PROVENCE
Le Grand Banc, a private hamlet on a hilltop in the Luberon Valley, almost in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, provides a stunning base for our Provence retreat. Guests can mix tough climbs - rolling rides through lavender and vineyards on deserted roads - with local culture, wine tastings and fresh local produce prepared by our in-house chefs. Experience stunning gorges and, of course, the Giant of Provence; or choose to take it easy in opulent surroundings, appreciating Le Grand Banc’s art and design collection and its pool. Ideal dates: June & Sept
ALPS
The RAID Alps starts at Lake Geneva and heads south, over the most historic climbs of the Tour de France and some of the most majestic mountain passes in the world, before arriving in Nice on the chic Côte d’Azur. These are the roads on which heroes are made and Tours won and lost, where the pain and suffering of a 30km climb are eased by jaw-dropping views and seemingly endless descents on beautiful, smooth roads. Ideal dates: June & July
CORSICA
Corsica’s colorful Italian and French history and rebellious independent spirit make this beautiful island feel a world away from mainland France. With 1,000 kilometers of unspoilt palm-fringed coastline, its spine of wild, rugged mountains soaring to 3,000m, and an almost unlimited choice of challenging, winding roads – not to mention a robust and delicious local cuisine – it’s an utterly seductive destination for cyclists. Ideal dates: Sept
PYRENEES
The gold-standard RAID that takes riders through one of the world’s most famous and majestic mountain ranges, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The route straddles the border of France and Spain, mixing cultures and cuisines with spectacular riding. Among a cast of stellar climbs, the Col du Tourmalet, together with the Aspin, Aubisque and Peyresourde, offers riders a direct road to the heart of cycling’s legends. Ideal dates: June & Sept
TUSCANY
Tuscany is an epicenter of art, fashion, food and, of course, wine. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the world to ride a bike. From our converted 8th-century Etruscan village, owned by winemakers in the Gallo Nero region of Chianti, you’ll explore the rolling hills, roads and gravel tracks made famous by the Giro and Strade Bianche races, as well as enjoying cultural trips to Siena and Florence. Ideal dates: May, June & Sept
DOLOMITES
We consider this our signature RAID, the perfect mix of spectacular riding, food and culture. It sets off from the breathtaking Cison di Valmarino and winds its way north, through characteristically bare and jagged peaks in the Südtirol, to the shores of Lake Como. Along the way, riders will cross some of the Giro d’Italia’s most renowned passes and sample the Südtirol’s unique cuisine and culture.
Ideal dates: July & Sept
BAVARIA
The bucolic Bavarian landscape that surrounds the capital Munich is awash with lakes, rivers, rolling hills, and mountains with plentiful sectors of gravel! On this creative one of a kind itinerary, we celebrate cycling and beer! We cycle from Abbey to Abbey, abiding in Doppelbocks, Dunkels and Hefewizens paired with brewery tours, brewmaster talks, historic accommodations and regional cuisines. Ideal dates: July & Aug
GIRONA
A throng of WorldTour pros have made the Catalan town of Girona their home, lured by the mild weather, the Pyrenees and the rolling roads down to the Costa Brava. And for those who don’t turn pedals for a living, the experience can be just as special. Disconnect from the worries of everyday life for a few days at RAID’S Retreat. It’s designed to showcase the best of the region’s riding, the incredible mountains and coastal views, as well as the cuisine that Catalonia is famous for, and special luxury accommodation. Ideal dates: April & Oct
JAPAN ALPS
Starting in the megalopolis of Tokyo, this RAID heads south through verdant, dense forests, on perfect pavement barely wide enough for a car, and riders will discover that Japan’s undulating, sometimes mountainous, terrain rivals the best anywhere. In the evening, as in the day, riders will sample the best Japan has to offer: hot springs, local food, traditional lodgings and hospitable people. We finish in the stylish city of Kyoto, renowned for its temples and vibrant geisha culture. Robb Report calls this the “trip of a lifetime.” Ideal dates: Aug & Sept
NEW MEXICO
This might be one of the last places that comes to mind when it comes to American cycling destinations: New Mexico. Expansive deserts, forested highlands, soaring peaks, and deep gorges present a topographical playground for riding a bike. But beyond the features of the jaw-dropping landscape, New Mexico’s deep, diverse cultural history offers a rich travel and culinary experience surrounding this departure. This eight-day excursion into the Land of Enchantment navigates the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains, climbs to famed Taos, and rockets over the mighty Rio Grande. It’s an adventure sure to leave your legs empty, heart full, and memory littered with treasures. Ideal dates: May & Sept
ARKANSAS
Don't be fooled by the region's gritty portrayal on Netflix's cult drama Ozark. A unique “off piste” cycling experience through the wilds of the Natural State that will leave you with tales of adventure to tell for years to come. RAID certainly delivers on this trip with scenic beauty, amazing remote gravel roads, quirky accommodation and a little excitement along the way. The home to arguably the best art and cycling in the U.S., polished Bentonville has much to offer. We make the 21c Museum Hotel our home base for two nights—the chain of properties was founded with the ethos of combining an immersive art experience with boutique metropolitan hospitality. In-house, The Hive, a buzzy restaurant featuring local ingredients is run by James Beard Award nominee Matthew McClure. Ideal dates: March & Sept
LOS ANGELES TO SAN DIEGO
This RAID pieces together celebrated sections of the Tour of California and routes from Rapha’s own Continental rides and Gentlemen’s Races. From LA it snakes north before looping back, taking in remote inland climbs and stunning coastal roads. The famous Palomar Mountain Road and infamous Mount Baldy both make an appearance, as do California’s exceptional culinary offerings. Ideal dates: Spring & Fall