24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1590USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: URV

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards
  • Exploring the timelessness of the Rhine River landscape with its' authentic villages full of historical intrigue
  • Experiencing the EU capital of Strasbourg, the art city of Frieburg and the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Neuf-Brisach
  • Enjoying the culinary specialties and sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’

Explore the Rhine River from both the German and French sides to indulge in the very best this enchanting region has to offer. With seemingly endless picture perfect landscapes lining the meandering Rhine, dedicated bike paths for safe and easy cycling and a swathe of beautifully preserved villages to inspire you each day, there are few cycle trips that offer so many 'bells and whistles'. From the EU capital of Strasbourg to the art city of Frieburg, traditional Colmar to the moated, UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Neuf-Brisach, the Romanesque and Baroque architecture as well as medieval castles will keep you captivated. The gastronomic delights are plentiful in this part of Europe and you can sample some of the regions finest produce as you cycle through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere of one of the most picturesque parts of the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland, taking in the routes most famous villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will witness delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. With so many highlights your pedals will seem to turn themselves during this simply stunning ride along the Rhine River and its various valleys in Germany and France.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Arrive in the University and port town of Strasbourg and settle into your hotel. Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and home to some great museums which are worth visiting. The old city is dominated by the Cathedral made out of pink sandstone from the Vosges. There are many interesting narrow streets where you can find some interesting churches, restaurants and shops and the city has a number of covered bridges which cross the Ill River. Overnight Strasbourg.

Meals:  Nil

An easy and flat stage takes you from Strasbourg on a dedicated cycle path through deep forests along the Rhine bank. Some short sections along the Rhine are on unsealed paths. Overnight in Ettenheim, a picturesque town in Germany.

Meals:  B

A flat stage leads you through villages to Freiburg in the Black Forest region, officially Germany's warmest town. Medieval Freiburg has fairy tale gabled houses, cobblestone lanes, picturesque squares and a beautiful cathedral. It is an old university town with many pubs and cafes and a busy nightlife, making it a great night stop.

Meals:  B

Leave Freiburg this morning and cycle west towards the Rhine again. The stage is mainly on cycle paths and minor rural roads. The 13th century Breisach Cathedral towers imposingly over the banks of the Rhine. Cross the river and border here to Neuf-Brisach in Alsace, a 17th century octagonal fortified town. Continue to the beautiful town of Colmar, one of the most delightful cities along the French wine route.

Meals:  B

There's time to further discover Colmar before cycling along tracks and quiet roads to Riquewihr. It's a little hilly between Eguisheim and Wettolsheim for about 1 km, and from Kientzheim to Riquewihr there are two short but quite hard climbs of about 1km each. At the foot of the Vosges mountains, Riquewihr nestles among the other Alsatian Grand Cru wine-making villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim and Kaysersberg.

Meals:  B

Cycle along the wine road and discover the villages of Barr, Andlau with its abbey, Bergheim, Ribeauville and Hunawihr. It's a little hilly as you ride on cycle paths and quiet rural roads, and through the vineyards there are a few climbs. Continue to Obernai, an important centre for wine and beer production. This was the birthplace of St Odile, daughter of the Duke of Alsace and the Patron Saint of Alsace - and of good eyesight!

Meals:  B

On your last cycle day you ride back to Strasbourg. Leaving Obernai there's a climb of approx 100m then some small hills to Bischoffsheim (about 2km). After Molsheim you ride on the cycle path along the canal into the city centre of Strasbourg. The strong German influence over the past centuries has given Strasbourg a distinctive style, and it has many historical and cultural sights. Its Cathedral is the highest medieval building in Europe and its channels encircle the city centre, providing a peaceful and picturesque ambiance.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

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

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 21 speed rental bike with handbrake equipped with panniers, pump, lock and repair kit (7 speed bike with backpedal brake on request - please specify at the time of booking. Electric bikes are available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage transfer, 1 piece max 20kg per person, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including map and route notes per room booked, navigational app and GPS tracks available
  • Signposted route
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Strasbourg
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Helmet - rental is not available, please bring your own helmet
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Hotel taxes may apply - these are payable locally and range from €1-3 per person per night
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 37 and 59km (23 to 36.5mi) on mainly flat terrain. Days 5 and 6 will involve some hill ascents and descents. You will ride mainly on cycle paths, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on small secondary roads without much traffic. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request). If you are not used to cycling then we recommend that you include as much cycling on roads in your pre trip training. This is to get used to cars passing you at times and will be invaluable practise for when you are entering and leaving towns and cities when on the trip. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates

Daily from 30 Mar to 5 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid season 13 Apr - 31 May and 28 Sep - 5 Oct. High season 1 Jun - 27 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

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$210
  • Single SupplementUSD$570
*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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