Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Explore three countries in one epic journey encompassing picturesque villages, vineyards, and canals along gentle bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Guided Biking
- Biking: 2 - 6 hr|
- Group Size: 22
Starting From
10-day Air Package
$4,495
7-day Bike Tour Only
$3,345
Per person, double occupancy

Switzerland, Germany & France: The Black Forest & the Alsace Wine Route
Experience a rich blend of French and German cultures as you criss cross borders and ride through quaint Alsatian towns, pause for wine tastings along the legendary Route des Vins, and wind along the canals of Colmar’s “Little Venice.” Pedal along well-marked bike routes, quiet country roads, and through rural paths open only to cyclists and farmers. Stroll cobbled pedestrian streets, passing charming half-timbered facades adorned with overflowing flower boxes, and perhaps pausing to bite into the famous Black Forest cake of a skilled pastry chef. Step back in time and enjoy a guided tour of 2,000-year-old Roman ruins in the spa town of Badenweiler. Throughout your adventure, stunning mountain ranges form the backdrop to your picturesque bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland.What to Expect
This tour features easy to moderate terrain, with options for longer rides. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available for those who need assistance. This tour is ideal for both enthusiastic beginners and experienced cyclists.
- Biking: 2 - 6 hr|
- Group Size: 22
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Tour Highlights
- Explore three countries on a single journey—on one memorable day you eat breakfast in Switzerland, lunch in France, and dinner in Germany.
- Cycle through idyllic countrysides as the Vosges Mountains rise in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop for your adventure.
- Immerse yourself in the dual French and German culture of Alsace and learn about the region’s history as a hotly contested territory.
- Behold Eguisheim, one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s even won awards for its overflowing flower boxes decorating the half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets!
- Stroll through the cobbled streets of Colmar’s old town and embark on a “floating tour” of La Petite Venise (Little Venice) aboard a small boat.
- Cycle some of the most scenic stretches of the Route des Vins—the Wine Route. Pause along the way to taste some of the world-class wines produced here.
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Apr60º/40º
May69º/46º
Jun74º/51º
Jul78º/55º
Aug77º/55º
Sep71º/50º
Oct59º/43º
Average
Precipitation:
Apr1.7 in
May2.2 in
Jun2.6 in
Jul2.6 in
Aug2.8 in
Sep2.4 in
Oct1.8 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Transfers to and from international airports | ||
One night in Basel and one night in Strasbourg in conveniently located hotels with breakfasts included | ||
6 nights in boutique hotels | ||
11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |

Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
See More >
Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Vehicle Support
Luggage Transfers
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2021 Pre-Trip Extension - Basel
2 Nights From $295 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $195
- 2 nights at the centrally located Hotel Basel
- Daily breakfast
- City Information
- Hospitality Desk
- Airport transfers
- 3-day Basel Transportation Pass
Depart home for Switzerland. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Upon arrival at the three-country EuroAirport (Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg Airport) (BSL), claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, file a claim before leaving the customs area: VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Make certain your VBT luggage tags are clearly visible so that our VBT representative can identify you.
If you are going to be delayed meeting our transfer representative for more than 15 minutes due to delayed or lost luggage, please let the Basel hotel staff know by calling your hotel (Hotel Basel, telephone +41(0) 61 264 6800). Our drivers are generally able to wait for up to 45 minutes from the time your flight lands, after which you will be responsible for your own transfer. However, they might be able to reschedule your transfer if they are aware of the delay. You may also contact Allianz Global Assistance to advise of your delay, and they will contact our transfer service.
After exiting customs, turn right toward the Swiss exit side of the airport, and look for our VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign and will assist with your transfer to our centrally located hotel (approximately 30 minutes).
IMPORTANT: Exit from the Swiss side of the airport, not the French side. Your scheduled airport transfer is directly billed to VBT, so you do not need to pay for it on site. If your taxi driver requests payment upon arrival at your Basel hotel, please ask the driver to accompany you to the hotel front desk, where they will confirm the billing arrangement.
Please note: Your room may not be available until 3:00 p.m., in which case you may store your luggage with the Reception Desk.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Basel at leisure, using the VBT City Information as your guide.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you fly in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense.
Accommodation: Hotel Basel, Basel
Enjoy a full day to discover this amazing capital of culture and art at your leisure. Please see VBT’s City Information for suggested itineraries and activities for your time in Basel.
Choose from among Basel’s inviting restaurants and cafes for lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Basel, Basel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue your independent exploration of Basel or travel to one of Switzerland’s other famous cities. Within about a one-hour train ride from Basel, you can visit Zurich, famous for having the highest standard of living in Europe; Bern, the Swiss capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site; or Lucerne, a medieval jewel set on a glittering lake.
Air Package guests will be arriving throughout the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Basel, Basel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Air Package Only
2021 Post-Trip Extension - Strasbourg
2 Nights From $195 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $145
- 2 nights at the Hotel Regent Contades
- Daily breakfast
- City Information
- Airport transfers
Today is yours to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.
Perhaps you’ll stroll through Strasbourg’s picturesque streets for a little shopping, or find an outdoor beer garden and enjoy a relaxing drink after a week of riding. The La Petite France neighborhood offers a little something for everyone. A boat tour around the city is another popular activity, but remember to book your ticket in advance. Your trip leaders can suggest activities here.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Accommodation: Regent Contades, Strasbourg
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue your independent exploration of the city and nearby area. The massive Notre Dame cathedral is a must-see, a marvel of Gothic creativity with its soaring spire, red sandstone façade, and vivid stained glass. Perhaps you’ll visit the Palais Rohan. Considered a miniature Versailles, it also boasts a fine archaeological museum in its basement. And, of course, every corner beckons with the brasseries, beer pubs, and winstubs (wine taverns) that make Strasbourg a very happy place indeed.
Accommodation: Regent Contades, Strasbourg
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast*, transfer to the Frankfurt airport (approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic) for your flight home. Please ensure that you are ready and waiting in the hotel reception area at the designated time.
IMPORTANT: The large airline hub of Frankfurt Airport provides optimal flight routing to the U.S. (instead of the closer but smaller Strasbourg airport). Departing from Frankfurt may require a very early morning departure from your Strasbourg hotel. VBT makes every attempt to book flight departures later than 10:30 a.m., but if your flight departs Frankfurt before 10:30 a.m., the ground transfer from your Strasbourg hotel to the Frankfurt airport may leave very early in the morning (5 hours prior to your flight to accommodate the 3-hour drive from Strasbourg to Frankfurt and recommended 2-hour prior check-in time).
* For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times when breakfast is served.
Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled departure time, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Guest Reviews 39 out of 40 (98%) of reviewers recommend this tour
Other Tours You'll Love
View Related Tours

The Netherlands: Holland’s Golden Age Towns & the North Sea
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 6 days at
$1,845
This bike tour through North Holland’s tulip country takes you to serene canals, Renaissance-era cities, cheese markets, untouched dunes, and breathtaking fields of springtime blooms.


Switzerland & France: Lake Geneva, Annecy & Valleys of the Alps
Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$3,995
Cycle easy routes on this bike tour into the Swiss and French Alps, following the Rhône and Isère rivers to Lakes Geneva, Annecy, and Bourget.


Guided Biking
Starting from 7 days at
$2,995
Shimmering coasts, mountain vistas, and medieval villages frame each and every day of your Costa Brava bike tour.
Stories From Europe
View All StoriesWhy Sweden & Denmark Are a Biker’s Valhalla
February 10, 2020
Two Countries, Two Wheels. Longtime VBT tour developer Kevin Wilks found himself dazzled by something unexpected on his recent trip to Scandinavia. Though impressed by classic sights like Denmark's Kronburg castle—the...
Continue ReadingWhy Laura from VBT Loves Croatia
December 5, 2017
Laura Breen, Director of Sales and Customer Service at VBT, fell in love with Croatia during a VBT bike tour of the Dalmatian Islands. Here are some of the reasons...
Continue ReadingWhy is VBT Trip Leader Andrea Excited About our Self-Guided Adventures?
February 27, 2020
An eight-year veteran trip leader with VBT, Andrea is originally from Slovakia. She moved to Spain to attend university, and ended up staying for 20 years. A former professional rock...
Continue ReadingRequest a
Free Catalog
Find Your next vacation with Over 200 Pages of tour information
Get Yours TodayBook Online
Reserve Instantly
Find your perfect tour and reserve a spot with our easy online booking.
Find A Tour