THE RIDING EXPERIENCE

Classic Alpine roads surrounded by ancient glaciers, perfectly wrapping the Swiss Mountainsides. We’ll start our adventure in the beautiful valley of Davos with unparalleled Swiss hospitality in a region that is known for outdoor activities. One of the first ski areas in Switzerland. After 4 days we will ride into St Moritz and the Engadin Valley that offers some of the best riding experiences in the Alps. If conditions permit we will have the opportunity to ride into Italy to sample a cappuccino or some home made pasta.

We have a wide variety of routes to show our guests and a couple that we leave as a secret until we get there, surely something not to be missed as it could be one of the best roads you have ever ridden. This trip will provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences on rides you’ll never forget. Over the course of the trip you’ll enjoy beautiful glacier views, the spectacular water falls and a dynamic lifestyle that only Switzerland can offer. Once you land let us take care of all your needs so all you have to do is ride your bike!

THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

You will have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of local foods, home made dishes, ales, wine, cheese and of course chocolate! Enjoy a Welcome & Farewell dinner where we will enjoy specialities of each region. Be sure to try the traditional fondue and raclette dishes as well as some of the local grilled specialities.  Our guides will show you local favorites that are only found here. A true experience to explore a wide range of foods during your trip.

THE LODGING EXPERIENCE

Rest your body, mind and soul along the way in our partner Swiss Bike Hotels. These Hotels cater to the cyclist and offer everything from bike cleaning, repair stands and free laundry service every night to keep your clothes fresh. Our location is ideal to access a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and local attractions. Free WiFi, daily breakfast, and comfortable rooms await you at our favorite hotels in the areas.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Day

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 1pm where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Davos in our private van. In some cases you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

Le Grand Adventure Tours welcomes you to Switzerland! One of our all-time favorite places in the world! All guests will rendezvous at Zurich International Airport (ZRH) and meet the LGA Team. From here we will transfer you through the rolling green hills of Switzerland and into the beautiful town of Davos. Davos will be your home for the next few days.We will build/assemble bikes if you brought one or we will visit our partner shop- Bike Academy Davos to pick up your rental bike. Possible ride depending on conditions. Enjoy a Welcome dinner in the evening as everyone in the group gets to know one another. Steep yourself in Swiss culture and immerse into European life.

Hotel: Bike Hotels of Switzerland
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 – 4: Davos, Switzerland

Enjoy 3 days of road biking the famous Davos Mountains and surrounding valleys. Wake up to a great breakfast buffet with fresh local favorites so you are ready to go for the day. The bike area will allow you to get your bike dialed in and ready for a great day of biking ahead.

The Davos range has several areas to ride over the course of our stay in this stunning valley. This huge valley offers several beautiful high alpine roads to climb in Switzerland. Enjoy endless areas to stop along the way to see glacier waterfalls and the true beauty of the Swiss Alps.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure. Davos has something for everyone and at the end of the day enjoy a train ride back to town after exploring the high alpine of Switzerland. Somedays we might utilize trains, and shuttles to maximize individual time and enjoyment. Guests will be able to have lunch at local villages and mountain lodges through the week. The Bike Hotels offers packed lunches daily for a small fee.

The group can experience some of the many restaurants in town or at the hotels each night. Taste the local flavors this area is recognized for.

Hotel: Bike Hotels of Switzerland
Included Meals: Daily Breakfasts

Day 5-7: Engadin Valley, Switzerland

Enjoy 3 days of road biking the Engadin Valley and legendary mountains of St Moritz. This is one of Switzerland’s top bike destinations and home to some of the biggest 4000 meter peaks in the country. Wake up to a great breakfast buffet at the hotel so you are ready to go for the day. The hotel has a bike storage area and tools to make sure you are ready for a great day of biking ahead. Our team of guides is happy to assist with any bike set up and mechanical issues during the trip.

The Engadin Valley has numerous cycling routes to ride over during our stay in this stunning valley. Hop a board the famous Glacier Express train to the top of the Bernina Pass and into the Poschiavo Area. Daily rides can reach a few thousand feet of vertical covering miles of high alpine roads and valleys. Breathtaking scenery around every turn will leave you in awe as you ride.

This is a true cycling adventure that must be ridden at least once in a lifetime. The St Moritz & Engadin Valley areas have something for everyone. At the end of the day enjoy a glass of wine from the local region or one of the many local brews back in town after exploring the high alpine of Switzerland. Our guides will maximize your riding time every day so you get to make the most of your trip. We want you to enjoy your ride through the local towns so you get to experience as much as possible. . Guests will be able to have lunch at local villages, mountain lodges and mountain tops through the week. The Bike Hotel offers nutritional packed lunches daily for a small fee.

Enjoy wood fired pizzas, grilled dishes, homemade pasta and other regional delicacies prepared with local ingredients at the family owned restaurants. The group can experience one of the many restaurants in town on the open nights with a short walk into town or head over to the St Moritz area to taste the local flavors this area is recognized for. On our final night the group will enjoy a farewell dinner together sharing all the great memories experienced throughout the week.

Hotel: Bike Hotels of Switzerland
Included Meals: Daily Breakfasts | Farewell Dinner

Day 8: Departure Day

Guests will be departing Pontresina around 8am after 6 great days of riding! Join us for breakfast and then pack up, say our goodbyes and enjoy private transportation back to Zurich where you can catch a flight home or enjoy a night in the beautiful city walking along Lake Zurich. We recommend selecting a departure after 1pm from Zurich. If you would like to spend another night in Zurich, please contact us and we can help you make arrangements.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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:
You will be in the Alps for a week so please bring proper clothing for when you’re not out 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. A  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 canceled 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 shop Bike Academy Davos. Please provide advanced notice so we can help you reserve gear, thank you.

What is the Best Way to Get There?

Fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH) by 11am where the LGA team will be there to travel with you to Davos. In some cases you may need to plan your arrival the day before. There are many hotels near the airport offering shuttle service so it is easy to meet the group back at the airport by 1pm. We suggest using Booking.com to find a nearby hotel.

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 Davos- St. Moritz forecast through Weather Underground a few days before your trip. We will be in the high alpine mountains so bring clothes that will keep you cool and/or warm in a wide variety of conditions.

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 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 spoken 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. The supermarket sells 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.