Swiss Chocolate Cycle

Name: Swiss Chocolate Cycle
Brand: UTracks
SKU: SCH
Rating: 4.33 (3 reviews)

Cycling along the lake in middle Switzerland

Delectable treats from the Frey Chocolate factory

The Old Town of Lucerne is a great place to chill out and experience a different kind of culture. | Charles Foster

Lucerne, Switzerland | Jen Gannon

Swiss Chocolate Cycle #3 Cyclists on jetty in lake

Swiss Chocolate Cycle #2 cycling to Zug

Cycling along the lake in middle Switzerland

Delectable treats from the Frey Chocolate factory

Swiss Chocolate Cycle #3 Cyclists on jetty in lake

Swiss Chocolate Cycle #2 cycling to Zug

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

6 nights 3-4 star hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$2060USD

Overview

Trip Code: SCH

Trip highlights

Visiting the Lindt & Sprüngli and Aeschbacher Chocolatiers
Cycling along dedicated bikeways and quiet rural roads through classic Swiss landscapes
Exploring the cities of Zurich and Lucerne and smaller picturesque towns along the trail
Experiencing natural landscapes such as Lake Lucerne and the Sihlwald Nature Park
Tasting local culinary delights such as fondue and chocolate

If life is like a 'box of chocolates' then this is one for the bucket list. Cycling through the sublime landscapes of central Switzerland on well signposted bike paths, this imaginative route takes you from one chocolate box scene to another. There are countless chocolatiers in Switzerland producing high quality treats and, setting out from Zurich, you visit two chocolate factories including the world-famous chocolate factory of Lindt & Sprüngli, with an opportunity to create your own bar and learn the secrets of Swiss chocolate production. And whilst chocolate is in itself a great reason to cycle through Switzerland, there are many more drawcards. Exploring the charming town of Rapperswil, the monastery of Einsiedeln, a Lake Lucerne boat trip and visiting Zug with its lakeside promenade, to name just a few. Rounding off this engaging experience is time in the picturesque city of Zurich.

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Zurich

On arrival in Zurich, make your way to the joining hotel. At check in you will receive your tour documents and rental bike. The rest of the day is free to explore the historic centre, relax by the lake or enjoy a visit to one of the many chocolate shops in town.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle to Kilchberg for a guided tour of the Lindt Chocolateria, continue to Rapperswil (45km/28mi)

Leaving town you will ride through the suburbs of Zurich to Kilchberg which is the hometown of the world-famous Swiss chocolate brand Lindt & Sprüngli. After a guided tour through the Chocolateria you will decorate your very own chocolate bar! With this souvenir in your lunch bag, continue through the rolling hills of the so-called “Hirzel”, from where you descend back to the shores of Lake Zurich to Rapperswil, 'the town of roses'. ascent/descent 600m/1968ft

Meals: B

Day 3
By train to Einsiedeln then a challenging ride to Brunnen on Lake Lucerne (45km/28mi)

This morning you take the train up to Einsiedeln (not included, allow CHF37 pp). If you are in the mood for some history, you can visit the famous monastery before starting your cycle tour. The ride takes you first through the swampy shores of Lake Sihlsee then the day's challenge is the ride up to the Ibergeregg Pass (at 1406m), from where you will have fantastic views of the surrounding alpine peaks and Lake Lucerne. Continue through the small village of Schwyz to the shores of Lake Lucerne in Brunnen. Ascent 670m/2198ft descent 1115m/3658ft *If you are not confident about cycling the pass we suggest renting an e-bike (available from age 16 only in Switzerland). A private transfer from the Rapperswil hotel up to Ibergeregg Pass is available on request - please ask for our rates (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).

Meals: B

Day 4
Cross Lake Lucerne by boat and ride from Beckenreid to Lucerne (30km/18.8mi)

Today you will take the boat to the other side of the lake, to start cycling in Beckenried. This part is easy and flat, you will ride past a small airfield and through the village of Stansstad. The trail leads you back to the lake then it's a peaceful ride on the shores of the Kastanienbaum peninsula to the centre of Lucerne. ascent/descent 220m/721ft

Meals: B

Day 5
Follow the Reuss river to Zug, visiting Chocolatier Aeschbach en route (30km/18.6mi)

Today's mostly flat stage connects the cities of Lucerne and Zug. You will follow a mainly flat and scenic bike trail along the Reuss river to the town of Root, where you have your next chocolate experience. Here you will visit Chocolatier Aeschbach, known for their Schoggitaler amongst other handmade chocolates. From here you will continue to Zug, where you can ascend its landmark historic tower for a sweeping view of the old town and stroll along the lakeside promenade for a different perspective. ascent 235m/770ft descent 250m/820ft

Meals: B

Day 6
Cycle through Sihlwald natural park to Zurich surrounds (45km/28mi)

The last day of cycling takes you through Sihlwald natural park, a contrast to the previous few days at Zurich's doorstep. Continue to the heart of Zurich, where you can celebrate completing your cycling circuit with a hot chocolate! ascent 400m/1312ft descent 380m/1246ft

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with pre & post accommodation in Zurich on request, 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

What's included

6 breakfasts – continental style and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, meats, yoghurt, muesli, coffee, tea and juices.
6 nights in 3-4 star hotels on twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Bicycle, 24 speed with pannier, helmet & bike computer (electric bike available - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
Guided tour at Lindt & Sprüngli (including chocolate bar creation) and visit Aeschbach Chocolatier
Boat trip Brunnen to Beckenreid (lake Lucerne)
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Zurich
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Entrance fees - unless specified
Transfers
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Tourist tax - if applicable is payable locally
Excess luggage
Paper documents on arrival, request at time of booking
We recommend bringing a holder for your mobile phone to fix to the handlebar to cycle smoothly following the app
Train ride Rapperswil – Einsiedeln (allow approx CHF 37 pp)
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit, bike computer and lock. Helmet rental is included or you can bring your own well-fitted helmet.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘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 16 years and a minimum height requirement is 160cm / 5ft3".

Grading

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2 Daily cycles are between 30 and 45km / 18.6 or 28mi on reasonably level to undulating terrain, except on day 3, when the cycling to Ibergeregg Pass is more challenging. The cycling is mainly on paved surfaces on a combination of dedicated cycle ways and low traffic roads. Around Zurich and Lucerne, care is required with more traffic encountered arriving and leaving these cities. 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. E-bikes are available and are recommended if you are uncertain about the pass (available from age 16 only in Switzerland).

Departure dates

Daily from 20 Apr to 13 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season 27 Apr - 27 Sep, supplement applies

Note:

The train ticket for Rapperswil to Einsiedeln is not included (allow approx CHF 37)

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

$2060USD

Options & Supplements*

E-Bike SupplementUSD$180
Single SupplementUSD$690

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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