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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.
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17kg of CO2-e PP per day
(174kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Strasbourg
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
Day 2
Cycle along the Rhine and through forest to Ettenheim in Germany (60km/37.5mi)
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, or a surrounding town.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to the art city of Freiburg in the Black Forest region (50km/31mi)
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.
Day 4
Cycle to Neuf-Brisach and onto Colmar (60km/37.5mi)
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.
Day 5
Cycle the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Riquewihr (40km/25mi)
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. Your accommodation this evening may be in Riquewihr or a nearby town.
Day 6
Continue through picturesque villages to Obernai (35 or 50km/31 or 22mi)
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! Your accommodation this evening may be in Obernai or a nearby town.
Day 7
Along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg (40 or 55km/25 or 34mi)
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.
Day 8
Trip concludes in Strasbourg
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. Some hotels may have a swimming pool or sauna.
During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes (alternatively you can request a 7 speed bike with pedal brakes). You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a pump, anti-theft device and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. 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. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or 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 minor agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic. Days 5 and 6 are a little bit hilly.
GRADE 3 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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