THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Imagine road biking for 4 days through the vineyards of Carmel Valley, the coast line of Big Sur, and the coast of Monterey Bay. Cycling and exploring these amazing vistas is a one-of-a-kind experience with the rolling coastal hill sides and the California Condors that fill the sky. Your trip is prepared by professional coaches & guides with local knowledge to show you the best the area has to offer. Winding roads through the vineyards to breathtaking views of the Big Sur coast line await you. Cycling routes range from 20 miles to 50 miles or more. Varying terrain and roads allow the groups to climb as much or as little as they want. Our guides will map out multiple rides in the area and if needed, we can split into two groups so everyone can ride at their own pace.

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a rich continental breakfast buffet with fresh local fruit, pastries, juice and other treats to prepare you for your ride. Mid day snacks are prepared with local ingredients and come from one of the richest agriculture areas in the world. Lunch at Nepenthe on the edge of Big Sur will really capture your soul with its stunning panoramic views. Carmel Valley and the Central Coast vineyards provide some of the best wines in the world for our groups to taste. After our rides, we will explore the region and taste award winning wines. Enjoy three wine tastings in the area after our rides and a tasting at the Welcome Aprés hour. On the final night we will have a group dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

We have exclusive partnerships at a wide range of accommodations throughout Monterey and Carmel. We can customize the trip for you to stay in a luxury hotel, a local family owned B&B, or one of many classic coastal inns to unwind at after a great day on the bike. Every morning rise to an early morning yoga session that will prepare you for an amazing day ahead.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Day

Meet the Le Grand team at your hotel in the Monterey Bay. Our team will build your bikes or complete the fittings for your rental bikes if requested. We will take this time to get to know one another while also sharing tips on bike building and riding etiquette. Once the bikes are built we will enjoy an easy ride along the coast and work on some skills that we will use over the next few days. Next, we head back to the hotel to enjoy a relaxing Welcome Aprés Hour.

Included Meals: Ride Snacks-Drinks | Welcome Apres Hour & Wine Tasting

Day 2: Carmel Valley, CA

Meet the Le Grand team at your hotel in the Monterey Bay. Our team will build your bikes or complete the fittings for your rental bikes if requested. We will take this time to get to know one another while also sharing tips on bike building and riding etiquette. Once the bikes are built we will enjoy an easy ride along the coast and work on some skills that we will use over the next few days. Next, we head back to the hotel to enjoy a relaxing Welcome Aprés Hour.

Included Meals: Ride Snacks-Drinks | Welcome Apres Hour & Wine Tasting

Day 3: Big Sur, CA

Wake up to an early morning yoga session and stretch that will help you get ready to cycle the Big Sur coast. Leave from the hotel after a hearty fresh breakfast and be prepared to be amazed by the coastal landscape of Big Sur! Ride along one of the best roads in the world and stop at iconic locations along the way. An exclusive lunch high above the Big Sur coast at Nepenthe awaits you at the end of the ride, as you stare at the Pacific Ocean hundreds of feet above the water. Next, we return to the hotel and head over to our third wine tasting. Tonight we treat you to a delicious meal in a cozy atmosphere at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Ride Experience: Ride the Coastline of Big Sur, approximately 35 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. **Fully Supported!
Hotel: Monterey Bay Accommodations
Included Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Wine Tasting | Special Group Dinner in Carmel

Day 4: Monterey to Pebble Beach – Departure Day

Wake up to another early morning yoga session and enjoy the last morning to round off your trip. We will leave the hotel after another great breakfast and head for one of our favorite rides in all of California. We will cruise by landscapes such as Pebble Beach, Ghost Tree & the Lone Cypress (60 foot plus waves can break here in the winter), Asilomar, Lovers point and a return trip through the rolling hills of the coast. Next, we return to the hotel after a great 3 days of cycling the California Coast. Your bags will be ready at the hotel and our team will assist you packing your bike if needed. If you had a rental bike, we will take care of that for you. We will say our goodbyes for now and look forward to the next time we ride together. Our team will have a snack ready for you after the ride. We are available to help with any suggestions before you leave and if you are staying longer, provide some points of interest to visit.

Ride Experience: Ride the famous 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach, approximately 30 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. **Fully Supported!
Hotel: Monterey Bay Accommodations
Included Meals: Breakfast | Ride Snacks-Drinks

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour may be altered to adjust for weather and conditions. Our guides will plan the tour around the conditions to make sure you have the best trip possible.

FAQ

Check out our General FAQs section. Here you will find answers to your general questions.

What Should I Bring With Me?

Road Bike Gear:
Road bike (if you need a rental bike please contact us)
Bike Helmet & HeadBand for Sweat Protection
Water bottles (2)
Road Bike gloves
Road Bike jersey or tops
Bike Shorts & Padded chamois shorts recommended
Leg warmers or longer tights (depending on weather)
Rain jacket & Insulated layers (depending on conditions)
Socks- ankle high or taller recommended
Road bike shoes (or athletic shoes if using flat pedals)
Eye protection-sunglasses

Misc/Recommended:
Sunscreen
Extra Snacks/performance food\Extra tubes & patch kit for bike tube repairs. Guides will assist in repairs & will have extras
Optional: cycling computer, cell phone, camera
(We can assist with some gear, please feel free to contact us)

Après Clothing:
Bring proper clothing for when you’re not riding.

Travel Requirements:
Current Passport
Credit card, cash and/or traveler’s checks
ID or driver’s license
Medical insurance cards
Prescriptions or other medications
Important phone numbers
Proof of Travelers Insurance
Emergency contact & Medical info

Can I Reserve My Trip With a Deposit?

Yes, you can reserve your trip with a Deposit for all tours. Reservations are available immediately once a trip is announced and up to 90 days prior to the Date of Departure. The Deposit amount is twenty percent (20%) of the Tour Price. When booking within 89 days or less prior to the date of departure, the full amount is due at time of booking.

When Should I Make My Travel Arrangements?

Please wait until you receive confirmation from Le Grand Adventure Tours before making any travel arrangements. Our team is happy to assist you with any travel needs.

When is The Final Payment For This Tours Due?

Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure, or 7 days from booking confirmation if booking is within 90 days.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

• 90 days or more prior to Departure: LGA will retain the deposit as an “Adventure Deposit” for a future trip. Full refund will be given.
• 89-60 days prior to Departure: LGA will retain 50% of the total Tour Price and the deposit will be held as an Adventure Deposit for a future trip.
• 59 days or less prior to Departure: LGA will retain 100% of the total Tour Price.
  Le Grand Adventure Tours cannot be held responsible for snow and/or weather conditions. Trips cannot be cancelled or amended on the basis of snow and weather conditions.

What Is Your Refund Policy?

No refunds, reimbursements or discounts will be granted if, for any reason, Client misses the Tour, fails to join the Tour, leaves the Tour, is dismissed from the Tour, or cannot fully participate in the Tour. Any Refunds will be at the discretion of Le Grand Adventure Tours if you are involuntarily forced to leave a tour for any reason.

Can I Rent a Road Bike?

We can rent bike through our partner shops. Please provide advanced notice so we can help you reserve gear, thank you.

What is the Best Way to Get There?

Fly into Monterey Airport (MRY). Our team will provide you with the exact location once the trip is booked. Getting to Carmel is very easy and one of the most scenic drives in Northern California. Highway 1 South- from San Francisco, San Jose and the Bay Area will lead you into the Monterey Peninsula.

What Is The Weather Going To Be Like?

What you will need to bring depends of course largely on the weather you can expect on your trip. For the most accurate weather please check the Carmel – Monterey forecast through Weather Underground a few days before your trip.

What is The Group Size?

Small group sizes that don’t exceed 10 guests.

Do We Need to Tip Our Guides? If So, What is Standard?

Gratuities are not included. Tips are accepted at your discretion based on the overall trip experience provided by our team.

Do I Need Trip Insurance?

Trip Insurance is Not Included: We require trip insurance for all trips abroad. Protecting your trip & safety is our priority!
We recommend World Nomads as they are the ultimate in travel protection and global emergencies and evacuations.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Switzerland?

Flight time from the West Coast of the United States to Zurich is approximately 11.5 hours if you book a non-stop flight. From the East Coast the flight time is approximately 8 hours.

Can I Use My Credit Card in Switzerland?

Credit cards are widely accepted, but Amex is not always accepted. Better stick with Visa. You will need some cash – but just for casual expenses. Most things can be paid for by credit card. The currency is CHF/Swiss Franc. EUR is not the currency of Switzerland (even if it is sometimes accepted by some merchants at a bad exchange rate). It never makes sense to carry too much cash on you – anywhere. Withdrawing cash from your checking account using your US cash/debit card is usually much cheaper than converting dollar bills at an exchange desk and you will get the BEST Exchange rate. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee around 3-5%. This may be the time to get yourself a fun new rewards travel credit card that comes with “No Foreign Transaction Fees.” We never leave home without it.

Which Languages are Spoken in Switzerland?

The four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansh. In the Davos & St. Moritz area they speak German or a Swiss-German dialect. You will find English is widely spoke all over Switzerland. It is still great to learn a few of the day to day vocabulary to be polite.

Is It Safe to Travel to Switzerland?

Switzerland is very safe. Always take regular precautions whenever abroad to save yourself from any potential headaches that could interfere with your travels.

I Heard Switzerland is Expensive, How Expensive is it?

With its plethora of international banks, the country is a center for global wealth. This means prices are high, but people are paid quite well. Supermarket sell pre-made meals for between 5-9 CHF. Bars and cafés are the cheapest food option, cost about 9-15 CHF for a lunch special. Restaurants with table service are around 20 CHF for lunch and 40 CHF for dinner (starter, main, and drink) to start. You’ll typically find pizzas for around 20 CHF in a restaurant. If you’re dining out (but still trying to stick to a budget), you’ll spend an average of 25-45 CHF a day on food.