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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 6 Nights |
| Distance: | 35 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 27 - Oct 6, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €599 |
| Start city: | Constance, Germany |
| End city: | Interlaken, Switzerland |
From Konstanz on Lake Constance to Interlaken on Lake Thun, this tour will lead you past another 7 lakes. The Rheinfall Waterfall near Schaffhausen, the “Hohle Gasse” in Küssnacht and the Einsiedeln monastery, along with the well preserved cities of Luzern and Zurich are the highlights of this tour.
From Konstanz on Lake Constance to Interlaken on Lake Thun, this tour will lead you past another 7 lakes. The Rheinfall Waterfall near Schaffhausen, the “Hohle Gasse” in Küssnacht and the Einsiedeln monastery, along with the well preserved cities of Luzern and Zurich are the highlights of this tour.
Day 1: Individual arrival in Konstanz
The largest town on Lake Constance is still quiet Medieval in character to this day and in 1414 hosted the only church council ever to take place north of the Alps.
Overnight in Konztanz.
Day 2: Konstanz – Schaffhausen (34 miles/55 km)
Today you will cycle along the romantic Lower Lake through small fishing villages and the well-known town of Stein am Rhein. The Canton capital of Schaffhausen is towered over by the Munot Fortress. There are over 170 oriels in the town which testify to the former wealth of the citizens.
Overnight in Schaffhausen.
Day 3: Schaffhausen – Zurich (41 miles/66 km)
The first highlight of your trip is the Rheinfall waterfall, which you will approach by boat. The valley of the Glatt will lead you on to Zurich, the fascinating cosmopolitan Swiss city.
Overnight in Zurich.
Day 4: Zurich – Einsiedeln (22 miles/35 km)
Today you will cycle along Lake Zurich towards Rapperswil with its old castle and will then cross over the lake along a dam. You will be taken by train to Einsiedeln, which to this day is still a popular place of pilgrimage.
Overnight in Einsiedein.
Day 5: Einsiedeln – Lucerne (38 miles/60 km)
Today’s cycling will be through quiet countryside and lively villages as you pass Lake Ägeri and Lake Zug. Küssnacht, Wilhelm Tell and Hohle Gasse are all Swiss national symbols which you will see today before cycling along Lake Lucerne and reaching the city of Lucerne.
Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 6: Lucerne – Interlaken (38 miles/60 km)
The mountains to the left and right of Lake Sarner and Lake Lungerer continue to get higher. You will take the train to get over the famous Brüning mountain pass. Passing Lake Brienz you will reach your destination; the spa town of Interlaken between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Overnight in Interlaken.
Day 7: Departure
Individual return home of extension of trip. Your cycling tour comes to an end after breakfast - there are good train connections to ensure you arrive home safely.
Daily: Apr 27 - Oct 6, 2012
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Day 1: Apartment Hotel Konstanz, Constance
www.apartment-hotel-konstanz.de
Located a few minutes from the historic city center, the apartment hotel was formally imperial barracks. The building is a miniature copy of the Karlsruhe castle.
Day 2: Hotel Park Villa, Schaffhausen
www.parkvilla.ch
The house was built around 1900 by a rich family and is completely surrounded by an impressive park. Antique furniture and lovingly decorated rooms ensure that you will have a wonderful stay.
Day 3: Swiss Q-Hotel Rex, Zurich
www.swissqualityhotels.com
The hotel is located in a beautiful old living area, and is elegant and charmingly decorated.
Day 4: Hotel-Cafe Zunfthaus Zum Baren, Einsiedein
www.hotel-baeren.ch
Located directly across from the monastery, the hotel has its own pastry shop.
Day 5: Hotel Baslertor, Lucerne
www.baslertor.ch
The hotel Baslertor was built in the 16th century and is modernly and cosily furnished. Enjoy the pool or spend your evening on the terrace.
Day 6: Minotel Toscana, Interlaken
www.minotel.com
The Hotel Toscana is located in the centre of the holiday town of Interlaken. They have over 20 comfortable rooms and both the hotel and restaurant are family owned and operated.
Day 1: Apartment Hotel Konstanz, Constance
www.apartment-hotel-konstanz.de
Located a few minutes from the historic city center, the apartment hotel was formally imperial barracks. The building is a miniature copy of the Karlsruhe castle.
Day 2: Hotel Park Villa, Schaffhausen
www.parkvilla.ch
The house was built around 1900 by a rich family and is completely surrounded by an impressive park. Antique furniture and lovingly decorated rooms ensure that you will have a wonderful stay.
Day 3: Swiss Q-Hotel Rex, Zurich
www.swissqualityhotels.com
The hotel is located in a beautiful old living area, and is elegant and charmingly decorated.
Day 4: Hotel-Cafe Zunfthaus Zum Baren, Einsiedein
www.hotel-baeren.ch
Located directly across from the monastery, the hotel has its own pastry shop.
Day 5: Hotel Baslertor, Lucerne
www.baslertor.ch
The hotel Baslertor was built in the 16th century and is modernly and cosily furnished. Enjoy the pool or spend your evening on the terrace.
Day 6: Minotel Toscana, Interlaken
www.minotel.com
The Hotel Toscana is located in the centre of the holiday town of Interlaken. They have over 20 comfortable rooms and both the hotel and restaurant are family owned and operated.
The rental bikes are custom-manufactured by a long-established German bike factory based on specifications made by the tour company.
They offer unisex bicycles with deep thru frame and upright riding position for maximum comfort and safety. The different frame sizes range from 1.50 meters to 1.85 meters body size, For taller guests men's bikes are available with frame heights of 61 and 64. Bikes feature comfortable saddles and grips. All bikes are available with freewheel and 21 speeds.
All bikes are equipped on request with a large saddlebag. Further, there are enough locks and repair kits for each party. Your travel documents also include a repair voucher, which you can redeem at any of the many bike shops and stations along the route.
The rental bikes are custom-manufactured by a long-established German bike factory based on specifications made by the tour company.
They offer unisex bicycles with deep thru frame and upright riding position for maximum comfort and safety. The different frame sizes range from 1.50 meters to 1.85 meters body size, For taller guests men's bikes are available with frame heights of 61 and 64. Bikes feature comfortable saddles and grips. All bikes are available with freewheel and 21 speeds.
All bikes are equipped on request with a large saddlebag. Further, there are enough locks and repair kits for each party. Your travel documents also include a repair voucher, which you can redeem at any of the many bike shops and stations along the route.
The route runs mainly along its own cycle paths and separate cycle routes.
The route is quite hilly between Einsiedeln and Lucerne (day 5) and you will have to dismount and push your bike at times.
The first part of the ride on day 5 (approx. 2-3 miles/3-5 km) is quite steep, the guests will climb about 656-820 feet/200-250 metres along this first part. Then there is one hill where they will probably have to walk (along a distance of about 984 ft/300 Metres), and later there is also a part where it is a bit more hilly, but not that hard as in the beginning. Where possible the travel documents will describe alternative routes.
The tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
The route runs mainly along its own cycle paths and separate cycle routes.
The route is quite hilly between Einsiedeln and Lucerne (day 5) and you will have to dismount and push your bike at times.
The first part of the ride on day 5 (approx. 2-3 miles/3-5 km) is quite steep, the guests will climb about 656-820 feet/200-250 metres along this first part. Then there is one hill where they will probably have to walk (along a distance of about 984 ft/300 Metres), and later there is also a part where it is a bit more hilly, but not that hard as in the beginning. Where possible the travel documents will describe alternative routes.
The tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Tour start
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For such a small country, the incredible variety of Swiss landscapes and cultures is awe-inspiring. The country has four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansch), with distinct regions for each language. The German-speaking portion is the largest and encompasses the capital of Bern, financial center Zurich, and many of the famed ski resort areas like Zermatt and Grindelwald.
Traveling across Switzerland, you’ll cross the "Roesti Graben" (literally - "hash-brown ditch"). It’s the imaginary, but very distinct, border between the German- and French-speaking areas. The French-speaking region is home to Geneva and Lausanne, with stunning landscapes along Lake Geneva. Lugano anchors the small Italian-speaking portion of Switzerland, known as the Swiss Riviera with its palm trees and mountain vistas alike. Romansch, a nearly-extinct derivative of Latin, is spoken only in a tiny valley in the Swiss Alps. But Switzerland is fiercely protective of its heritage and varied influences, so it's still counted among the official languages of the country. Across all of the varied landscapes and languages, there remains a distinctly Swiss flavor that sets it apart from its same-language neighbors.
More on bicycling in Switzerland >
View all Switzerland bike tours >
For such a small country, the incredible variety of Swiss landscapes and cultures is awe-inspiring. The country has four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansch), with distinct regions for each language. The German-speaking portion is the largest and encompasses the capital of Bern, financial center Zurich, and many of the famed ski resort areas like Zermatt and Grindelwald.
Traveling across Switzerland, you’ll cross the "Roesti Graben" (literally - "hash-brown ditch"). It’s the imaginary, but very distinct, border between the German- and French-speaking areas. The French-speaking region is home to Geneva and Lausanne, with stunning landscapes along Lake Geneva. Lugano anchors the small Italian-speaking portion of Switzerland, known as the Swiss Riviera with its palm trees and mountain vistas alike. Romansch, a nearly-extinct derivative of Latin, is spoken only in a tiny valley in the Swiss Alps. But Switzerland is fiercely protective of its heritage and varied influences, so it's still counted among the official languages of the country. Across all of the varied landscapes and languages, there remains a distinctly Swiss flavor that sets it apart from its same-language neighbors.
More on bicycling in Switzerland >
View all Switzerland bike tours >
The Bodensee-Radweg Service GmbH is one of the largest German operators of cycling holidays and is located in Konstanz. We offer you well organized and bookable cycle trips in 19 Central European holiday regions. For every one of these regions we operate an information portal, where you will not only find our services but also a variety of free information to assist you in planning your holiday.
The company was founded in 2002 and has established itself as an important tour operator in the market. In 2007 the activities were classified as Tourism service provider in a limited company. We also work in cooperation with the Berufsamademie in Ravensburg to train young people as Bachelors of Tourism Management.
Lake Constance – no other holiday destination in Europe symbolises such a classical bicycling region as the landscape surrounding the lake between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A compact network of good quality and signposted cycle paths, along the lakeshore and the attractive surrounding countryside, promise visitors an enjoyable and undisturbed cycling experience. First class hotels, cosy country guesthouses, first class cuisine and local dishes ensure physical well being, along with a stylish mix of vineyards, orchards, the glimmering surface of the lake and the fascinating panorama of the Alps. Swimming beaches, thermal baths, activity parks and wildlife parks provide plenty of relaxation and recuperation from saddles and pedals.
Naturally the majority of holiday makers concentrate on probably the most famous cycle path in Central Europe - the Lake Constance Cycle Path. The route is 273 kilometres long and circumnavigates the lake almost always along the lakeshore and passing by the majority of the well known visitor attractions. Whether you wish to visit the historical council town of Konstanz, the garden island of Mainau, the world heritage site Reichenau Island, the pilgrim church in Birnau, Meersburg, Lindau or Bregenz – there is enough to discover for two to three holidays directly on the lake. Have a look through our pages, whet your appetite and visit Lake Constance with us this summer!
The Bodensee-Radweg Service GmbH is one of the largest German operators of cycling holidays and is located in Konstanz. We offer you well organized and bookable cycle trips in 19 Central European holiday regions. For every one of these regions we operate an information portal, where you will not only find our services but also a variety of free information to assist you in planning your holiday.
The company was founded in 2002 and has established itself as an important tour operator in the market. In 2007 the activities were classified as Tourism service provider in a limited company. We also work in cooperation with the Berufsamademie in Ravensburg to train young people as Bachelors of Tourism Management.
Lake Constance – no other holiday destination in Europe symbolises such a classical bicycling region as the landscape surrounding the lake between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A compact network of good quality and signposted cycle paths, along the lakeshore and the attractive surrounding countryside, promise visitors an enjoyable and undisturbed cycling experience. First class hotels, cosy country guesthouses, first class cuisine and local dishes ensure physical well being, along with a stylish mix of vineyards, orchards, the glimmering surface of the lake and the fascinating panorama of the Alps. Swimming beaches, thermal baths, activity parks and wildlife parks provide plenty of relaxation and recuperation from saddles and pedals.
Naturally the majority of holiday makers concentrate on probably the most famous cycle path in Central Europe - the Lake Constance Cycle Path. The route is 273 kilometres long and circumnavigates the lake almost always along the lakeshore and passing by the majority of the well known visitor attractions. Whether you wish to visit the historical council town of Konstanz, the garden island of Mainau, the world heritage site Reichenau Island, the pilgrim church in Birnau, Meersburg, Lindau or Bregenz – there is enough to discover for two to three holidays directly on the lake. Have a look through our pages, whet your appetite and visit Lake Constance with us this summer!
Cancellation and booking changes
You may cancel your holiday at any time before the start of your trip and all payments will be returned to you minus an administrative charge. Your cancellation should be in written form and it comes into force the day we receive it.
Our cancellation charges are as follows:
Our cancellation charges for bike and ship tours are as follows:
Of course you still have the right to prove that the charges incurred by us due to your cancellation are less than those listed. Every traveller can be replaced by a third person at any time for a fee of €50. Up to 28 days before travel other booking changes (insofar as they are possible) will cost €50, after this period the fee rises to €100. The subsequent booking of rental bikes costs an extra €10 per booking.
These terms of travel and payment will form part of the holiday contract you enter into with our company. Please note that text is a translation of the original German text. The original German text is the only one which is legally binding.
Registration
Holiday bookings can be sent in writing by post, fax or by internet. Your booking is an offer to us of a binding contract. The contract comes into force when we accept your booking. This acceptance, which does not require any particular form, will be communicated to you in a written booking confirmation from us. If you do not receive our travel and payment conditions by registration we will send you these with your booking confirmation. If you do not contradict these within ten days of receipt, with short term bookings (10 days or less before travel) immediately, the holiday contract comes into force according to these conditions. If the contents of the booking confirmation differ from the content of registration, we are bound by this offer for ten days. The contract comes into force according to this new offer if you communicate acceptance to us within this period, this can also occur by payment. If you register other people, you take on all contractual duties for your fellow travelers. Other arrangements and changes to the concluded contract of travel must be in writing.
Services
The basis of the holiday services are the individual tours described in our catalogue, our official brochures, and descriptions given on our internet pages and confirmed in the contract. Modifications of individual trips, which become necessary after the contract is concluded and which are undertaken in good faith are allowed, insofar as the changes are not substantial and do not change the total character of the trip. We do not accept liability for any information contained in hotel brochures etc., even if we provide customers with such brochures. The price of services which are not used by guests will usually not be refunded.
Liability
We are liable in line with the duty of care of a usual businessman for the conscientious planning of the holiday, the careful selection and monitoring of service providers, the correctness of the description of the services provided and the proper provision of the agreed holiday services. Our liability for damage other than bodily damage, is limited to three times the price of the total holiday, if this damage is not caused by us directly or by gross negligence. This is also true if we are responsible for faults on the part of service providers. If we facilitate services from other companies, we are liable for this facilitation but not for the services provided or for damage caused. In case of loss of or damage to luggage, we are liable for up to €500, insofar as the damage was caused by us and this was brought to our attention without delay. We are not liable for any small scratches on suitcases, broken handles and damaged wheels. Liability is assumed from when the luggage is loaded. After delivery to the hotel liability transfers to the hotel proprietor according to paragraph 701 of the BGB (German Civil Code).
Cooperation
Activity holidays are physically more demanding then normal holidays. It is therefore your duty to inform us whether you are physically fit enough to undertake the trip. For cycling holidays, it is presumed that you can control a bicycle in traffic and on pathways in all types of weather. When you collect your rental bike you must ensure that it is in good working order, especially the brakes and lights. You are responsible for respecting the domestic and foreign laws, in particular the regulations regarding travel documents and the transport of goods over borders. If luggage is to be transported over the exterior borders of the EU it must be unlocked in case the custom officials wish to examine the contents. If your luggage is searched we will inform you of the fact upon delivery. You are under a legal duty to avoid damages or to keep them to a minimum and to inform us of any complaints.
Duty of care
You are liable for damage to or loss of your bike and other equipment provided for the duration of the holiday. In the case of guided tours, you are only liable if you distance yourself from the group, ignore instructions from tour guides or if you cause damage or loss on purpose, or negligently.
Guarantee
If the holiday is not provided according to the terms of the contract you can demand a remedy. We may be able to supply such a remedy by providing you with a replacement service of equal or of higher value. If the cost is disproportionately high then a remedy may be refused. At the end of the holiday you may demand a reduction in price for the duration of the holiday which was not in accordance with the terms of the contract. You are required to point out the defect without delay to us or your tour guide, so that we have the chance to remedy the situation. Tour guides are not authorized to recognize claims. A reduction in the price of the holiday does not effect your right to claim compensation for non-fulfillment of the contract unless we are not required to take responsibility for the particular defect.
Statue of Limitations
Claims must be communicated to us (preferably in writing) within a month of the contractual end of the holiday, unless you are prevented from doing so through no fault of your own or in the case of personal injuries. All claims arising from the contract come under the statute of limitation 1 year after the contractual end of the holiday, however pending legal actions are not extinguished by the limitation period. Claims arising from unauthorized conduct are extinguished 3 years after the end of the holiday.
Data Protection
All personal data, which you provide us with for the holiday transaction are protected under German law against improper use.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance. Please ensure you are adequately covered by your health and accident insurance before you begin your holiday. It may also be a good idea to take out luggage and third party (liability) insurance.
Severability Clause
If some terms of the contract or the terms of travel are void this does not render the entire contract or terms of travel also void.
Legal Domicile
The legal domicile is Konstanz.
Cancellation and booking changes
You may cancel your holiday at any time before the start of your trip and all payments will be returned to you minus an administrative charge. Your cancellation should be in written form and it comes into force the day we receive it.
Our cancellation charges are as follows:
Our cancellation charges for bike and ship tours are as follows:
Of course you still have the right to prove that the charges incurred by us due to your cancellation are less than those listed. Every traveller can be replaced by a third person at any time for a fee of €50. Up to 28 days before travel other booking changes (insofar as they are possible) will cost €50, after this period the fee rises to €100. The subsequent booking of rental bikes costs an extra €10 per booking.
These terms of travel and payment will form part of the holiday contract you enter into with our company. Please note that text is a translation of the original German text. The original German text is the only one which is legally binding.
Registration
Holiday bookings can be sent in writing by post, fax or by internet. Your booking is an offer to us of a binding contract. The contract comes into force when we accept your booking. This acceptance, which does not require any particular form, will be communicated to you in a written booking confirmation from us. If you do not receive our travel and payment conditions by registration we will send you these with your booking confirmation. If you do not contradict these within ten days of receipt, with short term bookings (10 days or less before travel) immediately, the holiday contract comes into force according to these conditions. If the contents of the booking confirmation differ from the content of registration, we are bound by this offer for ten days. The contract comes into force according to this new offer if you communicate acceptance to us within this period, this can also occur by payment. If you register other people, you take on all contractual duties for your fellow travelers. Other arrangements and changes to the concluded contract of travel must be in writing.
Services
The basis of the holiday services are the individual tours described in our catalogue, our official brochures, and descriptions given on our internet pages and confirmed in the contract. Modifications of individual trips, which become necessary after the contract is concluded and which are undertaken in good faith are allowed, insofar as the changes are not substantial and do not change the total character of the trip. We do not accept liability for any information contained in hotel brochures etc., even if we provide customers with such brochures. The price of services which are not used by guests will usually not be refunded.
Liability
We are liable in line with the duty of care of a usual businessman for the conscientious planning of the holiday, the careful selection and monitoring of service providers, the correctness of the description of the services provided and the proper provision of the agreed holiday services. Our liability for damage other than bodily damage, is limited to three times the price of the total holiday, if this damage is not caused by us directly or by gross negligence. This is also true if we are responsible for faults on the part of service providers. If we facilitate services from other companies, we are liable for this facilitation but not for the services provided or for damage caused. In case of loss of or damage to luggage, we are liable for up to €500, insofar as the damage was caused by us and this was brought to our attention without delay. We are not liable for any small scratches on suitcases, broken handles and damaged wheels. Liability is assumed from when the luggage is loaded. After delivery to the hotel liability transfers to the hotel proprietor according to paragraph 701 of the BGB (German Civil Code).
Cooperation
Activity holidays are physically more demanding then normal holidays. It is therefore your duty to inform us whether you are physically fit enough to undertake the trip. For cycling holidays, it is presumed that you can control a bicycle in traffic and on pathways in all types of weather. When you collect your rental bike you must ensure that it is in good working order, especially the brakes and lights. You are responsible for respecting the domestic and foreign laws, in particular the regulations regarding travel documents and the transport of goods over borders. If luggage is to be transported over the exterior borders of the EU it must be unlocked in case the custom officials wish to examine the contents. If your luggage is searched we will inform you of the fact upon delivery. You are under a legal duty to avoid damages or to keep them to a minimum and to inform us of any complaints.
Duty of care
You are liable for damage to or loss of your bike and other equipment provided for the duration of the holiday. In the case of guided tours, you are only liable if you distance yourself from the group, ignore instructions from tour guides or if you cause damage or loss on purpose, or negligently.
Guarantee
If the holiday is not provided according to the terms of the contract you can demand a remedy. We may be able to supply such a remedy by providing you with a replacement service of equal or of higher value. If the cost is disproportionately high then a remedy may be refused. At the end of the holiday you may demand a reduction in price for the duration of the holiday which was not in accordance with the terms of the contract. You are required to point out the defect without delay to us or your tour guide, so that we have the chance to remedy the situation. Tour guides are not authorized to recognize claims. A reduction in the price of the holiday does not effect your right to claim compensation for non-fulfillment of the contract unless we are not required to take responsibility for the particular defect.
Statue of Limitations
Claims must be communicated to us (preferably in writing) within a month of the contractual end of the holiday, unless you are prevented from doing so through no fault of your own or in the case of personal injuries. All claims arising from the contract come under the statute of limitation 1 year after the contractual end of the holiday, however pending legal actions are not extinguished by the limitation period. Claims arising from unauthorized conduct are extinguished 3 years after the end of the holiday.
Data Protection
All personal data, which you provide us with for the holiday transaction are protected under German law against improper use.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance. Please ensure you are adequately covered by your health and accident insurance before you begin your holiday. It may also be a good idea to take out luggage and third party (liability) insurance.
Severability Clause
If some terms of the contract or the terms of travel are void this does not render the entire contract or terms of travel also void.
Legal Domicile
The legal domicile is Konstanz.
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