Day 1 (Sun) Freiburg
Individual arrival in Freiburg. This sunny city at the foot of the black forest has a lot to offer and the old town is really impressive. The whole centre of the city has
hundreds of wonderful old buildings, a fantastic street life with a lot of
small bistros and cafés all around where you can have your glass of wine, a coffee or a delicious ice cream. The cathedral is the landmark of Freiburg (and the region!). Started in 1200 (in late Romanesque style) it was finished 1513.
Day 2 (Mon) Freiburg - Endingen/Malterdingen 22 miles
In the morning you start your first cycle ride and you can choose between two routes. One route leads you through the vineyards of the Tuniberg to Breisach along the Rhine shore. The alternative route leads you along the foot of the vineyards of the sunny Kaiserstuhl. Your destination is the medieval town of Endingen. Overnight in Endingen or Malterdingen.
Day 3 (Tue) Endingen/Malterdingen - Rust/Mahlberg, approx. 20 to 25 miles
Passing the wine village of Sasbach you reach the banks of the Rhine. You cycle through the green Rhine meadows, sometimes on the embankment of the Rhine, towards Rust. The European park, Germany's largest amusement park with many attractions, is located in Rust. Overnight in Rust or Mahlberg.
Day 4 (Wed) Rust/Mahlberg - Kehl/Strasbourg 31 miles
Today you cycle again through the alluvial land of the Rhine. On the right side the scenery of the northern black forest accompanies you. The beautiful Alsatian metropolis Strasbourg with its attractive old part of town is the highlight of the day. The popular corner of the Grand Île (the Main Island) is where the Île river splits up into a number of canals, and cascades through a small area of half-timbered houses. The quarter is brimming with tourist restaurants and souvenir shops. Overnight in Strasbourg or Kehl, the frontier town on the German side of the river. From Kehl you can easily get to Strasbourg by public transport.
Day 5 (Thu) Kehl/Strasbourg - Molsheim/Obernai 25 miles
You can take your time in the morning for a visit around the numerous sights of Strasbourg. You will cycle along the euro-cycle track to Molsheim, where Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947) established his famous automobile and
railcar factory Here your route starts along the Alsatian wineroad. Destination is the wine town of Obernai. Overnight in Molsheim or Obernai.
Day 6 (Fri) Molsheim/Obernai - St. Hippolyte 25 miles
You continue south on the “Route du Vin” cycling through green vineyards and passing a number of Alsatian villages with multicoloured half-timbered houses. Passing Dambach-la-Ville you reach Saint Hippolyte, which lies at the foot of the famous, majestic castle. You will find that in Alsace, Mother Nature has the subtlest tastes to offer! Such as the bouquet of Saint-Hippolyte wines, which can be sampled at the 'winstub'. Overnight in St. Hippolyte.
Day 7 (Sat) St. Hippolyte - Colmar/Eguisheim 22 miles
On the last hop of the Alsatian wineroad the romantic towns Ribeauville and Riquewihr invite you for a stroll through the medieval lanes. Finally you reach Colmar where the centre of the city reveals its charm: the colours and atmosphere of streets and alley-ways have been well-preserved since the Middle Ages and their ancient houses are reflected in the water which passes through the city. Churches, cloisters, half-timbered houses, balconies, facades with ornate wood sculptures, paintings, gables, and edifices from the Renaissance all add to this very special city. The leather maker's district has recently been restored to create one of the most picturesque areas, "Little Venice." Also worth a visit is the world-famous Issenheimer altar in the Unterlinden museum. Overnight in Colmar or in the neighbouring Eguisheim.
Day 8 (Sun) Colmar/Eguisheim - Freiburg 40 miles
Today you cycle through the Rhine lowlands passing Breisach with its powerful cathedral and the Tuniberg to reach Freiburg. It is time to return your bikes and collect your luggage and make your way home. Alternatively you have the option of extending your holiday by staying in Freiburg for an extra night. |