Luxurious living, relaxed cycling

Swiss Crossing (lite)

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. 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. 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

• Evenings out in numerous lakeside villages
• Overnight in a 17th century monastary
• Sleep in a medieval castle
• Day off to hike in the Swiss Jura mountains (guided only)
• Thermal baths in Baden

Highlights: Self-guided

• Evenings out in numerous lakeside villages
• Overnight in a 17th century monastary
• Sleep in a medieval castle
• Day off to hike in the Swiss Jura mountains (guided only)
• Thermal baths in Baden

Daily Program: Guided

Please note the guided tour is 11 nights due to a hiking tour on day 6

Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Switzerland ! We’ll be there at the airport to pick you up and take you to your hotel in the heart of Geneva. We have busy day planned for you, so we ask that you arrive before 2 PM. Once unpacked, walk across the street to our workshop and we’ll fit you with your high-end, 22-lbs, Swiss-made BMC bicycle. Afterward, you’re on your own to explore Geneva.

Be back by 6 PM. We plan on making 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 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. If the weather is cool, then great: we’ll have fondue.
Overnight in Geneva. 

Day 2: Geneva to Morges (35 miles/55km)
You’re on the road ! We follow small country roads and vineyard paths to the Canton of Vaud with Lake Geneva always at our side. You’ve chosen our “lite” itinerary, and so fewer kilometers means less pedaling and more time to enjoy and explore the unique towns that line our path each day. We pass through the towns of Celigny, Coppet, Nyon, Rolle and St. Prex. They all deserve to be discovered, so stop and take pictures.Otherwise consider arriving in Morges early and tour the Swiss military museum housed in a 13th century castle on the lake, or begin your souvenir shopping early at the small boutiques lining Morges’ traffic-free streets. Our hotel is in the historic center, so everything is within a 5-minute walk…including the lake.
Overnight in Morges. 

Day 3: Morges to Estavayer (41 miles/65km)
This morning we turn North, away from the Lake Geneva. Unless you choose to do extra miles, today will be your longest day of riding.We follow the Venoge river through dark forests before reaching the open fields and yet wider plains. We may go off the path a few kilometers and allow ourselves to be mesmerized and cooled down at the gorges of Tine de Conflens where waterfalls and whirlpools spit beads of water at our wheels. 

Lunch is on the grounds of the majestic Castle of Sarraz. Bikers can take the castle tour and learn about medieval life, or immerse yourself in equestrian history and its world renown Horse Museum which adjoins the castle.After lunch we move into the flat and wide open plaines of Orbe with the Jura mountains on our left and the Alps far in the distance on our right. Lake Neuchatel lay ahead and we’ll follow its banks to our final destination: Estavayer-le-Lac in the Canton of Fribourg. Once settled in, take time to stroll the narrow streets of this medieval village, have a dip in the waters of the clear blue lake or visit Switzerland’s only stuffed frog museum.
Overnight in Estavayer. 

Day 4: Estavayer to Murten (28miles/45km)
You’ll have an easier day today, so take time to enjoy the breakfast of fresh croissants and regional hard cheeses. Today’s itinerary can be adapted according to your interests.

Turing southeast away from the lake, we’ll travel through the flowered lowlands to the regional hub of Payerne and its arcaded pedestrian streets. You’ll notice the very rich farmland of the Broye valley and although quite flat, the Jura’s silhouette is constantly casting shadows over the countryside. This itinerary brings us to the town of Avenches. Once known as Aventicum, it was the most important Roman settlement in all of Switzerland. Its amphitheater is still used for the Opera and Rock festivals held each summer.

Or continue following the lake and its marshland to the wine routes of the Vully region. Here you’ll bike through the vines and stop as often as you like to sample the numerous varieties of grape that go into these excellent wines that seldom leave the region let alone the country. Our final destination is the town of Munchenwiler and its castle. Relax next to the pond on the chateau grounds, or coast a few kilometers downhill to Lake Murten and the medieval village of Morat.
Overnight in Murten. 

Day 5: Murten to Solothurn (40 miles/63km)
After a breakfast fit for kings, we leave our castle and head north towards Lake Bienne in the Canton of Berne. You haven’t seen the last of the castles, however, the medieval villages of Landeron and Erlach are on our route this morning. We’re now in the center of the “3-lakes region”, the site of the 2002 Swiss Expo. The expo organizers, working to develop ecological tourism, invested in new bicycle paths, bridges and the rest areas that you’ll encounter on today’s ride. You may wonder why there aren’t more bikers in this cycling paradise. It will be up to you to spread the word once back home. Once at the lake, you’ll see picturesque vineyard villages huddled and clinging to the high banks. We’ll follow the shoreline to the city of Bienne and from there we’ll continue east along the Nidau-Buren canal until we meet the Aare river. You’ll never be far from the water on this ride !

When we reach Solothurn you’ll be able to continue contemplating the Aare from your hotel window which will directly overlook the river. But not for long, Solothurn is a baroque city and its period architecture is unrivaled in Switzerland. Time for a stroll.
Overnight in Solothurn. 

Day 6: Day off Hiking in Jura Mountains
Today we take a break from our bikes with a hike in the Jura mountains. We'll start by taking a short train ride to Burgdorf where an historic chairlift will carry us to the top of Weissenstein. This is "Solothurn's mountain" (4,593 feet/1400m) and we'll enjoy the panoramic views of the Swiss Plateau and the Alps with a drink at the spa hotel at the top.

From there we'll choose one of the popular circuit trails at Weissenstein for a 2.5 to 3 hike. You'll be back to in Solothurn in the late afternoon. Tonight is your “free night”, a chance to get away from the group and explore on your own.
Overnight in Solothurn. 

Day 7: Solothurn to Zofingen (27 miles/43 km)
We continue following the slow waters of the Aare today. Our paths will take us past covered wooden bridges, through dark forests alongside a Swiss military disaster training camp!

No large cities on today’s ride. We bike through the Canton of Solothurn and into the Canton of Berne through sleepy pastureland and quite villages.

It’s in these hidden swathes of Switzerland that you’ll notice the small differences that set the Swiss country folk apart. You’ll see houses ablaze in potted flowers, mothers strolling with their babies miles from anywhere, old women cutting neat bales of grass with sickle and twine. The Swiss values of family, hard work and beauty through precision are found at every turn in the Aare.

After miles of happy meanderings, we’ll find ourselves in the Canton of Aargau and face to face with the Aarburg church and its fortress high above. Feel free to climb the long flights of stairs for a magnificent view, or head south to Zofingen with the others.

You may think Zofingen a quaint town, but be warned: with the population of 10,000, it’s officially a city and they’re mighty proud of that fact. In any event, its probably unlike any city you’ve encountered: the streets are spotless, crime is unheard of and there are no cars allowed in the town center.
Overnight in Zogingen. 

Day 8: Zofingen to Baden (38 miles/60 km)
The twisting Aare grows more cosmopolitan as we pass through the larger, but little known cities of Olten and Aarau this morning. Olten’s majestic municipal tower and wide wooden bridge have long been its icons of modernity, certainly reasons for having made Olten a major train hub back in 1856.

Aarau’s streets also deserve a stroll. Founded on a rocky outcropping over 700 years ago, it soon became a city of artisans and has remained so to this day…family run butchers, bakers and candlestick makers still thrive in Switzerland and Aarau has more than its fair share. Time for some shopping ?

The path remains flat and follows the river in the afternoon, and although the Canton of Aargau may be Switzerland’s least mountainous canton, it’s quite diverse: well-wooded hills alternate with fertile valleys, all of which are watered by the river that you’ve come to know so well.

One of our own favorite stops is at the church of Konigsfelden at Windisch. The church is widely thought to contain the most beautiful stained glass in all of Switzerland. It’s right on our path, so you be the judge.

We leave the Aare shortly after Windisch and overnight in the gorgeous town of Baden. As the name suggests, Baden is famous for its sulfur baths and you’ll have plenty of time to soak your legs in the reinvigorating water before going out for supper.
Overnight in Baden.

Day 9: Baden to Fischingen (25-50 miles/40-80 km)
Today we offer our riders two possibilities:
1. Bike a longer day of 80 kilometers with approximately 500 meters of climbing.
2. Take your bicycle on the train to Winterthur and bike approximately ½ the distance.

Bikers choosing to bike the whole distance will see how city meets country in the areas outside Zurich. You’ll be passing barns and cows and then turn a corner to see city agglomerations far off in the distance. The bike paths offer visitors a firsthand look at how Switzerland seamlessly combines the two ways of life in the densely populated Canton of Zurich.

Bikers deciding to take the train may choose to linger longer in Baden or see the sites of Winterthur, famous for its architectural heritage.

Although in the Canton of Zurich, Winterthur is already considered the far reaches of Switzerland. Once again, you’ll find yourself on forested bike paths and may see the occasional deer crossing the path.

Whatever your route, we’ll all meet for lunch outside of Winterthur on the quite banks of a forested stream outside of Castle Kybourg. Afterwards, you may choose to hike up the hill to the visit the castle’s torture chambers, or continue on to discover the valley of Fischingen in the Canton of Thurgau and its 17th century Benedictine monastery.

Tonight you’ll sleep in the monastery and eat down the street at a local Russian restaurant that has somehow found its way into this hidden valley.
Overnight in Fischingen. 

Day 10: Fischingen to Arbon (40 miles/64 km)

Our last day of riding begins with a stop in the town of Wil. This former capital of the Princes of St. Gall sits high on a hill and has managed to keep all of its charm despite its diminished importance. The numerous town squares and historic buildings will be difficult to leave, so we’ll have a coffee…or two and then we’ll have to move on.

We’ll be coasting downhill today, through meadows and alpine pastureland through the Canton of Thurgau and onto the Canton of St. Gall. As you’ve clearly noticed by now, preservation is a priority for the Swiss, so there biking across a 500 year old stone bridge or stopping at an 800-year old castle with moat and drawbridge shouldn’t be a surprise.

Passing through some peat bogs and through the meadows you’ll get your first view of the vast Lake Constance, the second largest lake in central Europe (after Lake Geneva). It’s all downhill now, enjoy the finish.

Once at the lake, we’ll celebrate with drinks at the waterfront. Those of you who brought your bathing suits: now’s the time !
Overnight in Arbon.

Day 11: Return to Geneva with a visit in Berne
Say goodbye to your trusty 27-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. You'll be on your own for lunch, sightseeing and shopping. Your last evening in Switzerland will be spent back where it all started: on the shores of lake Geneva for a banquet at the United Nations beach. You'll catch the last of the long summer rays with a tall drink and good food.
Overnight in Geneva.

Day 12: Departure
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
Welcome to Switzerland ! We’ll be there at the airport to pick you up and take you to your hotel in the heart of Geneva. We have busy day planned for you, so we ask that you arrive before 2 PM. Once unpacked, walk across the street to our workshop and we’ll fit you with your high-end, 22-lbs, Swiss-made BMC bicycle. Afterward, you’re on your own to explore Geneva.

Be back by 6 PM. We plan on making 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 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. If the weather is cool, then great: we’ll have fondue.
Overnight in Geneva. 

Day 2: Geneva to Morges (35 miles/55km)
You’re on the road ! We follow small country roads and vineyard paths to the Canton of Vaud with Lake Geneva always at our side. You’ve chosen our “lite” itinerary, and so fewer kilometers means less pedaling and more time to enjoy and explore the unique towns that line our path each day. We pass through the towns of Celigny, Coppet, Nyon, Rolle and St. Prex. They all deserve to be discovered, so stop and take pictures.Otherwise consider arriving in Morges early and tour the Swiss military museum housed in a 13th century castle on the lake, or begin your souvenir shopping early at the small boutiques lining Morges’ traffic-free streets. Our hotel is in the historic center, so everything is within a 5-minute walk…including the lake.
Overnight in Morges. 

Day 3: Morges to Estavayer (41 miles/65km)
This morning we turn North, away from the Lake Geneva. Unless you choose to do extra miles, today will be your longest day of riding.We follow the Venoge river through dark forests before reaching the open fields and yet wider plains. We may go off the path a few kilometers and allow ourselves to be mesmerized and cooled down at the gorges of Tine de Conflens where waterfalls and whirlpools spit beads of water at our wheels. 

Lunch is on the grounds of the majestic Castle of Sarraz. Bikers can take the castle tour and learn about medieval life, or immerse yourself in equestrian history and its world renown Horse Museum which adjoins the castle.After lunch we move into the flat and wide open plaines of Orbe with the Jura mountains on our left and the Alps far in the distance on our right. Lake Neuchatel lay ahead and we’ll follow its banks to our final destination: Estavayer-le-Lac in the Canton of Fribourg. Once settled in, take time to stroll the narrow streets of this medieval village, have a dip in the waters of the clear blue lake or visit Switzerland’s only stuffed frog museum.
Overnight in Estavayer. 

Day 4: Estavayer to Murten (28miles/45km)
You’ll have an easier day today, so take time to enjoy the breakfast of fresh croissants and regional hard cheeses. Today’s itinerary can be adapted according to your interests.

Turing southeast away from the lake, we’ll travel through the flowered lowlands to the regional hub of Payerne and its arcaded pedestrian streets. You’ll notice the very rich farmland of the Broye valley and although quite flat, the Jura’s silhouette is constantly casting shadows over the countryside. This itinerary brings us to the town of Avenches. Once known as Aventicum, it was the most important Roman settlement in all of Switzerland. Its amphitheater is still used for the Opera and Rock festivals held each summer.

Or continue following the lake and its marshland to the wine routes of the Vully region. Here you’ll bike through the vines and stop as often as you like to sample the numerous varieties of grape that go into these excellent wines that seldom leave the region let alone the country. Our final destination is the town of Munchenwiler and its castle. Relax next to the pond on the chateau grounds, or coast a few kilometers downhill to Lake Murten and the medieval village of Morat.
Overnight in Murten. 

Day 5: Murten to Solothurn (31miles/50km)
After a breakfast fit for kings, we leave our castle and head north towards Lake Bienne in the Canton of Berne. You haven’t seen the last of the castles, however, the medieval villages of Landeron and Erlach are on our route this morning. We’re now in the center of the “3-lakes region”, the site of the 2002 Swiss Expo. The expo organizers, working to develop ecological tourism, invested in new bicycle paths, bridges and the rest areas that you’ll encounter on today’s ride. You may wonder why there aren’t more bikers in this cycling paradise. It will be up to you to spread the word once back home. Once at the lake, you’ll see picturesque vineyard villages huddled and clinging to the high banks. We’ll follow the shoreline to the city of Bienne and from there we’ll continue east along the Nidau-Buren canal until we meet the Aare river. You’ll never be far from the water on this ride !

When we reach Solothurn you’ll be able to continue contemplating the Aare from your hotel window which will directly overlook the river. But not for long, Solothurn is a baroque city and its period architecture is unrivaled in Switzerland. Time for a stroll.
Overnight in Solothurn. 

Day 6: Solothurn to Zofingen (31 miles/50 km)
We continue following the slow waters of the Aare today. Our paths will take us past covered wooden bridges, through dark forests alongside a Swiss military disaster training camp!

No large cities on today’s ride. We bike through the Canton of Solothurn and into the Canton of Berne through sleepy pastureland and quite villages.

It’s in these hidden swathes of Switzerland that you’ll notice the small differences that set the Swiss country folk apart. You’ll see houses ablaze in potted flowers, mothers strolling with their babies miles from anywhere, old women cutting neat bales of grass with sickle and twine. The Swiss values of family, hard work and beauty through precision are found at every turn in the Aare.

After miles of happy meanderings, we’ll find ourselves in the Canton of Aargau and face to face with the Aarburg church and its fortress high above. Feel free to climb the long flights of stairs for a magnificent view, or head south to Zofingen with the others.

You may think Zofingen a quaint town, but be warned: with the population of 10,000, it’s officially a city and they’re mighty proud of that fact. In any event, its probably unlike any city you’ve encountered: the streets are spotless, crime is unheard of and there are no cars allowed in the town center.
Overnight in Zogingen. 

Day 7: Zofingen to Baden (38 miles/60 km)
The twisting Aare grows more cosmopolitan as we pass through the larger, but little known cities of Olten and Aarau this morning. Olten’s majestic municipal tower and wide wooden bridge have long been its icons of modernity, certainly reasons for having made Olten a major train hub back in 1856.

Aarau’s streets also deserve a stroll. Founded on a rocky outcropping over 700 years ago, it soon became a city of artisans and has remained so to this day…family run butchers, bakers and candlestick makers still thrive in Switzerland and Aarau has more than its fair share. Time for some shopping ?

The path remains flat and follows the river in the afternoon, and although the Canton of Aargau may be Switzerland’s least mountainous canton, it’s quite diverse: well-wooded hills alternate with fertile valleys, all of which are watered by the river that you’ve come to know so well.

One of our own favorite stops is at the church of Konigsfelden at Windisch. The church is widely thought to contain the most beautiful stained glass in all of Switzerland. It’s right on our path, so you be the judge.

We leave the Aare shortly after Windisch and overnight in the gorgeous town of Baden. As the name suggests, Baden is famous for its sulfur baths and you’ll have plenty of time to soak your legs in the reinvigorating water before going out for supper.
Overnight in Baden.

Day 8: Baden to Fischingen (25-50 miles/40-80 km)
Today we offer our riders two possibilities:
1. Bike a longer day of 80 kilometers with approximately 500 meters of climbing.
2. Take your bicycle on the train to Winterthur and bike approximately ½ the distance.

Bikers choosing to bike the whole distance will see how city meets country in the areas outside Zurich. You’ll be passing barns and cows and then turn a corner to see city agglomerations far off in the distance. The bike paths offer visitors a firsthand look at how Switzerland seamlessly combines the two ways of life in the densely populated Canton of Zurich.

Bikers deciding to take the train may choose to linger longer in Baden or see the sites of Winterthur, famous for its architectural heritage.

Although in the Canton of Zurich, Winterthur is already considered the far reaches of Switzerland. Once again, you’ll find yourself on forested bike paths and may see the occasional deer crossing the path.

Whatever your route, we’ll all meet for lunch outside of Winterthur on the quite banks of a forested stream outside of Castle Kybourg. Afterwards, you may choose to hike up the hill to the visit the castle’s torture chambers, or continue on to discover the valley of Fischingen in the Canton of Thurgau and its 17th century Benedictine monastery.

Tonight you’ll sleep in the monastery and eat down the street at a local Russian restaurant that has somehow found its way into this hidden valley.
Overnight in Fischingen. 

Day 9: Fischingen to Rorschach (31 miles/50 km)

Our last day of riding begins with a stop in the town of Wil. This former capital of the Princes of St. Gall sits high on a hill and has managed to keep all of its charm despite its diminished importance. The numerous town squares and historic buildings will be difficult to leave, so we’ll have a coffee…or two and then we’ll have to move on.

We’ll be coasting downhill today, through meadows and alpine pastureland through the Canton of Thurgau and onto the Canton of St. Gall. As you’ve clearly noticed by now, preservation is a priority for the Swiss, so there biking across a 500 year old stone bridge or stopping at an 800-year old castle with moat and drawbridge shouldn’t be a surprise. stopping

Passing through some peat bogs and through the meadows you’ll get your first view of the vast Lake Constance, the second largest lake in central Europe (after Lake Geneva). It’s all downhill now, enjoy the finish.

Once at the lake, we’ll celebrate with drinks at the waterfront. Those of you who brought your bathing suits: now’s the time !
Overnight in Rorschach.

Day 10: Return to Geneva with a visit in Berne
Say goodbye to your trusty 27-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. You'll be on your own for lunch, sightseeing and shopping. Your last evening in Switzerland will be spent back where it all started: on the shores of lake Geneva for a banquet at the United Nations beach. You'll catch the last of the long summer rays with a tall drink and good food.
Overnight in Geneva.

Day 11: Departure
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

Jun 20, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Daily: Apr 1-Sep 30, 2013

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy CHF3900 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF600 Deluxe single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF800 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike (included with 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)
Per person, double occupancy CHF2600 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF400 Deluxe single room supplement (1 person/1 room) CHF600 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike (included with cost of tour package) CHF0 Electrically assisted bike CHF400 Equipment included free with all rentals CHF0

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• Fully equipped BMC bicycles
• Accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels for 10 nights
• All breakfasts 
• Return train to Geneva 
• Return of bicycle to Geneva 
• Maps, telephone, GPS 
• Departure briefing
• Luggage transfers

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Self-guided tour is 10 nights. Guided tour is 11 nights with an added night in Solothurn after Day 5. Guided tour nights are in parentheses starting with Day 5.

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 de la Nouvelle Couronne, Morges
www.couronne-morges.ch
This small boutique hotel is located on the main pedestrian street of Morges. The hotel combines modern conveniences in an 18th century building.

Day 3: Hotel la Prairie, Yverdon
www.hoteldelaprairie.ch
The hotel is elegantly decorated and also boasts a gourmet restaurant and indoor spa.

Day 4: Castle Park Hotel Munchenwiler, Murten
www.schlossmuenchenwiler.ch
This hotel is a renovated Cluny monastary that is located in the countryside.

Day 5 (Day 5 and 6): Hotel an der Aare, Solothurn
www.hotelaare.ch
This hotel was the nurses' quarters of an 18th century hospital. The hotel overlooks the Aare river and offers 16 comfortable rooms.

Day 6 (Day 7): Hotel Zofingen, Zofingen
www.hotel-zofingen.ch
Located in the historical city center, the hotel has 45 comfortable rooms and a welcoming ambiance.

Day 7 (Day 8): Atrium Hotel, Baden
www.blume-baden.ch
The romantic hotel features belle epoque arhitecture and includes a spa and restaurant.

Day 8 (Day 9): Fischingen Monastery, Fischingen
www.klosterfischingen.ch
The working monastery in the middle of the countryside offers a peaceful place to rest.

Day 9 (Day 10): Wartensee Castle, Rorschach
www.wartensee.ch
A renovated medieval castle overlooking lake constance offers 33 cleanly decorated rooms.

Day 10 (Day 11): 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

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Self-guided tour is 10 nights. Guided tour is 11 nights with an added night in Solothurn after Day 5. Guided tour nights are in parentheses starting with Day 5.

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 de la Nouvelle Couronne, Morges
www.couronne-morges.ch
This small boutique hotel is located on the main pedestrian street of Morges. The hotel combines modern conveniences in an 18th century building.

Day 3: Hotel la Prairie, Yverdon
www.hoteldelaprairie.ch
The hotel is elegantly decorated and also boasts a gourmet restaurant and indoor spa.

Day 4: Castle Park Hotel Munchenwiler, Murten
www.schlossmuenchenwiler.ch
This hotel is a renovated Cluny monastary that is located in the countryside.

Day 5 (Day 5 and 6): Hotel an der Aare, Solothurn
www.hotelaare.ch
This hotel was the nurses' quarters of an 18th century hospital. The hotel overlooks the Aare river and offers 16 comfortable rooms.

Day 6 (Day 7): Hotel Zofingen, Zofingen
www.hotel-zofingen.ch
Located in the historical city center, the hotel has 45 comfortable rooms and a welcoming ambiance.

Day 7 (Day 8): Atrium Hotel, Baden
www.blume-baden.ch
The romantic hotel features belle epoque arhitecture and includes a spa and restaurant.

Day 8 (Day 9): Fischingen Monastery, Fischingen
www.klosterfischingen.ch
The working monastery in the middle of the countryside offers a peaceful place to rest.

Day 9 (Day 10): Wartensee Castle, Rorschach
www.wartensee.ch
A renovated medieval castle overlooking lake constance offers 33 cleanly decorated rooms.

Day 10 (Day 11): 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

The hybrid touring bike that is included with the cost of the tour package is the BMC Alpen Challenge 02. You may bring your own seat and pedals if you wish. 

The electrically assisted bike is available for an additional price supplement. The bike is a BMC Alpen Electric. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The hybrid touring bike that is included with the cost of the tour package is the BMC Alpen Challenge 02. You may bring your own seat and pedals if you wish. 

The electrically assisted bike is available for an additional price supplement. The bike is a BMC Alpen Electric. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The route is primarily on quiet, dedicated bicycle paths (about 90% of the time) and the terrain is mainly flat with occasional hills. The maximum daily elevation is 328ft/100m with a maximum grade of 6%. 

The tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The route is primarily on quiet, dedicated bicycle paths (about 90% of the time) and the terrain is mainly flat with occasional hills. The maximum daily elevation is 328ft/100m with a maximum grade of 6%. 

The tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in 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.