Alsace Wine Route Cycle

Cycling in Alsace, France | Ewen Bell

Village in Alsace, France | Ewen Bell

Road to Riquewihr in Kientzheim, Alsace, France | Jason Smith

The fairy-tale style buildings of Colmar | Brad Atwal

Cycling past vineyards in the Alsace region | Katie Roberts

Cycling in Alsace, France | Ewen Bell

Village in Alsace, France | Ewen Bell

Road to Riquewihr in Kientzheim, Alsace, France | Jason Smith

Cycling past vineyards in the Alsace region | Katie Roberts

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introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

4 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels

Meals

4 Breakfasts

5 Days£850GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: AB5

Trip highlights

Cycling through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards
Exploring the authentic villages which are full of historical intrigue
Experiencing the timelessness of the Vosges landscape
Enjoying the culinary specialties and sampling some of the many excellent wines in local ‘caves’

One of the most picturesque regions of France, Alsace is also one of the most cycle-friendly. Designated bike paths and quiet country backroads provide a perfect passage along France's oldest wine route, passing Hansel and Gretel style houses overlooked by imposing medieval castles. Winding through the region's most beautiful villages and charming landscapes, this short ride along the must-see highlights of the Alsace Wine Route is a great option for those short on time. The route takes you to some of the key cities including delightful Strasbourg, home to the EU Parliament, as well as Obernai and Colmar, where you will witness the most delightful examples of traditional half-timbered Alsatian architecture. There is plenty of opportunity to get out of the saddle to explore their cobblestone streets and marvel at the impressive Romanesque and Baroque churches. As you ride through undulating farmland, orchards and vineyards the gastronomic delights are plentiful with the German influence on the regional cuisine providing a culinary experience found nowhere else in the country. The unusual and stunning 'balloons' or round topped hills will provide some challenge on the bike but you will be rewarded with beautiful vistas. This itinerary soaks up the relaxed and jovial atmosphere along the Alsace Wine Route, which can only be described as a wine-lovers' wonderland.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Strasbourg

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive Strasbourg

Arrive in the university town of Strasbourg and settle into the 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 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.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle along the canal de la Bruche to Obernai (37km/23mi)

You bikes will be available from 10am this morning. The Canal de la Bruche once served to transport wine from the vineyards to Strasbourg. Today a cycle path runs along this canal, from Strasbourg to Molsheim on the wine route. Wine tasting is the theme of the day, interspersed with some great cycling in the shadow of the Vosges. The route continues past the 12th century Romanesque church at Rosheim and leads you to Obernai, where you'll find medieval streets bordered with the classic half-timbered houses of the region. Overnight in Obernai.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle to Riquewihr (49km/31mi)

The cycle path takes you through famous vineyards and their wine-growing villages, which are among the most beautiful in Alsace: Mittelbergheim, Andlau, Itterswiller, Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauville and Riquewihr. As you pass these villages there'll be opportunities to sample wines. You reach the medieval town of Riquewihr, listed as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (most beautiful villages of France). The combination of beautiful architecture and world famous wines has given Riquewhir the nickname 'The Pearl of Alsace'. Overnight in Riquewihr.

Meals: B

Day 4
To the picturesque city of Colmar (36km/22mi)

Today there are more vines and beautiful wine-growing villages. Ammerschwihr and its famous Kaefferkopf watches over the wine-growing villages of Turckheim and Eguisheim, where time stands still. Continue to Colmar, situated in the heart of the Alsace plain and near to the foothills of the Vosges. Colmar's old town is worth exploring, with its narrow cobbled streets flanked by sixteenth and seventeenth century half-timbered houses. Colmar is the birthplace of F.A. Bartholdi, the sculptor best known for designing the Statue of Liberty of New York (1866). Overnight in Colmar.

Meals: B

Day 5
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
4 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3 and 4 star hotels - supplement applies)
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Hybrid rental bike, equipped with panniers, pump, helmet, anti-theft device & repair kit (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
Tourist tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Strasbourg and from Colmar
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature
Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, anti-theft device and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

The cycle is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycles of between 21-49km / 13-30.5mi on mainly flat terrain. Days 3 and 4 will involve some hill ascents and descents. You will ride mainly on cycle paths, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on little 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Priceper person from

£850GBP

Options & Supplements*

Upgrade Supplement 3-4 star hotelsGBP£60
E-Bike supplementGBP£60
Single Supplement - 2-3 star hotelsGBP£220
Single Supplement - 3-4 star hotelsGBP£220
Solo Traveller Supplement - 2-3 star hotelsGBP£440
Solo Traveller Supplement - 3-4 star hotelsGBP£440

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.