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CSW
Cycling through Switzerland
8 days Hotels Easy Cycling through Switzerlands Pretty North West
CYCLE GRADE A
The northwest Mittelland region of Switzerland is far less hilly than one imagines, yet has beautiful scenery to rival many European destinations. Baroque and medieval towns together with traditional Swiss villages dot the Aare river valley and the area around Murtensee Lake. With a support driver to transport luggage and provide back up you are free to cycle unencumbered at your own pace as you carry with you only what is needed for each day the perfect way to see this quiet corner of Switzerland.
Solothurn & the Aare River We first set out from Solothurn, thought to be Switzerlands largest Baroque city, with Italian, Swiss and French influences, and head along the Aare valley towards Wangen. Our route takes us through numerous typically-Swiss villages before we arrive at the beautiful Baroque summer house and gardens of Schloss Waldegg. Next we pass
Cycling through swiss villages/Brian Bestford
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Geneva; transfer by train to Solothurn. 2 Ride along Aare valley to Wengen; return Solothurn. 3 Cycle Solothurn to Murten. 4 Ride around Murensee Lake back to Murten. 5 Ride via Avenches to Payerne and Yverdon les Bains. 6 Cycle via Grandson, with opportunity to visit Grandson Chateau, to Neuchatel. 7 Free day; optional train to and ride from Fleurier down Areuse Gorge to Neuchatel. 8 Transfer by train to Geneva; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycle: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Graded A, easy, this tour is suited to those new to the concept of cycling holidays, but who enjoy occasional rides at home. We cover approximately 182km over 4 days, with a further 86km being optional rides on free days. The average ride between night stops is around 45km (27 miles) and the terrain is either flat or gently undulating. Entrance fees to sites are not included allowing you to decide what to visit and for how long and thus ride independently or with several fellow cyclists. 97% on tarmac and 3% on gravel. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader drives a support van/co-ordinates rides and transfers luggage. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
40km 48km 50km 50km 44km 36km
by the interesting wooden bridge that links Buren to Aarberg and enjoy the atmosphere created by the citys elegant facades before arriving in Murten. Murten & its Lake The wonderful town of Murten provides for an interesting stop, its beautifully preserved medieval buildings surrounded by walls and towers; the lake on which it sits only adds to its beauty. Enjoy a free day to explore the town or further afield on an optional ride which makes a circuit of the lake with an opportunity to ride through vineyards and enjoy a swim. Riding on we pause in Avenches, famous for its Roman amphitheatre, then head on to Payerne and its llth century church. Finally we arrive in Yverdon les Bains, a famous spa town. Neuchatel & the Areuse Gorge Another pretty lakeside ride brings us to Grandson, whose stunning chateau sits above the lake commanding wonderful views, and then in to Neuchatel itself. A 2night stay allows us to enjoy both the town,
Cycling through Switzerland Ref CSW ein nst
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YVERDON LES BAINS
Train from/to Geneva airport
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Encounter wildlife/Swiss Tourist Board
famous for its watchmaking and home to several excellent museums, or make a fantastic final ride from Fleurier through the Areuse Gorge, where cascading waterfalls and views of the dramatic limestone bowl of Le Creaux-du-Van wont fail to impress a great finale to a wonderful week of riding.
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 8 days from London (Sun-Sun) 2008 deps 29 Jun-06 Jul 03 Aug-10 Aug 10 Aug-17 Aug 2009 deps 02 Aug-09 Aug 09 Aug-16 Aug Flight Incl 599 599 599 Flight Incl 619 619 Land Only 469 469 469 Land Only 479 479
Land Only tour: 8 days - start Solothurn day 1 (Sun), end Neuchatel day 8 (Sun) Plus Local Payment: CHF200 (approx £80) payable Solothurn These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
Dramatic limestone scenery/Swiss Tourist Board
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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