Day 1 Arrive Meiringen

Visit the dramatic Reichenbach falls made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the setting for the death of Sherlock Holmes. A wonderful old funicular (May–Oct; Fr.8.50 combined ticket with Sherlock Holmes Museum) runs from the south of town up to a vantage point below the roaring falls, best visited in spring laden with snowmelt from the glaciers further upstream.

Day 2 Meiringen to Interlaken 19 miles.

The Aare gorge near Meiringen is a spectacular visit before you start the tour – and the green, green lake of Brienz will be a charming companion today. Overnight in Interlaken.

Day 3 Interlaken to Thun 19 miles.

Embarking on the journey along Lake Thun can easily be postponed until the afternoon hours since Thun is only half a day’s ride away. Once on the road, you can admire the intoxicating panorama of snow-covered mountain peaks, deep blue waters, vineyards flourishing in the mild climate, imposing castles and the dark-brown chalets.

Day 4 Thun to Bern 21 miles.

The snow-covered peaks begin to retreat after Thun and you enjoy an unobstructed view over the wide plains of the Aare Valley. The Aare route, well marked and usually without excessive car traffic, passes right through Bern, the Swiss capital. Bern is one of the best examples of mediaeval town planning in Europe and is on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage.

Day 5 Bern to Biel 31 miles.

After Bern the Wohlensee extends a warm welcome – and now you will witness the merry interplay between the dazzling beauty of nature and the industrial world of energy production. The agricultural region in the Grossen Moos and later on the Lake of Biel mark the scenery of today’s route. Overnight in Biel. 31 miles

Day 6 Biel to Solothurn 20 miles

After Biel the Aare returns as your faithful companion. The storks of Altreu circling in the sky provide a very special adventure. And soon the towers of the Solothurn Cathedral greet you from afar. It is worth spending some time roaming the picturesque lanes of the old centre with its outdoor cafes, perhaps venture on an excursion to the local Weissenstein mountain.

Day 7 Solothurn to Aarau 37 miles

Continue to the medieval town of Wangen on the Aare. Riding leisurely through an enchanting river landscape between Berken, Aarwangen and Wolfwil. Visit the pedestrian zone in Olten’s old centre. Overnight in Aarau.

Day 8 Depart from Aarau.

Trip ends after breakfast.