The Alpine Rhine Cycle Tour

Welcome to Constance! This, the biggest town on Lake Constance, is a perfect starting point for your Rhine cycling holiday in Switzerland. Regardless of whether by bike or by foot, explore the narrow streets of the Niederburg, Constance' oldest part of town. Take a break at the harbour and have a look at the rotating statue, the Imperia. Another tip is to go up the spire of Constance' Münster church - to the viewing platform. It's 193 steps up to fantastic views of the town and the lake. If you still have enough time, visit the Sea Life Centre or the Archaeological Local Museum.

The first section of your Rhine cycling holiday in Switzerland starts conveniently with a transfer into the mountains of the Graubünden region. In Splügen you hop into your saddle and then roll easily along the Hinterrhein. You pass two impressive gorges, which have been cut out of the rocks by the river. The smooth rocks, up to 300 metres high, are fascinating. The small town of Bonaduz is your destination. Don't be surprised if you don't understand the locals. They speak Rhaeto-Romanic here.

Today you're off on a trip to the Anterior Rhine Valley. The train takes you to the old monastery village of Disentis. On your bike you explore the beautiful countryside of the Ruinaulta, which is understandably referred to as Switzerland's Grand Canyon. Wild gorges and rough cliffs developed after mountain landslides thousands of years ago. With time, the Rhine has found itself a new channel – today's Rhine Ravine.

It is in Reichenau where the Vorder- and Hinterrhein rivers merge. From here you pedal along the Rhine, first arriving in Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland. The route now takes you downhill through the home ground of alpine Swiss heroine, Heidi, of the popular children's stories and on to Vaduz, capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Vaduz Castle can be seen from afar and is home to the royal family.

Your Rhine cycling holiday takes you back into Switzerland today. You leave the River Rhine to arrive at Lake Constance. In Rohrschach it's worth taking a break in a historic bathing house - which you'll see on stilts in the lake. And nothing compares to a lovely jump into the fresh cool water! Feeling refreshed and relaxed you continue along the lakeside to Arbon. Today this former Roman settlement is a popular place for a day out. Walk along the long lakeside promenade through the park, or wander around the historic town centre with its late Roman fort.

The last day of your Rhine cycling holiday takes you mostly right alongside the lake through the Swiss Canton of Thurgau. You cycle past its many orchards and through lovely picturesque little villages. You're soon back in Constance, where your tour started. Do you fancy some more cycling? The island of Reichenau is not far and is a great finish to your cycling holiday. From the Hochwart hill, you have fantastic views all over the island.

Your Alpine Rhine Cycle Tour ends already comes to an end after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay in Constance if you like.