basel to strasbourg by bike
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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explore europe your way
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TRIP COST
TRIP NAME:BASEL TO STRASBOURG BY BIKE
Joining Basel low
season:$1380 TRIP CODE:BTS
Trip Concludes: Strasbourg TRIP DURATION:8 DAYS
All prices are per person GRADE:MODERATE ‑ 3
Strasbourg
France
Colmar
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS ACTIVITY:SELF GUIDED CYCLING
M - mid season
surcharge:$47
H - high season
ACCOMMODATION:HOTELS
Germany
Mullheim
Basel
Switzerland
DATE DETAILS:
DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY FROM 1 APR TO 1 OCT
surcharge:$80
Category A hotels
supplement:$100
Electric Bike
Supplement:$120
Single Supplement:$330
Single Supplement Category A hotels:$370
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
highlights
Cycling between the Rhine river and the Alps, Black Forest and Vosges Mountains
Cycling across three borders: Switzerland, Germany and France
Visiting Freiburg in the Black Forest
Cycling along the Alsace wine road through Grand Cru villages
the trip
Three countries, three cultures and a wonderful climate await you in the Rhine valley between
the Alps, Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains on this self guided cycling trip. From Basel in
Switzerland cycle along the Rhine River and along the edge of the Black Forest through beautiful
natural landscapes towards Mullheim in Germany. Cross the Rhine into France to the colourful
and character filled town of Colmar, the capital of Alsace’s wines. Situated on the River Lauch, its
canals flow through the beautifully preserved old town with its cathedral, tanners’ quarter and ‘Little
Venice’ providing a wonderful distraction away from the bikes. At the foot of the Vosges Mountains,
cycle along the French wine route through dreamy villages filled with timber‑framed houses and well
preserved medieval centres to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg, home to the official seat of the
European Parliament.­
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
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basel to strasbourg by bike
IMPORTANT NOTES
M - Mid Season
H - High Season
DN1 - Mid season is from 29 Apr to
02 Jun and 26 Aug to 25 Sep and
High season is from 03 Jun to 25
Aug - and supplements apply
DN2 - Itinerary available in reverse
following slightly different itinerary.
DN3 - Due to Art Basel, we cannot
accomodate clients in Basel from
the 15-18 June 2017. Please
take this into account when
requesting dates on this trip.
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive Basel
Day 2
Cycle along the Rhine through Markgräflerland to Mullheim (42km / 26mi)
Day 3
21mi)
Cycle via Heitersheim and Bad Krozingen to Freiburg in the Black Forest (34km /
Day 4
/ 34mi)
Cross the Rhine to fortified Neuf-Brisach and continue to beautiful Colmar (55km
Day 5
Along the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Riquewihr (38km / 23.5mi)
Day 6
31mi)
Continue along the wine road through picturesque villages to Obernai (50km /
Day 7
Along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg (37km / 23mi)
Day 8
Trip concludes
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Basel
The picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland’s third most populated city, is the starting
point for your tour. Check into your hotel and take the opportunity to explore both sides
of the Rhine river, the Old Town concentrated in Grossbasel on the south bank and
Kleinbasel on the north bank.
meals: D
DAY 2Cycle along the Rhine through Markgräflerland to Mullheim (42km / 26mi)
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).
meals: B,D
DAY 3Cycle via Heitersheim and Bad Krozingen to Freiburg in the Black Forest (34km / 21mi)
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.
meals: B,D
DAY 4Cross the Rhine to fortified Neuf-Brisach and continue to beautiful Colmar (55km / 34mi)
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 French wine
route.
meals: B,D
DAY 5Along the foothills of the Vosges mountains to Riquewihr (38km / 23.5mi)
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.
meals: B,D
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basel to strasbourg by bike
DAY 6Continue along the wine road through picturesque villages to Obernai (50km / 31mi)
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!
meals: B,D
DAY 7Along the banks of the Bruche canal to Strasbourg (37km / 23mi)
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.
meals: B,D
DAY 8Trip concludes
Your trip concludes after breakfast.
meals: B
inclusions
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually
consist of breads, jams, cheese, often eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist
of 3 courses which may include some regional specialties
2 nights in 2 star hotels, 4 nights in 3 star hotels and 1 night in a 4 star hotel on a twin share
basis, with private facilities
Luggage transfers between hotels
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
21 speed rental bike equipped with panniers, pump, helmet, anti‑theft device and repair kit
(electric bikes available on request ‑ supplement applies)
Emergency hotline
items not included
Travel to Basel and from Strasbourg
Lunch daily and drinks, dinner on the last night
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees
Tour guide ‑ this is a self‑guided cycle trip
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
BY TRAINBasel has regular services from points throughout Switzerland, Germany
and France. For timetable information & reservations please speak to your
reservations consultant or travel agent – from the train station it is a short walk
to the hotel, approximately 100 metres.
BY AIRYour closest airports are Basel/Mulhouse and Karlsruhe/Baden Baden, or if
arriving from outside Europe we recommend flying to Zurich, Geneva or Paris
and travelling by train to Basel. From the airport you can take a taxi to the
joining hotel.
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basel to strasbourg by bike
trip grading - moderate
The cycle is moderate (3) grade with daily cycles of between 34 and 55km / 21 and 24mi on mainly
flat terrain.You will ride mainly on cycle paths on well‑marked trails over undulating terrain, on minor
agricultural tarred roads or on little secondary roads without much traffic. Days 5 and 6 are a little hilly.
The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos.
Electric bikes are available. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a
keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make
minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be
able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that
you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding,
losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never
been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of
our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding
is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions
and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to
finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with
a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something
that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
Three weeks prior to your departure you will receive your hotel list and joining instructions. On arrival at
the first hotel you will receive your maps, route notes and tourist information, together with your bike.
the region
Basel is the starting point of this trip and is located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet,
in fact some of its suburbs are in France and Germany. Across the border in Germany, the region of
Markgräflerland is characterised by vineyards, meadows and valleys and its thermal springs and mild
climate have been famous since Roman times. With many cultural monuments, its villages and towns
are rewarding to explore. Schwarzwald or the Black Forest has a long tradition of clocks, a self‑named
gateau and gourmet cuisine. It is a popular tourist destination for its beauty and pretty, traditional towns
and villages. Alsace has over the centuries been a source of conflict for France and Germany who have
fought to control this tiny province. Today there is a distinct fusion of Franco‑Germanic culture, giving
visitors a taste of both countries gastronomical delights and excellent wine making skills. Half‑timbered
towns surrounded by forests and rolling hills are typical of the landscape. Strasbourg is the provincial and
Europe’s capital.
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basel to strasbourg by bike
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDSwitzerland, Germany and France
VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEThe trip runs between April and October during the European spring, summer
and autumn/fall. The months of June – August are busy times with temperatures
ranging between 20 ‑ 25 degrees Celsius (68 ‑ 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and
sometimes higher.
MIN GROUP SIZE1
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDCycle helmet (provided locally with rental bike), wet weather gear, sunscreen,
jogging shoes and sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is included in the
pre‑departure information given to you on booking.
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
https://www.facebook.com/UTracks
https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
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basel to strasbourg by bike
IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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basel to strasbourg by bike
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
NEW ZEALAND
UTracks
Level 1, 59-67 High St
Auckland CBD
PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
T: (09) 368 4161
F: (09) 368 4162
Toll Free: 0800 350 354
[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
UTracks
47 William St
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6Z9
T: 613 241 2700
F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
1B Osiers Road
Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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