Luxurious living, challenging cycling

Swiss Crossing (Challenging)

Tour Description: Guided

Compare 10 days of Bike Switzerland with any other guided tour. You will stay in 3 and 4 star hotels, all Swiss in character and magnificent in their setting. Mornings begin with a wonderful breakfast buffet. Our afternoon picnics are lavish and our evening meals unforgettable: 3, 4 and 5 course feasts with wine. Nightly aperitifs will whet your appetite. The tour ends with a catered lakeside barbecue at the United Nations private beach.

We go out of our way to give you a real cultural experience: you'll meet our Swiss friends on your first night in town and keep meeting them every night thereafter. Bring an address book.

Bike Switzerland is located in Carouge, Switzerland. We bike the paths you will be on…every day. Come with us and you'll understand that biking is more than a hobby - it's a personal statement about how you travel and what you value.

We eat and drink very well…no worries there. But we also like to burn calories. Avid cyclists needn't worry: we have 100 kilometer days and 1000 meter climbs. Bonus miles are always possible. Weekend cyclists or less-enthusiastic spouses will always be able to opt for a half-day. Non-riding spouses are welcome and provided with free train transportation to explore the region.

Our 21-speed hybrids have 3 chain rings and slick tires: perfect for the paved, gravel and dirt paths that you'll come across. We always travel with a spare bike and a professional mechanic. Prefer your own bike? Our experienced mechanic will assemble it for you when you arrive and take it down again when you leave.

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

Compare 10 days of Bike Switzerland with any other guided tour. You will stay in 3 and 4 star hotels, all Swiss in character and magnificent in their setting. Mornings begin with a wonderful breakfast buffet. Our afternoon picnics are lavish and our evening meals unforgettable: 3, 4 and 5 course feasts with wine. Nightly aperitifs will whet your appetite. The tour ends with a catered lakeside barbecue at the United Nations private beach.

We go out of our way to give you a real cultural experience: you'll meet our Swiss friends on your first night in town and keep meeting them every night thereafter. Bring an address book.

Bike Switzerland is located in Carouge, Switzerland. We bike the paths you will be on…every day. Come with us and you'll understand that biking is more than a hobby - it's a personal statement about how you travel and what you value.

We eat and drink very well…no worries there. But we also like to burn calories. Avid cyclists needn't worry: we have 100 kilometer days and 1000 meter climbs. Bonus miles are always possible. Weekend cyclists or less-enthusiastic spouses will always be able to opt for a half-day. Non-riding spouses are welcome and provided with free train transportation to explore the region.

Our 21-speed hybrids have 3 chain rings and slick tires: perfect for the paved, gravel and dirt paths that you'll come across. We always travel with a spare bike and a professional mechanic. Prefer your own bike? Our experienced mechanic will assemble it for you when you arrive and take it down again when you leave.

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Visit and supper at a local vineyard in Geneva
• Day off hiking in the Alps
• Visit and breakfast and working Swiss farm
• Overnight in medieval castle

Highlights: Self-guided

• Visit and supper at a local vineyard in Geneva
• Day off hiking in the Alps
• Visit and breakfast and working Swiss farm
• Overnight in medieval castle

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva
Welcome to Geneva! We pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your four-star hotel in the city center. We'll give you some time to settle in and then send you across the street for your bike fitting. Afterward, take a stroll along the lake or watch the world go by from a sidewalk café- the day is yours.

We'd like to make your first night special with an evening in the Geneva countryside. We'll all meet downstairs at 6 PM and you'll be whisked away to a vineyard of in the small wine town of Russin. Once there you'll discover the vineyard of Les Molards, their 12 different wines, delicious appetizers and organic salads. All riders should plan on arriving in Geneva before 2pm.

Day 2: Geneva to Chexbres (53 miles/86km)
We’re off! You will follow small country roads and vineyard paths before stopping for a picnic lunch in the lakeside town of Rolle.Get back on your bike, but relax: it’s Saturday and many of the villages along the route will be hosting festivals, concerts and sporting events. Make sure to take your time and get a taste of the local color.

We will also pass through the larger city of Lausanne. Consider exploring the lakefront or stop by the IOC’s Olympic Museum...we pass right in front! Later in the day we begin our climb through the vineyards to our hotel in the small town of Chexbres. Riders preferring to avoid the climb can take the train from Vevey: nothing is too complicated in Switzerland.
Overnight in Chexbres. 

Day 3: Chexbres to Gstaad (25-50miles/40-80km)
Feeling adventurous? If so, take the steep back roads to our first coffee stop, otherwise join the rest of us on the more direct route. There is a lot of flexibility on our itinerary if you choose to stray.

Once at our coffee spot, grab a slice of dense chocolate cake: we’ve got another 50 kilometers to work up an appetite. Lunch is in the medieval village of Gruyère. Take a tour of the castle or visit the cheese museum before getting back in the saddle to discover the magnificent valleys and giant chalets of the region beyond.

Our destination is the sleepy village of Saanen. Up for a bit of Alpine nightlife? The small, but world-famous Gstaad is just a ten minute walk along the river Saane. Gstaad’s car-free streets are perfect for admiring the surrounding Bernese alps. You’ll come to understand why a long list of celebrities, from Grace Kelly to Tina Turner have made Gstaad their summer home.
Overnight in Gstaad.

Day 4: Gstaad to Interlaken (60-80km/38-50miles)
After a short but steep climb out of town and a very long descent into Zweisimmen, it’s pastures and streams on densely packed gravel paths. We’ll be stopping from time to time to pet the cows and admire the monstrous family chalets. Take plenty of pictures: these traffic-free valleys are seldom seen by tourists.

You’ll spend the later part of the day riding the shores of Lake Thun before reaching Interlaken. As the name implies, Interlaken is found between two lakes. These lakes, along with dark forests, high peaks, cliffs and waterfalls have made the area a prime alpine tourist destination for over 100 years.
Overnight in Interkaken.

Day 5: Day off/Hiking in the Alps
Wake up to a sultry summer day, board the train and be whisked up thousands of meters to the cool mountain trails and the nearby glaciers of the Bernese Oberland. Your legs will be working in other ways today: they’ll dangle from gondola lifts, run with the grazing alpine herds and your knees will bend to pick the wild edelweiss that fill the pastures.
Overnight in Interlaken. 

Day 6: Interlaken to Lucerne (25-56miles/40-90km)
This morning can be very tough or really easy: You choose ! Those strong (or brave) will follow lake Brienz to Geissbach to admire its 350-meter high cascades. Afterwards the riders will tackle the Brunig Pass and be climbing 400 meters in 5 kilometers. Riders can choose to have a more relaxing morning with a lake cruise, 15k of flat riding followed by a train to lunch on the lake in Lungern.

The afternoon's paths are flat and picturesque and will take us through the bustling medieval village of Sarnen. Quench your thirst with a tall beer in the market square; you've got another 30 kilometers.Our hotel overlooks the lake in Lucerne's city center. Put your bike away and get your street clothes out: you're on your own this evening to explore the city's possibilities.
Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 7: Lucerne to Rapperswil (31-59miles/50-95km)
Today we follow four lakes and go through four cantons. Our ride begins outside of Lucerne on hard dirt paths along the River Reuss until reaching Zug: Switzerland's smallest (but richest) canton. We'll picnic on the lake and tour Zug’s medieval old town before climbing out and into the Rothernthurm high marshlands, one of Switzerland's best-known nature preserves. We'll bike past peat-covered cabins and through wet rolling fields before reaching the imposing Einsiedeln monastery.

If your legs hold up, you’ll soon be high in the clouds with spectacular views on all sides. As always, narrow and well-maintained bike paths will allow you to venture where few tourists have gone before. Take a long coast into Rapperswil and settle into your hotel in the town’s center. Once showered, you'll have some choices to make: an ancient city center, lakeside promenade, a perched chateau, a medieval convent, reputed rose gardens, a circus museum, zoo, wine bars or nap. See you at 8 O'clock for dinner.
Overnight in Rapperswil. 

Day 8: Rapperswil to Sax (47-59miles/75-95km)
We're riding our bikes to breakfast this morning. No worries: just a short 3 clicks down the road to Thomas and Judith's family farm. Enjoy the farm fresh eggs, homemade preserves and cured meats smoked on the premises. There will also be plenty of coffee brought over by the sisters next door at the Wurmsbach convent. Take your time: stroll the farm, visit the nuns, pet the goats and come back for another cup of coffee.

Afterwards it’s twenty kilometers of unusually flat riding before reaching the long Walensee lake and its 1500 meter cliffs. The ride soon becomes surreal as we head into a long series of bike tunnels where giant windows give us stunning views of the lake and its high calcium cliffs. Take a swim in Switzerland’s cleanest lake and then dry off for a picnic. 

Later we meet up with the Rhine and follow a perfect bike path Northward to Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz . Take five minutes to cross the bridge into Liechtenstein , or stay on your bike until you reach our hotel in the village of Sax, but don’t blink or you’ll miss it. (Population: 65 inhabitants) Meet the other riders downstairs in the cozy pub and share your experiences over a tall glass of wheat beer. Don’t eat too many pretzels: the meal tonight is amazing.
Overnight in Sax. 

Day 9: Sax to Arbon (38miles/60km)
Our last day of riding follows rivers and lowlands: it’s a cinch. You’ll pedal past farms and through fields and along canals until lunchtime in in Widnau. You’ve then got a choice: make your hardest climb yet to the village of Heiden overlooking Lake Constance. Or take the low road to the lake and our final stop in Romanshorn. This is our easiest day, so use your time and energy to explore the unique lakeside villages and shops. Or get in early and wander around the grounds of the medieval castle that is our hotel. Be sure to work up your appetite: it’s wonderful barbecue with champagne toasts. After all, you’ve just biked across Switzerland.
Overnight in Arbon.

Day 10: Return to Geneva with visit to Berne, and United Nations Banquet
Say goodbye to your trusty 21-speed steed; after a late breakfast it's all-aboard ! We'll interrupt our five-hour train trip back to Geneva with a stop-over in the Swiss capital of Berne. Your last evening in Switzerland will be spent back where it all started: on the shores of lake Geneva. You'll catch the long summer rays with a tall drink and good food at our banquet on the United Nations private beach.
Overnight in Geneva. 

Day 11: Departure from Geneva
After breakfast, it's goodbye. We'll make sure that you catch your flight, or help you out with other European travel plans you might have.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva
Welcome to Geneva! You have some time to settle in and then you'll need to go across the street for your bike fitting. Afterward, take a stroll along the lake or watch the world go by from a sidewalk café- the day is yours.

Day 2: Geneva to Chexbres (50-28 miles/80-45 km)
You will follow small country roads and vineyard paths. Get back on your bike, but relax: it’s Saturday and many of the villages along the route will be hosting festivals, concerts and sporting events. Make sure to take your time and get a taste of the local color.We will also pass through the larger city of Lausanne. Consider exploring the lakefront or stop by the IOC’s Olympic Museum...we pass right in front! Later in the day we begin our climb through the vineyards to our hotel in the small town of Chexbres. Riders preferring to avoid the climb can take the train from Vevey: nothing is too complicated in Switzerland.
Overnight in Chexbres. 

Day 3: Chexbres to Gstaad (25-50 miles/40-80km)
Feeling adventurous? If so, take the steep back roads to our first coffee stop, otherwise join the rest of us on the more direct route. There is a lot of flexibility on our itinerary if you choose to stray. In the medieval village of Gruyère. Take a tour of the castle or visit the cheese museum before getting back in the saddle to discover the magnificent valleys and giant chalets of the region beyond.

Our destination is the sleepy village of Saanen. Up for a bit of Alpine nightlife? The small, but world-famous Gstaad is just a ten minute walk along the river Saane. Gstaad’s car-free streets are perfect for admiring the surrounding Bernese alps. You’ll come to understand why a long list of celebrities, from Grace Kelly to Tina Turner have made Gstaad their summer home.
Overnight in Gstaad. 

Day 4: Gstaad to Interlaken (38-50 miles/80 or 60-80km)
After a short but steep climb out of town and a very long descent into Zweisimmen, it’s pastures and streams on densely packed gravel paths. We’ll be stopping from time to time to pet the cows and admire the monstrous family chalets. Take plenty of pictures: these traffic-free valleys are seldom seen by tourists.

You’ll spend the later part of the day riding the shores of Lake Thun before reaching Interlaken. As the name implies, Interlaken is found between two lakes. These lakes, along with dark forests, high peaks, cliffs and waterfalls have made the area a prime alpine tourist destination for over 100 years.
Overnight in Interlaken. 

Day 5: Interlaken to Lucerne (25-56 miles/40-90km)
This morning can be very tough or really easy: You choose ! Those strong (or brave) will follow lake Brienz to Geissbach to admire its 350-meter high cascades. Afterwards the riders will tackle the Brunig Pass and be climbing 400 meters in 5 kilometers. Riders can choose to have a more relaxing morning with a lake cruise, 15k of flat riding followed by a train to lunch on the lake in Lungern.

The afternoon's paths are flat and picturesque and will take us through the bustling medieval village of Sarnen. Quench your thirst with a tall beer in the market square; you've got another 30 kilometers.Our hotel overlooks the lake in Lucerne's city center. Put your bike away and get your street clothes out: you're on your own this evening to explore the city's possibilities.
Overnight in Lucerne. 

Day 6: Lucerne to Rapperswil (31-59 miles/50-95km)
Today we follow four lakes and go through four cantons. Our ride begins outside of Lucerne on hard dirt paths along the River Reuss until reaching Zug: Switzerland's smallest (but richest) canton. We'll picnic on the lake and tour Zug’s medieval old town before climbing out and into the Rothernthurm high marshlands, one of Switzerland's best-known nature preserves. We'll bike past peat-covered cabins and through wet rolling fields before reaching the imposing Einsiedeln monastery.

If your legs hold up, you’ll soon be high in the clouds with spectacular views on all sides. As always, narrow and well-maintained bike paths will allow you to venture where few tourists have gone before !Take a long coast into Rapperswil and settle into your hotel in the town’s center. Once showered, you'll have some choices to make: an ancient city center, lakeside promenade, a perched chateau, a medieval convent, reputed rose gardens, a circus museum, zoo, wine bars or nap. 
Overnight in Rapperswil. 

Day 7: Rapperswil to Sax (47-59 miles/75-95km)
We're riding our bikes to breakfast this morning. No worries: just a short 3 clicks down the road to Thomas and Judith's family farm. Enjoy the farm fresh eggs, homemade preserves and cured meats smoked on the premises. There will also be plenty of coffee brought over by the sisters next door at the Wurmsbach convent. Take your time: stroll the farm, visit the nuns, pet the goats and come back for another cup of coffee.

Afterwards it’s twenty kilometers of unusually flat riding before reaching the long Walensee lake and its 1500 meter cliffs. The ride soon becomes surreal as we head into a long series of bike tunnels where giant windows give us stunning views of the lake and its high calcium cliffs. Take a swim in Switzerland’s cleanest lake.

Later we meet up with the Rhine and follow a perfect bike path Northward to Liechtenstein and its capital Vaduz . Take five minutes to cross the bridge into Liechtenstein , or stay on your bike until you reach our hotel in the village of Sax, but don’t blink or you’ll miss it. (Population: 65 inhabitants) Go downstairs to the cozy pub and share your experiences over a tall glass of wheat beer. 
Overngiht in Sax. 

Day 8: Sax to Rorschach (38 miles/60km)
Our last day of riding follows rivers and lowlands: it’s a cinch. You’ll pedal past farms and through fields and along canals until lunchtime in in Widnau. You’ve then got a choice: make your hardest climb yet to the village of Heiden overlooking Lake Constance. Or take the low road to the lake and our final stop in Romanshorn. This is our easiest day, so use your time and energy to explore the unique lakeside villages and shops. Or get in early and wander around the grounds of the medieval castle that is our hotel. Be sure to work up your appetite: it’s wonderful barbecue with champagne toasts. After all, you’ve just biked across Switzerland! 
Overnight in Rorschach. 

Day 9: Return to Geneva with visit to Berne
Say goodbye to your trusty 21-speed steed; after a late breakfast it's all-aboard ! We'll interrupt our five-hour train trip back to Geneva with a stop-over in the Swiss capital of Berne. Your last evening in Switzerland will be spent back where it all started: on the shores of lake Geneva.
Overnight in Geneva. 

Day 10: Departure from Geneva
After breakfast, it's goodbye. We'll make sure that you catch your flight, or help you out with other European travel plans you might have.

Dates: Guided

July 11, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: May 1-Sep 30, 2013

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Please note the prices are shown in Swiss Franc, even though the currency symbol stands for Euro
Per person, double occupancy CHF3850 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF600 Deluxe single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF800 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike (included in cost of tour package) CHF0 Electrically assisted bike CHF400 Equipment included free with all rentals CHF0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Please note the prices are shown in Swiss Franc, even though the currency symbol stands for Euro. No minimum group number for this tour.
Per person, double occupancy CHF2500 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF400 Deluxe single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF600 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike (included in cost of tour package) CHF0 Electrically assisted bike CHF400 Equipment included free with all rentals CHF0

Included Services: Guided

• Premium lodging 10 nights (3- and 4-star hotels)
• Airport transfers/pick-ups in Geneva on arrival day
• All meals except two (one lunch and one dinner)
• All gourmet picnic lunches: fresh organic salads, farm cheeses, bakery breads, hard sausages, fruit, cakes, wine, beer, soda, etc....
• Cocktail nights
• A high-end, fully-equipped BMC bicycle rental with bags, bottle, lock, tools, etc.
• GPS navigation on all bikes  
• Support van for luggage 
• Color maps to keep you on track
• Your own cellphone so family can call you
• Special events (wine tasting, farm breakfasts, bonfire night, etc.)
• Guided hiking day 
• Round trip cogwheel trip up to Jungfrau region 
• Round trip cogwheel trip up Brunig Pass 
• Return train travel back to Geneva with stop-over in Berne
• T-shirt

Included Services: Self-guided

• Fully equipped BMC bicycles
• All accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels for 9 nights
• All breakfasts 
• Return train to Geneva 
• Return of bicycle to Geneva
• Maps, telephone, GPS
• Departure briefing 
• Luggage transfers

Hotels: Guided

Please note the guided tour is 10 nights due to a hiking tour on Day 5. The self-guided tour is 9 nights. Please see the guided days in parentheses starting with Day 4.

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel Cornavin, Geneva
www.fassbindhotels.com
The hotel is centrally located downtown in Geneva and has 164 rooms featuring modern design.

Day 2: Hotel Prealpina, Chexbres
www.prealpina.ch
This is a 4-star hotel with 55 rooms that overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Day 3: Steigenberger Alpenhotel and Spa, Gstaad
www.steigenberger.com
The 4-star hotel has 122 rooms and is decorated with traditional swiss style. There are 2 restaurants and also a spa.

Day 4 (Days 4 and 5): Hotel Carlton Europe, Interlacken
www.carltoneurope.ch
It is a charming hotel that is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Built in 1912, it towers over the valley and provides a great place for rest and relaxation. 

Day 5 (Day 6): Hotel Royal Luzern, Lucerne
www.hotel-royal-luzern.ch
The hotel has 46 rooms and is designed in the Art Nouveau style. The hotel is set on a slight elevation so you can enjoy views of Lake Lucerne.

Day 6 (Day 7): Hotel Jakob, Rapperswil
www.jakob-hotel.ch
The hotel is located in the historic city center of town.

Day 7 (Day 8): Schlossli, Sax
www.schloesslisax.ch
A small country auberge that was formally the residence of Baron Philli;p von Hohensax. They also have an  award-winning chef.

Day 8 (Day 9): Wartensee Castle, Rorschach
www.wartensee.ch
A renovated medieval castle overlooking lake constance offers 33 cleanly decorated rooms.

Day 9 (Day 10) : Hotel Cornavin, Geneva
www.fassbindhotels.com
The hotel is centrally located downtown in Geneva and has 164 rooms featuring modern design.

Single travelers, please note:
There is a supplement for staying by yourself in accommodations, but on this tour you have a choice of booking a regular room or a deluxe room. Some of the hotels will book you in a smaller sized room if you stay by yourself. The deluxe room would be a single traveler staying in a large double room by yourself. Please see the "packages and prices" section of the website for the costs of the rooms. 

Hotels: Self-guided

Please note the guided tour is 10 nights due to a hiking tour on Day 5. The self-guided tour is 9 nights. Please see the guided days in parentheses starting with Day 4.

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel Cornavin, Geneva
www.fassbindhotels.com
The hotel is centrally located downtown in Geneva and has 164 rooms featuring modern design.

Day 2: Hotel Prealpina, Chexbres
www.prealpina.ch
This is a 4-star hotel with 55 rooms that overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Day 3: Steigenberger Alpenhotel and Spa, Gstaad
www.steigenberger.com
The 4-star hotel has 122 rooms and is decorated with traditional swiss style. There are 2 restaurants and also a spa.

Day 4 (Days 4 and 5): Hotel Carlton Europe, Interlacken
www.carltoneurope.ch
It is a charming hotel that is decorated in the Art Nouveau style. Built in 1912, it towers over the valley and provides a great place for rest and relaxation. 

Day 5 (Day 6): Hotel Royal Luzern, Lucerne
www.hotel-royal-luzern.ch
The hotel has 46 rooms and is designed in the Art Nouveau style. The hotel is set on a slight elevation so you can enjoy views of Lake Lucerne.

Day 6 (Day 7): Hotel Jakob, Rapperswil
www.jakob-hotel.ch
The hotel is located in the historic city center of town.

Day 7 (Day 8): Schlossli, Sax
www.schloesslisax.ch
A small country auberge that was formally the residence of Baron Philli;p von Hohensax. They also have an  award-winning chef.

Day 8 (Day 9): Wartensee Castle, Rorschach
www.wartensee.ch
A renovated medieval castle overlooking lake constance offers 33 cleanly decorated rooms.

Day 9 (Day 10) : Hotel Cornavin, Geneva
www.fassbindhotels.com
The hotel is centrally located downtown in Geneva and has 164 rooms featuring modern design.

Single travelers, please note:
There is a supplement for staying by yourself in accommodations, but on this tour you have a choice of booking a regular room or a deluxe room. Some of the hotels will book you in a smaller sized room if you stay by yourself. The deluxe room would be a single traveler staying in a large double room by yourself. Please see the "packages and prices" section of the website for the costs of the rooms. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Approximately 90% of the tour is on quiet dedicated bike routes and about 15% of the route is hard packed gravel. The maximum daily elevation is 2624 feet/800 meters and the maximum grade is 10%. The tour is rated challenging and is for experienced cyclists in above average physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Approximately 90% of the tour is on quiet dedicated bike routes and about 15% of the route is hard packed gravel. The maximum daily elevation is 2624 feet/800 meters and the maximum grade is 10%. The tour is rated challenging and is for experienced cyclists in above average physical condition.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest Airport:

• Geneva (GVA)

Nearest train station:

• Geneva

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest Airport:

• Geneva (GVA)

Nearest train station:

• Geneva

Tips on getting to and from your tour

More about Switzerland: Guided

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 >

More about Switzerland: Self-guided

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 >

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Bike Switzerland: Guided

We go out of our way to give you a real cultural experience: you'll meet our Swiss friends on your first night in town and keep meeting them every night thereafter. Bring an address book. We bike the paths you will be on… every day. 

Everyone at Bike Switzerland has a background in international education. We believe that travel can be life-changing. Our program encourages this: we bond as a group, interact with the locals and explore the history and culture of the valleys we bike through. 

As educators, our goal is to promote learning through travel, friendship and cultural exchange. We reside in Geneva, Switzerland. Our goal is to help cyclists discover Switzerland. We work in close collaboration with local Swiss authorities and establishments to provide our guests with an authentic Swiss biking experience. 

Tour Company Background: Bike Switzerland: Self-guided

We go out of our way to give you a real cultural experience: you'll meet our Swiss friends on your first night in town and keep meeting them every night thereafter. Bring an address book. We bike the paths you will be on… every day. 

Everyone at Bike Switzerland has a background in international education. We believe that travel can be life-changing. Our program encourages this: we bond as a group, interact with the locals and explore the history and culture of the valleys we bike through. 

As educators, our goal is to promote learning through travel, friendship and cultural exchange. We reside in Geneva, Switzerland. Our goal is to help cyclists discover Switzerland. We work in close collaboration with local Swiss authorities and establishments to provide our guests with an authentic Swiss biking experience. 

Terms and Conditions: Bike Switzerland: Guided

What if I need to cancel my trip? 

• Cancel 90 days before Day One of the tour, you will receive your full deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee. 
• 61-90 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 25% of the trip price. 
• 31-60 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 50% of the trip price. 
• 30 days or less before Day One will receive no refund. 

Bike Switzerland works hard to keep people happy. For this reason, exceptions to this policy may be made and full refunds (minus $50) are possible if the ride is full and Bike Switzerland can find a participant from its waiting list. Riders canceling may choose to transfer their ride to another person for an administrative fee of $250 dollars. However, Bike Switzerland reserves the right to refuse any such transfer if the participant is deemed unacceptable for any reason. 

What about the deposit? 
We need a $500 deposit from each participant in order to secure hotel and equipment reservations. The balance is then due 90 days before the first day of the trip. (This varies from the BikeToursDirect policy and does apply.) 

When do I learn more? 
We expect to have an established relationship with each rider before the trip…even before you send us a deposit. We'll talk about the trip, your expectations and anything else that you're wondering or concerned about. Once the deposit is received, we will call you to confirm receipt. Ninety days or so before your departure, we will mail you a color map of our route complete with photos. We will also talk to you more about the clothing and gear you might bring, and make suggestions to help you with any pre-travel or post-travel plans that you have. 

Do you have a liability policy? 
Bike Switzerland is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to) participants' physical exertion. Bike Switzerland is also not liable for property damage or bodily damage as a result of forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, bike, boat or other transportation. Bike Switzerland is not liable for accidents caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

Bike Switzerland is also not liable for expenses not specified as included in the trip, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary for the comfort and safety of participants. Bike Switzerland may take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approving such use by third parties without financial remuneration. 

Is there anything else that I should know ? 
Again, Bike Switzerland believes in being very clear about policy so that there are no eventual misunderstandings. For this reason, please note the following: 

• Participants arriving late or leaving early receive no refunds.
• Single supplements are considered as part of the trip price and are therefore subject to cancellation fees.
• Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel changes if necessary.
• In the very exceptional case of Bike Switzerland canceling a trip due to low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund of all payments received to date.
• If Bike Switzerland cancels a trip because of natural disaster, terrorism or civil unrest, participants will receive a full refund.
• Participants must sign the Release of Liability form and the Assumption of All risks and Arbitration Agreement.

Terms and Conditions: Bike Switzerland: Self-guided

What if I need to cancel my trip? 

• Cancel 90 days before Day One of the tour, you will receive your full deposit minus a $50 cancellation fee. 
• 61-90 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 25% of the trip price. 
• 31-60 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 50% of the trip price. 
• 30 days or less before Day One will receive no refund. 

Bike Switzerland works hard to keep people happy. For this reason, exceptions to this policy may be made and full refunds (minus $50) are possible if the ride is full and Bike Switzerland can find a participant from its waiting list. Riders canceling may choose to transfer their ride to another person for an administrative fee of $250 dollars. However, Bike Switzerland reserves the right to refuse any such transfer if the participant is deemed unacceptable for any reason. 

What about the deposit? 
We need a $500 deposit from each participant in order to secure hotel and equipment reservations. The balance is then due 90 days before the first day of the trip. (This varies from the BikeToursDirect policy and does apply.) 

When do I learn more? 
We expect to have an established relationship with each rider before the trip…even before you send us a deposit. We'll talk about the trip, your expectations and anything else that you're wondering or concerned about. Once the deposit is received, we will call you to confirm receipt. Ninety days or so before your departure, we will mail you a color map of our route complete with photos. We will also talk to you more about the clothing and gear you might bring, and make suggestions to help you with any pre-travel or post-travel plans that you have. 

Do you have a liability policy? 
Bike Switzerland is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to) participants' physical exertion. Bike Switzerland is also not liable for property damage or bodily damage as a result of forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, bike, boat or other transportation. Bike Switzerland is not liable for accidents caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided.

Bike Switzerland is also not liable for expenses not specified as included in the trip, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary for the comfort and safety of participants. Bike Switzerland may take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approving such use by third parties without financial remuneration. 

Is there anything else that I should know ? 
Again, Bike Switzerland believes in being very clear about policy so that there are no eventual misunderstandings. For this reason, please note the following: 

• Participants arriving late or leaving early receive no refunds.
• Single supplements are considered as part of the trip price and are therefore subject to cancellation fees.
• Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel changes if necessary.
• In the very exceptional case of Bike Switzerland canceling a trip due to low enrollment, participants will receive a full refund of all payments received to date.
• If Bike Switzerland cancels a trip because of natural disaster, terrorism or civil unrest, participants will receive a full refund.
• Participants must sign the Release of Liability form and the Assumption of All risks and Arbitration Agreement.