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Three countries, three cultures and a wonderful climate await you in the Rhine valley between the Alps, Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains on this self guided cycling trip. From Basel in Switzerland cycle along the Rhine River and along the edge of the Black Forest through beautiful natural landscapes towards Mullheim in Germany. Cross the Rhine into France to the colourful and character filled town of Colmar, the capital of Alsace's wines. Situated on the River Lauch, its canals flow through the beautifully preserved old town with its cathedral, tanners' quarter and 'Little Venice' providing a wonderful distraction away from the bikes. At the foot of the Vosges Mountains, cycle along the French wine route through dreamy villages filled with timber-framed houses and well preserved medieval centres to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg, home to the official seat of the European Parliament.
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20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(141kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Basel, overnight in surrounding suburbs
The picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland's third most populated city, is the starting point of the tour. Check into your hotel in Basel / surrounds (usually Saint-Louis on the French side). Once you've checked in you can take the opportunity to explore both sides of the Rhine river, Basel's old Town concentrated in Grossbasel on the south bank and Kleinbasel on the north bank. Our usual accommodations in Basel are located in the French or German parts of the city (due to border checks on luggage) - if you plan to stay longer in Basel we suggest staying more centrally in the Swiss part.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle along the Rhine through Markgräflerland to Mullheim (45km/27mi)
Today's cycling is ideal as you follow the Rhine river, heading north to Mullheim in Germany. You will cross the Swiss/German border into Markgräflerland. The region is known as 'the Tuscany of Germany' due to its mild climate. Between the Rhine and the Black Forest foothills to your east, this is vineyard country. The primary grape variety is Chasselas which makes an easy drinking white wine, and you'll find white asparagus and cherries (in season). Overnight Mullheim. Cycling: today's terrain is flat
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle via Heitersheim and Bad Krozingen to Freiburg in the Black Forest (35km/21mi)
Visit the Villa Urbana and the Maltese Castle in Heitersheim before cycling inland to Bad Krozingen, known for its mineral springs. Continue to Freiburg in the Black Forest, 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. Overnight Freiburg. Cycling: hilly terrain from Müllheim to Heitersheim for about 8.5km and flatter from Bad Krozingen to Ebringen. Between Ebringen and Freiburg there is 2 km of dirt road.
Day 4
Cross the Rhine to Neuf-Brisach and continue to Colmar (60km/37mi)
Leave Freiburg this morning and cycle west towards the Rhine again. 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 Alsace wine route. Overnight Colmar. Cycling: a little hilly to flat terrain. Ride on the Eurovelo 6 and 2 cycle paths to Breisach. After having cross the Rhine, again on cycle paths and around 7km on secondary roads from Neuf Brisach to Colmar.
Day 5
Cycle the foothills of the Vosges to Riquewihr or surrounding villages. (40km/25mi)
There's time to further discover Colmar before cycling along tracks and quiet roads to Riquewihr. At the foot of the Vosges mountains, Riquewihr nestles among the other Alsatian Grand Cru wine-making villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim and Kayserberg. Overnight Riquewihr or surrounding villages depending on availability. Cycling: flat terrain on cycle paths and minor agricultural paved roads. A little hilly between Eguisheim and Wettolsheim (approx. 1km). From Kientzheim to Riquewihr there are 2 hard but short climbs (1km each).
Day 6
Continue through picturesque villages to Obernai (35 or 50km/22 or 31mi)
Cycle along the wine road and discover the villages of Barr, Andlau with its abbey, Bergheim, Ribeauville and Hunawihr. 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! Overnight Obernai. Cycling: the terrain is a little hilly on cycle paths and minor agricultural tarred roads. Through the vineyards there are some short climbs.
Day 7
Along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg (40 or 55km/25 or 34mi)
From Obernai, cycle along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace and the official seat of the European Parliament. 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. Overnight Strasbourg. Cycling: Flat terrain on cycle paths. Leaving Obernai there is a climb of approx 100m and then a little hilly to Bischoffsheim (about 2km). After Molsheim follow the canal into the centre of Strasbourg.
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
You will be accommodated in a combination of 3 and 4 star hotels all with ensuite facilities.
During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a pump, anti-theft device and repair kit. A puncture repair kit is included in the equipment provided so you can fix the issue. Helmet rental is not available, please bring your own.
Aluminium high crossbar bike with front and rear brakes and 28 inch tires. Sizes 52,56 & 60cm frames available.
An electric bike is available on request, supplement applies. E-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in.
You will ride mainly on cycle paths on well-marked trails over undulating terrain, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic.
GRADE 3 - Daily cycles of between 34 and 55km/21 and 24mi on mainly flat terrain. You will ride mainly on cycle paths on well-marked trails over undulating terrain, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic. Days 5 and 6 are a little hilly. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. Electric bikes are available. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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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