Switzerland/Germany/France - Lake Constance to Alsace Biking Vacation
Trip Length: 9 days/8 nights
Price: Comfort $4,198 ($880 single supplement)
Dates:
Jul 18 2010 - Jul 26 2010
Aug 15 2010 - Aug 23 2010
Sep 19 2010 - Sep 27 2010
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Or call 800.575.1540 |
Switzerland/Germany/France - Lake Constance to Alsace Biking Vacation Itinerary
(Host City: Zurich, Switzerland / Strasbourg, France)Day 1: Contance
Day 2: Contance
Day 3: Stein am Rhein
Day 4: Winterthur
Day 5: Winterthur
Day 6: Rouffach
Day 7: St-Hippolyte
Day 8: Obernai
Day 9: Strasbourg or Zurich (departure)
Quotes From the Field:
“We loved the beautiful countryside and villas, and it was great to get some historical background each day. My kids loved the trip, too – it was a wonderful bonding experience for the family.”
Karin Crawford - Denver, CO
Switzerland/Germany/France - Lake Constance to Alsace
Travel well off the tourist track on this unforgettable adventure through Germany, Switzerland and France.
Begin in Germany on the shores of Lake Constance and cycle through farmland peppered with monasteries as you make your way to the islands of Mainau and Reichenau, brimming with flowers and vegetable farms. Follow the Rhine into Switzerland, breezing past dairy farms, quaint towns and wildflower-studded meadows en route to the thundering waters of the Rhine Falls. Bike the Tösstal valley to a picture-perfect Alpine backdrop, and opt for a visit to the spectacular Mount Pilatus.
Travel by private coach through the Black Forest to Alsace, France, and savor a Bratwurst mit Senf (with mustard) in the shade of a cathedral at an open-air market in Freiburg. Break for a wine tasting on the vineyard-clad “Route du Vin” and enjoy the downhill cruise from the towering Haut de Koenigsbourg Castle before cozying up for a hearty farewell dinner in Obernai.
...or call 800.575.1540
Distinctive Accommodations:
9 days/8 nightsNights 1 & 2: Steigenberger Inselhotel
Located on a small private island in an ancient, former Dominican Monastery, the Steigenberger Inselhotel offers an elegant atmosphere and beautiful view of Lake Constance. The hotel’s restaurant offers highly regarded cuisine and it’s considered to be one of the top restaurants in the region.
Night 3: Hotel Chlosterhof
The family-run Hotel Chlosterhof is one of the most beautiful hotels in eastern Switzerland. Located on the banks of the Rhine's outflow from Lake Constance, this hotel is well-known for its lavish and spacious rooms, the attentive and personal service and its award-winning cuisine.
Nights 4 & 5: Hotel Krone
One of the leading hotels in Winterthur, Hotel Krone is a historic building and landmark. Modern and rare prints of Winterthur’s old town can be found throughout the entire hotel.
Night 6: Château d’Isenbourg
Overlooking the medieval city of Rouffach, the Château d’Isenbourg is a historical and gastronomical halt on the Alsace wine route. This majestic residence was built on 12th and 14th-century vaulted cellars on peaceful grounds surrounded by vineyards.
Night 7: Hotel aux Ducs de Lorraine
Soothing colors and stylish furniture create a cozy and relaxing environment at the Hotel aux Ducs de Lorraine. Beyond the balconies surrounded by flowers, the Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg, with its towers visible from far and beyond, will cast its spell on you.
Night 8: Hotel à la Cour d’Alsace
A former manor house and wine cellar, De Hotel à la Cour d'Alsace is located in the meticulously restored Medieval old town of Obernai in Alsace. Original wooden-beamed ceilings, the painstakingly refurbished half-timbering, and the artistic witnesses of centuries past create a link between the guest and the culture and history of Alsace, its cuisine and hospitality.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go…
1. The German castles and historic sites: Germany is a land of fantastic castles and spectacular cathedrals, medieval forts, abbeys and monasteries.
2. The Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is more than just a delicious and distinctive cheese, it’s a way of life in Switzerland.
3. Mount Pilatus: If you’ve ever wanted to shout from a mountain top, this would be the place to do it. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Mount Pilatus is the world's steepest cogwheel railway, and its summit offers birds eye views of over 70 peaks and five different lakes.
4. Lake Constance: With its mild climate and plentiful sunshine, it’s a top vacation spot for lovers of sun and sand. The hillsides that surround the lake are covered with vineyards and orchards.
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