Tour de France Grand Départ
VIP Spectator Tour

Florence, or Firenze as it is known, was founded in 59BC by Emperor Julius Caesar and is often known as the “Jewel of the Renaissance”. The capital City of Tuscany is famous for it’s art and monuments, some calling the whole city a Museum. We’ll park by the Ponte S.Niccolô and walk the 1.5km along the river to Ponte Vecchio. From this point, the city is at your desire and you will have 4 hours to explore the many beautiful parts of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure.  Mid afternoon we will head to see the Teams arrive  before the  Presentation. Excited, nervous and ready for the month ahead. The presentation itself is best watched from the comfort of our luxury hotel on the big screen.

Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run, a horse race run around the piazza  every Summer. Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace….but for us cycling fans it’s the finish of the Strade Bianchi, a race that excites at the start of each cycling calendar! We will spend a few hours visiting this medieval city, (reached by a walk of 1km to a series of escalators). Stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy the many grand pieces of architecture  or enjoy lunch or gelato in the main square.

Are you ready for the first stage in this year’s Tour de France? As an Official Tour Operator, we have secured a visit of the ‘Team Paddock’ and Departure Village stage start. The Departure Village allows you to see sponsors and gain VIP entry, perhaps even meeting past winners of the race. It’s full of exciting sponsor stands, free goodies and an animation team to entertain pre sign on. If Covid rules allow we will also gain access to the Team Paddock –  it’s where all the cyclists and teams congregate pre-race. It’s a spectator favorite!  No sooner will they have left and we will head to the next city on our Tour – Bologna!

In the morning you can explore the beautiful city of Bologna. Terracotta buildings , towers, porticoes, cobbled narrow streets lined with delights…Bologna is most famous for the food. Some people even call it Italy’s food capital, which is why it has the nickname la grassa, or “the fat one.” So treat yourself to an amazing lunch, as well as a feast for the eyes! In the early afternoon we will experience a VIP finish in the Izoard Tribune, a 3 tiered VIP viewing area on the finish line! There’s live coverage of the race, a free bar, canapes and seating, so you can view in comfort and then watch the riders live as they arrive at the finish line, just around the corner from  our Hotel!

Today we’ll head to the walled city of Piacenza, to witness another stage start. It’s a fantastic chance to experience this VIP access and catch up with all the riders you missed the first time, in this historic setting. Once the cyclists leave, then so do we – destination – Milan! We’ve secured a hotel, 1 km walk from all the main attractions. You will have a few hours in the afternoon to explore the city before enjoying a fabulous farewell dinner in our amazing hotel.

After all that excitement it’s time to say goodbye. The hotel can arrange private transfers to Milan Malpensa – or why not book yourself a few extra days vacation in this fashionable city? We hope to see you back in the future. Join us on a Thomson Spectator Trip to the Spring Classics, La Vuelta or the Giro D’Italia.