2019 TOURS SOLD OUT
ADVANCE BOOKINGS FOR 2020 NOW OPEN
Cycling Specific Luxury Apartment-Style Accommodation near the City of Adelaide Tour Village. Each room Includes Kitchen, Laundry, Lounge /Dining Room and Television.
LOCATIONADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
2019 SANTOS
TOUR DOWN UNDER
Ride the small roads as only the locals can in Australia’s little Europe “The Adelaide Hills”.
Ride through the famous vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale, Australia’s most well-known wine regions. You’ll be there to see all the race stages, including the decisive King of Willunga Hill finale.
Payments
Our Tour Down Under trips have SOLD OUT. Reserve your place on one of our 2020 tours with an Advance Booking.
No hidden Credit Card fees.
John Steffensen from Chanel Nine, Olympic Silver Medalist takes a ride with our group on the 2018 TDU.
TRIP INCLUSIONS
Please note: Flights out after 8pm only If you’d like an airport transfer, bring your luggage and bike bag to our Team Hotel at 6.45am on the morning of the ride – Sunday 20th January. We have arranged with out hotel for secure storage for your personal bags, belongings and bike bags. We’ll assist you to pack your bike for your flight, or you can choose to stay an optional additional night at our Team Hotel, to relax and enjoy the last night of the TDU festivities. We can provide a 8am morning transfer to the airport on Monday 21st January if you choose to stay with us at our team hotel on the Sunday night (optional extra)
Extra Trip Options
Our VIP OPTIONS are part of the Official 2019 Santos Tour Down Under.
Additional Accomodation
Contact us if you’d like to stay at our team hotel pre or post tour. We stay at Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest (New for 2019)
Our Tour
We’ve selected great cycling specific accommodation, the rooms are spacious to cater for you, your bike and biking kit. We’re centrally located to everything for the Santos Tour Down Under and daily cycling kit washing is included in your trip. Each room Includes Kitchen, Laundry, we are close to the TDU Head Quarters, it’s in the centre of the vibrant South End restaurant – residential precinct where you can mingle with locals, sample fine South Australian: wines, beers, ciders, refreshing cool drinks and gourmet food.
On the bike, we’ll show you the best small roads in Adelaide – en route each day we intercept the race to cheer on the pro peloton. Ride as much or a little as you like – our support vehicles will be there every step of the way. We’ll take in the best scenic roads, viewpoints, pause for the finest coffee and refreshment stops.
We’ll indulge off the bike at restaurants, bars and cafe’s personally tested by us. You’ll be close to the City of Adelaide Tour Village and we’ll get you up close to the stars of the show, the Pro riders.
As an official travel provider again for 2019, we’ll be the first to know all the event details, the 21st edition of the race is going to be the best TDU we’ve seen yet. Stay tuned for more details.
Places are limited, so we encouraged you to book, $750 guarantees your spot at the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under in Adelaide, South Australia. This trip is perfect for cyclists of all experience, fitness – our guides ride as fast or slow – as long or little as you need.
The Santos Tour Down Under trip suits cyclists, cycling fans, non-cyclist, non-cycling partners or people who’d like to do a bit of riding and race watching. We have a dedicated non-cycling guide and vehicle so that you are not just following behind a bunch of bike riders, you’ll have your own itinerary, met up with partners and bike riders each day. Click here if you’d like to view our full 2018 Santos Tour Down Under itinerary.
You are in safe hands, we are the most experienced Tour Down Under travel team, your guides are ex-pro and multiple Santos Tour Down Under rider Steve Cunningham (who resides in the beautiful Adelaide Hills) and Pat Fitzpatrick who resides in Melbourne, but grew up training on the roads of Adelaide and the picturesque Barossa Valley.
We’re looking forward to showing you around Adelaide and the Santos Tour Down Under this January.
See you soon.
Ciao Pat, Steve and Grace.
2019 ITINERARIES
Ride the small roads as only the locals can in Australia’s little Europe “The Adelaide Hills”.
Ride through the famous vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale, Australia’s most well-known wine regions. You’ll be there to see all the stages, including being at the finish line of the exciting “King of Willunga Hill” Final Stage.
We have four trips to choose from:
– – –
Av Daily Distance km
95km
Av Daily Elevation m
1250m Climbing
Difficulty
3.5 out of 5
DAY 1 – SUNDAY 13 JANUARY 2019
ARRIVAL DAY – City Lookout, Waterfalls and TDU Village orientation loop
Pick up: Adelaide Airport
Airport pick up time: 10am – or meet at Hotel 11am
Our Arrival Day Ride: Start 12:30pm.
Distance: 40km. Climbing: 500m
Depart to watch race & Welcome Aperitif: 4pm
TDU Race: 4.45pm – 5.45pm Down Under Classic – City Criterium
Accommodation: Adelaide City Centre, Quest King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel
More About Our Day:
Take an early flight to the Adelaide Airport. The Ride International Tours team will be there to meet you at the airport at 10am, alternatively, we’ll meet you at 11am at our Team Hotel or choose to stay a night prior at our team hotel. We’ll assist in building up your bike then head out for a ride.
Non-cycling options:
Explore our immediate south end precinct, or we have a tram stop directly in front of our hotel. Take a scenic tram ride in the direction of the Adelaide Oval, Festival Theatre, Museums, Art galleries, Rundle Mall shopping district or in the opposite direction head toward the beachside village of Glenelg, where you can take a swim, work on your tan, shop or relax on the golden sands of the beach.
Ask us for some options based on your personal interests, we have some great recommendations.
Our Ride: Mt Osmond – Waterfalll gully
Ride starts 12.30pm. A short warm up ride to get the legs working on our Adelaide Hills Scenic Lookout and Waterfalls loop. You’ll get your bearings from this great secret lookout, you’ll have unobstructed views back over this beautiful cycling city and it’s superb coastline. Heart pumping, legs churning, we head up into a secluded river valley road to see Adelaide’s waterfalls and spring water source. We’ll traverse back through the city centre and stop by the City of Adelaide Tour Village to have a look at the largest Bike Expo in Australia, watch the team mechanics at work, or organise a test ride of the newest bikes with our friends in the village.
The ride distance although short today, we’ll be out for a few hours including the visit to the City of Adelaide Tour Village. We’ll be back at the hotel in time for us to freshen up, then head out to the Down Under Classic City Criterium in Adelaide’s East End. We’ll enjoy our welcome aperitif, where you will meet up with other guests, staff and talk about the exciting week of the Santos Tour Down Under ahead.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Down Under Classic City Criterium – 1hour + 1 Lap Bartels Rd Circuit:
The Down Under Classic – City criterium starts at 4.45pm – 5.45pm, it’s held in Adelaide’s East End district, a short distance from our hotel. We’ll watch all the excitement of the race.
VIP tickets are available if you fancy a first class all inclusive 5 Star Hospitality food, drinks package, an undercover grandstand seat to watch the first official race for the 2019 season, Click here to purchase tickets, price is $450.
View People’s Choice Classic Route Map
Après Bike:
4pm: Meet in Hotel Lobby, depart for race viewing and Welcome Aperitif
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, Quest King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel
DAY 2 – MONDAY 14
TDU REST DAY – Our Day: Southern Adelaide Hills, Picadilly Valley, Backside Mt Lofty – Optional Glenelg Beach – City
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30am.
Distances: 65km, 90km, 110km. Climbing: 1100m, 1500m, 1600m.
TDU Race: Rest day
Our Ride: Belair, Mt Lofty Backside
No TDU today means a big day of riding and adventure in the Adelaide Hills. We’ll head into the southern ranges, then deep into the Adelaide Hills orchard valleys. We’ll descend back toward the city via the backside of Mt Lofty. Theres and option to head straight to our hotel or continue onto Glenelg Beach for a well earned swim in the cool Adelaideian waters before heading for home to our hotel.
View GPS Route Map
Après Bike:
Free program to explore Adelaide, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries or relax and put your feet up in your spacious apartment and enjoy your favorite home cooking.
We’ve got plenty of great suggestions, we are based in the south end precinct where you can step out the door for great Italian, Greek, Asian, Gastro pub or Australian fusion food. Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
DAY 3 – TUESDAY 15TH
8 DAY TRIP CONTINUES
STAGE 1 TDU: North Adelaide – Port Adelaide.
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30am.
Distance: 50km, 60km, 100km. Climbing: 900m, 1050m, 1550m.
TDU Race: Stage 1 North Adelaide – Port Adelaide, 132km.
Apres Bike: 5.30pm, Meet Hotel Lobby. Welcome Aperitif, 6 Day and 8 day trips.
Our Ride: Norton Summit, Lobethal, Chain of Ponds, Gorge Rd.
Straight up into the Hills via one of our favourite climbs Norton Summit, then deep into the European like orchard valleys to Lobethal. We’ll pause at Cuddlee Creek for a well-earned coffee and snack.
Today we’ll catch the race as it loops around the new Adelaide Hills circuit three times, there are Intermediate Sprints on lap 1 and Lap 3. We’ll be stationed near the historic Inglewood Inn to catch the excitement, it’s a perfect place to slake your thirst and relax after a good mornings riding in the Adelaide Hills.
Re-energised from all the excitement of the race, we’ll ride through Chain of Ponds, down Gorge Road, then traverse via the Adelaide foothills toward the city, prior to returning home to our hotel, we’ll pop in for a refreshing cool drink at one of our favorite popup event spaces near the City of Adelaide Tour Village.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 1 North Adelaide – Port Adelaide via The Adelaide Hills 132km
The City of Adelaide will host the start of the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under, with the peloton setting out from O’Connell Street, North Adelaide.
The race will ride north along Prospect Road before turning left onto Regency Road and then right onto South Road to connect with the Port River Expressway. From there, the peloton will travel into the Adelaide Hills, navigating through Snake Gully for three loops of Paracombe, Inglewood and Houghton before doubling back for a sprint finish in Port Adelaide.
Subaru King of the Mountain: One Tree Hill Rd, Golden Grove – Snake Gully (Category 2) – 9.9% gradient.
Sprint #1: North East Road, Inglewood (Lap 1)
Sprint #2: North East Road, Inglewood (Lap 3)
San Remo Pasta Feed Zone: Paracombe Rd
Après Bike:
5.30pm: Welcome Aperitif for 8 Day and 6 Day trips. Meet the staff, your fellow guests and talk about the exciting week of the Santos Tour Down Under ahead .
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
6 DAY TRIP STARTS
DAY 4 – WEDNESDAY 16TH
STAGE 2 – Northern Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30am
Distance: 50km, 75km, 100km. Climbing: 700m, 1000m, 1500m
TDU Race: Stage 2, Norwood – Angaston 149km
Our Ride: City – Barossa Valley
This morning we’ll traverse the northern Adelaide Hills ridge roads to the secluded Parra Wirra National park en-route to the famous Barossa Valley and through to Angaston.
We’ll catch a stage finish today in Angaston, then immerse ourselves in a private winery tour, wine tasting hosted by our good friends and winery owners in the Barossa Valley.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 2, Norwood – Angaston, 149km – 2250m climbing
The Norwood Parade will host the start of Stage 2 of the Santos Tour Down Under, with the peloton making its way through to the Barossa.
From the Parade, the peloton will climb into the Adelaide Hills via Gorge Road and Chain of Ponds to take on Checker Hill just outside of Kersbrook. From there it zig-zags to Bethany where it will tour a number of Barossa townships – as well as their world-class producers and wineries – before the sprint finish in Angaston.
Subaru King of the Mountain:Checker Hill Road, Kersbrook (Category 2) – 13.3% gradient
Sprint #1: August Street, Birdwood
Sprint #2:Miller Street Springton
San Remo Pasta Feed Zone: Eden Valley Road, Eden Valley
Après Bike:
Free program to explore Adelaide, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries or relax and put your feet up in your spacious apartment and enjoy your favorite home cooking.
We’ve got plenty of great suggestions, we are based in the south end precinct where you can step out the door for great Italian, Greek, Asian, Gastro Pub or Australian fusion food. Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
DAY 5 – THURSDAY 17TH
STAGE 3 – Adelaide Hills Mt Lofty to Picadilly Valley, Mylor, Hahndorf German settlement, Uraidla, Norton Summit City
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30pm.
Distance: 50km, 80km, 105km. Climbing: 700m, 1300m, 1600m.
TDU Race: Stage 3. Lobethal – Uraidla, 146km.
Our Ride: Adelaide Hills – Mt Lofty Summit – Picadilly Valley – Hahndorf German Settlement – Uraidla – Norton Summit – City
Straight up into the Hills via Eagle on the Hill and onto Adelaide’s highest vantage point Mt Lofty. Through the “Little Europe” of the Adelaide Hills and onto the German Settlement of Hahndorf. After a snack and coffee we’ll make our way back through the Picadilly Valley. We’ll pick up the race route and ride ahead of the peloton completing a loop of todays race finish loop through the towns of Uraidla, Piccadilly and Summertown before finishing back in Uraidla.
We’ll catch the stage finish today, it’s sure to be exciting, we expect the overall race contenders to make thier move today on this tough finsh circuit.
After the race finish and presentation, we then head back down to the city via the Greenhill road descent, through the City of Adelaide Tour Village, pause for a freshing cool drink at one of our favorite post ride hydration stops and onto our hotel to freshen up for the evening ahead.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 3. Lobethal – Uraidla 146km / 3340m climbing.
The Adelaide Hills plays host to a very challenging third stage of the Santos Tour Down Under.
From Lobethal, the peloton completes one loop through Charleston and nearby Woodside before setting out for a Subaru King of the Mountain Challenge at Fox Creek. From there, it makes its way through Forest Range south towards Summertown, where the riders complete six loops of the Uraidla, Piccadilly and Summertown townships before finishing in Uraidla.
Subaru King of the Mountain: Fox Creek Road, Cudlee Creek (Category 2) – 7.81% gradient
Sprint #1: Onkaparinga Valley Road, Charleston
Sprint #2: Onkaparinga Valley Road, Charleston
San Remo Pasta Feed Zone: Bonython Road, Summertown
Après Bike:
Tonight is a free program to explore Adelaide, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries or relax and put your feet up in your spacious apartment and enjoy your favorite home cooking.
We’ve got plenty of great suggestions, we are based in the south end precinct where you can step out the door for great Italian, Greek, Asian, Gastro Pub or Australian fusion food. Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
DAY 6 – FRIDAY 18TH
8 & 6 DAY TOURS CONTINUE
STAGE 4 – City beaches loop, Stage Start then up into the Adelaide Hills
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30am.
Distance: 45km, 75km, 100km. Climbing: 150m, 700m, 800m.
TDU Race: Stage 4
Our Ride: City beaches loop, Stage Start Unley. Up into the Adelaide Hills Gorge rd – Corkscrew Rd KOM
City Beaches ride then onto a Stage start to catch all the pre race action and excitement. We then head through the city and past our hotel, with the second part of our day being an optional ride into the Adelaide Hills – or rest up your legs and prepare for tomorrows big ride “The Challenge Tour”.
After passing by our hotel in the city, the optional ride into the Adelaide Hills climbs up via the stunning Gorge Road onto the Corkscrew Road KOM. We’ll catch the race on the decisive Corkscrew Road KOM. After the race passes we’ll traverse the Adelaide foothills, then descend back into the City of Adelaide Tour Village and onto our Hotel.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 4. Unley – Athelstone, 129km / 2430m climbing.
Unley hosts the Stage 4 start, as the riders head up the freeway through the Adelaide Hills ahead of the challenging Corkscrew climb and finish in Campbelltown.
The popular hills towns of Stirling, Aldgate and Hahndorf feature as the peloton heads through for sprints at Echunga, before visiting Mount Barker and its nearby towns and then swings up back through the Hills towards the infamous Corkscrew climb and a downhill finish into Athelstone.
Subaru King of the Mountain: Corkscrew Road at Church Road, Montacute (Category 1)
Sprint #1: Adelaide Road at Echunga Memorial Institute, Echunga
Sprint #2: Adelaide Road at Echunga Memorial Institute, Echunga
San Remo Pasta Feed Zone: Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
Après Bike:
Meet Hotel Lobby: 6pm for a European Style Aperitif for the 3 Day, 6 Day and 8 Day Trips. Meet up with other guests, staff – talk about the details of tomorrows Challenge Tour ride and the Tour Down Under ahead.
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
3 DAY TOUR STARTS
DAY 7 – SATURDAY 19TH
STAGE 5 – 2019 Challenge Tour
Breakfast: 5am
Ride or transfer to start: 5.30am
Start Locations and distance to the Strathalbyn finish line
Glenelg (158.7km) – 1850m Climbing.
Myponga (102km)
Victor Harbor (60km)
TDU Race: Stage 5
Our Ride: Coastal ride south of Adelaide
Ride from the city to Glenelg, then we start the Challenge tour and follow the south coast roads to Victor Harbour, Goolwa and loop back inland to the finish in Strathalbyn.
Shorter Ride distances depart from our hotel at 5.30am, you’ll transfer by vehicle to your preffered start location, we all meet up at the finish in Strathalbyn then watch the pro’s battle it out over the same stage.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 5 – Challenge Tour
Après Bike:
Dinner with the stars, tonight is the optional VIP Legends Night Dinner, we highly recommend this all inclusive three-course dinner accompanied by fine wines. The dinner is a first class night and includes some of the world’s cycling greats, past and present.
The Legends Night Dinner is consistently a highlight of the Santos Tour Down Under event each year.
Accommodation:
Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest
DAY 8 – SUNDAY 20TH
8, 6 & 3 DAY TOURS CONTINUE
STAGE 6 TDU: Kings Stage, Mclaren Vale – Willunga Hill
DEPARTURE DAY – late flights out of Adelaide Airport – after 8pm.
Breakfast: 7am
Our Ride: Start 7:30pm.
Distance: 60km, 85km, 145km. Climbing: 500m, 1200m, 1900m.
TDU Race: Stage 6. Kings Stage – Willunga Hill.
Airport Transfer: 6.45pm: Depart Hotel Lobby – 7pm: Arrive Adelaide Airport
Accommodation: Optional Additional Night: Adelaide City Centre, King William South – 4 Star AppartHotel Quest. Contact us to arrange.
Departure day out of Adelaide – *Late flights out after 8pm* or choose stay an additional night, relax and enjoy the last eveing of TDU festivities
Our Rides: Adelaide Hills – McLaren Vale Vineyards – Willunga Hill
Distance: 65km, 85km, 145km. Climbing: 500m, 1200m, 1900m.
Ride from our Hotel via the challenging Southern Adelaide Hills and Valleys ride to McLaren Vale to see the race start 65km, then an additional 10km to the top of the King of Willunga Hill ,75km total.
Optional – After the excitement of watching the Kings stage, the final presentation, ride home to the city 55km-500m climbing or take the trip back to the city in the comfort of our vehicles.
Note: Pack a day pack to put into our vehicle with your civilian attire and comfortable shoes. Change when you arrive at the Willunga Hill finish, you’ll be able to relax in comfort at our European style picnic lunch, watch the race and move about with style and panache.
View GPS Route Map
TDU Race: Stage 6 Mclaren Vale – Willunga Hill 156km
Be Safe Be Seen MAC Stage 6 is a favourite for the spectators. In 2019 it will be promoted to the ‘King’ stage, where the final winner of the Santos Ochre Jersey will be decided.
The day will start in McLaren Vale, famous for its winemaking. The town is always in party mode during the race, when the peloton head for the iconic Willunga Hill.
Fans flock roadside to cheer on their heroes in what is the deciding stage of the Santos Tour Down Under.
Subaru King of the Mountain #1: Brookman Road, Willunga Hill (Category 1) – 7.5% gradient
Subaru King of the Mountain #2:Brookman Road, Willunga Hill (Category 1) – 7.5% gradient
Sprint #1:The Esplanade, Snapper Point
Sprint #2:The Esplanade, Snapper Point
San Remo Pasta Feed Zone: Main Road, Willunga
Après Bike:
If you are flying out today – when we return to the city from Willunga Hill late in the day, we’ll assit you to pack your bike and transfer you to the Adelaide airport for your flight home – * Flights out after 8pm*.
1 DAY TOUR STARTS
Advance Bookings:
We open up our Advance Reservations for trips so you can book well ahead. Guarantee your position by booking up to 12 months prior.
If you’d like to organise and book your trip more than 12 months prior, contact us via email or phone, we’ll arrange everything so you can make an advanced early booking.
An advance booking, accompanied by a fully refundable $750 AUD (Australian Dollar) ensures priority booking status when the trip details are announced. Note, an advance booking is not considered final until payment is received.
Once specific trip itinerary details are finalized, we’ll contact everyone on the advance reservation list via email, we’ll include the itinerary and offer a priority booking position before opening up bookings to the wider community.
If a trip fills – as it often does in the advance bookings, we create a waiting list and then offer reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on the date the advance reservation was made) once our advanced booking guest have finalised.
To cancel an advance reservation a cancellation request must be submitted in writing/ via email within 14 days of the trip details being published. The (AUD) $750 advance reservation payment will be immediately refunded for any cancellation received within this 14-day period.
Final Payments:
The balance of your trip payment is due no later than 120 days prior to your trip departure date, we will forward via email your final payment invoice. You can choose to make full payment earlier if you prefer to finalise your trip payment early, contact us and we will arrange for an invoice to be sent.
What if I have to transfer, change or cancel my trip:
We understand you may not be able to go on your trip, cancel, change or transfer due to personal or medical reasons. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to transfer to another trip that has places available. If you have a question give us a call or email.
Due to the high demand, limited hotel availability and the advance payments expected by our hotels and restaurants we use, the following cancellation conditions apply to all of our trips.
AFTER BOOKING, IF YOU CANCEL:
| 120 – 91 days prior to departure | 50% cancellation fee of the trip price |
| 90 – 61 days prior to departure | 75% cancellation fee of the trip price |
| 60 days and less prior to departure | 100% cancellation fee of the trip price |
10
Years of Experience
63
Tours Completed
1,384
Trip Guests
32,926km
Cycled on Tour
238
Hotels Visited
ABOUT US
Operating since 2007, we offer a range of bespoke cycling tours across Australia, Europe and Asia.
