Trip Information Sheet
Cycle Lake Constance (Switzerland, Austria, Germany)
Wednesday Sept 4 - Monday Sept 16, 2024
Trip Leader: Madeleine Davidson msdavidson0000@gmail.com
Bordered by three countries (Switzerland, Austria, Germany), Lake Constance occupies an extremely beautiful corner of Central Europe and provides the perfect backdrop for this scenic bike tour. We will pedal slightly more than 200 KMs over 6 days.
This is a guided tour with an English-speaking guide and a dedicated support vehicle to carry our luggage and provide assistance if needed. It has been curated by Terranova Cycle Adventures, a German family-owned and operated company that has been providing high quality bicycle tours in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal since 1979. https://www.terranova-biketours.com/
We will be cycling off the beaten path and away from the crowds, and experiencing a different side of Lake Constance.
This is a world of forest paths, blooming orchards, wonderful vineyards, and quaint villages and hamlets. Located in the foothills of the Alps, this ancient cultural land is not only a feast for the eyes, but is also rich in architectural and historical treasures. It is an atmosphere that has inspired artists and poets throughout the ages and seems untouched by the passing of time.
Highlights
This unique itinerary utilizes cycling routes that explore the still, quiet, and picturesque hinterland on the German and Swiss side of the lake, allowing you to avoid the crowd of cyclists directly on the lakeshore. The routes are planned with meticulous precision to avoid the tourist hotspots and the traffic that threatens to dispel the magic of the landscape. You will not utilize the “official” cycle paths on busier roads, but use forest and meadow paths. You will cycle the official Lake Constance Cycle Path along the bank on the Austrian side of the lake on one day because here the Alps reach almost directly to the lake and it is not possible to switch to the hinterland. However, this stage is very beautiful as it leads through the nature reserve of the Rhine Delta.
Most routes are paved and very often a separated bike path, or small rural roads with low-traffic. There are some routes that pass through woods and these are gravel paths, with a firm, solid ground. Approximately 10% are not paved.
(note – the HOC trip has been customized with a different start point)
SKILL LEVEL:
EASY–MODERATE: From the website: “Rating a bike tour is one of the hardest things we do. What you find difficult or easy depends on your own personal physical condition and training. The itinerary leads through a gently rolling landscape on forest and meadow paths. The total distance is approx. 213-220 km. On some days, you will enjoy a very flat route and on other days, the itinerary leads through rolling hills with great panoramic views and wonderful landscapes. To cycle through the picturesque idyll of the hinterland, you do need a little extra effort on a few days. If you are concerned and don’t want to worry about your own fitness and ability, we recommend an electric bike.”
BIKES:
Touring Bike: The rental bikes are comfortable 28” trekking bike, equipped with Shimano eight-speed gearbox or a new 24-speed chain/gear hub with freewheel. You can choose between a male model (with top-tube) and a unisex model with low-step frame. Both are available in different frame sizes. The handlebars are ergonomically shaped. All bikes are equipped with a rack (rear wheel) and ideal for multi-day trips with bike panniers. The cost of the touring bike is included in the base price.
Electric Bike: In addition to touring bikes, e-bikes are also offered from the brands EBIKE / Velo de Ville / Kreidler. These are all equipped with a powerful battery and have a BOSCH or SHIMANO mid-engine. They are available for an additional ~$275.
You can bring your own helmet or rent one for 10 Euros/~$15 for the week.
CLIMATE:
The climate in the Lake Constance region is very mild with warm summers and moderate winters and can therefore almost be described as Mediterranean and owes it fame in fruit and wine growing to the warm and sunny climate. In spring, millions of fruit trees and spring flowers bloom covering the meadows in the rural area. The summer and autumn are particularly attractive due to the lush cherry and apple trees and the full grapevines. From April to October, the weather is ideal for cycling and discovering the beauties of this region.
HIGH LEVEL ITINERARY:
Day 1/Sept 4: depart Toronto Sept 4/24 on overnight trip to Zurich
Day 2/Sept 5: arrive Zurich/recover from jet lag – Hotel Hottingen – no activities planned
Day 3/Sept 6: visit Zurich (a menu of activities and options will be developed – all optional – some might have additional cost) – Hotel Hottingen
e.g. https://theplanetd.com/things-to-do-in-zurich/
e.g. https://bucketlistjourney.net/best-things-to-do-in-zurich/
Day 4/Sept 7: day trip to Lucerne – optional - additional cost – Hotel Hottingen
Day 5/Sept 8: visit Zurich (a menu of activities and options will be developed – all optional – some might have additional cost) –Hotel Hottingen
possible day trip to Basel - additional cost
Day 6/Sept 9: start cycling tour – transportation from Zurich to the cycling start – bike to Gottlieben
Day 7/Sept 10: stay Uberlingen
Day 8/Sept 11: stay Uberlingen
Day 9/Sept 12: stay Lindau
Day 10/Sept 13: stay St. Gallen
Day 11/Sept 14: stay Gottlieben
Day 12/Sept 15: return to Zurich – stay at airport hotel
Day 13/Sept 16: depart Zurich for Toronto
Maximum number of participants: 22 including trip leader. Four of these spots are available for single occupancy.
Details on itinerary:
https://www.terranova-biketours.com/tour/lake-constance-guided-bike-tour-germany-switzerland-3481/
COST:
$6,685 for double occupancy and $7,385 for single occupancy. These prices include a HOC registration fee of $80, of which $25 is non-refundable.
E-Bike: an additional cost of $275
What’s Included:
Cycle Tour:
Other:
What’s Not Included
NEW FOR 2024: Starting in 2024 there is a requirement to obtain ETIAS travel authorization for Europe which is linked to your passport. The cost is 7 Euros (approx. $11) and you must obtain it yourself. For more details visit the EU website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/
**PLEASE NOTE**
This pricing is based on an exchange rate that conservatively reflects our best estimate. If there is a significant increase in the exchange rate, we may have to charge a supplement to cover the difference. Similarly, if the rates drop significantly, we will refund you the difference. Please be aware that the air fare, air tax and service charges are also subject to change at any time without notice. In the case of currency fluctuation, the airline reserves the right to adjust the rates accordingly.
INSURANCE:
Emergency medical insurance coverage is mandatory. Your medical insurance information will be collected by Kemp Travel. If paying by credit card, check your credit card policy to see if you have coverage as a benefit of the card. If you need travel insurance, it can be purchased through Kemp Travel.
Cancellation insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. This protects you in the event your plans change.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT:
Kemp Travel, a TICO registered travel agency, is being used for this trip.
Payment for this trip may be made by INTERAC e-transfer, cheque, or credit card. If you choose to pay by credit card, an additional 3% will be charged by the travel agency.
There are two parts to your registration. Your spot is not secured until both steps are completed. The first deposit to Kemp Travel is due at the time of registration on the HOC website or within 5 business days thereafter.
1. On-line Registration: Use the club website / Events Calendar to register and pay $80 per person, $25 of this amount is non-refundable.
2. The second part of the registration is to pay a deposit of $1,325 per person to Kemp Travel. Payment may be paid by cheque, Interac e-transfer or credit card. If paying by Interac e-transfer, the email address to use is info@kemptravel.ca. If paying by credit card, please contact Madeleine by email to arrange. If paying by cheque, make the cheque payable to Kemp Travel Group and dated for the day you register. Mail cheques to Kemp Travel, 221 King St E, Oshawa, ON L1H 1C5.
Upon registration with Kemp Travel, you will receive a passenger information form, requesting your full name, passport information and address etc. Please complete the form and return it in a timely manner. Final payment is due July 2, 2024, for the remainder of the cost. We will notify you if there is an adjustment to the final payment due to fluctuations in the currency, airfare, air tax or service charges.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel your trip, please contact Madeleine via email. Please also contact Cheryl, our Club Manager at info@haltonoutdoorclub.ca. $25 of the club registration fee is non-refundable. Substitutions are permitted. Preference will be given to those on the HOC waitlist. If there is no waitlist HOC is not responsible for finding a substitute. If a replacement cannot be found, the cancelling party will be responsible for the cost of the trip. HOC highly recommends that you purchase cancellation insurance.
If the trip experiences delays or changes in itinerary due to weather or circumstances beyond our control that result in extra expenditures, these expenses are the responsibility of the participant, not the club or the travel agent. If the entire trip must be cancelled, you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable payments that have been made.
If we are unable to match you up with a roommate and there are no alternative rooming arrangements, we will cancel your registration and process a refund.