Alpine Tour 2007

In the upper Rhine Valley where the three countries of Germany, France and Switzerland meet, tectonic forces have thrust up three mountainous regions: the Black Forest of Germany, the Vosges of France and the Swiss Alps. Over many centuries men have attempted to shape these rugged regions to provide a living. Today the high alpine pastures, the thousands of kilometers of small roads and forest paths, and the many villages and orchards which dot the valleys are the legacy of this effort. In each of these regions cycling continues to be a passion of the locals; we want to share our passion for the region with you.

All of the rides are focused on providing riding challenge as well as scenic beauty and cultural interest. Our tours are designed for serious cyclists who also enjoy travelling and diverse cultural experiences. If this reflects your interests let us hear from you.


Alsace

  

The Belchen, Germany

 

*12 days & 11 nights / three star accomodation
*all breakfasts and eight dinners
*experienced guides/sag support
*half day of whitewater kayaking in France
*hike to the Eiger Glacier and Kleine Scheidegg
*$2300 Euro/based on double person occupancy

 


Lake Thun, Switzerland


 Itinerary 

 
Day 1
Pick up at Basel/Mulhouse International Airport. Twenty minute drive to Kandern in the Black Forest
Welcome Dinner
Accom: Zur Weserei (historic hotel***) in Kandern		Day 2
Shuttle to Eguisheim France. Loop on the Route du Vin and into the lower slopes of the Vosges Mountains Highlights: Vineyards of the Route du Vin, medieval towns of Guebwiller, Eguisheim, Turkheim. Challenging climb to Col du Firstplan 100km loop.
Accom: Bois aux Sire (hotel***) in Orbey 		 

Day 3
Loop from Orbey to Lac Noir, the Route des Cretes, the WWI trenches at Le Ligne, and return to Orbey
Challenging climbs to La Route des Cretes and Col du Wettstein. 90km loop.
Accom: Bois aux Sire***

Day 4
Loop from Orbey to Ste. Marie-aux-Mines to castle of Haut Koenigsbourg to walled town of Riquewhir and return to Orbey through the mountain town of Labaroche.
Very challenging day with many climbs 110km loop.
Les Bois aux Sire***

Day 5
Whitewater Kayaking at Huningue France and on to Interlaken Switzerland
Accom: Beatenburg Hotel***		 

 

Day 6
Tour of the Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland
60/80km ride from Beatenburg high above Thunersee, then down to the city of Thun before following the lake shore back to Interlaken. Optional climb back up to Beatenburg
Accom: Beatenburg Hotel***


Day 7
Hike from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg at the base of the Eiger's Nordwand
Highlights: views of the glacially carved Lauterbrunnen Valley, and the Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau Accom: Beatenburg hotel***
Day 8
Cycle loop of 100km in the Simmental and Gruyere region of Switzerland
Highlights: Alpine villages like Gstaad, Chateau D'oex, and Gruyere, the Jaun Pass, and Swiss scenery
Climbing: Jaun Pass (challenging)
shuttle to Kandern in the Black Forest
Accom: Zur Weserei***

Day 9
Cycle 40 km on the Rommerstrasse above the Rhine Valley.
Accom: Zur Weserei***

Day 10
90 km loop from Kandern to the castle of Sausenburg to Badenweiler and on to Sulzburg. Returning along the flats of the Rhine Valley
Accom: Zur Weserei*** in Kandern

Day 11
100 km cycle loop to the top of the Blauen and down to the Kleine Weise Valley then climbing up to Neuenweg and Schonau before returning to Kandern
very challenging climbs
Highlights: small mountain roads with beautiful pastoral scenery; evening meal of Zweibelweiye

Accom: Zur Weserei***

 

Day 12
Return to the Basel Airport or Mulheim Train Station