Alsace Wine Route Cycle

Arrive in the university town of Strasbourg and settle into the hotel. Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace and home to some great museums which are worth visiting. The old city is dominated by the Cathedral made of pink sandstone from the Vosges. Stroll through the narrow paved cobbled streets and see the beautiful half-timbered houses with painted plasterwork, stone gateways and intimate courtyards. You can also find some interesting churches, restaurants and shops and the city has a number of covered bridges which cross the Ill River. We can assist with booking pre-tour accommodation on request.

Your bikes will be available this morning from the bike shop, a short walk from the hotel. The Canal de la Bruche once served to transport wine from the vineyards to Strasbourg and today a cycle path runs along it. Ride from the inner city to Molsheim with some great cycling in the shadow of the Vosges. The route to the town of Obernai leads you through charming villages, past beautiful castles and winding vineyards to the beginning of the 'Route des Vins'. In Obernai you'll find medieval streets lined with the classic half-timbered houses of the region. Enjoy delicious Alsatian cuisine in one of the many restaurants in charming Obernai. 165m/541ft ascent, 119m/390ft descent

The cycle path takes you through famous vineyards and their wine-growing villages, which are among the most beautiful in Alsace: Mittelbergheim, Andlau, Itterswiller, Dambach-la-Ville and Ribeauville, with opportunities to sample wines. Continue to the medieval town of Riquewihr, listed as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (most beautiful villages of France), in the heart of the Alsace wine region. The combination of beautiful architecture and world famous wines has given Riquewihr the nickname 'The Pearl of Alsace'. Overnight in Riquewihr. 419m/1375ft ascent, 319m/1047ft descent

Today there are more vines and beautiful wine-growing villages. You will visit beautiful Turckheim, a walled and fortified town. Take the time to walk through the streets lined with half-timbered houses. Continue cycling through scenic wine villages including Kaysersberg and end your ride in Colmar. You can make this cycling day more challenging by adding an extra loop through the area which takes you past five local castles. Colmar is situated in the heart of the Alsace plain and near to the foothills of the Vosges. Its old town is worth exploring, with its narrow cobbled streets flanked by sixteenth and seventeenth century half-timbered houses. Colmar is the birthplace of F.A. Bartholdi, the sculptor best known for designing New York's Statue of Liberty. Overnight in Colmar. 196m/643ft ascent, 286m/938ft descent

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request. Recommended also if you'd like to visit the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (take the train Colmar-Selestat and the bus up to the chateau.)