Breaking Away
This operator, specilizing in trips for the intermediate - advanced rider, is incredibly flexible. They offer RacePak trips where you will ride the great routes of the Tour de France & the Giro D’Italia the same day as the racers and then you will view the competition later in the day. But they also provide “Best of Itineraries” for the cyclist who wants to ride many of these same historic routes but doesn't care as much about viewing the racing action, experiencing a more relaxed daily schedule. Each day you can choose from a variety of routes and difficulties, and they encourage non-riding spouses and partners to join the trip.
Self guided and customized trips are also available. Lodging is 3-4 star and although the provide the same services and are US-based (making pre-trip planning easier), the price is much more reasonable than the big international operators.
- Operator Type:
Full-Service Operator - Website:
http://www.breakingaway.com/ - Price Tier:
$$$ - Avg Price Per Day:
$425 - Services:
Guided, SAG Van, Self-Guided - Country:
Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland
11 Reviews
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This was my 2nd trip with Breaking Away and I can only say they have exceeded my expectations each time. My first was the Italy/Switzerland tour in 2011. I absolutely loved the scenery, the food and the challenge of the day to day rides that are personally picked out by the tour leaders. This year I chose the French Alps classic climbs of the Tour de France. We wanted to go early and see one of the stages of the tour so Oleg arranged a 3 day stay in Morzine at the most perfect hotel! We were center stage for all the activities and were able to get right up front to see the finish line. Once our bike tour started I was impressed everyday with the support and care of the entire staff to do the epic tour climbs. The rides were challenging, beautiful, fun and one of the best vacations to date. I look forward to booking my next ride with Breaking Away because I know their customer care and support is the best.
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Most. Amazing. Trip. Ever. I participated in BABT’s “French Alpes and Classic Climbs of the Tour de France” in July, and those four words say it all. Oleg and his team are exceptional, and are the power behind BABT’s success. The entire trip was incredibly organized, and every day was a unique adventure. I don’t know how they manage to accommodate each person’s riding ability and preferences, but they do. Each person feels completed supported, encouraged, safe, and loved! no matter what their riding ability. Each night at the team meeting, we would review the next day’s ride. We spent very little time in the vans doing transfers, and spent a ton of time climbing in the gorgeous French Alpes. I did more climbing than I thought I ever could, thanks to the support of the BABT team. In addition to the fabulous hotels and incredible food, we also had some down for massages, swimming, shopping, relaxing. One rainy afternoon we did a trip to Annecy, which everyone enjoyed as a nice break.
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I’ve toured as a non-cyclist (so grateful they accepted me) and couldn’t be more pleased with each and every aspect of my trips. BAB has extremely friendy and highly knowledgeable personnel, they’re very well organized, they choose gorgeous and challenging itineraries, and offer a beautiful selection of hotels and accompanying meals. They provide everything a cyclist might need along the routes in the follow-vans. There isn’t one thing I would change about the tours I have taken, and I plan to do a different tour every year if at all possible with this exceptional group! I would give BAB my absolute highest recommendation in every way!!!
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My first trip with BABT was in 1994. I have been back with them every year since. They have the best Friendliest tour guides that are all also Bicycle Riders so they know what is needed to have fun. They can adapt to anyones mileage needs also. As I aged I wanted to ride shorter distances and they were able to meet my needs. I can’t say enough about how good they are. The Group Meals are top notch. Think small family owned Restaurants ! They also have rental bikes and you won’t have to haul your bike on the airplane. Think Light.
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This summer I went on the Ligurian trip. It was fabulous. Great routes, great hotels, marvelous food, and the service was incredible. I cannot imagine a better group with which to tour.
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One word: Awesome! I did the 2013 Tour de France/French Alpes Combo and it was an incredible experience! This was my first big cycling tour abroad and it was definitely challenging, but really well organized and fun. Everyone on the team was incredibly professional and had a great sense of humor to keep the mood light. They also struck a nice balance between Tour de France race viewing opportunities and the ability to ride the historic mountain passes. (I’m a TdF history nerd and certainly they know their stuff!) Breaking Away is one of the first companies to do cycling tours like this in Europe, so their local knowledge is world class. They know the best roads, the hotels, as well as the local cuisine – which, of course, includes any special dietary considerations for cyclists. Overall, it was an epic adventure. I’ll certainly be back and can’t wait to do another tour!
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Since 1999 I have been using Breaking Away for my cycling trips to Italy, France and Switzerland. They are consistently well run with great routes and fantastic service. I am always impressed by how many of the cyclists are repeat customers which is testimony to a well run company providing great service. I highly recommend Breaking Away for cycling in Europe!
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I have been taking European cycling trips with Breaking Away for the last 15 years. Each trip has been extremely well organized for the cycling guests. Personally I was looking for challenging TDF and Giro climbs in the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites and BABT delivered. The accommodations were quality 3-4 star hotels and the guides were ALWAYS there to support you when you needed them. The high level of repeat guests speaks volumes for the quality/value of the trips.
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My wife and I just got back from their French Alps/Tour De France Trip 2014. Amazing trip, amazing company! The staff is awesome and the trip was very well organized. We enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great bike trip!
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This was my first cycling tour abroad and BABT made sure every detail was handled. It was a worry free trip, all I had to do was cycle and enjoy the scenery. I did their French Alps/TDF 2014 and had a fantastic time. My wife joined me and although she is a non rider, she enjoyed the trip as much as I did. The staff is well organized and extremely friendly and personable. When a tour company has a local guide that can speak multiple languages, that in itself will make all the difference in your experience along the way. The routes, hotels and local cuisine were outstanding. BABT should be your tour company if your looking for a memorable and enjoyable cycling trip.
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Breaking Away exceeded my expectations by all measures. The Dolomiti tour was perfectly planned. The routes, support, atmosphere, and food were all first class. If you are heading to Europe for a bike tour, look no further than Breaking Away.
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