Four Country Bicycle Odyssey

Downhill biking in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria & Germany
September 1st to 11th, 2011

The 800 mile long Rhine River is considered by many to be the most important river in the world, both politically and economically. From its source in the Swiss Alps it flows through six countries before it reaches the North Sea, impacting the life and culture of all civilizations in the heartland of Europe.

On our tour we combine the spectacular scenery of the Rhine with the majesty of Switzerland’s mountains and the picturesque villages on the shores of Lake Constance. Experience four countries in eleven days with more than a dozen border crossings!

Our adventure begins high in the Swiss Alps. Most of the cycling is either downhill or flat as we follow the Rhine River downstream. With the efficiency of the local trains, boats and the sag wagon for support, this tour can be as easy as you wish. Those looking for a challenge have the opportunity to follow longer and more strenuous routes each day with twists, climbs and descends through the grandeur of the nearby mountains.

Meals on the trip will be a lesson in history and local custom, every kitchen the focus of traditions that span the centuries. The gourmet delicacies and the regional countryside cooking are always rich, hearty and nourishing. Fine local wines and beers, after dinner Schnapps, cider and apple juices are available to add to your culinary adventure.

Plan to arrive at the Zurich Airport no later than Thursday morning, September 1st.

Thursday & Friday, Bad Ragaz.  We will meet you at the Zurich Airport and transfer to our hotel in Bad Ragaz. The afternoon is free for a warm up ride through lush meadows and pastureland, an area that inspired the well-known story of Heidi. Back at the hotel take timeoutfor bathing in the famous thermal waters. Festive welcoming dinner in the evening. Friday we take the famous Glacier Express train to the start of our ride. A long descent offers fantastic vistas of the deep Rhine Gorge – Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon.” Not far from the historic town of Chur you will see the creation of the Rhine as the Vorderrhein and Hinterrhein join into one.

Saturday & Sunday, Appenzell.  Carry your passport, as in a short distance we cross the border into Liechtenstein and then Austria. A brief train trip takes us through magnificent scenery and small villages up to Appenzell, known for its well-preserved Swiss architecture and old traditions. Skip the train trip and bike up if you plan on a second (or third) dinner dessert! Sunday you can ride your bike or hike the exciting Alpine mountain trails. With a lift from a cable car to 5,400 feet elevation, you’ll have spectacular views of the mountains and the Rhine Valley.

Monday & Tuesday, Lindau. We bike downhill from Appenzell. Few cars travel the back roads we explore and only the occasional sound of a cow disturbs the tranquillity of the lush Alpine meadows. Continue following the Rhine to the point where it enters the Bodensee (Lake Constance), Europe’s third largest lake. The bike path meanders over the border into Germany and to the island of Lindau. Our guide will introduce us to the local history, art and architecture.

Wednesday & Thursday, Konstanz.  Cycle to Friedrichshafen and visit the Zeppelin museum, as it was here that these airships were developed and built in the early 20th century. We cross the lake back into Switzerland and pass through lovely villages with the café-lined lakeshore. The next day take time to visit the island of Mainau, a tribute to the art of horticulture. The town of Meersburg has Germany’s oldest intact castle dating back to the year 628 AD.

Friday & Saturday, Stein am Rhein.  A bike path follows the lake through charming villages, vineyards and fruit orchards to Stein am Rhein. With its elaborately painted buildings this is one of the most picturesque medieval villages in Switzerland. Nearby was the first Roman bridge ever built over the Rhine. Saturday we bike to the thundering Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Farewell dinner party in the evening.

Sunday, September 11th.  Morning transfer to the Zurich airport or to the local train station.

Tour price:     $4,895 per person ($695 single supplement)
Tour date:      September 1st to 11th, 2011 (11 days/10 nights) - Labor Day is Sept. 5th.
                       This is an exclusive tour date reserved for a private group.
Tour Leaders: Gerhard, Darlene & Tina

Tour cost includes:
Hotel accommodations for ten nights, buffet breakfast each morning and eight dinners with wine or beer. Gratuities, taxes and service charges. Airport/hotel transfers. Historic walking tours with local guides and special wine tasting. All of our hotels offer spa facilities to enjoy at the end of a biking day. The support vehicle transfers all luggage, offers mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provides a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. It is equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the areas that we visit. In addition to the support wagon, a small coach will also accompany the group on some days.

Daily biking distances:
The majority of the standard cycling routes are on bike paths and designated bike routes. Detailed maps and route sheets will be provided. On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 26, 37 and 49 miles. Shortcuts will be available as well as the option of longer and more challenging rides. There will be group transfers during the trip to not miss out on the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour.

Bike rentals:
Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at € 175 (Euro). All frames are hybrid style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. They are equipped with Shimano components, 27 gears, rack, odometer and a rear view mirror. If you prefer to use toe clips you must bring your own pedals. Should you choose to bring your own bike, details will be outlined in the pre-departure information packet.

Flights and extra nights:
Arrive in Zurich no later than 10:00 AM, Thursday morning, September 1st. Gerhard or Tina will meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to our hotel in Bad Ragaz. If you arrive a day early (August 31st) a package is available that includes hotel accommodations in Bad Ragaz, airport meeting and transfer. If you arrive early your rental bike will be available, or you can play the 18-hole PGA golf course located next to the hotel. When the tour comes to an end we can arrange for additional hotel nights in Zurich or other parts of Switzerland.

View the Tourist Office Web sites for some of the destinations we visit.

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