This easy cycling tour along the Swiss lakes spans from the Mediterranean flair of Lake Constance to the Churfirsten Mountains. You will experience the Schaffhausen Rhine Falls on an exciting boat trip, get to know the cosmopolitan city of Zurich on the lake of the same name and cross Walensee at the foot of the Churfirsten Mountains
In the Rhine Valley you will be treated to excellent wines and finally you will take a train to the Appenzeller Region where a picture book landscape awaits you. You will spend the end of your trip on the beautiful Lake Constance
Day 1: Individual arrival in Constance
Once you arrive into Constance you can take the opportunity to visit the island of Mainau, or wander through Constance’s old town. Alternatively you could make a visit the aquariums in the Sea Life Center or go to the Archaeological Museum.
Day 2: Constance – Schaffhausen, approx. 50 km
Riding along the side of Lake Constance, you will first reach Stein am Rhein with its frescoed, medieval houses. Flitting accross the border of Germany and Switzerland, you will eventually reach the canton’s capital, Schaffhausen. This town, whose citizens competed with each other to build impressive gables on their houses, is overlooked by Munot fort.
Day 3: Schaffhausen – Rhine Falls – Zurich, approx. 70 km
After breakfast, it is only a short ride to the Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s largest and arguably most impressive waterfalls. By boat, you can get right up close, to the majestic roar of the water. Next, you will ride along the Glatt Valley, which will lead you to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest, most fascinating and very cosmopolitan city. Here, tradition is united with modernity. The well preserved historic quarter is very inviting, thanks to the many cafes and bars that you can find here.
Day 4: Zurich – Lachen, approx. 45 km
Today, you cycle along the northern bank of Lake Zurich, along the so-called golden coast, to Rapperswil. Take a break here and go up to see the old castle. From there you can take in fabulos views of Lake Zurich and the countryside. From Rapperswil, you cross the lake via the dam and then cycle along the opposite bank a bit further to the small town of Lachen.
Day 5: Lachen – Walenstadt, approx. 25km + boat trip
The Linth Canal is an artificial waterway between Lake Zurich and Walensee lake that was constructed early in the 19th century to prevent flooding from the Linth and its tributaries. In Weesen you go on board a boat which takes you to Walenstadt, where you will spend the night. The Churfirsten rise high up over Walensee Lake – which is perfect for swimming.
Day 6: Walenstadt – Feldkirch, approx. 50 km
Today you will be spending time in three different countries. After only a few kilometres, you reach Alpenrhein Valley, which you follow until you reach Liechtenstein. After about 25 km you will have pedalled through the entire length of the country and will find yourself at the border with Austria. From here it is only a little further to Feldkirch.
Day 7: Feldkirch – Altstätten – Gais – St. Gallen, approx. 45 km + train ride
You will head out, by bike, along the Rhine for a while and then a rack-and pinion train will take you up to Gais in Appenzell. Mountain pastures with grazing cows characterize the pretty scenery on your way to St. Gallen. The Abbey Church library is considered one of the most important historic libraries in the world. It is home to about 160,000 books, one of which is the oldest surviving German book.
Day 8: St. Gallen – Arbon – Constance, approx. 45 km
Today will start with an enjoyable downhill stretch to Lake Constance and your arrival near Arbon. Following the banks of the lake almost all the way, you will then cycle through apple orchards and the small towns of Arbon and Romanshorn back to Constance. This stretch is flat and easy to cycle, unless in a stronger westerly wind. You will frequently pass places where you can go swimming and refresh yourself in the lovely cool waters of the lake.
Day 9: Individual departure or extension of stay
After breakfast, you start your individual return journey
home or extend your stay.
The route runs mainly along its own cycle paths and separate cycle routes. The route is mainly flat but in Appenzell there it is a little bit hilly.
Total distance cycled: 285 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Starting point of the cycling holiday:Constance
We recommend flying to Zurich airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Arriving by car From Stuttgart: • A81 Stuttgart - Singen • At the Hegau motorway junction - B33 for Konstanz until motorway ends • At end of motorway continue on B33 towards Konstanz From München via Meersburg: • A96 München - Lindau • Exit at Sigmarszell • Continue on B31 to Meersburg via Friedrichshafen • Ferry from Meersburg - Konstanz (leaves every 15 minutes during the day, and takes approx. 20 minutes) From Zurich: • A7 Zurich – Kreuzlingen/Konstanz • Continue until motorway ends, and then cross the border to Konstanz Arriving by public transport From Zurich (Kloten airport): • Train from the airport-station or main station to Konstanz • Journey takes approx. 1 hour From Stuttgart • IC or RE regional train to Singen • RE/SBB („Seehas“) trains to Konstanz • Journey takes approx. 2 ½ hours From Friedrichshafen: • Catamaran to Konstanz • Journey takes approx. 1 hour or: • Train via Radolfzell • Journey takes approx. 1 hour
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The 3 Lakes and 4 Countries cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
8 nights with breakfast in the local 3* category
Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
Entrance to Rosgarten museum Constance, 1 coffee included
Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock
Boat trip Weesen – Walenstadt incl. bike
Train ride Altstätten – Gais incl. bike
Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
9 day Service Hotline
Not Included
Flights to/from the start and finish
Evening meals (unless stated)
Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
Helmets
Water Bottles
Travel Insurance
Bike Insurance (unless stated)
Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
Transfers (unless included)
Bike Hire
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 24.04. – 29.04 | 09.10. – 16.10. | £975 | Daily |
Season 2 | 14.04. – 23.04 | 30.04. – 14.05 | 18.09. – 08.10 | £1070 | Daily |
Season 3 | 15.05. – 21.05 | 29.05. – 31.05 | 19.06. – 30.06 | 21.08. – 17.09 | £1165 | Daily |
Season 4 | 22.05. – 28.05 | 01.06. – 18.06 | 01.07. – 20.08 | £1210 | Daily |
Single Room Supplement | All | £280 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £85 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £190 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Constance / Feldkirch | £85 | £115 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
14 April 2022 | 16 October 2022 | £0 |