Switzerland - Lakes, Valleys, Vistas - General Info
August 1-15, 2003
Tandems and Single Bikes
15 days/14 nights
Moderate rolling terrain
60-90 miles per day
Start and Finish in Appenzell, Switzerland
Gateway airport is Zurich, Switzerland
$2750 per person based on double
$500 single
supplement
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Alps;
BIG, breathtaking mountains...the image is instant and
definite. Mention Switzerland, and there is no hesitation in
the flow of images: towering mountains, high alpine meadows,
deep blue lakes reflecting the snow-covered peaks beyond. It
has been said that Switzerland’s primary natural resource is the
powerful attraction of her stunning landscape, the largest
portion of which is the Alps. Here countless lakes and rivers find their source and
mark their course in deep valleys and precipitous gorges at the
feet of more than 100 magnificent peaks over 13,000 feet high.
Our tour will take in some of the world’s most
incredible views; the breathtaking and inspiring panorama of the
Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger; lapis-colored lakes twisting around
the base of towering peaks; huge glaciers looming at road’s edge
gushing forth with torrents of cascading water. Not wanting to
be outdone by the spectacular alpine scenery, Switzerland’s
verdant pastures and tranquil meadowlands of the Mittelland
(central plateau) will offer us idyllic cycling beyond the
imagination. We’ll find ourselves cycling on perfect roads:
meandering forest paths, winding lakeside roads, quiet roads
wandering through green meadows; this will be constant scenic
overload. This tour is designed for tandems, single bikes most
welcome; and though we are riding through some of the most
rugged terrain in Europe, we have only three significant climbs,
all less than 2000 feet of elevation gain. For the experienced
tandem team, most of the riding will be easy to intermediate,
but there will be challenging routes for those who wish.
Since childhood, this country has probably
figured prominently in the travel dreams of many of us. Whether
these dreams conjure up scenes of majestic peaks, fields of
nodding wildflowers, tidy flower-decked chalets, polished
townscapes, the carillon of cowbells, or shelves of
gaily-wrapped chocolates, Switzerland will never fail to
exhilarate. This is not a tour to challenge Switzerland’s
extreme terrain, but it will be a challenge to one’s senses and
emotions to fully absorb the beauty and grandness of her
scenery.
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