2025 Early Bird SaleSave Now
Duration
10 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 10 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 10 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1790 USD

Adult$1590USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: KSB

Trip highlights


  • Leisurely ride in an amazing landscape of Lake Constance against the backdrop of the Alps
  • Cycling across borders in Switzerland, France and Germany
  • Following the Rhine path with breathtaking scenery through typical wine growing villages
  • Viewing the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen
  • Soaking up the fine hospitality of small family run hotels
  • Sampling the excellent cuisine of the Alsace

Trace the flow of the Rhine by bike on this epic journey from Lake Constance in the shadow of the Alps to Strasbourg, where the Rhine continues on its journey to the North Sea. The relaxed itinerary offers the flexibility to explore wine-growers' villages to sample the local specialties, climb to a castle for a picture postcard view, and enjoy a boat ride at Europe's largest waterfall. From the vastness of Lake Constance, the route travels to the Rhine Falls, through picturesque towns and villages along the river to the city of Basel situated on the Swiss/French border. From here a sharp right turn takes you along the German/French border through impressive wine growing regions and via the Black Forest town of Freiburg, all the way to Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. At night say in comfortable hotels and experience the essence of the medieval towns on the Rhine where wine bars and typical restaurants feature, along with castle topped hills.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Located on the banks of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German), the compact university town of Constance is an ideal starting point for your trip. On arrival make your way to the joining hotel where you will receive your travel documents. In the afternoon or tomorrow morning, you can collect your rental bike (on request the bike/s can be delivered to the hotel however in this case there is no individual bike fitting). Dependent on your arrival time, you can visit Mainau island or stroll through the old town of Constance. The aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum are also recommended. Depending on availability you may start in Kreuzlingen, which is just across the Swiss border from Constance.

Meals:  B

Following the shores of Lake Constance, you pedal to Stein am Rhein with its frescoed, medieval houses. Switching several times between Germany and Switzerland you reach the canton's capital, Schaffhausen. The town, whose citizens competed with each other in building gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort. +430m, -440m

Meals:  B

After breakfast, it's a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's biggest waterfalls. Here you can take a boat ride up to the mighty roar of the water (included*). The Rhine continues to accompanies you on your way to Waldshut-Tiengen, as you pass by Rheinau monastery and the little town of Kaiserstuhl. *Operating times of the boat trip to the Rock (subject to change): April and October: 11.00 - 17.00, May and September: 10.00 - 18.00, June-August: 09.30 - 18.30 - and approx every 10-15 minutes within these hours. +480m, -550m

Meals:  B

The cycle route takes you further on downstream, via Laufenburg to Bad Säckingen, where you'll find Europe's longest wooden, roofed bridge. Have a stop here - there are two very special museums you can visit: the Müllmuseum (garbage museum) and a museum about the famous "Trumpeter from Bad Säckingen". Following the northern bank of the Rhine, you cycle on to Rheinfelden. To shorten the route you can board a train here (not included). Should you decide to continue by bike, a visit to the Roman fort Augusta Raurica is worthwhile. to Basel: +210m, -260m

Meals:  B

As you leave Basel, you will appreciate its location at the border of three countries. During the route along the Rhine you will see in the distance the Istein Klotz which is a rocky outcrop with a ruined castle and church built into its rugged face. At the edge of the Black Forest, you cycle through small spa towns, which all draw on the healing waters of the area. Overnight in either Badenweller or Müllheim. +610m, -450m

Meals:  B

A change of pace today as cycle through the vineyards of the Markgräflerland with the Black Forest on your right and the Vosges Mountains to your left. Freiburg is Germany‘ s warmest and most southern city. It has its own particular charm - look out for the small water-filled rills along most streets and alleyways. From the Schlossberg (castle), you have a great view over the town and the surrounding area. +210m, -340m

Meals:  B

On the sixth stage of your cycle tour, it's an easy ride as you cycle into the volcanic hills of the Kaiserstuhl. The town of Breisach is already clearly visible from afar. Vogtsburg in the Kaiserstuhl is the largest wine-growing community in Baden-Württemberg. You will spend the night in Breisach, Vogelgrun or Vogtsburg. +40m, -120m

Meals:  B

Today takes you on a route through the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl to Ettenheim. For the first few kilometres of the stage, there is a decent ascent. The baroque town of Ettenheim impresses with its historic half timbered and town houses. A few kilometres away is the Europa Park (not included), Germany‘s largest amusement park. +170m, -180m

Meals:  B

The last stage of your journey offers you two options to get to Offenburg. You can cycle directly from Ettenheim to Offenburg and use the train (not included) to visit Strasbourg. Get to know the traditional cuisine of Alsace in the cosy wine taverns and stroll through 'la Petite France'. The former tanners and millers quarter located in the west of the old town island is a must see. Alternatively, cycle to Kehl and take the tram into Strasbourg in just a few minutes. Back in Kehl you cycle to Offenburg. (The full distance to cycle via Strasbourg to Offenburg is 90km/56mi.) +170m, -200m direct, or via Strasbourg to Offenburg +240m, -270m

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to extend your stay in Offenburg. If you need to return to Constance you can take the Black Forest Railway.

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

  • 9 breakfasts - generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice. What is offered may vary from hotel to hotel.
  • 9 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 27 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (8-speed on request; electric bikes available on request - supplement applies). Tandems and kids bikes also available - must be pre booked.
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps - one set per room booked & GPX tracks
  • Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
  • Emergency hotline - 7 days, 8am to 8pm

  • Travel to Constance and from Strasbourg
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - this is compulsory
  • Helmets, not available to rent or purchase
  • Premium or electric bikes available on request, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • 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
  • Train from Rheinfelden to Basel (approx EUR8pp including bike)
  • Tramway from Kehl to Strasbourg (EUR5 including bike)
  • Train from Offenburg to Strasbourg and return (approx EUR20pp excluding bike)
  • Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using GPX files
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

During the 8 days of cycling the daily routes are between 30 and 70 kilometres/18.5 to 43.5 miles with opportunities to shorten most days. The route is mainly even along tarred cycle paths. The path runs by the river and partially along roads. Sporadically there are short, unsealed sections. Day 5 is the most challenging day, ascent approx 610m. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns).


Departure dates

Daily from 5 Apr to 12 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
2025: Mid season 6 Apr - 11 Apr, 21 - 25 Apr, 4 - 9 May & 21 Sep - 11 Oct. High season 12 - 20 Apr, 26 Apr - 3 May, 10 May - 20 Sep Supplement applies 2024: Mid season 18 Aug - 15 Oct. 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*
  • E-bike supplementUSD$200
  • Single supplementUSD$440
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$460
*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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