French Alps, 25th June to 4th July 2010, 10 days (9 nights)
Every year I run an almost identical trip to the French Alps. This well-established Alpine adventure is very competitively priced, and even those on a tight budget should have no real worries even in these Credit Crunch days.
Sailing outward at lunchtime on 25th June from Dover to Calais, returning on 4th July, Calais to Dover at 14:00. This trip starts and finishes in England, but when we have picked up our rental bikes (where applicable), we set off to the port of Dover and head for foreign shores. A short boat crossing of 75 minutes sees us on French soil, where we head on down to the Alps, some 600 miles further south. The mountainous scenery is stunning, and the twisty roads are as exciting as anywhere in the world.
If the highest mountain passes in The Alps aren't stunning enough for you, side excursions are possible to the Mediterranean Sea, which is a further 250 miles to the South if anyone wants to add a little extra to their holiday. France has an entirely different culture and language to England, and generally much better weather as well, which is something of a bonus for us.
2009 & 2010 Alps tour prices, includes
Return Ferry
1 night in hotel HALF BOARD. On outward journey
7 nights in Bourg, in hotel, chalet or camping.
1 night in Sezanne or Dizy Hotel on way home
2009 & 2010 prices – all deals include, return ferries, one night in outward hotel (half board) and one night in return hotel (B&B) irrespective of the type of accommodation chosen in Bourg St Maurice
Camping, bike & rider, 10 day (9 night) camping package
just £481
Pillion on camping package – minus £50 = £431
Chalet deal – for 10 day tour – 4 in a chalet
Bike & Rider = £530
Pillion on chalet package – minus £50 = £480
Chalet deal – for 10 days – 3 in a chalet
Bike & Rider = £572
Pillion on chalet package – minus £50 = £522
Chalet deal – for 10 dayss – 2 in a chalet
Bike & Rider = £658
Pillion on chalet package – minus £50 = £608
La Petite Auberge hotel deal – for 10 day tour – hotels throughout (9 nights)
Bike & Rider = £681 (shared room)
Pillion on hotel package – minus £50 = £631
Single room - = £811 (own room)
This prices include return ferry tickets, all accommodation, breakfasts (if in hotel) and services of a fluent French speaking tour guide (me!). The tour guide has had a mere 27 years' experience of going to Bourg St Maurice & its surrounding areas.
See sections to the left of this page for much greater detail.