Alsace, Black Forest, and Rhinefalls – Aug. 24 to Sep. 3

Imagine riding rolling vineyards between medieval villages, stone paved
streets lined with half-timbered houses. These images inspired us to make that ride a reality.
Unlike more popular EU destinations, Alsace- Lorraine’s rich history is unknown to most Americans.
“Alsace” is
an ancient name
with several roots,
some Germanic, some Roman.
“Lorraine” is rooted in Carolingian times
(700-900 .A.D.) and reflects the name of Charlemagne’s eldest grandson, Lothar, who with his two brothers each inherited a third of the Holy Roman Empire. You now know more about Alsace Loraine than 99% of your fellow countrymen.
The villages of Alsace are legendary for their medieval charm with many building foundations dating from the A.D.1000s. Lovingly preserved for centuries, tourism now assures they’ll be preserved for many more. But even more than tourism it’s Alsatian wine that supplies the wealth royals have fought over for a thousand years. As we cycle through the landscapes of the Rhine we know you’ll appreciate the blessings Peace has provided in these last 80 years.

Day 1  Colmar
  Arrive at your leisure by train, a 5 minute cab ride to our hotel, Novotel Center. Settle in and relax or stroll into the old town to browse the shops or visit the central market. Sample the pastries or lunch on Quiche Lorraine.
Tonight we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Day 2 Colmar
Set up our bikes and set out to explore the city. The U.S. Statue of Liberty was sculpted by Colmar native Frederic Berhtodli. We’ll circle his creation en route to the old town and Little Venice district. Park and lock your bike anywhere that strikes your  fancy. Cruise the shops or the canals. Explore the Unterlinden Museum featuring its collection of French and international artworks and artifacts from prehistorical to contemporary times. Browse local menus before selecting your bistro for tonight’s dinner.

Day 3, Ride 1   map
  We delve deep into the vineyards to visit three medieval villages, Equisheim, Turcheim, then climb to finish in Kaisersberg-Vignoble.

Day 4, Ride 2 Kayerberg-Vignoble to Ribeauville  map
It’s short and allows us to walk up onto the Vosges slopes where two castle remnants lord over the
vista below. Testament to centuries of feudal rule they exemplify the gap between the royals and even the essential mercantile classes in the villages beneath. Overnight in idyllic Ribeauville.

Day 5, Ride 3  Ribeauville to Burgheim, Kaiserstuhl  map
Takes us from the land of rolling vines, over the broad floodplain of the mighty Rhine and into the hills of Germany’s Kaiserstuhl.  And no surprise, in the Kaiserstuhl native winegrowers answer Alsace vintners with international awards of their own for both reds and whites.

Day 6, Ride 4, Burgheim to Freiburg im Breisgau map
  Miles of varied crops in rich farmland roll by on our way to old-town Freiburg. The ancient square is dominated by Freiberg Munster (Cathedral) and the we’ll overnight amidst German history and culture.

Day 7,  Ride 5 Freiburg to Titisee  map
  Our most ambitious ride takes us up into the Black Forest– watch out for the the elves! We climb a rural back road through the village of Sankt Margen, then descend for two nights to the resort town on the shore of natural  lake Titisee. Dinner at our hotel.

Day 8, Titisee  map
An optional adventure on our “rest day” offers a visit to Ravenna, Ravenschluct, a massive cuckoo clock shop and historic watermills. Or relax in the town’s incongruous tropical spa and waterpark.

Day 8, Ride 6 Titisee to Waldhut  map  
Enjoy a dramatic drop from the Black Forest complete with view of the distant Swiss Alps. We return to the Rhein Fluss at Waldshut. Dinner at our hotel.

Day 9, Ride 7 to Schaffausen, Switzerland   map  
We play tag with the river through lush German farmland and forests before crossing an six-hundred year old covered bridge into Switzerland. Then we ride one last spectacular bridge above Europe’s highest waterfall, Rheinfalls, the historical end of commercial navigation on this ancient river. Farewell dinner tonight at our hotel in Schaffhausen’s center.

Day 10, Aufwiedersehen…
  Breakfast in the hotel this morning and fond good-byes. Schaffhausen is a short train ride to Zurich ZRH if you’re returning home, or a central spot for further adventures.