Grand Tours Project
What is your Grand Tour Project?
They create unique and challenging adventures that celebrate the culture of cycling on the most beautiful roads of Europe.
Are you passionate about cycling?
Do you want to escape your busy everyday life to live a unique and meaningful experience on your bike with like-minded friends? Do you want to get inspired and challenge yourself on famous Alpine passes where the glorious history of cycling was made? Or ride off the beaten path and explore roads only known by the locals in the most beautiful regions of Europe?
Join us for the ride of a lifetime. We’ll celebrate the culture of cycling. We’ll push ourselves. We’ll stop for pictures, coffee and (too much) gelati. We’ll make new friends. We’ll smile while climbing, and laugh when descending. We’ll taste the local cuisine - and wines. We’ll reinvent ourselves on two wheels.
Les Femmes de France 2022
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
France
10 days (Bike: 8 days)
580 km (~73km per day)
Hilly, On-road
Supported
Prices from
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
It has been over 10 years since there has been a prestigious French Classic race for women and well overdue.
Eight days of intense racing across northern France and Grand Tours Project invites you to join us on our first ever French women's racing event.
Right from the start, this race has the full support of the race organisers and sponsors. The men's race finishes in Paris on 24 July and the women's starts that same day, same place. The media coverage will be intense and cycle fans will line the Parisian route. This day will be huge and will make a memorable start to a new era of women's cycling.
Although only 8 days of racing, this is the perfect opportunity to ride on and along a full professional race route through the beautiful French countryside including the world class wine region of Champagne before heading into the hills and challenging mountains that are regular features of the Men's tour.
Join us for 3, 6 or 9 stages on this inaugural epic French race. Various options and duration of tours are available. Get in touch for full information!
Giro d'Italia "Ride Every Kilometre" Sicily and Mt Etna
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Italy
5 days (Bike: 3 days)
422 km (~141km per day)
Avid
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 2250
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Join us as we Ride Every Kilometre of the 3 Giro stages in Sicily - including the active volcano, Etna. This will be a week of cycling you will relish forever.
“There is nothing quite like riding on the full route of the Giro d'Italia, with thousands of supporters on the road cheering us on and the peloton only an hour or two behind us.” Keith Tuffley, Founder of Grand Tours Project and the mind behind the "Ride Every Kilometre" concept.
We're offering the opportunity for amateur cyclists to ride every kilometre of stages 3-5, on the same day as the race. We'll be riding in through some beautiful and spectacular regions of Sicily with a VIP Finish and Podium access at the end of Stage 5!
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you must be fit and strong, and be ready for back-to-back long days in the saddle. We will start early and sometimes not finish till 4:30pm, just one hour ahead of the race leaders. However, we will always ensure we have enough time on the route each day for coffee, lunch and photo stops.
There are very limited spaces on this tour, with a ratio of 7 cyclists : 1 guide. As "Official Tour Operator" of the Giro d'Italia, we have special access to the full race route, so we will have our support vehicle with us the whole distance, all the way to the finish line each day. Riding on the race course just a few hours before the pros makes this an unforgettable experience.
AlUla Explorer - Wonder of Arabia
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Saudi Arabia
7 days (Bike: 5 days)
350 km (~70km per day)
Active
Some hills, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 9890
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Ride 5 days in a spectacular and otherworldly desert landscape
Saudi Arabia has firmly put itself on the luxury tourism map as a gem of a destination, with the stunning desert landscape of AlUla its cycling capital – as seen in the AlUla Tour (formerly Saudi Tour) and through its sponsorship of the men’s and women’s World Tour Team Jayco AlUla. Located in the province of Medina in the north west of the Kingdom, AlUla is a city of great historical and cultural significance, with a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. The city is home to many ancient ruins, including the famous AlUla Old Town, with the region known for its natural beauty of desert canyons and towering sandstone cliffs, and now luxury accommodation and world-class cuisine.
AlUla is a tranquil desert sanctuary that invites you to discover an uncharted new world. If you are looking for somewhere different for your winter miles and to escape the cold, consider this unique, beautiful and other-worldly destination. We’ve been to try it out and promise you are in for a treat!
Experience cycling like nowhere else in the world, in ideal temperature through wondrous landscapes of peculiar rock formations and sandstone mountains. We’ll be joined by a local guide and member of the Saudi Cycling Federation, with the support of the Royal Commission for AlUla to help us discover the best of the region in our tour.
Your accommodation will be at the 5* Banyan Tree resort in the Ashar Valley, a desert retreat with luxurious tented villas and spa, inspired by the natural and mysterious surroundings.
If this hasn't convinced you, wait until you discover the special post-ride activities, which include cultural tours such as a special visit to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, adventure escapades, mountain-top lunches, spectacularly-set Michelin dinners and desert stargazing.
Whether you are looking for a unique cycling tour experience or a relaxing getaway, with its rich history, stunning natural beauty, superb accommodation and range of activities, AlUla is a must-visit destination.
Highlights
- Escape to reliably temperate climes
- Climb the same ascents as seen in the mountain stages of the Saudi Tour
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage listed sites
- Discover an ancient kingdom at a crossroads of civilisations and on famous incense trading routes
- Relax in a luxurious desert resort with 5* tented villas and spa
- Savour international and world-class cuisine
- Expert planning and support from our team (guides, mechanics, drivers)
- Approval from the Saudi Cycling Federation and Royal Commission for AlUla
Giro d'Italia "Experience" Sicily and Mount Etna
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Italy
5 days (Bike: 3 days)
222 km (~74km per day)
On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 2250
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Sicily ... the perfect destination for a cycle tour in spring, well before the summer crowds descend on the Mediterranean.
"This experience of riding on the same course as the pros, and just a few hours ahead of them, is unique in the sporting world. The atmosphere is simply incredible." Keith Tuffley, Founder - Grand Tours Project.
We have designed this tour to allow you to enjoy the best 60-100km of each stage during the first week of the Giro, and at the same time enjoy watching the race itself, from the best possible vantage points. This will include the exciting mountain finishes on Mt Etna in Sicily .
We'll be riding some of the best cycle routes in Italy as the Giro winds its way around the island of Sicily. Imposing volcanic landscapes, dramatic coastal scenes, rolling countrysides and forests, Greco-Roman ruins and UNESCO Heritage Sites everywhere, beautiful hilltop villages with rambling narrow streets, delicious cuisine and sun baked wines. The Sicilians have experienced the hardships of life here and despite adversity remain welcoming and friendly...The perfect backdrop for the 103rd Giro to hold 3 stages!
Each evening, we'll enjoy local cuisine and stay in a lovely hotel - for this tour, the quality of hotels, food and wine are as important as the cycling.
As an "Official Tour Operator", we will have our support vehicle with us the whole distance. Riding on the race course just a few hours before the pros makes this an unforgettable experience.
Giro d'Italia - Grande Partenza
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Hungary
6 days (Bike: 4 days)
304 km (~76km per day)
On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 3150
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
How apt that the Giro d'Italia starts in the splendid, magnificent and historical capital of Hungary - Budapest.
It was the Romans who transformed a Celtic village into Aquincum, initially a military base but gradually transformed into a city with famous baths and amphitheatres. And from 6-11 May 2020, Budapest will be host to the descendants of the Romans for the start of the Giro d’Italia 2020.
Budapest was named European Best Destination in 2019 because ‘Budapest offers the elegance of Paris, the architectural heritage of Vienna, the charm of Porto, Stockholm’s gentle way of life’. Budapest, will also host the Giro's Grande Partenza in 2020. It begins with an individual time trial in Budapest, followed by two long stages (190km+) through the heart of Hungary. This will be a truly epic and unforgettable experience for those who join us.
As an "Official Tour Operator" of the Giro d'Italia, Grand Tours Project is in a special position to deliver the ultimate experience for passionate cyclists. We have designed an ‘Experience’ tour that introduces you to the magic of both Budapest, Hungary and the Giro d’Italia.
And this Tour is without a doubt one of the most unique we have ever designed. Our "Official Tour Operator" status ensures we will have our support vehicles on the course with our cyclists at all times, and we'll gain access to the VIP Giro Club in Budapest to watch the ITT race at the finish line. Our tour is designed for avid cyclists who wish to ride as much as possible on all these 3 stages, for those who wish to have a more relaxed ride of 60-100km per day, and for non-riding partners.
Join us for a cycling holiday of a lifetime at "the toughest race in the world’s most beautiful place – Italy".
Giro d'Italia "Ride Every Kilometre" Week 3 - The Alps, Stelvio and Milano
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Italy
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
1107 km (~185km per day)
Avid
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 3950
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Join us as we cycle every kilometre of the final week of the Giro - from beautiful Bassano del Grappa, up the mighty Alps including the Cima Coppi - Passo Stelvio. And then the Grande Finale in Milano. This will be a week of cycling you will relish forever.
“There is nothing quite like riding on the full route of the Giro d'Italia, with thousands of supporters on the road cheering us on and the peloton only an hour or two behind us.” Keith Tuffley, Founder of Grand Tours Project and the mind behind the "Ride Every Kilometre" concept
We're offering the opportunity for amateur cyclists to ride every kilometre of stages 16-21, on the same day as the race. We'll be riding in some of the classic cycle regions of northern Italy, with a classic finish in Milano!
You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you must be fit and strong, and be ready for back-to-back long days in the saddle. We will start early and sometimes not finish till 4:30pm, just one hour ahead of the race leaders. However, we will always ensure we have enough time on the route each day for coffee, lunch and photo stops.
There are very limited spaces on this tour, with a ratio of 7 cyclists : 1 guide. As "Official Tour Operator" of the Giro d'Italia, we have special access to the full race route, so we will have our support vehicle with us the whole distance, all the way to the finish line each day. Riding on the race course just a few hours before the pros makes this an unforgettable experience.
Mallorca Explorer
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Spain
7 days (Bike: 6 days)
356 km (~59km per day)
Active
On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 3000
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
We've designed this tour to offer you a luxury pre/post season escape. You'll ride some of Mallorca's most famous climbs and stay in a selection of beautiful hotels in the historic town of Alcudia, Soller and Palma.
Mallorca! Yes, we have designed a breathtaking scenic 6 days of riding in the the UNESCO Serra de Tramuntana – pine and oak forested mountains, captivating coastal landscapes, ancient olive, orange and almond groves, picturesque medieval villages and of course delicious Mallorcan produce.
Mallorca outside of the summer season is perfect for getting ready for European summer cycling or for winding down after a busy summer. Not too hot, not peak season …just right.
This island is a cycling mecca for road bikers, and for good reason too... It's not only the training destination of many pro teams and riders (think Team Ineos and Bradley Wiggins), but the island boasts sunshine, mountains, dramatic scenery routes, quaint villages, dramatic seascapes, delicious local produce...and of course cycle-friendly routes and challenges.
La Vuelta a España - Ride Every Kilometre
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Spain
25 days
Big climbs, On-road
Supported
Prices from
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
At Grand Tours Project, we simply love La Vuelta! And after the last edition which was such an exciting race, we can't wait to be there again . We'll be riding every kilometre of this amazing race, just a few hours ahead of the pros, and the small group of cyclists who join us will experience for themselves why this event is as grand as the other two Grand Tours.
You will need to be a strong cyclist to achieve this challenge, but you don't need to be an elite athlete. Ours is a journey, not a race, and we'll leave enough time on each day to enjoy our lunch breaks and photo stops. Once we cross the finish line each day, we'll sit back and watch the race as the "fight for red" takes place only a couple of hours after us.
There are very limited spaces on this tour - with the ratio of 7 riders : 1 guide. This small group will ride together and will always have the support van close by - with drinks, snacks and dry clothing. Riding on the race course just a few hours before the pros, with the support of the crowds and our team, makes this an unforgettable experience.
Maratona dles Dolomites Enel Getaway
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
Italy
6 days (Bike: 3 days)
250 km (~83km per day)
Active
Big climbs, On-road
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
€ 1950
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Stunning landscapes, challenging climbs, great photo spots, new friends, pure air and time away from your smartphone are guaranteed when riding with us.
We return to one of our favourite cycling regions in the whole world - the beautiful Dolomites - for the 35th edition (2022) of the Maratona dels Dolomites Enel. The race is one of the most prestigious granfondos in the world with over 32,000 cyclists competing for 9,000 entries. Join us for this unique event. Start numbers guaranteed!
This short tour is well suited for riders of different levels. The "col collectors" will have the opportunity to tick many boxes from their bucket list and challenge themselves on the long Maratona course (138km). The short (55km) and medium (106km) courses are ideal to get a taste of mountain riding with short and ridiculously scenic climbs."Can I do it?" That's what you may ask yourself. Kath was wondering too before riding the Maratona last year. Read her story here.
Prior to the Maratona Gran Fondo on Sunday, we will enjoy three days of cycling to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites. We will also relax on the day before the event to enjoy the local cuisine, unique culture and extraordinary history of the South Tyrol. All of this with the support of our bike-friendly hotel situated next to the registration village and run by our good friend Klaus.
This trip is ideal for your non-riding partner and your children, who will enjoy a wonderful holiday in the Dolomites; activities such as hiking, a Summer For Kids programme, wellness and golf are available (contact us for more information). There is a Grand Tours Project for everybody!
As an official tour operator of the Maratona dles Dolomites - Enel we can guarantee start numbers to this world famous Gran Fondo, which sells out in hours. Book now and guarantee your place in this iconic event as this tour is expected to sell out quickly.
Grand Tour France 2022 Week 1 Belgium, France & Switzerland
Tour Operator: Grand Tours Project
France
8 days (Bike: 6 days)
1090 km (~182km per day)
Big climbs, On-road
Supported
Prices from
Overview
Tour Operator Grand Tours Project
Ride every kilometre
So what is Ride Every Kilometre (REK)? It's the opportunity for you to ride the same full stages as the pros, the day before the actual race. Riding from the start (at a reasonable time!) to the finish; without control checkpoints, detours and less stress trying to race the gendarmes, caravan and the pros! REK has been tried and tested by Keith Tuffley. He succeeded and decided to set up Grand Tours Project to help other cycling fanatics to achieve their dreams of riding the premier cycle races in Europe.
Eight days and 7 nights, with six days of riding from Dunkerque across northern France. Cobblestones make an appearance on Stage 5, before heading to Alsace, into Lausanne Switzerland and our stamping ground around Aigle and Alpes Vaudoise. This REK finishes in France at Chatel, in the ski resort of Les Portes du Soleil. A mixture of flat, hilly and mountainous terrain.