Switzerland The Great Switzerland Bicycle Tour 2018 Individual Self-Guided 10 days/9 nights This cycling holiday takes you into the heart of Switzerland. Zurich, Lucerne, Berne, Thun Lake and Vierwaldstätter Lake, Hohle Gasse in Küssnacht and Einsiedeln Monastery are the sights everyone thinks of when they think of Switzerland. Discover medieval and baroque towns, the wonderful countryside of Mittelland and the backdrop of Switzerland's mountains.
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Individual arrival in Zurich The town on the lake of the same name is considered Switzerland's metropolis and has a wonderfully unspoiled historic quarter. All of the sights can be reached by foot in and around the historic quarter, e.g. Marc Chagall's beautiful church windows in the Fraumünster. Day 2: Zurich - Pfäffikon Einsiedeln 35 km + train ride You cycle along the northern bank of Lake Zurich along the so - called golden coast to Rapperswil. Take a break here and go up to the old castle. From there you have lovely views of Lake Zurich and the countryside. From Rapperswil, you cross the lake across a dam and then take the train from Pfäffikon to Einsiedeln. Day 3: Einsiedeln - Lucerne 75 km Fortify yourself at breakfast ready for the day as it includes the route's crowning glory. On the ride to Lake Zug, you have to cross a range of hills. In Küssnacht, you can follow the traces of Wilhelm Tell. He is supposed to have shot the bailiff, Hermann Gessler, here in the Hohle Gasse lane. Day 4: Lucerne - Giswil - Brienz - Interlaken 65 km + train trip Take a stroll again across Lucerne's landmark - Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge. It is Europe's oldest roofed, wooden bridge. The mountains to the left and right of Lakes Sarnen and Lungern get higher and higher and ever more impressive. You cross the wellknown Brüning Pass, at an altitude of approximately 1000 m, conveniently by train and then freewheel down to Interlaken, situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Day 5: Interlake Thun Bern 35 km + boat trip You start the day with a pleasant boat ride across Thun Lake. Sit back and relax and watch the countryside slowly passing by. From Thun, you cycle to Berne, a simple route and well suited for acclimatizing to the days to come. Goethe thought Berne to be Switzerland's most beautiful town. Today, the old part of the town is world heritage site.
Day 6: Bern - Biel 50 km You cycle along the banks of the Aare and Wohlensee Lake to the bilingual town of Biel/Bienne. The Swiss clock making industry made this town famous. In the Omega museum you can find out more. Discover the many fountains the town has, which are mostly fed by Roman wells. Day 7: Biel Solothurn 30 km Today's route is short so that you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered to be Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: there are 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers and 11 steps. Day 8: Soloturn - Aarau 60 km The River Aare, which has by now increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape here. Villages, fields and a magnificent castle are on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century and from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables. Be inspired by their painted scenes. Day 9: Aarau Zurich 60 km Following the Aare, you reach Switzerland's "water castle" - not a building but a protected area of riverside meadowland and where Aare, Reuss and Limmat merge. Via the spa resort of Baden, which has not only a beautiful old town, but also its own spa quarter with 19 thermal springs, you cycle on to Zurich. Day 10: Individual journey home or extension of stay After breakfast, you start your individual return journey home or extend your stay.
Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: Moderate. The route follows some dedicated cycle paths, bike lanes on roads and quiet side roads. There are a number of light inclines and a few sections on the third day along which you might prefer to push. A basic level of fitness is recommended. Distance: 415 km Travel Dates: Departures daily from April 21 to October 7, 2018 Season A: April 21 May 4 and September 16 October 7 Season B: June 3 June 29 and August 25 September 15 Season C: May 5 June 2 and June 30 August 24
Price per Person: Double Occupancy B&B 1149.00 Surcharge Season B 120.00 Surcharge Season C 180.00 Surcharge Single Room 300.00 Rental Bike (7 / 24 gear) 75.00 E-Bike 175.00 Extra Nights in Zurich Double Occupancy 100.00 Extra Nights in Zurich Single Occupancy 140.00 Extra night all other places, Double Occupancy On request Extra night all other places, Single Occupancy On request Accommodation: Overnight stay in well kept middle class hotels of the national 3* category, all room with shower/bath and WC. Included: 9 overnight stays with breakfast in the local 3* category Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, maximum 20 kg per piece Boat trip Interlaken-Thun including your bike Train ride Pfäffion-Einsiedeln including your bike Train ride Giswil-Brienz including bike Cycle route description with maps (1x per room) 7 day service hotline Not Included: Visitors taxes Half Board (dinner) is not offered on this tour
Bikes Unisex Bike 7 speed hub gear with back pedal braking function for 24 speed derailleur with rim brake Unisex bicycle with a step through frame For those over 1.75 meters tall, men s bicycles also available Fitted with the most puncture proof tires on the market Schwalbe Marathon Plus Pannier with handlebar bag, speedometer, lock, pump, extra inner tire tube and puncture repair kit included Men s Bike 7 speed hub gear with back pedal braking function for 24 speed derailleur with rim brake Unisex bicycle with a step through frame For those over 1.75 meters tall, men s bicycles also available Fitted with the most puncture proof tires on the market Schwalbe Marathon Plus Pannier with handlebar bag, speedometer, lock, pump, extra inner tire tube and puncture repair kit included E- Bike For those who would like help form a motor at times along the trip we recommend our Flyer E-Bikes from the Swiss company Biketec. These bicycles have received very positive reviews from our customers over the past few years. The step through frame and upright seating position combine to ensure that riding these bikes is very enjoyable. The Marathon Plus tires made by Schwalbe ensure a safe ride even during downhill trips or at high speeds. Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848