Your day by day itinerary

Day 1: London – Geneva by air

After a short flight, we transfer just over the border to the pretty French town of Bonneville to prepare for the start of our six-col challenge tomorrow. Overnight in hotel.

 

Day 2: Bonneville – Col des Aravis – Col des Saisies – Albertville

Heading out of Bonneville early, we climb gently. Local road signs and the sights of the peaks help build the anticipation about our first test. We take it steady as we climb to the 1487m summit of the relatively gentle Col des Aravis. After a fabulous descent, we begin to climb again. The Col des Saisies is a longer climb but you'll be in your rhythm after the earlier climb. Cafes await us at the 1650m summit and here we stop for a quick celebration before relishing the long sweeping descent down to our overnight stop in Albertville.

Cycle approx 100km (60 miles)

 

Day 3: Albertville – Col de la Madeleine – Col du Telegraphe – Valloire

We head out of Albertville along the gently undulating valley roads. The Col de la Madeleine is our first uphill of the day, its fabulous views will distract you from your suffering legs on this 25km climb. A long, welcome descent takes us to the pretty town of La Chambre.

After lunch we tackle the Col de Telegraphe. This is a shorter, but steeper climb, and you will have really earned a celebration when you reach the top of the pass. Then it's down to the valley town of Valloire and a chance to rest thoroughly overnight before the biggest day of the challenge.

Cycle approx 110km (64 miles)

 

Day 4: Valloire – Col du Galibier – Alpe d'Huez

After leaving Valloire, we meet the breathtaking scenery that marks the start of the Col du Galibier. We avoid the mountain tunnel and ride on smaller roads, with plenty of hair-pin bends, through this stunning mountain range. This climb is extreme, but the sense of achievement on reaching the top and the monument to Henri des Granges, the founder of the Tour de France, will be huge.

Now our final and greatest challenge looms in the distance as we head for the most famous climb of them all, Alpe d'Huez. Once the first hair-pin bend is passed, we're rewarded with fabulous views over the valley. From here you can count down the 21 hair-pin lacets, to the top of the peak. The climb will be hard, but enjoy every minute as this fabulous mountain marks the end of your challenge! We celebrate our incredible achievement at the top of the mountain, before enjoying our last thrilling descent back down the mountain to Bourg d'Oisans, and celebrating in style!

Cycle approx 105km (62 miles) 

 

Day 5: Borg d'Oisans - Geneva - London

After breakfast we travel back to the UK with aching legs but a huge sense of achievement.