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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Bike Switzerland Lite |
| Dates: |
Sept. 2 - Sept. 13, 2010 |
| Pace & Distance: |
Rolling terrain with steady to moderate pace. We average 35 to 40 miles per day. |
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| Group size: |
16 – 20 riders |
| Cost: |
2,990 Swiss francs (Chf) until Feb. 1, 3,350 Chf thereafter
600 Chf single supplement
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| Itinerary: |
We cross Switzerland from West to East on traffic-free bike paths passing through small towns, major cities, narrow valleys and wide meadows.
We stay in two castles, two spa hotels, a refurbished medieval hospital and a working monastery. We have numerous outdoor barbecues, local wine tasting and a day off hiking through the Jura.
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Tour Company:
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Bike Switzerland Lite
Sept. 2 - Sept. 13, 2010
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 After taking hundreds of cyclists across Switzerland’s alpine regions, Bike Switzerland has now developed a “Lite Tour” for riders looking for a more leisurely ride across the country.
Located in Geneva, the company’s Swiss roots are made obvious in the quality and details of this tour riders use high-end BMC bicycles, are chaperoned by local Swiss guides and spend their nights in unique locations: elegant inns, two different castles, two spa-hotels, a refurbished medieval hospital and a monastery. Riders will enjoy daily gourmet picnics at scenic locations and take part in elaborate evening barbecues and special visits to local cheese-makers and wine producers. Bike Switzerland’s involvement with the local communities and tourist boards mean that you’ll always have a special welcome.
The tour begins in Geneva with a bicycle fitting, orientation and a then an evening train ride to a local vineyard for wine tasting and a buffet dinner which allows the 18 to 20 riders on the tour to get acquainted. We ride through flowered meadows and green valleys and average 35 miles per day, giving us plenty of time to explore the medieval villages and baroque cities that line the itinerary. Each day of this 11-night trip has a very different flavour and each evening a surprise:
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Day One: An evening train to a local vineyard for an organic buffet and local wine.
Day Two: Supper at the historic casino overlooking the lake in Morges
Day Three: An evening visit to the thermal baths in Yverdon
Day Four: A barbecue and beer party at dusk in the woods behind our castle in Murten
Day Five: Supper on the terrasse of an historic building on the banks of the Aare river
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Day Six: A day off the bikes, up a cable car and into the Jura mountains.
Day Seven: A private barbecue organized behind Zofingen’s rose garden.
Day Eight: Thermal baths and an elegant supper in a mirrored ballroom
Day Nine: A cozy night in an isolated monastery
Day Ten: Champagne, barbecue and bonfire at our castle overlooking Lake Constance
Day Eleven: Visit Berne, United Nations private banquet
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The Lite Route follows Swiss regional and national bicycle paths: very low-traffic, well-maintained paths and plenty of signs to mark the turns. Riders will also have their own set of maps, a portable telephone and a GPS with the entire route marked, so staying on track is never a problem. Of course, your Swiss guides ride these routes year in and year out and they are never far behind.
The Lite Tour has a rolling terrain and riders keep a steady to moderate pace throughout the day. Although the tour is not difficult, most riders will need a year or two of riding experience and some training to feel comfortable on this tour. Non-riding partners, however, are welcome to come along and experience the itinerary by train.
More information, including profile charts and day-by-day summaries of the tour, can be found at www.bikeswitzerland.com.
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THE FINE PRINT
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Minimum number of cyclists: 8
Maximum number of cyclists: 20
Price
2,990 Chf until Feb. 1
3,350 Chf thereafter
600 Chf single supplement
Trip price includes
- Premium lodging (3 and 4 star hotels)
- Airport transfers/pick-ups in Geneva
- All meals except two (one evening meal and one lunch)
- All gourmet picnic lunches: fresh organic salads, farm cheeses, bakery breads, hard sausages, fruit, cakes, wine, beer, soda, etc.
- Cocktail nights
- A high-end, fully-equipped BMC bicycle rental with bags, bottle, lock, tools, helmet, etc.
- GPS navigation on all bike
- Support van for luggage
- Color maps to keep you on track
- Your own cellphone so family can call you
- Special events (wine tasting, farm breakfasts, bonfire night, etc.)
- Guided hiking day with cable car ride
- Return train travel back to Geneva with stop-over in Berne
- T-shirt
Not included
Bike Switzerland Booking
- Go to www.bikeswitzerland.com (Note: Registration process is made easier using Internet Explorer)
- Click “Join up” and then “Sign up” from the drop down menu.
- Create an account by clicking on the green button “Create an Account”
- Follow steps 1-5 as listed on the site.
- You will be required to make a 500 Chf per person deposit. The balance will need to be paid by May 1, or within 5 days if the deposit is made after May 21.
- Payment can by check or bank transfer can be arranged.
Bike Switzerland Cancellation Policy
Should you decide to cancel, and if there is a waiting list, Bike Switzerland will simply transfer your tour to a different person(s) of our choice and there will be an administrative charge of 100 Chf. If there is not a waiting list for your ride, we will apply the following refunds.
- Persons cancelling more than 90 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus $200 of money paid.
- Persons cancelling 61-90 days before Day One of the tour will forfeit their deposit.
- Persons cancelling 31-60 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 50% of money paid.
- Persons cancelling 30 days or less before Day One will receive no refund.
- Riders canceling may choose to transfer their ride to another person of their choice for an administrative fee of $200 dollars. Such a transfer must be made at least 30 days before the tour unless special permission is granted. Bike Switzerland reserves the right to refuse any such transfer if the participant substituted is deemed unacceptable for any reason.
Testimonials
"I have enjoyed 24 bike tours in Europe over the past 16 years, and BikeSwitzerland is the most thoughtfully-planned, best-run (and certainly serves up the most elegant meals!) I've experienced." - Shannon Davenport, Plantation, Florida
"What was especially appreciated were the “safety valve” options of taking a train in the case of inclement weather or physical wear and tear." - Mark and Sandy Hudson, Shelby, North Carolina
"Thanks again for a great trip! The tour was an excellent mix of riding, relaxing, sightseeing, and learning about Swiss culture. When 7 days of riding and 12 days away from home feels like an entire month of vacation, I call that a successful trip! As a somewhat selective eater who also requires quantity, I am pleased to report that I never went hungry, which is always one of my main concerns on a bike trip. By the way, the cell phones were a great tool that enabled me to be independent. Thanks!" - Joyce Chang, Healdsberg, California
Why Bike Switzerland?
The Accomodations: Whether it’s a medieval castle, an isolated country auberge, a stunning baroque monastery or a wooden chalet, we guarantee that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by our efforts to find unique overnight locations.
The Food: Don’t plan on losing weight ! Your first meal will be a vineyard supper in the nearby Geneva countryside and your glass of wine will at our Bike Switzerland banquet at the United Nations private beach!
Otherwise, mornings begin with a buffet breakfast and lots of coffee. Your lunches will be scenic and the spread lavish: various breads, cheeses, meats, chocolate, sweets, wine and beer with inspired salads made to order by our Swiss chauffeur/chef. Evening happy hours are followed by an unforgettable adventure in Swiss cuisine, often at an award-winning restaurant. And the wine is on us !
 The Bike: Leave yours at home ! We’ve partnered with BMC Swiss Cycling to give each rider a high-end Alpen-Challenger 02. These Swiss-made hybrids come fully equipped and are perfectly suited for the varied terrain you’ll be covering on your trip across Switzerland.
Flexibility: Both itineraries make extensive use of the Swiss train network, allowing you to take a day off or a ½-day at any time. Of course, extra kilometers are always possible !
The Staff: All of us have a background in international education and believe that travel should be life-changing. We encourage this through bonding as a group, interacting with the locals and exploring the history and culture of the valleys we bike through.
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REGISTER NOW FOR THE BIKE SWITZERLAND TOUR!
Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle the hills? Join Cascade Ride Leaders in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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