NOTE: This page will shortly be updated for 2012.

The Area: This trip takes you through 6 countries. We start in Holland, a picturesque country, with windmill lined canals and tidy pretty towns and villages. Although very densely populated it has a rural feel, with herds of dairy cows, and fields of flowers and vegetables. The country is also very ‘cycle friendly’ and has a network of over 10,000 kilometres of cyclepaths, mostly well signposted and surfaced. Belgium is the second most densely populated country in Europe, but one of the quaint characteristics of the country is that it is home to two different races, the French speaking Walloons in the south, and the Flemish, who speak Dutch, in the north. Similarly the country can be split into two distinct landscapes. The west is mostly flat and featureless, to the east are the pretty forested hills of the Ardennes, which continue into Luxembourg. Although only about the size of Wiltshire, Luxembourg remains one of the most important countries in Europe and still has it’s own monarchy. Two thirds of the population live in the capital, (just to make things confusing it’s also called Luxembourg), and so the remainder of the country is predominantly rural.
We pass through only a small part of France, the region of Alsace-Lorraine. This area of has a complex and tumultuous history, for thousands of years it has been it has been fought over by various Kings and Dukes, and this century saw some of the worst fighting during both World Wars. Today the area is a wine growing region, and has some important industry, including producing over half of France’s beer. We also pass through only a small part of Germany, the south west corner known as the Schwarzwald (Black Forest). In the early 1900’s the rich and famous began visiting the Forest’s spas, turning the area into a popular tourist centre. Our destination is Switzerland, a remarkable country lying at the heart of Europe. Although roughly the same size as the Netherlands, any similarity between the two countries ends there. Switzerland is the most mountainous country in Europe, over 50% of the country is at an elevation of 3,000’ or more, and some 45% is covered by water, ice, snow, or forest.

The Tour: This is a Fully Supported Holiday with a leader, and backup vehicle to carry all the luggage and provide any necessary assistance. The holiday is designed to offer you the challenge of riding all the way from the mouth of the Rhine River to the foothills of the Alps, while at the same time taking you through as many different countries and regions as possible. The distance from the Hook of Holland to Lucern is just over 600miles, and the daily mileage is between 50 & 65 miles. All the trip is on paved roads. Most of the route follows minor roads, and traffic is generally light. However you do pass through some larger towns and villages where the traffic can be heavier for a while. The first few days are in Holland, where most of the cycling is on the country’s excellent cycle paths, which offer very pleasant, easy cycling. We then cross into Belgium, where there is some harder riding through undulating countryside, which continues into Luxembourg and France. There are some steep climbs in the Ardennes, but the daily mileage is shorter on these days. There is some easy riding again along the Rhine Valley, but then another couple of hilly days as you pass through the Black Forest and into Switzerland. There are a couple of long climbs here, but these are well graded and most people find them easier than expected. There is one rest day at Obernai, where you have the chance to relax, or explore the Vosges Mountains or local vineyards, and a second free day at the end of the trip in Lucerne, where you can explore the city or take a trip into the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation & Food: This is a camping holiday staying at established campsites with showers etc. You will require a tent and sleeping bag, although tents can be hired from us if required. We provide breakfast at the campsite each morning, and afternoon tea at the end of each days ride. In the evening meals are available at nearby restaurants.

Start: This holiday starts at Harwich in England, from where we take the overnight ferry to Holland. The ferry departs at 23.30 and you should plan on arriving at the port at approximately 22.00. The price of the holiday includes the cost of accommodation in a 2 berth cabin for the crossing. The ferry arrives in Holland at 07.30 the following morning, and, after breakfast, we begin the ride.

Finish: The holiday ends at Lucerne in Switzerland. The final full day of the holiday is free to allow you to explore the city, or take a ride in the surrounding hills or around the lake. The following day transport will be provided to take you to Basel airport. Flights are available from Basel to several airports in the UK. Note: The cost of the flight from Basel is not included in the price of the holiday. You may book the flight yourself (or make your own alternative arrangements), or if you wish us to make the booking for you we can do so. A separate form will be sent to you (an additional fee is payable).

Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to take your bicycle from your home in the UK to the start of the holiday, and return it to your home at the end of the trip (additional fee payable).

Documents: British & EU citizens will require a passport for this trip. Nationals of some other countries may also require a Visa for certain countries. Non EU passport holders should check with the nearest Embassy of the countries concerned. You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday. If you do not purchase insurance from us you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable alternative policy.

Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that the bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. However you should make sure that your bike has suitable gears as parts of the route are hilly, with some steep climbs. Most people will require a cycle with a triple chainset. If you are riding a mountain bike then you should fit it with narrow 'slick' tyres. You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike. The route does cross some areas with little in the way services.

Weather: The weather in August is usually hot and sunny. Average temperatures should be in the high 20's. There is the possibility of late afternoon thunderstorms.

BIKE ADVENTURES Cycling Holidays, 2 Woodbank Estate, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2RL
Tel: (+44) 07534 413591 E-Mail: info@bikeadventures.co.uk