Five Country Odyssey

Bicycle France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Liechtenstein

An enchanting tour that provides an opportunity to experience some of the best cycling routes in France, Germany and Switzerland.  We explore a region of well-preserved history with medieval villages and hillsides of crumbling castles.  Sampling the many splendid wines will delight your palate and whet your appetite for the excellent local cuisine.

In the Alsace we follow the Route du Vin (Wine Road), which weaves its way through countless flowered villages and medieval towers, walls and houses built from the red sandstone of the nearby Vosges Mountains.  The Alsace is the home of some of France’s most exquisite cuisine and elegant wines, with more Michelin starred restaurants than any other part of the world.  There is also a wealth of simple “regional” dishes such as Choucroute Royale (the local sauerkraut smothered with a mix of meats, sausage and potatoes), Baeckeoffe (casserole of beef, lamb, pork, onions and potatoes), and traditional onion tarte.  Muenster cheese comes from the local dairies and the dry Alsatian Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines are internationally renowned.

On the German side of the border we enjoy a taste of the Badische Weinstrasse (Baden Wine Road) which stretches from Baden Baden all the way to the Swiss border. The Schwarzwald (Black Forest) is Germany’s largest and most beautiful forest with streams, waterfalls, small lakes and story book villages dating back centuries.  Famous for its mineral springs and wooden cuckoo clocks, it is also home to some of the country’s finest traditional food.  The Black Forest Smoked Ham and Black Forest Cake are both world famous.

On our final days of cycling we discover the fascinating diversity of Switzerland. Although a small country, it offers a tremendous variety of cultures, languages, cuisine, architecture and refreshing scenery.  Some of the gastronomic highlights include the special cheese dishes, Raclette, Rösti and sausages.  The local fish from Lake Constance is another specialty.

With several short hops on the train or in the support vehicle, even beginning and intermediate cyclists can enjoy this tour.  Those looking for a challenge have the chance to follow a longer and more strenuous route each day with twists, turns, climbs and descends through the majesty of the mountains. Join us for an unforgettable journey, and experience the richness and variety these countries offer!

Plan to arrive at Strasbourg airport no later than Monday morning.

Monday, Strasbourg.  This afternoon our local guide will take us on a walking tour through the historic streets of Strasbourg.  We’ll visit the historic old town, the rose-colored cathedral and the infamous “Bridge of the Crow,” where in bygone days criminals were executed and their bodies left for hungry crows.  Festive welcoming party and dinner tonight.

Tuesday, Birkenwald.  We bike to Saverne, a quaint little town with an impressive red sandstone palace.  After lunch we continue to Marmoutier with its 13th century abbey that is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture in the Alsace.

Wednesday, Dieffenthal.  This morning we visit one of the most picturesque villages in the Alsace.  In the 16th century a double fortified wall was built around Obernai, which still encloses the main part of the town with the old half-timbered houses lining the narrow streets. Continue your Odyssey along quiet country lanes of the Alsatian wine route.  Castle ruins and villages, still hemmed in by ancient town walls, dot the hillsides. 

Thursday & Friday, Colmar.  We bicycle through Kaysersberg, the birthplace of Dr. Albert Schweitzer. A refreshing forest ride takes us back to the Route du Vin and to Colmar with its maze of narrow streets lined with Renaissance houses.  Friday morning we have a guided tour of Colmar and a visit to the birthplace of Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.

Saturday, Freiburg.  Crossing the Rhine River into Germany we pass numerous vineyards and wine villages.  Freiburg, with its colorful town square and towering cathedral, is considered the capital of the Black Forest.  The local university makes this a lively town with lots of music and street theater.

Sunday & Monday, Konstanz.  A short transfer takes us through meadows, woods and over the top of the Black Forest Mountains.  We then have a fun downhill journey on our bikes to the Bodensee (Lake Constance), Europe’s third largest lake.  We pass through Meersburg, with a castle dating back to the 7th century.  Vineyards encircle the village walls and the local museum holds one of the largest wine barrels ever built.  Monday’s cycling route meanders over the border into Switzerland and then back to Germany.  Take time to visit the garden island of Mainau, a tribute to the art and science of horticulture.

Tuesday & Wednesday, Appenzell.  We bike up to Appenzell, known for its well-preserved Swiss architecture.  Few cars travel the backroads we have discovered and only the occasional sound of a cow disturbs the tranquility of the lush Alpine meadows.  Option of a train trip part of the way up!  The next day you can sleep in or go for a pleasant hike in the nearby mountains.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, Bad Ragaz.  More downhill riding as we cross the border into Austria and then cycle across the tiny country of Liechtenstein.  We pass through the scenic area that inspired the well-known story of Heidi.  Our hotel for the next three nights is a charming castle nestled in a private park with an adjacent golf course.  The hotel has just completed its new spa complex and has an outdoor pool.  Optional rides are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.  Bike up to Davos, Europe’s highest town, for breathtaking mountain scenery and to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes, Walensee.  Farewell dinner Saturday evening.

Sunday This morning we transfer you to the Zurich airport or the local train station.  Travel time is approximately two hours, arriving at the airport at 11 AM. 

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 14 days/13 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,555 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and ten dinners.
What else is included in the tour price?

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 31, 38 and 65 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides. 

To include the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour, there will be several group transfers during the trip. In addition to the “sag wagon”, a small coach that can accommodate the entire group of tour participants will accompany the group on some days. The support vehicles transfer all luggage, offer mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provide a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. The sag wagon comes equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the area.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $27 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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