France & Germany 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. Then venture across the Rhine River into Germany's Black Forest, a mythical area synonymous with spas, Kirschwasser and primeval pine woodlands - not to mention chocolate cake. Along the way, sample celebrated cuisine and luxuriate in a trio of elegant hotels.
Day 1 Illhaeusern, France
Meet in Strasbourg 
Shuttle to Illhaeusern, a riverside hamlet set at the foothills of the Vosges Mountains 
Bike into the verdant countryside, where rolling wine land meets rural plain, and a splendidly restored castle stands watch.
Days 2-3 Rouffach, France
Pedal past vineyards and quaint villages brimming with half-timbered houses and cheery geranium gardens Ride the Route des Vins, perhaps stopping to sample rieslings and gewürztraminers on your way to Riquewihr, a town that has miraculously - and beautifully - survived five centuries of warfare Up for a challenge? Tackle the demanding climb to Ribeauvillé one day and to Col du Firstplan the next Savor a gourmet picnic at Benedictine Murbach Abbey, founded in 727 Bike through alpine meadows or return to Rouffach for some R&R.
Days 4-6 Badenweiler, Germany
Cross the Rhine River and enter Germany's Markgräflerland wine region in the foothills of the southern Black Forest Sun-soaked Markgräflerland is known for its mild pleasant white wines - Gutedel is the most popular grape varietal 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 Feeling refreshed and a little healthier? It's no wonder - people have been coming to Badenweiler for its fresh air and mineral springs since Roman times Enjoy a final glimpse of village life as you pedal past Black Forest vineyards and hamlets.
TIMELESS TREASURES: Premiere Inns
Hôtel des Berges (1 night): This stylishly renovated 18th-century farmhouse is beautifully situated on the Ill River and features individually decorated rooms.
Château d'Isenbourg (2 nights): Set among Alsatian wine-route vineyards, this refined château offers spectacular views of the Vosges foothills, Rhine Valley and Black Forest.
Hotel Römerbad (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
- 18 miles
- 230 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 27, 50 miles
- 220 - 2680 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 33, 54 miles
- 770 - 2730 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 22, 39, 47, 58 miles
- 330 - 3140 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 20, 37 miles
- 2860 - 3360 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 14 miles
- 840 feet elevation gain
Routes 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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/6-11Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $910 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/27-7/2Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $910 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/8-13Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $910 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-17Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $910 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $910 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
As in the past, TERRIFIC! Cannot say enough good things about the leaders both individually and as a REAL team. This was our 4th trip with Backroads and we have never been in the least way disappointed in the leaders. Quite the contrary. They are just fabulous, and these three were no exception. Whoever is responsible for choosing and training leaders should feel really proud. I ran a company--consistent excellence does not happen by chance.- Steamboat Springs, CO
So happy you brought the trip back. It is fabulous!!!- Lexington, MA