Nestled on the borders of Switzerland and Germany and separated from the rest of France by the Vosges Mountains, the wonderful region of Alsace has an exquisite cultural mix. A colourful French, Swiss and Germanic history gives it a unique ambiance which is profoundly European
The wine region of Alsace is rich in tradition and full of splendid contrasts, from its winstubs, ferme auberges and gourmet cuisine, to its superb countryside and hilltop castles.
The famous Route du Vin (Wine Route) encompasses at least 100 wine-producing villages between Strasbourg and Colmar, which create some of France’s best wines. As well as being the best white wine region of France, Alsace is also the best beer brewing region!
Alsace is a wonderful place for gourmets as it offers more Michelin star restaurants than any other region of France. Alsace offers not only superb traditional dishes like the famous baeckeofe, choucroute and cheeses from the Munster Valley, but also a delightfully sophisticated and refined cuisine.
You will be amazed by the beauty of the traditional architecture with village after village of pretty half-timbered houses decked with brilliantly colored flowers. It is something straight from the pages of a Brother Grimm’s fairy tale book.
The nearby mountains, magnificent and grand, with their majestic pine trees and castles, beckon you to discover them.
More impressive than the mountains, cuisine and architecture is the fascinating history that lies behind them. Come and experience how that history has become an important part of the present.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Thursday, July 31, 2008: Arrival - Loop around Gueberschwihr (20 km or 12 miles)
We will arrive at the beautiful wine village of Gueberschwihr, a medieval village with half timbered houses, cobbled streets and a beautiful Romanesque church. There will be a tour introduction and we will be fitted with our bikes and equipment. After a short warm-up ride on the small vineyard roads we will enjoy a crèmant and wine tasting with our sommelier.
Overnight: Relais du Vignoble, Gueberschwihr. Dinner Relais du Vignoble, Gueberschwihr.
Day 2, Friday, August 1, 2008: Gueberschwihr - Westhalten – Soultzmatt – Gueberschwihr (35 or 40 km; 22 or 25 miles)
After breakfast we head out on a circular route that takes us along small roads through Grand Cru vineyards. We will have splendid views of the Vosges mountains, the Plain of Alsace and the Black Forest Mountains. We pedal through wine villages such as Westhalten and Soultzmatt, set in the heart of the vines.
We will enjoy a picnic, with wine, beer and soft drinks before cycling on to the town of Rouffach with its cathedral, witches tower and stork park. On our return to Gueberschwihr we have the opportunity to explore the village centre and its wonderful Romanesque church before enjoying a wine tasting.
Challenging Option: The “Little Switzerland” Challenge through pine forests and open countryside visiting the quaint hilltop Val du Pâtres Chapel.
Overnight Gueberschwihr. Dinner Taverne Médiévale.
Day 3, Saturday, August 2nd, 2008: Gueberschwihr – Riquewihr (35 or 40 km; 22 or 25 miles)
After our morning briefing, we pedal out on through vineyards and fortified Alsacian villages to Riquewihr. En route we will have a wine tasting in my home village of Voegtlinshoffen. We pedal through the beautiful village of Eguisheim, home to Pope Leon IX in the 11th century, then Turckheim, where a night watchman still patrols the ramparts after dusk. Riquewihr is a picture perfect jewel with its multi-colored flowers and cobblestone streets.
We will enjoy a wine tasting at one of the village’s prestigious wineries. In the evening we can stroll around the medieval centre of the village and admire the ancient stone and half-timbered buildings. Tonight we dine at the best “winstub” in town, where we can let our hair down.
Challenging Option: The “Cinq Châteaux” Challenge through the Vosges Mountains on a winding forest road passing five castles.
Overnight La Couronne, Riquewihr. Dinner Au Tire Bouchon, Riquewhir
Day 4, Sunday, August 3rd, 2008: Riquewihr – Colmar (30 km or 19 miles)
Time permitting we will enjoy a nice relaxing cycling ride to Colmar, a small town that is full of beauty, culture and history. The maze of cobbled streets gives the impression that one is walking in a bygone age.
Perfect picture postcard spots such as ‘La Petite Venise’ (Little Venice) and Grunwald’s 15th century masterpiece at the Unterlinden Museum must be seen! On our way we visit the medieval town of Kaysersberg, home of Albert Schweitwer. The more energetic may want to walk up to the impressive castle that dominates the town.
If we have less time then we will cycle to the beautiful wine village of Bergheim complete with ramparts. On our way we will stop at the unique fortified 8th Century church of Hunawhir.
Distance: 20 km
Notes: The routes are mainly undulating with some gentle hills. We use back roads wherever possible in order to avoid traffic. Various options are available on some routes. All paths are tarred or paved. The average distance is around 40 km per day. The weather is normally dry
Alsace Tour Highlights
- Picturesque fortified Alsacian wine villages
- The wonderful range of Alsacian wines
- Superb scenery with vineyards, mountains and pine forests
- Alsatian Cuisine
- Ancient châteaux and fortresses
- Friendly multilingual representatives
- A unique mixture of diverse cultures where tradition is an active way of life
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Pricing: This tour is priced at 590 euros per person sharing a room.
This price includes:
- 3-night accommodations in 2-star properties
- Daily breakfast
- Daily dinner
- 3 wine tastings
- One gourmet picnic complete with wine, beer and soft drinks
- Transportation from Colmar train station to first hotel
- Transportation to Colmar train station at the end of your tour
- Luggage transfers
- Guide service and support vehicle (includes snacks and water stops)
- Hybrid rentals (includes helmet, handlebar bag, odometer, rearview mirror, bike lock, air pump, water bottle)
- All tax and service charges
This price does not include:
- Expenses of personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Bicycle rentals. Hybrids are available at the rate of 60 euros per person
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Food & Wine
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