Compare A Cycling Journey: Wine Along the Rhine from Germany to France by Road Scholar

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Transfer Neuenburg, Orientation, Bike Fitting
Neuenburg am Rhein D Hotel am Stadthaus
Activity note: There will be no biking today which provides an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after your international flight. Motorcoach time is 30 minutes (25 miles / 40 kilometers). Walking approximately 1/2 mile (0.8 kilometer).

Afternoon: We proceed to Neuenburg am Rhein by motorcoach and check into our hotel. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Throughout your program we have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. During these times the Group Leader will often be available to assist with informal excursions, activities, or meals that have been excluded from the program cost. You are welcome to join if you like, with any associated costs on your own. Upon arrival in Neuenburg am Rhein, bicycles will be fitted to the participant and skill testing will take place. Please be aware that indicated motorcoach times as well as biking distances are approximate and that program activities and schedules could change due to local circumstances such as weather, traffic conditions, etc. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy welcome dinner featuring a three-course set menu plus water; other beverages are available for purchase. Dinner each night will follow this description unless otherwise noted.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 3
Neuf-Brisach, Military Engineer Vauban, Colmar
Colmar B,D Grand Hotel Bristol Colmar
Activity note: Biking distance is 29 miles (47 kilometers) on secondary roads and paved bicycle paths on flat to rolling terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile 1.6 kilometers).

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, choose from a buffet with meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, cereals, breads, juices and hot beverages. Breakfast each morning will follow this description.

Morning: After a hearty breakfast, join your group leader in the hotel conference room for a presentation on safety, rules of the road, and the IBT Corner System, the way in which we navigate throughout the course of this program. Leave Neuenburg and Germany behind to cross the waters of the Rhine River and enter France. A couple of hours in the saddle brings us to the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach, a unique site built in 1699 by military engineer Vauban at the order of Louis XIV to defend the border from the Habsburgs. The defensive layout of Neuf-Brisach is an octagonal layout, with its borders heavily fortified with two additional rings; the inner one octagonal and the outer, an eight-pointed star.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Neuf-Brisach at one of the cafés surrounding the main square.

Afternoon: Gain insight into the prowess of military engineer, Vauban and the history of the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach. Continue cycling to Colmar, our destination for the next two nights.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure. Your evenings are free to spend time with new Road Scholar friends, relax, or go exploring on your own.

Day 4
Bartholdi Lecture, Colmar, Riquewihr Wine Tasting
Colmar B,D Grand Hotel Bristol Colmar
Activity note: There will be no biking today to allow for our visit of Colmar. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), standing for up to 2 hours on uneven terrain, stairs, and cobblestones. Motorcoach time approximately 1 hour (20 miles / 32 kilometers).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: After an abundant breakfast in the hotel dining room, attend a lecture on Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, born in Colmar and the designer of the Statue of Liberty. Set out on foot with a local guide to explore Colmar’s treasures. As you walk through the pedestrian streets of Colmar’s Old City, discover its buildings steeped in history: the Pfister House, the Old Customs House, the Corps de Garde, the Dominican Church (which houses the painting Virgin at the Rose Bush by native Martin Schongauer) and St. Martin’s Church. This city of art and history has preserved its traditions, so be prepared to be amazed by the richness of its architectural heritage. The old town formerly served as the quarters for tanners, fishmongers and butchers, and is now known as "Little Venice" because of the winding river that makes its way through the town.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Colmar.

Afternoon: Our exploration of the Alsace continues this afternoon with a coach transfer to Riquewihr, a picturesque village where it seems as though time has stood still. The colors of the half-timbered houses are typical of Alsace; red, green and bright yellow. Enjoy a visit to a wine cellar in the heart of this medieval village for an introduction to the production of their Alsatian wines. Be sure to take the opportunity to taste the various types of this tasty beverage that allowed the town to prosper over the centuries. The wines are primarily white wines such as Rieslings, Gewürztraminers or Sylvaners, and are usually presented in traditional tall bottles called flûtes d’Alsace. You also might want to sample the delicious macaroons which come in many flavors in the village bakeries. Rest your feet during the return coach trip to our hotel in Colmar where dinner and a good night’s rest await.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 5
Sélestat, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
Selestat B,D Hostellerie De La Pommeraie
Activity note: Biking distance is 17 miles (27 kilometers) on secondary roads and paved bicycle paths on flat to rolling terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). Motorcoach time approximately 1 hour (20 miles / 32 kilometers).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: We leave Colmar behind and head for the lively town of Sélestat, which was the intellectual center of Alsace during the Renaissance.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Sélestat.

Afternoon: On arrival we give our bikes a break and travel by coach to the historic Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, originally constructed in the 12th century. This magnificent fortress has witnessed nine centuries of European conflicts and rivalries between lords, kings and emperors. Early in the 20th-century, the castle was given to the last German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II by the town of Sélestat. Architect Bodo Ebhardt, a specialist in medieval fortifications, was then commissioned by the Kaiser to restore the structure. The resulting fairy tale castle affords some of the best views to be found in Alsace. After our exploration, we return to our hotel for dinner.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 6
Musée du Chocolat, Strasbourg
Strasbourg B,D Best Western Hotel de l'Europe
Activity note: Biking distance is 38 miles (61 kilometers) on secondary roads and bicycle paths on flat terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Start the day with breakfast before mounting your bike to pedal to Strasbourg.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Illkirch-Graffenstaden.

Afternoon: After lunch, we hope to satisfy your sweet tooth while enhancing your knowledge of chocolate during a visit to a chocolate museum. Our tour starts with a tasting of scrumptious truffles, followed by a visit to the chocolate lab where technicians demonstrate the art of filling molds and decorating the chocolate. Strasbourg beckons, so we continue cycling to this cultural capital of Alsace. Surrounded by two arms of the River Ill, the Grande Île (the Big Island) is the historic center and home to the grand Gothic cathedral with its 466-foot soaring spire. On arrival, take a refreshing shower and relax, or get a jump start on your discovery of this intriguing city.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a three-course set menu plus water; other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
European Parliament, Strasbourg, Free Time
Strasbourg B,D Best Western Hotel de l'Europe
Activity note: There will be no biking today to allow for our visit of Strasbourg. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers), standing for up to 2 hours on uneven terrain, stairs, and cobblestones.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: A day of rest is in store for our trusty steeds as we embark on a guided walk of the historic Old Town after breakfast. A local guide will enlighten us on the sights of Strasbourg, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its astounding astronomical clock.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Strasbourg.

Afternoon: Enjoy a visit to the European Parliament before taking the opportunity for free time in Strasbourg to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Climb the 332 steps to the viewing platform of the Cathedral and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the town, or seek out a scenic riverboat cruise. You can also opt to stroll the charming streets of the "Petite France" quarter and have a drink at one of the many café terraces and watch people go by.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a three-course set menu plus water; other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 8
Bicycle to Seltz
Seltz B,D Hotel des Bois
Activity note: Biking distance is 38 miles (61 kilometers) on bicycle paths and secondary roads on flat terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: We leave the hustle and bustle of Strasbourg behind and head for greener horizons. We’ll cycle through typical villages where fisherman and sailors formerly lived. In order to meet requirements in terms of navigation, agriculture and electricity, dams and hydraulic works have been built on the Rhine. These often create obstacles for migrating fish that find it difficult to get through them on their way to their spawning area. In order to restore their free access in the Rhine basin, Germany and France signed an agreement regarding the construction of fish ladders. The Gambsheim Fish Ladder opened in 2006 and is the largest in Europe.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like at a local restaurant in Herrlisheim.

Afternoon: After lunch, we continue biking to Seltz.

Dinner: At a local French restaurant, enjoy a three-course set menu plus water; other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 9
Delta de la Sauer Nature Reserve, Train Excursion, Speyer
Speyer B,D Hotel Domhof
Activity note: Biking distance is 20 miles (32 kilometers) on bicycle paths and secondary roads on flat terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). Train travel time is 1.5 hours (26 miles).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: This morning we’ll pass several stone and sand quarries along our route. Watch for herons and other bird species as we enter the grounds of the Delta de la Sauer Nature Reserve. Bid au revoir to France as we cross the tiny bridge over the River Lauter, which runs along the border of France and Germany.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like at a local restaurant in Maximiliansau.

Afternoon: On reaching the town of Maximiliansau, just across the river from Karlsruhe, hop aboard the local train, put your feet up and travel by rail (no pedaling required) to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The most prominent landmark of the city is the Speyer Cathedral, laid out in the form of a Latin cross, and originally intended to be the largest church in the western world when construction began in 1030. Although the cathedral has long since ceased to be the largest church, it is still the largest surviving Romanesque church. Independently explore the church this afternoon and check out the Old City Gate standing 170 feet. If you feel energetic, climb the 154 steps up the tower for a marvelous panoramic view. Our hotel radiates old warm charm and stands on ground where former kings came to eat, drink and sleep. If it was good enough for them, it’s just fine for us.

Dinner: At a quintessential German guesthouse with brewery and beer gardens, enjoy a three-course set menu plus water; other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 10
Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, Neckar River, Heidelberg
Heidelberg B,D Hotel Bayrischer Hof
Activity note: Biking distance is 31 miles (50 kilometers) on paved bicycle paths and secondary roads on flat terrain. Walking approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers).

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Our scenic sojourn on the bicycles is fast coming to an end. Crank those pedals for one last day and set your sights for Heidelberg. Enjoy a visit to the magnificent gardens of Schwetzingen Palace. Soon we leave the mighty Rhine behind and turn east to follow the Neckar. The 228-mile long Neckar rises in the Black Forest and empties into the Rhine at Mannheim. We’ll be pedaling upstream to the romantic town of Heidelberg, one of the few German cities which was not destroyed during World War II.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Ladenburg.

Afternoon: Be prepared to be amazed by the red sandstone ruins of the impressive medieval castle which sit on a plateau halfway down the Königstuhl Mountain that overlooks the city. Having reached your destination, surrender your bike and check into your room.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Heidelberg, Free Time
Heidelberg B,D Hotel Bayrischer Hof
Activity note: There will be no biking today to allow for our visit of Heidelberg. Walking approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), standing for up to 2 hours on uneven terrain, stairs, and cobblestones.

Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Start the day by joining a local guide for an introduction to this fascinating city on a guided walk through the Old Town quarter which features Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Heidelberg, known as the "pearl of the Neckar," is a city of beauty and its castle symbolizes German Romanticism. It is also a lively university town with a vibrant cultural scene.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Heidelberg.

Afternoon: Free Time: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Heidelberg. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Seize the opportunity to explore on your own this afternoon. Board the funicular that departs from the Kornmarkt Square and ride to the castle stop for a wonderful view of the city. Heidelberg Castle rises majestically over the roofs of the old town, but for five hundred years it was home to the Prince Electors of the Palatinate. Explore the castle gardens, courtyards and wine cellar with your funicular ticket. Check out the huge wine barrel while you are up there; it’s supposedly the largest wooden barrel to have ever been filled with wine. Another option is to simply wander the streets of the old town, shop for souvenirs, or get a bite to eat.

Dinner: Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants tonight at our farewell dinner in the hotel dining room.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 12
Program Concludes, Departures
In Flight B
Activity note: Hotel check-out time is 10:30 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Transfer from the hotel to the airport is approximately 1 hour (52 miles / 84 kilometers).

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.

Morning: Morning transfer to Frankfurt Airport for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!