Heart of Europe Bicycle Tours
Alpine Splendor
Itinerary
Our most popular tour. Travel with us on our exciting HEART OF EUROPE BICYCLE TOURS adventure into some of the most spectacular scenery Europe has to offer. Bike into Lauterbrunnen's breathtaking Valley of the Waterfalls, enjoy memorable hiking near Zermatt's Matterhorn and in high Alpine meadows while listening to cow bells and Alphorns echoing throughout the valleys.
Enjoy the exhilaration of cycling along the shores of Austrian and Swiss serene lakes, lightly traveled roads and through inviting hillside vineyards and villages. The charm of Salzburg, steeped in history, culture and tradition beckons our visit and every day we have new experiences we will cherish for a lifetime. Join us on this unforgettable journey through the HEART OF EUROPE.
We have carefully planned an itinerary to satisfy your every bicycling and sightseeing dream. This tour is suitable for bikers of ALL levels of experience. We will travel with LUXURY MOTORCOACH SUPPORT throughout the tour. You have the option of biking as much or as little as you desire.
Saturday, July 23, 2005 U.S.A. / Munich
Departure for Europe via scheduled international carrier to Munich, Germany.
Sunday, July 24, 2005 Munich/St. Wolfgang
Early morning arrival in Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria. After loading our fully equipped luxury motor coach there will be a short tour of the city including the Glockenspiel and Town Hall at the historic Marienplatz. After lunch at the famous Hofbräuhaus and the assembly of the bicycles, we begin the scenic drive to St. Wolfgang in the Austrian Alps. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take a leisurely stroll in "postcard beauty."
Monday, July 25, 2005 St. Wolfgang
(23-46 miles cycling)
A wonderful day of biking in some of the most picturesque Austrian countryside. From the shores of Wolfgangsee we bike to Bad Ischl, the summer residence of the former Austrian emperor and then on to Hallstatt, a photogenic village, founded in Celtic times and precariously built on a narrow strip of land bordered by the lake and steep mountainside. Return to St Wolfgang stopping at Zauner's world famous pastry shop for Kaffee und Kuchen.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005 St. Wolfgang/Salzburg
(20-40 miles cycling)
This morning we will be cycling alongside the beautiful Wolfgangsee until we reach the inviting forests, hills and valleys of Salzburgerland. After lunch our ride will take us on tree-lined bike paths along the Salzach River and into the city of Salzburg. A baroque jewel in a perfect mountain setting, Salzburg is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. Dinner will be on the balcony of the café-Restaurant Glockenspiel overlooking Mozartplatz, one of Salzburg’s most colorful squares. "The Sound of Music" city is the home to many world famous Mozart inspired concerts.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005 Salzburg
(30 miles cycling)
Free morning of sightseeing might include Hohensalzburg, the fortress with its impressive view of the city, Mirabell Palace and Gardens, St. Peters and the Residence Square or shopping in the fashionable Getreidegasse and other 17th century streets. Enjoy a fantastic afternoon bike ride from Bad Dürrnberg into Germany to Berchtesgaden and the tranquil Königsee. We have dinner at St. Peter’s Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in central Europe. Tonight you may attend another concert, visit the casino or a local night spot. Enjoy the magnificent view from Hohensalzburg!
Thursday, July 28, 2005 Salzburg/Innsbruck
(30+ miles cycling)
Today we travel to the famous ski resort of Kitzbühel and then to the medieval village of Rattenberg, well known for its hand-cut crystal. At Alpbach, voted the most beautiful village in Austria, we mount our bicycles for a delightful ride along the Inn Valley to the Tyrolean capitol of Innsbruck, home of the l964 and l976 Olympics. After dinner at the Hotel Neue Post, we will attend an authentic evening of Tyrolean folkloric entertainment?
Friday, July 29, 2005 Innsbruck/Zermatt
Travel via coach through spectacular alpine scenery as we make our way to Switzerland. Our journey takes us over the Arlbergpass, where modern skiing originated, to Liechtenstein (famous for its stamps), up the Rhine Valley to Chur, where we catch the Glacier Express, Switzerland’s most famour mountain railway for an unforgettable journey over mountain passes and down to the Rhone Valley. Our first class panorama carriage will deliver us directly to Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn.
Saturday, July 30, 2005 Zermatt
Today at leisure - an opportunity to take an aerial tram to Klein Matterhorn for summer skiing or ride the cog rail to Gornergrat, gazing across glaciers to the peaks of majestic mountains including the unmistakable Matterhorn. The views surpass description and will stay with you for a lifetime. This auto-free village is a haven for hikers and mountaineers who come to enjoy the peace, quiet and breathtaking spell of the Matterhorn.
