Alpine Rhine Cycle

Alpine Rhine Cycle

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Alpine Rhine Cycle

7 Days Starting and ending in Constance, Germany

Visiting: Constance, Grisons, Disentis, Vaduz, Arbon, Lake Constance

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

UAR

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the Alpine Rhine Cycle tour and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through the stunning Viamala Gorge, the canyon-like Rhine Ruinalta ravine, and the culturally rich region of Disentis with its Benedictine monastery. Starting and ending in Constance, you'll enjoy six nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, daily continental breakfasts, and the convenience of luggage transfers. Ride a 27-speed bike along scenic routes, including the picturesque Rhaeto-Romanic Alpen Way and the serene banks of Lake Constance. Discover medieval castles, charming towns, and the unique Romansch culture on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps.

Highlights

  • Exploring three alpine countries in a week - Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria

  • Experiencing the incredible Viamala Gorge and views of the canyon-like Rhine Ruinalta ravine

  • Discovering Romansch culture in Distentis and exploring its Benedictine monastery

  • Cycling to Liechtenstein's capital Vaduz with its impressive castle

  • Cycling via Feldkirch in Austria to Arbon on Lake Constance

  • Cycling alongside Lake Constance to Constance in Germany

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Constance

Location: Constance

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Make your own way to Constance and check into the hotel. We suggest taking the opportunity to wander through Constance’s old town or to visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Centre and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 2 : Transfer To The Grisons And Cycle Alongside The Rhine To Bonaduz (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Grisons

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning a transfer will take you up into the mountaints to Splügen. Here you get on your bike and comfortably roll downhill, following the Rhine river through the Grisons (also known as Graubünden) region to Bonaduz. On the way you pass by the gorge of Viamala, carved deeply into the rock by the river.

Day 3 : Train To Disentis And Cycle The Rhaeto-Romanic Alpen Way To Bonaduz (55Km/34Mi)

Location: Disentis

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This stage will take you up, there's about 700m of altitude difference. In the morning you take the train to Disentis. It's quite a rugged route, especially the first half, as you follow an unpaved road. Continue along the Vorderrhein through the scenic Rhaeto-Romanic Alpental Valley. Shortly after Ilanz the route takes you up a long but not very steep, hill. Once you've reached the top, you are immediately rewarded with views of the canyon-like Rhine Ruinalta ravine before you return to Bonaduz.

Day 4 : Cycle To Liechtenstein's Capital Vaduz With Its Impressive Castle (60Km/37Mi)

Location: Vaduz

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today's route takes you along the Alpine Rhine through Switzerland for a while, until you reach the Principality of Liechtenstein on a leisurely ride. The fourth smallest state in Europe is known for its medieval castles and mountain panoramas. On arrival in the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz Castle towering over the city welcomes you.

Day 5 : Cycle Via Feldkirch In Austria To Arbon On Lake Constance (65Km/40.5Mi)

Location: Arbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll be out and about in three different countries: after a short time you will have cycled through Liechtenstein, which is only 25 km long, continued through Austria and arrived back into Switzerland. Here the route takes you slowly downhill to Lake Constance, which welcomes you with its many sailing boats on the glittering water. Overnight in Arbon or surrounds.

Day 6 : Cycle Alongside The Lake To Constance In Germany (30Km/18.5Mi)

Location: Constance

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following the banks of the lake almost all the way, you cycle through the small town of Romanshorn back to Constance. The route is flat and, with the exception of sometimes strong westerly winds, easy to master. Again and again you come across bathing spots where you can refresh yourself in the cool water.

Day 7 : Trip Concludes

Location: Lake Constance

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in the Lake Constance region, please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights in 3 star hotels

  • 6 breakfasts

    Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, cold meats, muesli, tea, coffee & juices (note this may vary with the different hotels and all items may not be available).

  • 6 nights accommodation

    Accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • 27 speed bike rental

    Bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (premium 30 speed and e-bikes available on request - supplement applies).

  • Luggage Transfer

    Luggage transfer for 1 piece with a maximum weight of 20kg, supplement applies for excess.

  • Information pack

    Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked.

  • Minibus transfer

    Minibus transfer from Constance to Splugen including bike and train ride from Reichenau-Tamins to Disentis including bike.

  • Entrance to Rosgarten museum

    Entrance to Rosgarten museum including a coffee.

  • Bike insurance

    Bike insurance is included.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Constance

    Travel to and from Constance is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals not listed as included, drinks are not provided.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Entrance fees other than specified

    Entrance fees other than those specified as included are not covered.

  • Helmets

    Helmets are not available to rent or purchase.

  • Premium or e-bike hire

    Premium or e-bike hire is available at an additional supplement.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, no guide is provided.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Excess luggage

    Excess luggage beyond the specified limit is not included.

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks

    Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • City or visitor's tax

    City or visitor's tax, if applicable, is not included.

Grading

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along backroads with minimal car traffic (although some short distances will have heavier traffic). The average distance is 30 to 65km / 18.5 to 40.5mi per day, which should take between 3-6 hours. The tour follows a generally gently downhill route alongside the Rhine on good quality paved paths except on first section where the route is often unpaved. You need only carry your camera and water bottle etc as your main luggage is transported for you between hotels. Due to the more challenging sections, we recommend this tour only for young people in good physical condition (a discount applies for under 18yo accompanied by 2 paying adults).*For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn and that you bring one from home.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes a minibus transfer from Constance to Splugen, a train ride from Reichenau-Tamins to Disentis, and cycling along the scenic routes with a 27-speed bike rental.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights of comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels, each offering twin share rooms with ensuite facilities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation in 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • What kind of bike is provided for the tour?

    A 27-speed bike with a pannier and handlebar bag is provided. Premium 30-speed and e-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included with a maximum of one piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 6 continental breakfasts. Lunches, dinners, and drinks are not included.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • Is this a guided or self-guided tour?

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements in the provided pannier. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The tour involves 5 days of cycling, usually along backroads with minimal car traffic. The average distance is 30 to 65km per day, taking between 3-6 hours. The route is generally gently downhill alongside the Rhine on good quality paved paths, except for the first section which is often unpaved. Due to the more challenging sections, the tour is recommended for young people in good physical condition.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage during the tour?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the tour package.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

P. Hannam(Walkerville, Australia)  

Alpine Rhine Cycle

20 Jun 2023

Nothing beats the scenery in Switzerland, and this self guided cycling trip certainly gave us some incredible sights! We were lucky to have sunny weather, great hotels, help by locals if we got off track and yummy local food. The bikes were great and I can recommend an E-bike especially in Switzerland.

D. Williams(Auckland, New Zealand)  

Alpine Rhine Cycle

03 Sep 2017

What a great trip through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and ending in Germany! Cycling through four countries in one day sure felt quite impressive. The first day pretty hilly but so picturesque - and the suggested lunch place was perfect that day. We sure needed it! Great accommodation all round and luggage transported without a hitch. Thanks UTracks.

K. Montello(West Dover, United States)  

Alpine Rhine Cycle

1 Aug 2023

The trip was great overall. The hotel in Bonaduz, Hotel Alte Post, was outstanding. The ride was spectacular.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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