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Lake Constance & the Rhine Falls

Tour: GLC8
Circular Cycling Holiday
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday

Three countries. Numerous islands. One enormous expanse of water and perhaps Europe’s most iconic cycle route. Lake Constance combines spectacular views of the Alps with cities brimful of culture, captivating castles and the most enchanting of painted towns. Boat trips are a must and who can resist a riverside pedal to feel the excitement and spray of the famous Rhine Falls? An unmissable, classic cycling adventure full of contrasts and with plenty of scope for reflection. Read More

Destination

Europe, Germany

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Prices from

£889.00

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Availability

Apr - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 2 (Easy)

Read Overview
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Overview

The university town of Konstanz, Stein am Rhein’s Hohenklingen castle, the vineyards of historic Meersburg , the island town of Lindau and of course, the famous Rhine Falls – magnificent highlights of a tour around Upper and Lower Lake Constance which brings together great gentle cycling along lakeshore cycle paths and roads with so many countries, cultural influences and places to visit. This tour includes ferry crossings (for you and your bike), a boat trip and admission to attractions as stated.

 

Tour Code:
GLC8
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Circular Cycling Holiday, Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Country:
Europe, Germany
Area:
Lake Constance
Duration:
8 Days, 7 Nights
Board Basis:
Bed & Breakfast
Availability:
Apr - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Arrive in the university city of Konstanz – the biggest settlement on the shores of the lake set beside the mouth of the famous River Rhine. Take time to wander through the old town. Head out to visit the island of Mainau, or simply sit and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere on the café terrace.

Overnight in Konstanz.

Day 2 Towards the spa towns of Germany

Head out north-westwards from Konstanz along the shores of the ‘Gnadensee’ to Radolfzell, a former imperial town which is now a popular spa resort. Rest up a while perhaps before embarking on the short gentle incline up the ‘Bodenanrück’ hills which will then deliver you down – with wonderful views! – to the part of Lake Constance known as the Überlinger See. Enjoy the historic ramparts, towers and colourful streets of spa resort Überlingen before your first overnight here in Germany.

Miles: 32 Kms: 50

Day 3 From Baroque beauty to bustling harbours 

Once last chance to see the beautiful painted houses of Überlingen before your two wheels take you past vineyard slopes to the exuberant Baroque beauty of Birnau’s monastery church – a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Next up, Uhldingen has interesting recreations of stilt houses down by the lake and Meersburg boasts two solid castles rising out of the trees in the heart of the historic town. Still hugging the ‘Bodensee’ through Immenstaad, you reach the busy harbour of Friedrichshafen, home to the fascinating Zeppelin airship museum before arriving at Nonnenhorn / Lindau for your next overnight.

Miles: 36 Kms: 58

 

Day 4 Cycling three countries 

Time to pay homage to the marble Bavarian lions which guard the harbor at Lindau and perhaps enjoy a coffee on the terrace of this delightful half-timbered, floral town before you leave Germany for the Austrian border and arrive in Bregenz, the proud capital of Vorarlberg. Look out for the famous stage on the lake which sees the most stunning theatrical performances or take the cable car to the top of the Pfander mountain for some breath-taking panoramas. A gentle stretch of cycling through the nature reserves of the Rhine delta lead round into Switzerland, to Höchst, Rorschach or Arbon where you will spend your next night.

Miles: 25-37 Kms: 35-60

Day 5 Gardens galore

From the decorated buildings of Rorschach or the half-timbered beauty of Arbon, your gentle adventure leads along the lake to the waterside gardens of Romanshorn and its harbour bobbing with private boats. Don’t miss the Seeburg Park at Kreuzlingen, the 2.5 mile stretch of lakeside gardens complete with castle, of course. Then it’s time to hop back into Germany and the city of Konstanz for your next overnight.

Miles: 25-36 Kms: 35-55

Day 6 Land of frescoes & fortresses

Follow the side the side of Lake Constance, pedaling off to the almost completely intact medieval town of Stein am Rhein, famed for its frescoed houses. From here, enjoy a bit of border hopping as you crisscross your way between Germany and Switzerland to reach Schaffhausen, the capital of the Swiss canton. Sit and sip a coffee on the café terrace, looking up at the much-admired soaring gables of the town’s shops and houses – a tribute to local one-upmanship and competitive spirit of rich citizens in days gone by. Schaffhausen, the town in the shadow of the impressive Munot fortress, is a splendid spot for your next overnight.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Day 7 Wonderful waterfalls & the World Heritage Site of Reichenau Island

Today, the largest waterfall in Central Europe awaits you – just a short cycle ride away. There’s a boat trip too (included in the tour price) as it’s a great way to see the Rheinfall rocks and experience the force of the waterfall for yourself. Pedal back via Stein am Rhein to follow the Höri peninsular next round to Gaienhofen, where a boat (included in tour price) brings you across to the World Heritage Site of Reichenau Island. A land of vegetables and vineyards, this idyllic spot is famed for its monastery and its churches which date from the 9th – 11th centuries. At the end of the day, it’s only a short cycle ride back to the buzz of Konstanz for your final overnight.

Miles: 36 Kms: 55

Day 8 Depart after breakfast

Extra nights can be booked to allow more time to explore the cities and shores of Lake Constance at your leisure.

Boat / Ferry transfers and attractions admission included in the tour prices are:

Ferry: Reichenau to Gaienhofen (incl. bike)
Boat trip to the Rhein Falls rock.
Rosengarten Museum in Konstanz incl. 1 coffee

Dates & Prices

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For tour start days/dates, seasons and all prices, please click on the PRICES button above

PRICE INCLUDES

Ensuite accommodation as described with buffet/continental breakfast (prices based on two adults sharing)

Hire of hybrid bicycle and ancillary equipment, collected from partner depot (single pannier and handlebar bag, odometer, pump, repair equipment)

Luggage transfer between hotels (No bag limit, Max weight 20kg per bag)

Local assistance on call (although puncture repair is excluded)

Information pack with detailed joining instructions and daily route overviews sent out approximately two weeks before departure so you can plan ahead and look forward to your cycling adventure

Detailed route notes and maps 1 per room, on arrival in Constance (1:100,000 Bodensee cycling map)

Other services, items and local experiences:

  • Ferry transfer: Gaienhofen – Reichenau including bike
  • Boat Trip to Rhine Falls rock
  • Entrance to Rosgarten Museum in Constance (one coffee included)
  • Parking available at the partner location €45, book in advance, payable locally
Please note that the price EXCLUDES

City/tourist taxes

Costs of getting to and from the tour area

Accommodation Options

Konstanz (3 nights), Überlingen, Lindau area, Rorschach area & Schaffhausen in selected 3 star hotels.

Upgrades to 3 and 4 star hotels are available, these hotels are in more central locations.

We are pleased to discuss details on request.

More Information

Useful websites, travel information and tips to help you plan your journey to and from the country and location of your holiday.

HOW TO GET THERE

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