That it should be the Swiss, the world’s most environmentally-conscious people, who care for the Alps, the world’s most elegant mountains, is a blessing for us all . No one else would do it so well. The impeccably tended beauty of the surroundings is accompanied by appropriate Alpine fare: fondue, raclette, fresh apricots and cherries that you pick from trees, and grape juice from heaven! Not a hard trip: we follow the valleys. And the only way to view the Alps is by bike.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Our trip actually begins in France, a morning train speeds us across to the edge of the Jura mountains. We collect our bikes and, following as many rivers and valleys as possible, head into the wilds. The roads are quiet, the views stunning, the lakes picturesque, and even the snack foods taste wonderful! We stop just short of the border and enjoy the healthy gastronomy
(B) (D)
Day 2:
Start by crossing the border into Switzerland. Then a short train trip up the steepest part of a mountain to the Lac du Joux. Long routers can cycle around the lake. There are 200 more meters to the top of the “col,” where you are rewarded with a dramatic view of Lake Geneva to the south. After that it’s all downhill along quiet country roads to the shore.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Geneva, Montreux, back to the Jura, Lausanne - all are worthy destinations. Go one way by bike, optional lake steamer home at the end of the afternoon. Or just relax in Evian.
(B) (D)
Day 4:
We travel east along the shore of Lake Geneva, to the head of the lake where the Rhône River flows in. Back across the French-Swiss border for the umpteenth time. The contrast between the sides of the lake is striking. Turn south following the river and, with the wind at our backs, slide between the steep walls of the narrowing valley.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Again with the wind at our backs we stay along the flat Rhône valley floor. Great car-free bike paths through fruit orchards and disguised military installations. Hot chocolate at the station café at Riddes. A huge subterranean lake outside Sion. Language changes from French to German at Sierre. A spectacular rack railway pulls us up a dramatic valley to Zermatt.
(B)
Day 6:
A free day in the mountains. No packs, no bikes. There is, however, summer glacier skiing, hot chocolate, glorious hikes among glacial lakes, fondues, alpine air or a vicious mini-golf tournament, the losers of which are sacrificed in a tribal ritual involving boiling cheese. Optional.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Snap some quick photos of the Matterhorn before it slips behind its robe of clouds and then back down the mountain. Whether under your own power (start with a serious brake check) or by grace of the railroad (make sure all the cog teeth are in place) depends on your trip, morning activity, and foolhardiness.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departures in 2008: July 5 and August 16.
Trip price includes the bike!
Optional Single Supplement: $450
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Bicycle Touring
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