Weekend Itinerary

A long weekend tour based out of Lausanne, Switzerland - La Capitale Olympique.

Day 1 - The Lavaux and The Riviera

Panoramic route traversing The Lavaux - a UNESCO World Heritage area - riden by the TdF in 2022. The route takes us through the wine villages and terraces before dropping down to Vevey. Mount Pélerin is the local climb or the H/C Col de Jaman looming above Montreux can be a more demanding option. A 60-80km cafe cruise.

Day 2 - Col de la Croix Loop

Leaving Lausanne we ride across The Lavaux and the Montreux Riviera past the famous Château de Chillon before picking up The Rhone Valley and heading to the UCI Velodrome for a coffee stop. Then the iconic climb of the Vaud Alps - the 22km ascent of the Col de la Croix via the ski resort of Villars with stunning views of Les Diablerets. We descend to Aigle via Ormont-Dessus and return to Lausanne by train. A 120km/2000m - 8 hour ride with stops.

Day 3 - Col de Mosses Loop

From the shores of Lake Geneva we gradually climb through the Lavaux Terrraces, the Fribourg Pre-Alp meadows and the Gruyère Naturpark to take on the Col de Mosses - a 14km Cat 2 climb riden in the TdF and Tour de Suisse. At the summit we have a swooping 24km run down to Aigle where we return to Lausanne by train. A 120km/2000m - 8 hour ride with stops.

Tour overview

The itinerary allows for arrival into Geneva airport early Friday morning and to be on the bikes by midday.

Late flights depart Geneva on Sunday to both Heathrow and Gatwick allowing for a long ride.

All routes are flexible to accommodate your cycling group's ability. Extra days can be added if you wish an extended visit.

Rides tailored to you and your friends

At Lausanne Bike Tours we provide you and your friends the opportunity to experience some fantastic cycling. The long weekend is easily adaptable to additional days or alternative routes.

You and your friends

Our aim is to provide you and your friends with a memorable experience - ideally for small groups of 4-8 riders. The main rides are pitched at the level of a tough sportive - these are easily adaptable to a range of abilities.

Your Guide

Scott - this is me after coming to grief on the Tour de Flanders. Originally from South Shields I've been resident in Switzerland for 2 years -I'll be pacing you up the mountains . Still do the odd Crit or Track race.

Lausanne

Capitale Olympique and Switzerland's fourth biggest city - nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. A great place to explore when not on your bike. The Olympic Museum is a must for sports enthusiasts or just relax at one of the many lakeside lidos.

Travel

Lausanne is a reliable 8 hour drive from Calais if coming by car.

Geneva airport is well served with a high frequency of flights from all London airports. Train connection to Lausanne Gare is less than an hour.

The weekend itinerary allows you to fly in Friday morning and back on Sunday evening.

Logistics

If flying in we can arrange to transport bike boxes to and from your accommodation. Or alternatively bike hire with a local bike shop is available.

A minibus for airport transfer for your group can be arranged.

We aim to maximise your days on the bike and minimise any time needed off.

Accommodation

You can use our accommodation partner - a 3 star hotel in central Lausanne with twin rooms.

Or if you prefer to source your own we are entirely flexible.

Tailored Rides

Thanks to the peerless Swiss rail system - a range of other rides are possible. These rides are at the more challenging end of what we offer and are for regular club riders. The routes are all 6-7 hours in the saddle. With cafe stops 8+ hours.

Sanetsch Pass

From the floor of the Rhone Valley a 24km ascent with 1700m of height gain. The last 4km of the climb are all above 2000m - the peak being at 2252m. We descend via a telecabine with bikes slung on the back into the Saane Valley from where we can continue to Gstaad and back to Aigle via the Col de Mosses.

Juanpass and Mittelberg

We ride to Montreux and take the Golden Pass train to Château'd'Œx then ride a stunning loop through amazing scenery. Both climbs are about 10km - they're not the longest or steepest but possibly the most stunning for the views. We can return by train to Montreux of if legs allow climb Les Mosses and enjoy the 24km descent into Aigle. Our favourite route.

Forclaz and Émosson

The route of the 2016 TdF. From Martigney we immediately climb the Col de Forclaz, descend into the Trient valley and then climb up to Émosson. There is an option to continue up to Vieux Émosson at 2200m. We return to Martigney on The Mont-Blanc Express - one of the most amazing train journeys in Europe.

Col de la Croix de Coeur

From Martigney we ride along the Rhone Valley before taking on the iconic climb of the Valais Alps - recently ridden in The Giro. After cresting at 2173m we descend into the chic resort of Verbier and back down to the Rhone Valley.

Tour Information

The rides run from mid- May through to the end of October

What's Included

Fully guided rides
Stunning routes
Mountain air
Fantastic experience

What's Not

Accommodation/Food
Travel costs
Insurance
Support vehicle

Prices - group size

4 riders - 200CHF/day
6 riders - 250CHF/day
8 riders - 300CHF/day

Travel Insurance

Switzerland operates an insurance based health system. The Global Health Insurance Card is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. Make sure you have appropriate cover.

Lausanne Bike Tours