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Around Lake Constance
Through Austria, Germany & Switzerland
Independent Cycling Tour
Six days of gentle cycling around one of the most
beautiful lakes in Europe. Experience the different cultures
of Austria, Germany and Switzerland against a backdrop of
snowcapped mountains and blue water. One lake - three countries,
but each with their own individual cultures, cuisine and beauty.
For peace and quiet choose spring blossom time or late summer
grape harvest. The terrain is level, as most of your route
follows cycle paths and quiet roads, so that you can relax
and enjoy the ride.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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 |
Although this varied cycling tour takes you mainly on cycle paths, you will encounter some quiet roads and some hills. There are numerous local stations around the lake that you can use the train to reduce the distances if you choose. |
Day 1: Arrival at Bregenz*
Collect your bike and information pack, and take a look around this pretty town..
Day 2: Bregenz to Güttingen
27 or 37 miles
Cycle along the lake through the Rhine Delta National Park
to the Swiss border at Rheineck (on the old River Rhine).
You contine to the lakeside town of Arbon, where you can stop
for refreshments before continuing on to Güttingen, either
by train (payable locally) or bike.
Day 3: Güttingen to Stein am
Rhein
24 miles.
Today you head towards the Swiss border and the picturesque
town of Stein am Rhein; with its medieval town centre, frescoed
houses and unique little alleyways, it is like stepping into
a fairytale.
Day 4: Schaffhausen
31 miles
A day trip to the impressive waterfall at the source of the
Rhein in Schaffhausen. The town also boasts an impressive
16th century fortress, and charming old streets to stroll
around. You return to Stein am Rhein for your overnight stay.
Day 5: Stein am Rhein to Constance
28 miles
Today’s route takes you via Radolfzell and the island
of Reichenau with its ancient Abbey, to the charming town
of Constance, where the colourful houses and bustling atmosphere
will make your visit memorable.
Day 6: Constance to Friedrichshafen
32 miles
En route to Friedrichshafen today, you discover the beautiful
‘flower island’ of Mainau, and then cross to Überlingen
by ferry before reaching the quaint, cobbled town of Meersburg,
which offers wonderful views across the lake.
Day 7: Friedrichshafen to Bregenz*
23 miles
You cycle to the island of Lindau today, where the old town
is a classified historic monument. Continuing onto Bregenz,
you take in beautiful views over the Swiss mountains and lake.
Day 8: End of tour after breakfast
Spend time sightseeing around the old town of Bregenz, or
take a cable car ride up to the Pfänder high above the
Lake for dramatic
views.
*During the Bregenz Festival which takes place from 23 July
to 23 August you may be accommodated outside Bregenz. Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday arrival days are better for this period. Tickets can be booked in advance at www.bregenzerfestspiele.com.
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| Your
accommodation and meals |
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You will stay in double or twin rooms in comfortable hotel
accommodation along the route. Your luggage is transported
to each overnight stay for you, so you can relax and enjoy
the cycling.
Accommodation is on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis.
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| Departure
dates & prices |
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Prices include:
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Half Board or Bed & Breakfast option
- Bicycle hire (7 gears)
- Bicycle bag (1 per room)
- Route descriptions and maps
- Luggage transport
- Ferry from Constance to Meersburg
- Rail travel from Arbon to Kreuzlingen and Schaffhausen
to Radolfzell
Departure dates are daily from 19 April to 25 October
2008
Low Season: 19 April - 1 May; 14 September - 25 October
High Season: 2 May - 13 September
| Half
Board |
| Low Season |
7 |
£569 |
£70 |
| High Season |
7 |
£599 |
£70 |
| Bed
& Breakfast |
| Low Season |
7 |
£489 |
£70 |
| High Season |
7 |
£529 |
£70 |
Single room supplement: £13 per
night
Extra nights in Bregenz, Constance or Friedrichshafen: Low
season (twin room B&B) £42 sharing a twin or double room; High season (twin room B&B) £53 sharing
a twin or double room.
*Prices may
vary and can only be confirmed when you make a booking.
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| Bike details |
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Gears: 7
Pannier bag
Bike repair stations en route |
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| Travel
options |
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Suggested times and points of departure - please call us to discuss the most suitable flights and latest prices.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/11/2007 (provisional)
| British Airways |
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| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Heathrow - Zurich |
11:55 - 14:35 |
13:20 - 14:15 |
£100 |
Transfer to Bregenz: 2hrs by train (payable locally)
| Ryanair |
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|
|
| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Stansted - Friedrichshafen |
13:50 - 16:25 |
16:55 - 17:35 |
£70 |
| Liverpool - Friedrichshafen |
06:30 - 09:25 |
09:50 - 10:45 |
£70 |
Transfer to Bregenz: 1hr by train (payable locally)
For rail trickets contact Deutsche Bahn in London on 0870 243 5363 or visit www.deutsche-bahn.co.uk.
Car parking approx €46 per week (payable locally)
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book aiport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Average
temperature |
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The average daytime temperatures for these regions are listed
below:
| April |
13°C
|
55°F |
10°C |
50°F |
10°C
|
51°F |
May
|
16°C
|
61°F |
14°C |
57°F |
13°C
|
55°F |
June
|
19°C
|
67°F |
18°C |
64°F |
16°C
|
61°F |
July
|
22°C
|
71°F |
19°C |
67°F |
19°C |
67°F |
August
|
20°C
|
69°F |
19°C |
66°F |
17°C |
63°F |
| September |
17°C
|
62°F |
16°C |
60°F |
14°C |
57°F |
| October |
10°C |
51°F |
11°C |
52°F |
10°C |
50°F |
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