The & Valley Tour 2016 Self guided Tour 300-315 km | 7 nights / 8 days

Three highlights link up the stages of this tour through ’s south west: possibly the most beautiful part of Lake Constance with the Höri peninsula and the medieval towns of and Stein am Rhein, Europe’s biggest water fall in Schaffhausen and the wild romance of the Danube valley with its ancient rock formations. Frequently on level ground, but there are also a few hilly sections along paved cycle paths, quiet side roads and some natural paths. A basic level of fitness is recommended.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Individual arrival in Constance The largest town on Lake Constance is still quiet Medieval in character to this day and in 1414 hosted the only church council ever to take place north of the Alps. The aquariums in the Sea Life Center and the Archaeological Museum are also recommended.

Day 2 Constance – Schaffhausen approx. 50 km Today you will cycle along the romantic Lower Lake through small fishing villages and the well known town of Stein am Rhein. Die The capital city of the Canton Schaffhausen is crowned by the Munot Fortress.

Day 3 Schauffhausen – Falls - Radolfzell approx. 55 km After breakfast you will cycle the short distance to the Rhine Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe. You will then continue up along the Rhine back to Stein am Rhein and along the Höri Peninsula.

1 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com Day 4 Radolfzell – Engen - Mühlheim approx. 75 km or 60km + train ride Passing Langestein Castle and Aachtop, you pedal to Engen, a pretty little town with a well-preserved townscape. Along the Danube, you will be rewarded with level cycle paths that take you to today’s destination, Mühlheim.

Day 5 Mühlheim - approx. 50 km Today you will travel through the Danube opening which will probably be one of the most beautiful sections of your trip. The castle in Sigmaringen is still inhabited and houses a large collection of weapons where you can have a guided tour.

Day 6 Sigmaringen – approx. 50 km Today you will follow along the Danube through the widening landscape until you reach the Roman settlement of Mengen. From here you will cycle southwards towards the former imperial town of , well-known for its kitchen manufacturer Alno. The tour will then continue on along a very quiet and rural route through Linzgau towards Heiligenberg, a town which was founded by the Fürstenbergs and has an impressive castle.

Day 7 Heiligenberg – – Constance approx. 35km + ferry trip At first you will cycle at a fast pace down the steep stretch of land which separates the Upper and Lower Linzgau regions before continuing on at a relaxed tempo to Salem. The Cistercian Monastery was once very influential and important and is owned today by the Margraves of . Following along streams and rivers you will once again come to Lake Constance near Uhldingen. A ferry will then take you from Meersburg back to where you started your trip.

Day 8 Departure Your cycling tour comes to an end after breakfast. After breakfast you may return home or extend your stay

2 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com 2016 TOUR PRICES & DATES

From 13 May – 28 May & 24 June – 23 August: €710.00 per person sharing €870.00 for single occupancy

From 29 May – 23 June & 24 August – 3 October: €670.00 per person sharing €830.00 for single occupancy

From 30 April – 12 May & 4 October – 23 October: €590.00 per person sharing €750.00 for single occupancy

Arrival daily from 30 April – 23 October 2015

Optional extras: E-Bikes are available for an additional supplement of €90 Extra nights - €65 per person sharing / €90 single room occupancy

Children sharing a room with 2 full paying adults receive the following discounts: 0-5 years = Free 6-13 years = 50% 14-17 years = 25% (Please add for child bike rental.)

TOUR PROFILE

Character: Mainly hilly along tarred cycle paths, quiet back-roads and sometimes along dirt tracks.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE

 7 overnight stays in a double room with breakfast in guesthouses/ hotels of 3* - level  Entrance Rosgarten Museum Konstanz incl. 1 coffee  Boat trip to the Rhine Falls rock  Entrance to Sigmaringen Castle  Ferry Meersburg - Constance – Staad incl. bike  Transport of luggage from hotel to hotel, no limit on pieces of luggage but luggage may only weigh a maximum of 20 kg  Comprehensive tour information and maps  8-day service hotline  Bike rental – 7/21 gear bikes with Ortlieb saddle bag, odometer, lock, pump, repair kit

Not included: Train ride from Engen to Immendingen is not included, cost approx. 8,50 euro per person incl. bike

WHAT TO BRING

We would recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and / or a gel saddle cover which will make your days cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment, as are hard- sole shoes which will help protect your feet. And don't forget raingear including a rain jacket, rain pants and slip-on boots. A hat and sunglasses will protect you from getting too much sun. Finally, please make an effort to pack lightly. This will make your travels easier and will be much appreciated with the luggage transfers.

3 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com BACK UP SERVICE

As this is a self led trip you do not have the back-up of a guide and support van. Our aim is to allow you feel like an independent traveller, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that your luggage will be waiting for you in your next accommodation.

If you experience small problems with the bike (e.g., a puncture) you will have a spare tube, pump and tyre lever. You also have access to a 24 hour helpline.

HOW TO GET THERE

The closest airports are airport Stuttgart or airport Friedrichshafen.

From Stuttgart airport to Knostanz there is a train which goes every 30 minutes and takes approx 1hr 45mins. You may have to change trains once.

There is also a train connection from Friedrichshafen airport to Konstanz. Trains go every 30 minutes and only take 1 – 1,15 hours (0-1 train changes).

Train connections from Friedrichshafen to Stuttgart go every 30 minutes. 1 change. Duration approx 1,5 hours.

4 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com