Champagne & Alsace Bike Tour

Sparkling Champagne & the Alsace Wine Route

From $4,698 - $5,198 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,050 to $1,320 for sgl. occ.)

This trip bubbles over with legendary names like Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Gewürztraminer and Strasbourg. But have you biked vine-laced hills to the town where Napoleon enjoyed lavish soirées? Or pedaled alongside French canals, listening as they quietly flow by you? Have you ever tasted champagne in Champagne? Oh, you will.

Highlights

Delight in an exclusive private dinner and champagne pairing at the world-famous Moët & Chandon Orangerie
Bike by canals and through scenic towns on the famed Route des Vins, hugging the peaceful Vosges foothills
Behold some of France's most beautiful villages, with half-timbered houses and gardens filled with colorful geraniums
Savor one of the most memorable dining experiences ever—three Michelin stars at the incomparable Auberge de l'Ill

France

Start Reims / End Strasbourg

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Celebrated vineyards, such as Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, provide an idyllic backdrop as you cycle in the Coteaux de Champagne and through a World Heritage landscape | Visit Abbaye d'Hautvillers, where monk Dom Pierre Pérignon is buried | On the Avenue de Champagne, marvel at the splendid properties of prestigious négociants (wine merchants).

Day 3 From the charming town of Marlenheim, spin along the Route des Vins (Wine Route), beloved for its lovely canals and picturesque villages | Pedal easygoing terrain through the heart of Alsace, skirting the graceful Vosges foothills | With its profusion of Alsatian-style half-timbered houses and window boxes of geraniums, Obernai is a heavenly place to explore on foot.

Days 4-6 Explore the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a 12th-century fortress that overlooks the Rhine River Valley | Wander in beautifully preserved Riquewihr and Eguisheim, both among the designated Most Beautiful Villages of France, with stunning Gothic churches and medieval fortifications | Sit down to an incredible meal at Auberge de l'Ill, the only Michelin three-star restaurant you'll find on any Backroads trip! | Enjoy one last morning ride in the valley, with views of the Alsace range on one side and Germany on the other.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 5/27, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30 2019 5/19, 6/2, 6/16, 6/30, 7/14, 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
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Going
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Private Trip
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C Classic Dates

2018 May

5/27–6/1

2018 June

6/3–6/8

6/17–6/22

2018 July

7/1–7/6

7/15–7/20

2018 August

8/26–8/31

2018 September

9/2–9/7

9/9–9/14

9/16–9/21

9/23–9/28

2019 May

5/19–5/24

2019 June

6/2–6/7

6/16–6/21

6/30–7/5

2019 July

7/14–7/19

2019 August

8/25–8/30

2019 September

9/1–9/6

9/8–9/13

9/15–9/20

9/22–9/27

9/29–10/4

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2018 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $4,698 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $5,198 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $6,298 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $6,598 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $7,598 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Classic Tours

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

C Classic Tours

2018
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep

2019
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep

View Scheduled Dates
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Prices

From $4,698 - $5,198 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$1,050 to $1,320 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels

Hostellerie La Briqueterie

Vinay (2 nights)

Hostellerie des Châteaux

Ottrott (1 night)

Hôtel des Berges

Illhaeusern (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-4

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Champagne and Alsace

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

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Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Hostellerie La Briqueterie

Vinay (2 nights)

Set in the heart of Champagne vineyards, this elegant manor features beautiful gardens and an exceptional wine cellar. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Hostellerie des Châteaux

Ottrott (1 night)

Set amid lush vineyards and dense forests, this charming 17th-century family-owned château is the epitome of Alsatian style and hospitality. (pool, spa)

Hôtel des Berges

Illhaeusern (2 nights)

This stylishly renovated 18th-century farmhouse—featuring a restaurant with three Michelin stars—is beautifully situated on the Ill River. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-4

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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1			24	1500	30	2000
2			27*	0	37	1900	49	3000
3			20	1100	30	2600
4			23*	1500	33	1600	42	2900
5			21*	1300	40	1900	52	3400
6	14	300

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Performance Road Bike (Included)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Upgrade)

Specialized S-Works Ruby (Upgrade)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You'll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip.

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem (Upgrade)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Champagne and Alsace

A Banquet Worthy of a Toast

At historic Orangerie Moët & Chandon, a masterpiece of early 19th-century architecture, you're welcomed with the kind of exclusive dinner that the founding families of this world-renowned Champagne winery would have enjoyed.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Champagne and Alsace trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

Navigate Your Way in Champagne and Alsace

Your ride comes equipped with a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, the best bike-touring GPS device on the market. This is a Backroads exclusive, and it's included with your bike in Champagne and Alsace. If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.

Only the Best Hotels

On this trip featuring Premiere Hotels, you can count on the best lodgings Champagne and Alsace has to offer. In fact, the hotels we've chosen in this region have higher retail room rates than those offered by any other active travel company—even when their trips cost more.

Your Trip Will Run. Period.

Under our Book with Confidence policy, your Backroads trip will run even for one or two people (or a family of three or four), subject to a nominal extra fee. Or transfer to another trip, and we'll give you a credit. It's all part of our trademark commitment to treating guests with integrity, transparency and total accountability. Read all the details.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in Champagne and Alsace—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip