Alsace Vineyards & Rhine Cycle to Strasbourg

The picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland's third most populated city, is the starting point of the tour. Check into your hotel in Basel / surrounds (usually Saint-Louis on the French side). Once you've checked in you can take the opportunity to explore both sides of the Rhine river, Basel's old Town concentrated in Grossbasel on the south bank and Kleinbasel on the north bank. Our usual accommodations in Basel are located in the French or German parts of the city (due to border checks on luggage) - if you plan to stay longer in Basel we suggest staying more centrally in the Swiss part.

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

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.

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.

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 or surrounding villages depending on availability. 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).

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.

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.