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An important highway since the times of the Greeks and Romans, the Rhone Cycle Path showcases the emblematic landscapes of Switzerland through to the Mediterranean sea. This section of the cycle begins in the idyllic mountain village of Andermatt, surrounded by eight Alpine passes and magnificent mountain lakes. Over eight days of cycling, you will explore the landscapes of the Rhone River from its source high up in the Rhone Glaciers, through the dramatic valleys of the Goms region and past an abundance of fruit orchards and vineyards. Sample the many wines on offer in Varen, explore the historical castles, churches and mansions in Sion and enjoy the impressive landscape of snowy summits, orchards and the all encompassing Lake Geneva. Witness the expansion of the river as it makes its way to Lake Geneva. At night, you will stay in a mixture of authentic mountain chalets and comfortable 3* city hotels. Your cycle will conclude in the cosmopolitan city of Geneva.
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20kg of CO2-e PP per day
(179kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Andermatt
Make your way by train to Andermatt, a village in the Ursern Valley. This quintessential Swiss Alpine village has classic scenes of half timbered houses, with restaurants and shops lining the small town centre. Surrounded by snowy peaks, take some time to absorb the views in preparation for your first cycle day.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Obergesteln or Oberwald (38-40kms / 23.6-24.8mi)
After collecting your bike at the designated location, you begin cycling from this stony Alpine fortress over the treeless pastures of the Urserental. There is a challenging climb to the Furkapass (2430m) and past the ice caves of the Rhone Glacier. Overnight in Oberwald (Cat B) or Obergestein (Cat A). +/-1000m/3300ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to Brig, through the sun filled valleys of the Goms (50km/31mi)
In Valais German, the Rhone is called 'Rotten'. Today you pass through the Valais along another hilly section through the sunny high valleys of the Goms towards Brig. Be rewarded with impressive views of the Rhone Valley, snow capped mountains and small swiss villages. Overnight in Brig. +620m/2046ft, -1300m/4290ft
Day 4
Cycle from Brig to Sierre, enjoy a wine tasting in Varen (42kms/26mi)
Leaving Brig this morning, the terrain is much flatter, with small rolling hills through the main valley which begins to widen with endless views of greenery. You will leave the river Rhone for part of your cycle today to enjoy a ride through the vineyards to a winery for an included wine tasting. Following your wine tasting, you will continue on to the village of Sierre for your overnight accommodation. +170m/560ft, -320m/1050ft
Day 5
Explore historic Sion and enjoy the high alpine scenery of the Dents du Midi (44kms/27.3mi)
Today, your cycle will pass through the historical city of Sion showcasing two hilltop fortifications; a 13th Century Castle and 15th Century Cathedral. This section of the cycle is dominated by views of the high alpine scenery of the Dents du Midi. Continue today's relatively flat cycle through a world of fruit orchards and vineyards to the quaint city of Martigny, famous for it's gastronomy with a choice of many outstanding restaurants and produce. Overnight in Martigny. +120m/396ft, -180m/595ft
Day 6
Cycle through the narrowest point of the valley, St-Maurice and on to Vevey or Montreux (55-60km/ 34.2-37.3mi)
Leaving Martigny, you cycle past the village towns of Vernayaz and Dorenez to the valley's narrowest point and the medieval town of St-Maurice. St-Maurice lies between a rock face of the alpine peaks and the shores of Lake Geneva. It is full of charm and history. Its worth it to stop here for coffee and a visit to the Abbey dating back to the year 300AD. Continue your cycle along the shores of Lake Geneva and past the Chillon Castle to Montreux (Cat B) or Vevey (Cat A) for your overnight stay. +215-250m/710-825ft, -305-335m/1006-1105ft
Day 7
Cycle along Lake Geneva to Lausanne (20-30km/12.4-18.6mi)
Today's cycle is completely focused on the sublime beauty of Lake Geneva. Follow the shores of the lake past the traditional resort town of Montreux with it's main promenade lined with flowers, Mediterranean trees and grand Belle Époque architecture. Finish today's cycle in the city of Lausanne, famous for being the home to the Olympic Committee's international headquarters and Olympic Museum. With only a short distance to cycle today there is plenty of time to explore the attractions or take a relaxed picnic by the side of the lake, absorbing the astounding views. +425-475m/1400-1570ft, -430-480m/1420-1585ft
Day 8
Cycle past terraced vines to Prangins or Nyon (45kms/27.96mi)
This morning you will enter "La Côte" region of Switzerland. This section of the Rhone Route is known for it's vineyards and impressive view of the high Alps across the lake. You will pass through the market towns of Morges and Rolle with impressive views of the majestic Mont Blanc across the lake and bordered by famous vineyards of the region. Today's cycle will conclude in Nyon or the neighboring village of Pragins (Cat A). Spend the afternoon exploring Prangins Castle or the Lake Geneva Museum in Nyon. +470m/1550ft, -435m/1435ft
Day 9
Cycle to Geneva (30-60km/18.6 - 37.3mi)
Enjoy a leisurely last day along the shores of Lake Geneva. The cosmopolitan city of Geneva announces itself with the infamous 140m-high water fountain. The town is surrounded by villas, yachts and prominent boulevards. Home to Europe's United Nations and the Red Cross, it's is known as the global hub for diplomacy. +235-615m/775-2030ft, -255-605m/841-1997ft
Day 10
Trip concludes
Your cycle will conclude after breakfast. Alternatively, continue cycling along the Via Rhona all the way to the Mediterranean!
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation 3 star hotels, twin share with ensuite facilities. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room. Some hotels may offer sauna or spa facilities.
There is an option to upgrade to a combination of 3 to 4 star hotels. Some of these hotels will offer a gym, bar, restaurant, spa or sauna facilities.
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 not included, you can purchase or bring your own well-fitted helmet.
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".
Hilly in the first sections in the high valley of Goms. From Brig, the Rhone-Route leads through flat areas and is suitable for leisure cyclists. From Sion you will have to face some headwind. A highlight is the tour through the vineyards of Lavaux. In the urban sections you will have to face some traffic and busy roads.
GRADE 3 - Daily cycles are between 25km and 60km / 15.5 or 37.3mi. The first two days of the route are hilly across the high valley of Goms, followed by a flat and undulating terrain for the remainder of the route. The cycling is mainly on paved surfaces on a combination of dedicated cycle ways, charming quiet paths and low traffic roads. Around larger urban sections such as Lausanne and Geneva, 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 good 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).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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7Days
Introductory to Moderate
8Days
Moderate