Alsace by Bike
Alsace by Bike
$1650
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Alsace with our "Alsace by Bike" tour. Cycle through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, exploring charming villages steeped in history and culture. Experience the timeless beauty of the Vosges Mountains and indulge in the region's culinary delights, including sampling excellent local wines. Starting in the vibrant city of Strasbourg and concluding in the cultural hub of Basel, this self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of scenic routes, historical intrigue, and gastronomic pleasures. Enjoy comfortable stays in 3 and 4-star hotels, with luggage transfers and a digital information pack to guide your adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Strasbourg
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive in the University and port town of Strasbourg and your hotel. Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and home to some great museums which are worth visiting. The old city is dominated by the Cathedral made out of pink sandstone from the Vosges. There are many interesting narrow streets where you can find some interesting churches, restaurants and shops and the city has a number of covered bridges which cross the Ill River. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle Along The Canal De La Bruche To Obernai Area (40 Or 55Km/25 Or 34Mi)
Location: Obernai
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Obernai region
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Canal de la Bruche was once a transport route for wine from the wine-growing areas to the capital. Today the cycle path runs along this canal from Strasbourg to Molsheim, along the wine route. It continues past the 12th century Romanesque church at Rosheim to Obernai. Wine sampling is the theme of the day interspersed with some great cycling in the shadow of the Vosges. Overnight Obernai region.
Day 3 : Cycle To Riquewihr Surrounds (50 Or 35Km/31 Or 22Mi)
Location: Riquewihr
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Riquewihr surrounds
Meals Included: Breakfast
The cycle path runs through the famous vineyards and their wine-growing villages, which are among the most beautiful in Alsace: Barr, Andlau, Itterswiller, Dambach-la-Ville and Bergheim or Ribeauville. The route takes you past these villages with opportunities to sample wines, as you head towards the Middle Ages town of Riquewihr (or surrounds).
Route Notes - 2 hard climbs, route mainly on dedicated cycle paths through vineyards.
Day 4 : Continue Through Charming Wine Villages To Colmar (40Km/25Mi)
Location: Colmar
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Colmar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey on the Wine Route, at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. Today you will discover charming villages famous for the region's great wines. Among them, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg were each recently voted "Favourite Village of the French". You will stop in Colmar, capital of Alsace wines. Do not miss a walk in its well-preserved historic centre and visit the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Issenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Western art. Colmar is the birthplace of F.A. Bartholdi famous for the Statue of Liberty of New York (1866).
Route Notes - a hilly route with a few hard but short climbs (2 of 1km/0.6mi each, 1 of 500m from Wintzenheim to Wettolsheim). 1.5km/1mi of the route is on a good dirt road.
Day 5 : Rest Day Colmar, Or Ride To Guebwiller Or Mulhouse (50-80Km/31-50Mi), Return By Train
Location: Colmar
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Colmar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can enjoy a rest day, exploring the pretty town of Colmar, or if you're feeling energetic you can explore the surrounding area by bike. From Colmar you head south along the Alsace Wine Route, passing its typical villages. From Guebwiller, cycle to Bollwiller and take the train or continue to Ungersheim, until the Ecomusee d’Alsace. From there, the cycle path guides you directly to Mulhouse. Return to Colmar by train. (Train ticket costs are not included).
Route Notes - little hilly until Guebwiller, then flat terrain to either Bollwiller or Mulhouse.
Optional longer cycle route (same night stop) - additional loop tour Colmar-Munster return +40km/25m
Day 6 : Cycle To Mulhouse And Surrounds (65Km/41Mi)
Location: Mulhouse
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mulhouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you head east to Neuf-Brisach, then continue towards the south to reach the small village of Ottmarsheim with its 12th century church. Next you enter the Hardt’s forest then continue cycling along the Rhone-Rhine canal to reach Mulhouse. After enjoying the historic town centre of Mulhouse, you have a choice of numerous museums to visit this afternoon.
Route Notes - flat route mainly on dedicated cycle paths, approx 7km on secondary roads)
Optional longer cycle route (same night stop) - additional loop +30km/18.75mi, altitude difference +141m
Day 7 : Continue Along The Rhone-Rhine Canal To Basel (55Km/34Mi)
Location: Basel
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Basel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to follow the Rhone-Rhine Canal by the EuroVelo route 6 to Illfurth then cross the peaceful Sundgau region in the south of Alsace, characterised by its beautiful half-timbered houses. The city of Basel is located where the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland meet. Although the main city is in Switzerland, some of the suburbs are in France and Germany. With a large number of theatres and museums (including the world renowned Fine Arts Museum), the city is a centre of culture.
Route Notes - flat or gently undulating (30km/18.5mi), largely on cycle paths but also on low traffic roads.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Basel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes in Basel after breakfast. There are regular direct trains (1hr 20mins travel time) if you need to return to Strasbourg (fare not included).
What's Included
-
Breakfasts
7 continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices.
-
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
-
Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer, 1 piece max 20kg per person, supplement applies for excess.
-
Digital Information Pack
Digital information pack including map and route notes and navigational app.
-
Rental Bike
21 speed rental bike, equipped with panniers, pump, anti-theft device & repair kit (electric bike available on request - supplement applies).
-
Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is included.
-
Emergency Hotline
Emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from the Tour
Travel to Strasbourg and from Basel is not included.
-
Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included, drinks, lunch, dinner, and drinks daily are not included.
-
Helmet
Helmet rental is not available, please bring your own helmet.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
-
Tour Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, no tour guide is included.
-
Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included.
-
Transfers
Transfers not listed as included, transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage, and train tickets for cycling options on day 5 are not included.
-
Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes may apply - these are payable locally and range from €1-3 per person per night.
-
Bike Repairs
Bike repairs are not included.
-
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
-
Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily cycles of between 39 and 65km (24.5 and 40mi), or you can choose the more challenging 'sports' option should you want longer rides (between 75 and 111km/46.5 and 69mi) between the same towns. The terrain mainly flat or gently undulating, with days 3, 4 and 7 involving some steeper ascents and descents. You will ride mainly on cycle paths, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on small secondary roads without much traffic. 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. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and children aged 12 and over who are used to pedalling on hills and over time. If you are not used to cycling then we recommend that you include as much cycling on roads in your pre-trip training. This is to get used to cars passing you at times and will be invaluable practise for when you are entering and leaving towns and cities when on the trip. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Strasbourg and from Basel is included, with luggage transfer services provided. The tour also includes a 21-speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, anti-theft device, and repair kit. Train tickets for cycling options on day 5 are also included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels
During the trip you will be accommodated in 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Please note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. 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.
...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
-
Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included with a maximum of 20kg per person. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
-
What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A 21-speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, anti-theft device, and repair kit is provided. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
-
Is bike insurance included?
Yes, bike insurance is included in the tour.
-
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
Yes, you need to bring your own helmet as rental is not available.
-
Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
-
Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
-
Are meals included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
-
What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you should carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water.
-
What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 39 and 65km (24.5 and 40mi). The terrain is mainly flat or gently undulating, with some steeper ascents and descents on days 3, 4, and 7. It is suitable for fit beginners and children aged 12 and over who are used to pedalling on hills and over time.
-
What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
-
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Hotel taxes may apply, which are payable locally and range from €1-3 per person per night. A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room. Train tickets for cycling options on day 5 are not included.
-
How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
-
What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
-
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Alsace by Bike
8 Days Starting in Strasbourg, France and ending in Basel, Switzerland
Visiting: Strasbourg, Obernai, Riquewihr, Colmar, Mulhouse, Basel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ABB
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
12-