Self-Guided Alsace Based in One Hotel Bike Tour

This six day cycling getaway is all about slowing down and soaking up the charm of Alsace, with Colmar as your comfortable home base each night. You will ride roughly 160 km in total, mostly on quiet cycle paths and low traffic roads, passing vineyards, canals, and storybook villages along the famous Alsace Wine Route.

Highlights include colorful towns like Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Turckheim, a relaxing ride through the Munster Valley, and a longer adventure to the Rhine that takes you to the UNESCO listed fortress town of Neuf Brisach and across the river into Germany at Breisach. A free day in Colmar lets you explore its canals, museums, and food scene at your own pace.

With no luggage transfers, welcoming hotels, and flexible daily distances, this trip is ideal for riders who want culture, scenery, and easygoing cycling without rushing.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Colmar

Finish

Colmar

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

56 km / 35 mi

Cycling Days

3

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

Fly-Out

Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

Highlights

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Storybook Colmar

Colmar is the heart of the tour and your base for all six days. Its half timbered houses, canals, cobbled lanes, and lively food scene make it a joy to explore, especially with a full free day to wander at your own pace.

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Alsace Wine Route Villages

Cycle through some of Alsace’s most famous wine villages including Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Hunawihr, Eguisheim, and Turckheim. Vineyards, colorful houses, and quiet wine roads create classic Alsatian scenery throughout the ride.

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Rhine Valley and UNESCO Heritage

Ride to the impressive Vauban fortress town of Neuf Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then cross the Rhine into Germany to visit Breisach am Rhein, adding an international touch to the journey.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Colmar

Arrive in Colmar, the charming capital of Alsace wines, and check in to your selected hotel. After settling in, spend time exploring the beautifully preserved historic center. Stroll through medieval alleyways, admire half timbered houses, and enjoy the canals of the Little Venice district. This first day is designed for relaxation and orientation after your journey.

No cycling is scheduled today, allowing you to fully unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

Meals:
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Day 2: Colmar

Today you begin cycling into the heart of the famous Alsace Wine Route. Leaving Colmar, you ride through gently rolling vineyards and quiet country roads. You can choose between two route options depending on your comfort level. The ride passes iconic wine villages such as Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, and Kientzheim, each known for colorful houses and historic charm.

The longer route also includes Turckheim and Eguisheim, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. After a rewarding day of cycling and sightseeing, return to Colmar.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 53 km / 33 mi
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Day 3: Colmar

Today is a rest day with no planned cycling, giving you time to explore Colmar in depth. Wander through cobbled streets lined with flower filled balconies and artisan shops. Visit the renowned Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Issenheim Altarpiece. Enjoy local Alsatian specialties in traditional restaurants or relax at a café along the canals.

This free day adds balance to the tour and lets you experience local life at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4: Colmar

After breakfast, cycle toward the lush Munster Valley via Turckheim and Zimmerbach. The scenery changes to green hills, meadows, and forested landscapes. The valley is famous for Munster cheese, a regional specialty that you may wish to sample during your stop. The route follows peaceful cycle paths, making for a relaxed and scenic ride.

In the afternoon, you return to Colmar along a dedicated bicycle path winding through the valley.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
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Day 5: Colmar

This is the longest and most diverse cycling day of the tour. You ride east toward the Rhine Valley, reaching the impressive fortified town of Neuf Brisach, designed by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing onward, you cross the Rhine into Germany to explore the historic town of Breisach am Rhein, known for its cathedral and charming streets.

The return journey follows flat canal side cycle paths back into France. After a full day of history, culture, and cycling, you return to Colmar.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
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Day 6: Departure

After breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end. Depending on your onward plans, you may depart Colmar by train, taxi, or car, or choose to extend your stay in Alsace. No cycling is planned today, allowing for a relaxed departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hôtel Le Colombier

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $680

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $250



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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KTM Macina Cross 720 or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Velo de Ville SEB 890 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival and Departure

Your tour starts and ends in Colmar, France.

The most convenient way to arrive in Colmar is to fly into a major European hub and continue by train, as Colmar does not have its own international airport. The closest and most practical airport is Basel–Mulhouse–Freiburg EuroAirport (BSL/MLH/EAP), located about an hour away. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Basel SBB station and then a direct regional or high-speed train to Colmar, making this a smooth and popular option.

Another excellent approach is to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), especially for long-haul travelers. From CDG, high-speed TGV trains connect directly to Colmar (or via Strasbourg) in around 2.5 to 3 hours, without needing to enter Paris city. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is also a strong alternative, offering frequent train connections to Colmar in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via Strasbourg.

If you are coming from Europe, you can also fly into the smaller Strasbourg Airport and continuing by train to Colmar. From Strasbourg Airport, take the airport shuttle or train to Strasbourg main station, then a direct train to Colmar, which takes about 30 minutes. Colmar railway station is well connected and taxis are readily available outside the station. If you prefer to drive, Colmar is easily accessible by road, and parking options are available at the hotels, either free or paid depending on the category.

Overall, most international visitors find it easiest to arrive via Basel, Paris CDG, or Frankfurt, then complete the journey by train. Rail connections into Colmar are frequent, comfortable, and arrive right in the town center, making this a stress-free way to begin exploring Alsace.

Weather

The most enjoyable cycling conditions for this tour are from May to September, when temperatures are generally warm and daylight is long. June to August offers the best overall weather, with average daytime temperatures between 20–25°C (68–77°F), though short heat spikes above 35°C (95°F) can occur in July and August. April and October are mixed months, with cooler air and variable conditions.

Winter months are considered offseason due to cold temperatures, shorter days, and a higher chance of rain or frost.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Good

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Good

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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