Rhine Valley Cycle
Rhine Valley Cycle
$1790
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Rhine Valley Cycle" tour, a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes of France and Germany. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, along the picturesque Rhine River, and into charming villages steeped in history. Explore Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the UNESCO-listed town of Neuf-Brisach, while savoring local culinary delights and exquisite wines. Enjoy the beauty of Colmar and the quaint villages of Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg. With comfortable accommodations in 3 and 4-star hotels, luggage transfers, and a well-equipped rental bike, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Strasbourg
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive in the University and port town of Strasbourg and settle into 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. Overnight Strasbourg. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle Along The Rhine And Through Forest To Ettenheim (Or Surrounds) In Germany (60Km/37.5Mi)
Location: Ettenheim
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
An easy and flat stage takes you from Strasbourg on a dedicated cycle path through deep forests along the Rhine bank. Some short sections along the Rhine are on unsealed paths. Overnight in Ettenheim, a picturesque town in Germany, or a surrounding town.
Day 3 : Cycle To The Art City Of Freiburg In The Black Forest Region (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Freiburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A flat stage leads you through villages to Freiburg in the Black Forest region, officially Germany's warmest town. Medieval Freiburg has fairy tale gabled houses, cobblestone lanes, picturesque squares and a beautiful cathedral. It is an old university town with many pubs and cafes and a busy nightlife, making it a great night stop.
Day 4 : Cycle To The Fortified Neuf-Brisach And On To The Beautiful Town Of Colmar (60Km/37.5Mi)
Location: Colmar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Freiburg this morning and cycle west towards the Rhine again. The stage is mainly on cycle paths and minor rural roads. The 13th century Breisach Cathedral towers imposingly over the banks of the Rhine. Cross the river and border here to Neuf-Brisach in Alsace, a 17th century octagonal fortified town. Continue to the beautiful town of Colmar, one of the most delightful cities along the French wine route.
Day 5 : Cycle The Foothills Of The Vosges Mountains To Riquewihr (Or Surrounds) (40Km/25Mi)
Location: Vosges mountains
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's time to further discover Colmar before cycling along tracks and quiet roads to Riquewihr. It's a little hilly between Eguisheim and Wettolsheim for about 1 km, and from Kientzheim to Riquewihr there are two short but quite hard climbs of about 1km each. At the foot of the Vosges mountains, Riquewihr nestles among the other Alsatian Grand Cru wine-making villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim and Kaysersberg. Your accommodation this evening may be in Riquewihr or a nearby town.
Day 6 : Continue Along The Wine Road Through Picturesque Villages To Obernai (Or Surrounds) (35 Or 50Km/31 Or 22Mi)
Location: Obernai
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle along the wine road and discover the villages of Barr, Andlau with its abbey, Bergheim, Ribeauville and Hunawihr. It's a little hilly as you ride on cycle paths and quiet rural roads, and through the vineyards there are a few climbs. Continue to Obernai, an important centre for wine and beer production. This was the birthplace of St Odile, daughter of the Duke of Alsace and the Patron Saint of Alsace - and of good eyesight! Your accommodation this evening may be in Obernai or a nearby town.
Day 7 : Along The Banks Of The Bruche Canal To Strasbourg (40 Or 55Km/25 Or 34Mi)
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your last cycle day you ride back to Strasbourg. Leaving Obernai there's a climb of approx 100m then some small hills to Bischoffsheim (about 2km). After Molsheim you ride on the cycle path along the canal into the city centre of Strasbourg. The strong German influence over the past centuries has given Strasbourg a distinctive style, and it has many historical and cultural sights. Its Cathedral is the highest medieval building in Europe and its channels encircle the city centre, providing a peaceful and picturesque ambiance.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Strasbourg
Location: Strasbourg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels -
7 breakfasts
Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices.
-
7 nights accommodation
Accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
-
21 speed rental bike
Equipped with panniers, pump, lock, and repair kit. A 7-speed bike with backpedal brake is available on request. Electric bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
-
Luggage transfer
One piece of luggage per person, maximum 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
-
Information pack
Includes map and route notes per room book plus a Navigational App.
-
Signposted route
The cycling route is signposted for ease of navigation.
-
Emergency hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the trip.
-
Travel to and from Strasbourg
Travel to and from Strasbourg is included.
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from Strasbourg
Travel arrangements to and from Strasbourg are not included.
-
Meals not listed as included
Lunch and dinner daily, and all beverages are not included.
-
Helmet
Helmet rental is not available. Please bring your own helmet.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
-
Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so 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 to attractions and sightseeing fees are not included.
-
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
-
Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes may apply and are payable locally, ranging from €1-3 per person per night.
-
Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
-
Items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels. During the trip you will be accommodated in 3 & 4 star hotels on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Strasbourg (pre/post) and Colmar (rest day) or elsewhere on request (rest day) for an additional cost.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily cycles of between 37 and 59km (23 to 36.5mi) on mainly flat terrain. Days 5 and 6 will involve some hill 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 reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for fit beginners and children (children’s bikes and trailers available on request). 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. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. ...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. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Strasbourg is included. The tour involves cycling through various locations with a 21-speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, lock, and repair kit. Electric bikes are available on request for a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of bike is provided for the tour?
A 21-speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, lock, and repair kit is provided. A 7-speed bike with a backpedal brake is available on request, and electric bikes are available for an additional supplement.
-
What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels on a twin-share basis with ensuite facilities. Additional nights can be booked in Strasbourg and Colmar or elsewhere on request for an additional cost.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 continental breakfasts. Lunch and dinner daily, as well as all beverages, are not included.
-
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. One piece of luggage per person, with a maximum weight of 20kg, is included. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
-
Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available for assistance during the trip.
-
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
Yes, helmet rental is not available, so you need to bring your own helmet.
-
Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the tour package.
-
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no tour guide is 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. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
-
What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 37 and 59km (23 to 36.5mi) on mainly flat terrain. Days 5 and 6 will involve some hill ascents and descents. The tour is suitable for fit beginners and children.
-
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.
Rhine Valley Cycle
8 Days Starting and ending in Strasbourg, France
Visiting: Strasbourg, Ettenheim, Freiburg, Colmar, Vosges mountains, Obernai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
URV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided