Basel to Strasbourg by Bike
8 Days Starting in Basel and ending in Strasbourg
Visiting: Switzerland, Germany, France
Tour Overview
Three countries, three cultures and a wonderful climate await you in the Rhine valley between the Alps, Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains on this self guided cycling trip. From Basel in Switzerland cycle along the Rhine River and along the edge of the Black Forest through beautiful natural landscapes towards Mullheim in Germany. Cross the Rhine into France to the colourful and character filled town of Colmar, the capital of Alsace's wines. Situated on the River Lauch, its canals flow through the beautifully preserved old town with its cathedral, tanners' quarter and 'Little Venice' providing a wonderful distraction away from the bikes. At the foot of the Vosges Mountains, cycle along the French wine route through dreamy villages filled with timber-framed houses and well preserved medieval centres to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg, home to the official seat of the European Parliament.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Basel
The picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland's third most populated city, is the starting point of the tour. Check into your hotel in Basel or Saint-Louis on the French side and take the opportunity to explore both sides of the Rhine river, the old Town concentrated in Grossbasel on the south bank and Kleinbasel on the north bank.
Day 2 : Cycle Along The Rhine Through Markgräflerland To Mullheim (45Km/27Mi)
Today's cycling is ideal as you follow the Rhine river, heading north to Mullheim in Germany. You will cross the Swiss/German border into Markgräflerland. The region is known as 'the Tuscany of Germany' due to its mild climate. Between the Rhine and the Black Forest foothills to your east, this is vineyard country. The primary grape variety is Chasselas which makes an easy drinking white wine, and you'll find white asparagus and cherries (in season). Overnight Mullheim.
Cycling: today's terrain is flat
Day 3 : Cycle Via Heitersheim And Bad Krozingen To Freiburg In The Black Forest (35Km/21Mi)
Visit the Villa Urbana and the Maltese Castle in Heitersheim before cycling inland to Bad Krozingen, known for its mineral springs. Continue to Freiburg in the Black Forest, 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. Overnight Freiburg.
Cycling: hilly terrain from Müllheim to Heitersheim for about 8.5km and flatter from Bad Krozingen to Ebringen. Between Ebringen and Freiburg there is 2 km of dirt road.
Day 4 : Cross The Rhine To Fortified Neuf-Brisach And Continue To Beautiful Colmar (60Km/37Mi)
Leave Freiburg this morning and cycle west towards the Rhine again. 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 Alsace wine route. Overnight Colmar.
Cycling: a little hilly to flat terrain. Ride on the Eurovelo 6 and 2 cycle paths to Breisach. After having cross the Rhine, again on cycle paths and around 7km on secondary roads from Neuf Brisach to Colmar.
Day 5 : Cycle Along The Foothills Of The Vosges To Riquewihr (40Km/25Mi)
There's time to further discover Colmar before cycling along tracks and quiet roads to Riquewihr. At the foot of the Vosges mountains, Riquewihr nestles among the other Alsatian Grand Cru wine-making villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim and Kayserberg.
Overnight Riquewihr.
Cycling: flat terrain on cycle paths and minor agricultural paved roads. A little hilly between Eguisheim and Wettolsheim (approx. 1km). From Kientzheim to Riquewihr there are 2 hard but short climbs (1km each).
Day 6 : Continue Along The Wine Road Through Picturesque Villages To Obernai (50Km/31Mi)
Cycle along the wine road and discover the villages of Barr, Andlau with its abbey, Bergheim, Ribeauville and Hunawihr. 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! Overnight Obernai.
Cycling: the terrain is a little hilly on cycle paths and minor agricultural tarred roads. Through the vineyards there are some short climbs.
Day 7 : Along The Banks Of The Bruche Canal To Strasbourg (40Km/25Mi)
From Obernai, cycle along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace and the official seat of the European Parliament. 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. Overnight Strasbourg.
Cycling: Flat terrain on cycle paths. Leaving Obernai there is a climb of approx 100m and then a little hilly to Bischoffsheim (about 2km). After Molsheim follow the canal into the centre of Strasbourg.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Your trip concludes in Strasbourg after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, often eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices
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7 nights 3 and 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Information pack including map and route notes per room booked & Navigational App
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21 speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, anti-theft device and repair kit (electric bikes available on request - supplement applies).
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Rental bike insurance
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Basel and from Strasbourg
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance, mandatory
What's Not Included
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Lunch and dinner daily, drinks
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Tour guide - this is a self-guided cycle trip
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helmet
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Travel insurance
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Helmet
Grading
The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 34 and 55km/21 and 24mi on mainly flat terrain.You will ride mainly on cycle paths on well-marked trails over undulating terrain, on minor agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic. Days 5 and 6 are a little hilly. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. Electric bikes are available. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
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.
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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.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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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.