Owner procyclingtours
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Allan ‘Alby’ Davis owner Allan Davis Cycling
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! TOUR$HIFLIGHTS$FILLED$WITH$SO$MANY$INCLUSIONS! !
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Offering money cant buy extras such as visiting inside a PRO Tour bus, RIDE in a PRO Team
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FREE bike hire for ALL returning guests 9 Days / 8 nights slumber in the finest accommodation and sampling regional cuisine.
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Car * and meet the PRO riders and their managers – unprecedented access.
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Carefully selected 4* hotels, chosen for location and comfort. All transfers including those to and from arrival and departure locations. Ride classic climbs of Spain including climbs the PRO peloton train on in the off season
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Watch several stages of the Vuelta Espana LIVE and personally meet many of the PRO
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Non-riders are welcomed and well catered for with daily sightseeing options offered.
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peloton
Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings. 5 delicious dinners including selected wines and beverages. The owners of procyclingtours
& Allan Davis Cycling create and personally host your
holiday experience. 4 highly experienced and professional staff for a maximum of 14 guests to ensure you receive the pro treatment. The highest guide to client ratio in the industry
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Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans, On-road PERSONAL coaching and advice by former PRO rider and current Director Sportive, Allan ‘Alby’ Davis. The support you need to get the best out of your cycling.
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Pre-tour training and holiday preparation advice if required with option to extend your stay
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luggage, expert handling your bike right but doesn't stop at handing you your room keys
Be treated like a pro by the pros. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of and taking care of any dietary needs.
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Photography by procyclingtours. We provide you with of precious memories of your holiday and you get to take them with you on departure. Printed ride maps and detailed itinerary.
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Picnic lunches on selected days, where lunch stops are not possible.
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On road supplements including quality brand energy bars, fruit, cold drinks, mechanical,
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A welcome pack including a procyclingtours jersey first aid and vehicle support throughout your ride (not just at the start and finish). Free tubes and canisters in the event of a puncture FOR ALL GUESTS. Flexible ride options each day - ride as much or as little as you like! Quality hire bikes including full set-up Your tour is guaranteed to depart.
* One guest will have the opportunity to ride in a PRO Tour Team Vehicle on one stage of the Vuelta. Selected at the welcome dinner at random
$TO$FINALISE$YOUR$BOOKING! ! To guarantee your place on this procyclingtours holiday, simply register online through the tour page ! and arrange your deposit of $1,000. Balance! of payment is due 3 months prior to tour start. For any!questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc.
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For full terms & conditions, refer to our website at procyclingtours.com
! ! – rates remain unchanged since 2014 – Bike Hire
FREE for all past guests
! an option to purchase Theft & Damage Insurance for only $100) $495 (with BH or Orbea (or similar), includes compact or triple chain ring, ultegra, helmet, water bottle, ! saddlebag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers. As a unique procyclingtours benefit, we offer Theft and Damage Insurance for complete piece of mind.
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Single Supplement $1,500 Travelling alone and do not want to share a room? We provide you with the option to go it alone. Just let us know.
**procyclingtours.com reserves the right to make changes to this itinerary if required