Southern Alsace, from Basel Countryside to Strasbourg
Switzerland, Germany, France Bike & Hotel Tours
Cycle through Basel, Freiburg, and the Black Forest foothills to Alsace Wine Villages
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1439 Rates
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Overview
This cycling tour takes you through the heart of three countries - France, Germany, and Switzerland. Unlike other Alsace tours that concentrate mainly on wine villages, this tour combines the Black Forest foothills, historic border towns, and trinational heritage with Alsace’s vineyards and half-timbered villages.
From the Basel area, known for its world-class museums and medieval old town, you’ll ride north into Germany’s Baden region, stopping in spa towns and the university city of Freiburg, gateway to the Black Forest. The route includes Breisach on the Rhine, the UNESCO fortress town of Neuf-Brisach, and the wine capital of Colmar. Continuing along the Alsace Wine Route, you’ll discover villages like Eguisheim and Riquewihr before concluding in Strasbourg, with its Gothic cathedral, UNESCO-listed old town, and canals of Petite France.
What makes this tour unique is the variety: three countries, three cultures, and three landscapes in a single ride - from Swiss and German heritage to French wine traditions - all linked by riverside paths and historic cities.
Highlights
- Strasbourg - Petite France & UNESCO old town
- Colmar - Little Venice & Alsace wines
- Basel - Rhine crossroads
- Freiburg - Black Forest gateway
- Alsace Wine Route - Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Obernai
- Neuf-Brisach - Vauban’s UNESCO fortress
- Breisach - Rhine River town
- Bad Krozingen - spa town, thermal baths
- Heitersheim - Roman Villa Urbana, Order of Malta castle
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate and may vary depending on the route selected and any necessary detours. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, path or road conditions, construction, transport schedules, or other local circumstances. Routes and the order of visits may be adjusted accordingly.
Day 1: Arrival in the Eurodistrict Basel area
Day 2: Eurodistrict Basel area - Müllheim area, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Müllheim area - Freiburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Freiburg - Colmar, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: Colmar - Riquewihr area, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Riquewihr area - Obernai area, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 7: Obernai area - Strasbourg, 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Strasbourg or extensionAll distances are approximate and may vary depending on the route selected and any necessary detours. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, path or road conditions, construction, transport schedules, or other local circumstances. Routes and the order of visits may be adjusted accordingly.
Day 1: Arrival in the Eurodistrict Basel area
Arrive in the trinational Basel area, where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet. Settle into your hotel in either Saint-Louis, France, or Weil am Rhein, Germany, both a short distance from Basel. Switzerland’s third-largest city offers a charming old town, outstanding museums, and a rich architectural heritage. A relaxed circular bike ride is a pleasant way to explore.Day 2: Eurodistrict Basel area - Müllheim area, 28 mi. (45 km)
Leave the Basel area and follow the cycle route north, parallel to the Rhine. In Müllheim, you can visit the Markgräfler Museum and St. Martin Church, known for its 14th-century frescoes. Nearby Badenweiler offers another opportunity to explore, with a castle and the remains of a Roman bath complex.Day 3: Müllheim area - Freiburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Cycle through Heitersheim, where you can visit the Villa Urbana Roman site and the castle of the Order of Malta. Continue through the picturesque spa town of Bad Krozingen, at the gateway to the Black Forest, before reaching Freiburg in the heart of the Breisgau region. From the Schlossberg hill, enjoy sunset views over the city’s rooftops and a panorama stretching toward the Vosges Mountains.Day 4: Freiburg - Colmar, 37 mi. (60 km)
Follow the Breisgau-Radweg cycle path to Breisach on the banks of the Rhine. Explore its cathedral, town center, and picturesque lanes before crossing into France. Visit Neuf-Brisach, a Vauban fortified town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continue to Colmar, the capital of Alsace wines. Take time to explore its exceptionally well-preserved historic center and visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the celebrated Isenheim Altarpiece.Day 5: Colmar - Riquewihr area, 25 mi. (40 km)
Ride through the Alsace plain and join the famous Alsace Wine Route. At the foot of the Vosges Mountains, vineyards and picturesque villages reveal the region’s longstanding winemaking traditions. Along the way, discover Eguisheim and Kaysersberg, voted “Favorite Village of the French” in 2013 and 2017, respectively. Continue to your overnight stop in the Riquewihr area.Day 6: Riquewihr area - Obernai area, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Continue along the Alsace Wine Route through Hunawihr, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, and Andlau, with its Romanesque abbey. These villages offer opportunities to discover local biodiversity, culture, traditional crafts, and regional customs. Your day ends in the Obernai area.Day 7: Obernai area - Strasbourg, 25 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 km)
Cycle to Rosheim, where the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul church is a fine example of Alsatian Romanesque architecture. In Molsheim, join the Bruche Canal cycle path and follow it into the heart of Strasbourg. The city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, UNESCO-listed historic center, and 2,000 years of history provide a memorable finale. Enjoy its distinctive atmosphere and regional cuisine as you conclude your cycling journey.Day 8: Departure from Strasbourg or extension
Your tour ends in Strasbourg. Depart or extend your stay to spend more time exploring the city and surrounding region. -
Map
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Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
This tour includes 3 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and 4 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels, offering a balance of convenience and comfort throughout your stay.
Bicycles
Standard bike
Unisex 21-speed bicycle
- Unisex aluminum frame
- 21-speed gearing with Shimano Acera derailleur
- Freewheel
- Shimano V-Brake front and rear brakes
- 28-inch tires
Available frame sizes:
- 43 cm: suitable for riders approximately 150–157 cm tall
- 46 cm: suitable for riders approximately 157–164 cm tall
- 52 cm: suitable for riders approximately 165–175 cm tall
- 56 cm: suitable for riders approximately 175–185 cm tall
Men's 21-speed bicycle
- Men's aluminum frame
- 21-speed gearing with Shimano Acera derailleur
- Freewheel
- Shimano V-Brake front and rear brakes
- 28-inch tires
Available frame sizes:
- 52 cm: suitable for riders approximately 165–175 cm tall
- 56 cm: suitable for riders approximately 175–185 cm tall
- 60 cm: suitable for riders approximately 180–200 cm tall
Unisex electric bike
- Unisex frame
- 4 levels of electric assistance
- 8-speed internal hub gears
- Bosch Active Line motor
- Bosch PowerPack 500 battery
- Shimano Deore front and rear disc brakes
- Coaster brake
- Average range: approximately 90 km
- 28-inch tires
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Available frame sizes:
- 45 cm: suitable for riders approximately 155–165 cm tall
- 52 cm: suitable for riders approximately 165–175 cm tall
- 55 cm: suitable for riders approximately 185–200 cm tall
Accessories
Additional accessories
- Handlebar bag with map holder (waterproof)
- Rear bag (waterproof)
- Repair kit with small tools and spare inner tube
- Bicycle pump
- Key or combination padlock
- Odometer
Please note: Helmets are not included. You will need to bring your own.
Supplemental accessories
On request:
- Child seat (9 month - 6 years old)
- Child bike (3 to 8 years old)
- Child transporter KTM (1 to 2 children)
- Tag a long (3 to 6 years old)
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Daily breakfasts
- Standard touring bike
- Bike insurance
- Luggage transfer
- Digital travel documents, including navigation app, GPS data, and route book
- Signposted route
- Service hotline
- GPS tracks
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks
- Helmets (bring your own)
- Printed route book
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Local taxes
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Apr 3–9 (Daily)Apr 3–9 (Daily) € 1439 Book Apr 3–9 (Daily)Apr 3–9 (Daily) € 1918 Book Apr 10–30 (Daily)Apr 10–30 (Daily) € 1529 Book Apr 10–30 (Daily)Apr 10–30 (Daily) € 2008 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) € 1609 Book May 1–31 (Daily)May 1–31 (Daily) € 2088 Book Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) € 1609 Book Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) € 2088 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) € 1609 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) € 2088 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) € 1609 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) € 2088 Book Sep 1–24 (Daily)Sep 1–24 (Daily) € 1609 Book Sep 1–24 (Daily)Sep 1–24 (Daily) € 2088 Book Sep 25–30 (Daily)Sep 25–30 (Daily) € 1529 Book Sep 25–30 (Daily)Sep 25–30 (Daily) € 2008 Book Oct 1Oct 1 € 1529 Book Oct 1Oct 1 € 2008 Book Oct 2–8 (Daily)Oct 2–8 (Daily) € 1439 Book Oct 2–8 (Daily)Oct 2–8 (Daily) € 1918 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Extra Options
Extra nights Eurodistrict Basel or Strasbourg On request
- Season 1 2027 Daily Apr 3–9 & Oct 2–8 from € 14392027 departures: Daily Apr 3–9 and Oct 2–8
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1439 Single occupancy € 1918 Bike Rentals Price Standard bike, 21 gears Included Electric bike € 200 - Season 2 2027 Daily Apr 10–30 & Sep 25–Oct 1 from € 15292027 departures: Daily Apr 10–30 and Sep 25–Oct 1
2027 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1529 Single occupancy € 2008 Bike Rentals Price Standard bike, 21 gears Included Electric bike € 200 - Season 3 2027 Daily May 1–Sep 24 from € 16092027 departures: Daily May 1–Sep 24
2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1609 Single occupancy € 2088 Bike Rentals Price Standard bike, 21 gears Included Electric bike € 200
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Extra Options
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self-guided bike tour along the Rhine River. The route follows cycle paths and secondary roads with little traffic outside the towns and villages. More traffic is naturally encountered entering and exiting towns and villages. There are a few days that you will have some hills to climb: Days 3, 5 and 6.
Airport Info
Closest airport to Basel/Mulhouse is the Basel International Airport (BSL). Another major international airport close to Basel is Zurich Airport (ZRH), located 49 mi. (79 km) from Basel.
Local Travel
Arrival in Basel: From EuroAirport Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg, the quickest way to the city is bus line 50, which goes directly to Basel SBB (main train station) in about 20 minutes. Taxis and private shuttles are also available.
Arrival in Zurich: From Zurich Airport, frequent trains connect directly to Basel SBB in about 1–1.5 hours. The train station is located inside the airport terminal. From Basel SBB, you can take a short taxi ride to your hotel.
Climate
Mild temperatures for the region can be expected. Temperatures start to increase from April, peaking over August and September. Rain can occur throughout the year, so it is a good idea to pack rain gear. Below you will find the average temperatures and rainfall for the area. Please check local weather conditions prior to your arrival.
Important to know
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Espace Randonnee.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Reviews
Tripsite Customer Reviews
K. Hagan
10 years ago
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