Switzerland is a vast theme park, specially designed for downhill cyclists. Its often traffic-free roads and cog-railways make it safe and very user friendly. Starting in French speaking Suisse-Romande, we follow lakeside trails through the vineyards of the Lavaux and Chablais. We climb by train into the Alps to cycle downhill through historic towns, quaint villages and picture perfect countryside. The final descent takes us into the German speaking Jungfrau region with its spectacular mountain scenery. Combined with gourmet dining and first class hospitality, this tour is a guaranteed feast for the senses.
Our DuVine Switzerland trip is almost too perfect: mountain flowers, fresh clear air, spectacular views, and exhilarating rides. If you crave the most scenic cycling roads, there are few places that can compare.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Vineyards in Lausanne to Jazz in Montreux
A 10 minute train ride from Lausanne takes us high above the spectacular terraced vineyards of Lavaux. Cycling down through the enchanting villages, we get to meet the local winemakers, taste their wines and learn about the colourful history of this region. We visit historic Vevey, home to food giant Nestlé and burial place of Charlie Chaplin, before cycling on to Montreux, famous for its Jazz Festival (July). We stay overnight in the quieter town of Villeneuve.
Accomplished: 22mi downhill or flat, riding through a patchwork of vineyards.
Towns/Villages: Ouchy, Cully, St.Saphorin, Vevey, Montreux
Day 2 - Chablais wine to Glitz in Gstaad
We follow the gentle contours of the Upper Rhöne to Aigle, capital of the Chablais wine region. We take a tour of the town’s fortified castle before taking the cog railway up to Les Diablarets. Here, if desired, one can make the final climb to Col du Pillon by ski lift! From here begins a glorious downhill ride off the beaten track, through rolling pastures to Gstaad. We stay the next two nights in the nearby village of Saanen.
Accomplished: 7mi flat riding and 12mi downhill
Towns/Villages: Villeneuve, Aigle, Les Diablarets, Gstaad, Saanen.
Day 3 - Gstaad to the Cheese in Gruyeres
The tour continues downstream, along the banks of the River Sarine, to the medieval towns of Chateau d’Oex and Gruyères, famous for its cheese. We also visit a chocolate factory before heading back to Saanen by train.
Accomplished: 20mi of flat/downhill following contours of the rivers
Towns/Villages: Château d’Oex, Gruyères, Saanenmöser, Zweisimmem
Day 4 - Heavenly ride down to Interlaken
A good 3 mile climb to start the day takes us up to Saanenmöser (1279m) for another long downhill ride into the Swiss-German canton of Berne. This time we follow the gentle flowing Simme River for nearly 20 miles before reaching the magnificent Thüner See. Here a boat takes us across the lake, so we can enjoy the towering mountain panoramas before heading into Interlaken. (Boat:Spiez-Merligen)
Accomplished: 3 mi uphill, 5 mi downhill, 25 mi flat/downhill
Towns/Villages: Zweissimmen, Erlenbach, Speiz, Merligen, Interlaken
Day 5 - Hiking in the breathtaking Bernese Oberland
We highly recommend taking the unique rail ride to the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch. The railroad climbs through the front face of the Eiger, through a sea of ice to an altitude of 3454m. The final view overlooks the Aletchglacier, the longest glacier in Europe. You can return by train and/or bike from Grindelwald.
Day 6 - Yodeling in the morning
After breakfast and final bike or hike around the village, we will see you off at the train station as you head on to your next destination. Total Swiss satisfaction achieved.
Trip Total: 94miles (less than 5miles of uphill!) averaging 23mi/day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
What's included in your Switzerland bike trip:
- All accommodations in deluxe châteaux, charming country inns, and wine estates.
- All gourmet breakfasts, two lunches, four gourmet dinners.
- Bilingual guide(s) who look after your every little need.
- Support vehicle that sweeps the day's route distributing refreshments, picking up your purchases, and offering lifts to the hotel.
- All wine cellar tastings.
- All entrance fees to historic sites, museums and parks, and all other exclusive-access events featuring guest experts.
- Highlighted regional maps with background on each noteworthy sight and plenty of options to try along the way.
- All transportation from rendezvous to final drop-off.
- All gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Bicycle Touring
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