Your 11 day cycling tour in Switzerland

Switzerland is the Land of Water.
The biggest rivers in Europe have their sources in Switzerland. Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls: there's plenty to enjoy both in and on the water.
We will ride along many rivers and six of the country’s biggest lakes on this tour that takes us from Meiringen to Bienne via the western part of the Swiss Alps.
On the way, we'll visit the beautiful cities of Bern (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Lausanne (the Olympic capital).

Day 1

Arrival at Zurich airport and transfer to Meiringen, in the heart of the Alps. The town is famous for the nearby Reichenbach Falls, a spectacular waterfall that was the setting for the death of Sherlock Holmes, the fictional character of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Day 2

Meiringen to Spiez

Our first ride takes us along the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun to Spiez, famous for its castle. Parts of its central tower were built around 933. After the ride, we can relax by the lake.

50km, flat

Above: Spiez and its castle

Day 3

Spiez to Bern

We ride to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, across the beautiful Swiss countryside. Dinner is hosted in a typical restaurant of the old town.

50km, moderately hilly

Day 4

Rest day in Bern. The town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its architecture is breathtaking. The tower of the cathedral (300ft high) offers an amazing view. We will have a guided visit of the old town.

Above: The old town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 5

Bern to Gruyères

We ride at the foot of the Alps to the tiny castle town of Gruyères, home of the famous Swiss cheese. Of course, we will taste a delicious cheese fondue for dinner!

70km, hilly

Above: The town of Gruyères, home of the famous Swiss cheese

Day 6

Gruyères to Les Diablerets

This is our day in the mountains. We climb the Col des Mosses, which will feature in the 2016 Tour de France. Another short climb will take us to the mountain village of Les Diablerets, where we will spend the night.

55km, mountainous

Above: Les Diablerets, a typical Swiss mountain village

Day 7

Les Diablerets to Lausanne

We start with a descent into Aigle and ride to Lausanne along the Lake of Geneva and across the beautiful Lavaux vineyards, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the ride, we have a wine tasting session with a local winemaker.

65km, flat

Above: The Lavaux vineyards, another UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 8

Rest day in Lausanne. The city is a focus of international sport, hosting the International Olympic Committee. We will have a guided visit of the Olympic Museum, and have time to explore the beautiful old town and do some shopping.

Above: Lausanne, the Olympic Capital

Day 9

Lausanne-Estavayer-le-Lac

We head north to Lake of Neuchâtel across the Gros-de-Vaud countryside. The town of Estavayer-le-Lac is surrounded by fortifications and is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites.

60km, moderately hilly

Day 10

Estavayer-le-Lac-Bienne

For our last day, we ride along the Lake of Neuchâtel and the Lake of Bienne, our final destination. The Swatch Group has its worldwide headquarters in Bienne, which is the heart of the Swiss watch-making industry.

55km, flat

Above: The Lake of Neuchâtel with Mont Blanc in the background

Day 11

Transfer to Zurich Airport after breakfast

What is included

  • 10 night accommodation in 4* hotels
  • All breakfasts / lunches / dinners
  • Transfers from and to Zurich Airport
  • Mechanic to assemble and disassemble bikes after and before the flight in Zurich
  • 2 cycling guides
  • Vehicle support by 2 vans with 2 drivers
  • Energy nutrition during the ride
  • Grand Tours Project cycling jersey
  • Roadbook including all the details you need to know on your trip
  • Guided visit of Bern
  • Wine tasting session in Lavaux
  • Guided visit of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne

What is not included

  • Flights / transportation to the trip pick up location
  • Travel insurance
  • Rental bikes (can be arranged for a fee)
  • All beverages