Day 1: Strasbourg, if you are not already staying here on your pre-trip, is easily accessed from Paris or Frankfurt by train. Our route moves from south to north which will take us back near to Strasbourg. Thus you can plan on seeing this great city on your own before or after your tour. We will gladly help youwith selectinga hotel in the medieval center to enhance your stay here. Upon meeting you will need to be ready to ride as you will soon be fitted for with your bike and then engage in a short warm up ride on a well marked bicycle path into Westhalten.

Westhalten hosts some 15 small producers, many very skillful. We stop for a tasting and tour at least one of the charming smaller vintners such as Agathe Bursin. The wines from here are reputed. Or we may stop at Diringer, who have a long history in the village. At the center of this charming city, which was fortified in 1257, we finds the remains of the fortified castle that was constructed in the 13th century by the Duke of Alsace, and the nephew of Saint Odile.

Lodgings: A quaint 3-star in the medival center of Westhalten

Dinner: In town

Day 2: Today we set off on a loop through some of the more impressive Gand Crus wines of the region. On the west side of Westhalten we find the imposing Grand Cru Zinnkoepflé. With its peak at 420 meters, it reaches higher than any other of the 51 Grands Crus of Alsace. Zinnkoepflé has a unique and characteristic, violent acidity that provides the backbone to Gewurztraminer, but also puts a requirement on Riesling to mature for at least 5 years. In this region there is a geologically unique formation, a strain of sandstone rich in lime that runs from south to north along the wester rim of Westhalten. Many growers in Westhalten have land in this region.
One noteworthy stop on our ride takes us to Soultzmatt. The name of the Soultzmatt village is derived from " Sulz " or " mineral spring ", and from " Matte " or " meadow ". As of the 13th till the 16th century, several vassals' families of the bishop built up to seven different castles: the cemetery and the village were probably fortified moreover. Six mineral springs were discovered there in the 15th century. Today Soultzmatt's water is marketed under the label " Eaux de Table ", or tablewate. Everything anyone would ever want to know about mineral water can be discovered here.

Lodgings: Same as previous night.

Dinner: Free night

Day 3 & 4:

Our morning ride takes us first to Eguisheim. The uniqueness of this city, which dates back to the Middle Ages, lies in the winding streets which are abundant with flowers as well as in the beauty of the surrounding countryside we will have riden. To fully enjoy our visit to this ancient city, we will explore its fascinating history. The remainder of our route takes us through charming small villages of the wine route. In 1049 Bruno of Eguisheim was born here; he would become Pope under the name of Léon IX and was partly responsible for the reform of the Church in the Middle Ages. He was later canonized. From a totally different point of view, Eguisheim is considered to be the cradle of Alsatian wine-making in the 4th century. The expansion of this industry took place during the Middle Ages as the bishops of Strasbourg and certain Abbeys owned and developped their vineyards. The reputation of the marvelous wine that came from this region soon travelled. Wines from Eguisheim were found on the royal tables of England and Holland. Later, Voltaire, who stayed in a nearby region, would declare his preference for these wines and acquired certain domains. We take time to explore some of the many castles and vineyards in the surroundings before reaching our destination, Colmar.

Mostly spared by the destructions of the French Revolution and the 20th century wars, the cityscape of old-town Colmar is homogenous and renowned among tourists. The area crossed by the canals of the river Lauch, and which formerly served as the butcher's, tanner's and fishmonger's quarter, is now called "little Venice" (la Petite Venise). Colmar's the town offers visitors an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history. What's more, Colmar retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. Wonderfully preserved from the ravages of time, its homogenous historical center is classed as a 'protected area' and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 20 years.

We will take time to explore this and much more in our two day stay here. Although in a very preserved area, Riquewihr is only 7 miles from our destination and home for the next two days, Colmar and minutes from other famous alsatian villages like Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Eguisheim or Kaysersberg. On day 4 we will take time to explore many of these quaint villages and enjoy another winery visit and tasting.

Lodgings: 3-star In Colmar's medieval center

Dinner: In town & 1 night free

Day 5 - 7: Our scenic rides along the “Le Route du Vin” leads to the fortified villages of Bergheim and Dambach-la-Ville. Pine forest, vineyards, majestic castles and rolling meadows deliver you to the mysterious “Pagan Wall” surrounding the convent of Sainte Odile.
Back on the bike our first stop is the jewel in the crown that makes up the Alsace wine region, Riquewihr. Famous for the Riesling and other great Alsace wines produced here it looks today exactly as it did in the 16th Century. Once we reach Riquewihr you will discover a wonderful romantic little medieval city hidden between the Vosges mountains and some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace. Japenese may find it familiar as it served for the design of an animated film "Howl's Moving Castle. Our destination first destination is Eguisheim. The uniqueness of this city, which dates back to the Middle Ages, lies in the winding streets which are abundant with flowers as well as in the beauty of the surrounding countryside we will have riden. To fully enjoy our visit to this ancient city, we will explore its fascinating history.

Our destination is the beer and wine making town of Obernai. It is home to France's best known beer, Kronenberg, and the historical wine of the city is called the Vin du Pistolet in reference to a local legend. In an authentic and warm, friendly setting, 11 winstubs will delight you with their regional specialities, such as the traditional sauerkraut, baeckeoffe and tartes flambées. At the center of this charming city, which was fortified in 1257, we finds the remains of the fortified castle that was constructed in the 13th century by the Duke of Alsace, and the nephew of Saint Odile.

During our final day's ride we loop out to pilgrimage site and most famous Alsatian cathederal outside of Strasbourg, Mount Sainte Odile. Within these grounds we examine the Pagan Wall and the mystery behind its huge construction of ten kilometres long which encircles Mont Sainte Odile. It is composed of about 300,000 blocks, with some claiming that it is a 3,000 year old druid construction. On our return we tour the local brewery and prepare for a grand farewell feast.

Lodging: 2 nights in medieval center of Obernai

Dinner: Outstanding both nights in town

Transportation Logistics

The following is a list of train schedules for transportation to and from the tour start and end locations. Train departure times and tracks are subject to change, so verify before boarding.

*Meeting your tour by train if not staying in Strasbourg:
Trains from Frankfurt to Strasbourg (tour start): ~2 hours
Frankfurt .....10:50am; arrival Strasbourg.... 12:59pm

From Stuttgart: ~2 hour
Stuttgart.... 11:11 am; arrival Strasbourg.... 12:59 pm

From Paris: ~3 hours
Paris Est....7:48am; arrival Strasbourg.....11:43 pm