Alsace & The Black Forest Biking
Coveted by the French and Germans for centuries, Alsace is a compelling blend of two cultures - a region sure to capture your imagination as well as your heart. Discover medieval towns whose feudal ruins tell of battles won and lost. Pedal on the famed Route des Vins as it hugs the misty foothills of the Vosges Mountains and links a string of idyllic wine villages. Taste world-class rieslings and gewürztraminers. Soak up views of glacier-scoured valleys and ancient volcanoes. Then venture across the Rhine River and into Germany's Black Forest, a mythical area synonymous with spas, Spätburgunder and primeval pine woodlands - as well as chocolate cake and cuckoo clocks. Along the way, sample celebrated cuisine and luxuriate in a trio of elegant hotels.
Day 1 Obernai
Meet in Strasbourg, France 
Bike through the Vosges Mountain foothills to Obernai, laced with storybook cobblestone streets.
Days 2-3 Rouffach
Pedal in the peaceful Alsatian countryside, passing vineyards and quaint villages brimming with half-timbered houses and cheery geranium gardens Ride La Route des Vins (wine route), perhaps stopping for wine tastings en route to Riquewihr, a town that has miraculously - and beautifully - survived five centuries of warfare Up for a challenge? Conquer the Vosges vaulting peaks or tackle steep hills to Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé for a sample of riesling and gewürztraminer In lively Colmar, browse the abundant shops for that perfect souvenir.
Days 4-6 Badenweiler
Cross the Rhine River and enter Germany's Kaiserstuhl at the edge of the Black Forest This stunning volcanic landscape is the birthplace of some of the country's finest wines: reds from the Spätburgunder grape and whites with incredible depth Savor a slice of the region's famed Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - chocolate cake layered with cherries and drenched in schnapps Ascend steeply into the heart of the forest, marveling at miles of unparalleled vistas, or soothe tired muscles at our hotel's thermal pool or spa Enjoy a final glimpse of village life as you pedal past small Black Forest hamlets.
TIMELESS TREASURES: Premiere Inns
Hotel a la Cour d'Alsace (1 night): A baron's former manor house-turned luxury hotel, this stunning property offers every modern amenity in the heart of medieval Obernai.
Chateau d'Isenbourg (2 nights): This stunning Small Hotels of the World manor is perched above Alsace vineyards.
Hotel Romerbad (2 nights): At this stately "cultural residence" you'll find spacious guest rooms with sleek modern décor, a sauna, spa and thermal swimming pool.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 47, 53 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 33, 54 miles
- 500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 47, 58 miles
- 500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- 20, 37 miles
- 3000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 8/23-28Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1050 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.