Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Strasbourg

Upon your arrival to your hotel, you will have the whole day free to explore the historical city of Strasbourg. We recommend you spend time in the beautiful historical city centre- the first to be entirely classified as a UNESCO world heritage site- with its half timbered townhouses leaning over the narrow cobbled streets and canals, known as Petite France. In the city where the French national anthem was written, you will find the Ponts-Couverts, a series of bridges with four 13th century fortified towers. Visit the Notre-Dame cathedral, the original version was constructed in 1015 but was destroyed by fire, and later rebuilt. Inside you can see, amongst other various treasures, the Astronomical Clock, built by various artists, mathematicians, technicians,  Swiss   watchmakers, sculptors and painters all helped to create it. According to legend, the local authorities ordered that the constructor should be blinded so he could not try to build anything like it ever again. Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament and as important as it is dynamic.

Day 2: Strasbourg – Niederbronn-les-Bains – 72 km (45 miles; 480 meters of climbing)

When you leave Strasbourg, at Dettwiller, you will leave the canal side for the beautiful, lush green countryside of the Hanau area, where you will pass by picturesque villages and half-timbered buildings that are typical of this area. You will later arrive in the spa town of Niederbronn-les-Bains, where you will stay for two nights and have plenty of time to relax and discover.

Day 3: Niederbronn-les-Bains – Niederbronn-les-Bains – 63 km (39 miles; 776 meters of climbing)

Take the time to stroll around the pretty spa town of Niederbronn. It is the site of a natural spring that has been used since Roman times. If you are feeling lucky, you can also gamble at the town casino. During the Thirty Years War, 37% of Niederbronn was burnt down, but is today is thriving and active with its many festivals.

Day 4: Niederbronn-les-Bains – Obernai - 101 km (63 miles; 1071 meters of climbing)

Today you will arrive in the interesting town of Obernai which is known for its beer. Here you will see the city walls surrounding the town with its 30 remaining towers and gates. You can also take the time to visit the Romanesque House, built towards 1220 and rearranged into a Renaissance style and the church with its rich paintings. There is also the Kappellturm Belfry, which once served as the town’s watchtower. You can also discover the regional Nature Park of the Vosges du Nord, classified as a world biosphere reserve. You can also take the time to visit the Saint Odile Abbey. Despite being a slightly difficult ride to the top, the outstanding panoramic views will be worth the effort. Saint Odile is the patron Saint of Alsace and the patroness of good eyesight. She was born blind, and after being led by an angel, was baptized and miraculously given her sight back. The local well is said to still cure eye diseases.

Day 5: Obernai – Illhaeusern via the mountains (75 km or 47 miles; 1204 meters of climbing)

Take the mountain route, amongst rolling hills or as you leave Niederbronn, you will come to the celebrated Wine Route, littered with beautiful villages, all in the incredible surroundings of the Vosges forests and Rhine valley vineyards.

Day 6: Illhaeusern – Illhaeusern - 97 km (60 miles; 512 meters of climbing)

Upon your arrival to Illhaeusern, take the time to stroll along the river and see the storks. The Saint Peter and Paul Church have some beautiful stained windows and are definitely worth seeing. From here, you will meet the Colmar canal and leisurely cycle through the incredible beautiful villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim Kaysersberg or Riquewihr, which are superb to visit and mostly unchanged since their bustling medieval days set against the backdrop of soft rolling green hills and ruined castles.

Day 7: Illhaeusern – Colmar – 25 km (15 miles; 29 meters of climbing)

Upon your arrival to Colmar, you will be struck by its eternally beautifully coloured half- timbered medieval buildings on quirky crooked lanes in the Alsatian capital of art and wine. There are many museums for you to visit, but we recommend the Unterlinden Museum. It is housed in a former nunnery and you can wander through the peaceful 13th century cloisters. You can see the interesting Alsatian artifacts, and the most visited is the extraordinary 16th century masterpiece in the museum's chapel- The Issenheim Retable by Grunewald.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, leave at your convenience at Colmar station for Strasbourg or return directly home.

More information from Cyclomundo:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.cyclomundo.com/p_alsace_tour_alsace.html…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips