Classic cycling around Lake Constance in the shadow of the stunning peaks of the Alps

In the heart of Central Europe is the waterway of Lake Constance and the town more commonly referred to as "Konstanz". The 270km circuit around the lake, locally known as "Bodensee", will take you through a trio of countries from Germany to Austria and Switzerland. The lake is a created by the Rhine, which descends from the Swiss Alps to create a 46km delta that often is too wide to see from one shore to the other. This well-marked route is almost completely flat, making it ideal for anyone including occasional cyclists and families. Starting from the small town of Konstanz we follow the Rhine as it attempts to escape along the German-Swiss border. After passing the Monastic Island of Reichanau, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 because of its Benedictine Abbey, we head to the mediaeval town of Stein. The route varies considerably from quaint Swiss fishing villages with beautiful half-timbered houses to fruit orchards and marvellous countryside on the approach to the Bavarian island-city of Lindau. The circuit of the lake ends cycling through the apple orchards of Canton Thurgau and returning to Konstanz.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Konstanz. 2 Cycle along the German-Swiss border passing the island of Reichenau to the attractive mediaeval town of Stein am Rhine, with many fresco-decorated houses. 3 The majority of the day's riding is in Switzerland, passing through small fishing villages and a tiny Franciscan monastery on the island of Werd. The flower island of Mainau is worth a visit before taking a ferry to Uberlingen. 4 Ride along the lakeshore to Friedrichshafen. There is the chance to visit the baroque pilgrim's church in Birnau, attractive old Meersburg and the famous Zeppelin museum in Friedrichshafen. 5 Ride through pleasant fruit orchards as far as the old Bavarian town of Lindau, which stands on an island in the lake. A little further along enter Austria, and the festival city of Bregenz. 6 Leave Bregenz and cross the Rhine as it flows down from the Swiss Alps into Lake Constance, then re-enter Switzerland and cycle along the lake to the harbour town of Rorschach. 7 Ride through the apple orchard region of Thurgau passing peaceful meadows, forests and monasteries and complete the loop to Konstanz. 8 End Konstanz.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 40km (25 miles)No. of days cycling: 6Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for you.Terrain and route: the suggested cycling route runs along the edge of the lake, almost entirely on dedicated cycleways, which are mostly flat. Occasionally minor roads are used.
Group size: Self guided. Luggage is transferred, routes notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights in medium standard hotels and inns.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $170.10
Trip Reference: LSC
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.