24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1690USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UAR

Trip highlights


  • Exploring three alpine countries in a week - Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria
  • Experiencing the incredible Viamala Gorge and views of the canyon-like Rhine Ruinalta ravine
  • Discovering Romansch culture in Distentis and exploring its Benedictine monastery

The Grisons, or Graubünden as it is referred to by the Swiss, is considered by many to be Switzerland's most beautiful region with its multitude of lakes, valleys and snow capped mountain peaks. The Rhine river has its source in the Grisons, connecting the mountains to Lake Constance over 100km away. Travelling alongside the Rhine and Lake Constance, this diverse cycle adventure from Switzerland, passes through Liechtenstein and Austria before returning to Constance in Germany. The relaxed itinerary offers the flexibility to explore the gorges of the Grissons on foot, cycle to winegrowers villages to sample the local specialties, visit the Museum of Art in Liechtenstein, and climb up to a castle for a picture postcard view.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to Constance and check into the hotel. We suggest taking the opportunity to wander through Constance’s old town or to visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum.

Meals:  Nil

This morning a transfer will take you up into the mountaints to Splügen. Here you get on your bike and comfortably roll downhill, following the Rhine river through the Grisons (also known as Graubünden) region to Bonaduz. On the way you pass by the gorge of Viamala, carved deeply into the rock by the river.

Meals:  B

This stage will take you up, there's about 700m of altitude difference. In the morning you take the train to Disentis. It's quite a rugged route, especially the first half, as you follow an unpaved road. Continue along the Vorderrhein through the scenic Rhaeto-Romanic Alpental Valley. Shortly after Ilanz the route takes you up a long but not very steep, hill. Once you've reached the top, you are immediately rewarded with views of the canyon-like Rhine Ruinalta ravine before you return to Bonaduz.

Meals:  B

Today's route takes you along the Alpine Rhine through Switzerland for a while, until you reach the Principality of Liechtenstein on a leisurely ride. The fourth smallest state in Europe is known for its medieval castles and mountain panoramas. On arrival in the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz Castle towering over the city welcomes you.

Meals:  B

Today you'll be out and about in three different countries: after a short time you will have cycled through Liechtenstein, which is only 25 km long, continued through Austria and arrived back into Switzerland. Here the route takes you slowly downhill to Lake Constance, which welcomes you with its many sailing boats on the glittering water. Overnight in Arbon or surrounds.

Meals:  B

Following the banks of the lake almost all the way, you cycle through the small town of Romanshorn back to Constance. The route is flat and, with the exception of sometimes strong westerly winds, easy to master. Again and again you come across bathing spots where you can refresh yourself in the cool water.

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in the Lake Constance region, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, cold meats, muesli, tea, coffee & juices (note this may vary with the different hotels and all items may not be available)
  • 6 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 27 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (premium 30 speed and e-bikes available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
  • Minibus transfer Constance to Splügen incl. bike and train ride Reichenau-Tamins to Disentis incl. bike
  • Entrance to Rosgarten museum including a coffee
  • Bike insurance
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Constance
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees other than specified as included
  • Helmets, not available to rent or purchase
  • Premium or e-bike hire, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along backroads with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will have heavier traffic). The average distance is 30 to 65km / 18.5 to 40.5mi per day, which should take between 3-6 hours. The tour follows a generally gently downhill route alongside the Rhine on good quality paved paths except on first section where the route is often unpaved. You need only carry your camera and water bottle etc as your main luggage is transported for you between hotels. Due to the more challenging sections, we recommend this tour only for young people in good physical condition (a discount applies for under 18yo accompanied by 2 paying adults).*For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn and that you bring one from home.


Departure dates

Sundays from 28 Apr to 1 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is 8 to 20 May and 1 Jun to 7 Sep. Mid season is 4 to 7 May, 21 to 31 May, 8 to 21 Sep, supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1690USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$110
  • Single supplementUSD$290
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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