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The Swiss Aare Trail
Panoramic views and river landscapes
Independent Cycling Tour
Lakes, mountains and rivers, combined with lovely days of
gentle cycling make this holiday through Switzerland ideal
for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday with views to
remember.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
 |
 |
This tour is on quiet roads and does include some hills,
but they are never too long. We suggest ferry and train
options if you wish to avoid the hills. |
Day 1: Arrival in Meiringen
If you arrive early you may like to visit the
dramatic Reichenbach falls, made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as
the setting for the death of Sherlock Holmes. Pick up your documents at
the hotel.
Day 2: Meiringen to Interlaken
19 miles
Before you begin your cycle
tour it's worth visiting the spectacular Aare gorge close to Meiringen.
From here you continue towards Interlaken, as much of your route
follows the beautiful glass green waters of Lake Brienz.
Day 3: Interlaken to Thun
19 miles
This morning you have plenty of
time to wander around Interlaken before enjoying today's cycle ride with
views of snow-covered mountain peaks, lush green vineyards and
imposing hilltop castles.
Day 4: Thun to Bern
17½ miles
You leave behind the mountain views
today and enjoy a whole change of scenery with unobstructed views
across the wide, open plains of the Aare Valley. Your route takes you
right to the heart of the Swiss capital of Bern, designated as a World
Heritage Site for its beautifully preserved medieval streets, its arcades
and street fountains. Take the time to relax and enjoy this lovely floral
city.
Day 5: Bern to Biel
31 miles
A longer day of cycling today as you
continue from Bern towards the Wohlensee Lake. You now pass through
the agricultural region of Grossen Moos, and continue to your overnight
stay near the beautiful Lake of Biel.
Day 6: Biel to Solothurn or Wangen on the Aare
22 miles
From Biel
you begin once more to follow the course of the Aare river. As you cycle
along the path look out for the storks of Altreu. You will then see ahead
the towers of the Solothurn Cathedral and it's worth spending some time
in Solothurn enjoying the narrow lanes of the old town and perhaps
taking an excursion to the Weissenstein mountain.
Day 7: Solothurn or Wangen to Aare
36 miles
For your final day of cycling you have a leisurely ride through the enchanting river landscape between Berken, Aarwangen and Wolfwil.
Day 8: End of tour after breakfast
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| Your
accommodation and meals |
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You will stay in double or twin rooms in three or four-star hotel accommodation along the route. Your luggage is transported to each overnight stop for you, so you can relax and enjoy the cycling.
All accommodation is on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
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| Departure
dates & prices |
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Prices include:
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Bed & Breakfast
- Bicycle hire
(24 gears)
- Bicycle bag
- Route description and maps
- Luggage transport (1 bag per person)
- Puncture repair kit
Departure dates are daily from April to October 2008
| April - Oct 2008 |
7 |
£499 |
£70 |
Single room supplement: £18 per night
Extra night (B&B): £46 sharing a twin or double room; £64 single room
*Prices vary and can only be
confirmed when you make a booking.
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| Bike details |
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| Travel
options |
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Suggested times and points of departure - please call us to discuss the most suitable flights and latest prices.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/11/2007 (provisional)
| British Airways |
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| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Heathrow - Zurich |
08:30 - 11:10 |
12:15 - 13:00 |
£100 |
| easyJet |
|
|
|
| Route |
Out |
Return |
Price from |
| Stansted - Basel |
11:50 - 14:35 |
15:00 - 15:40 |
£70 |
| Liverpool - Basel |
13:10 - 16:00 |
16:25 - 17:20 |
£70 |
Transfer to Meiringen: 2-3hr by train (payable locally)
For rail trickets contact Deutsche Bahn in London on 0870 243 5363 or visit www.deutsche-bahn.co.uk.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book aiport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Average
temperature |
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The average daytime temperatures for this region is listed
below:
| April |
8°C |
46°F |
| May |
12°C |
54°F |
| June |
16°C |
61°F |
| July |
19°C |
65°F |
| August |
17°C |
63°F |
| September |
15°C |
59°F |
| October |
10°C |
50°F |
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