Luxury Sparkling Champagne & the Alsace Wine Route Biking 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 61 km (38 miles), Elevation gain: 732 m (2400 ft)

After meeting in Reims, we shuttle to the starting point of our first ride of the week, the magnificent Côte des Blancs region. After a delightful lunch, the tour guides fit your bike and give a brief lecture on the various biking techniques and safety measures, before setting off to explore this stunning area.

Spin through the Côte des Blancs' sea of vineyards, known to produce some of the world's most famous champagne. This area is well-known for its champagne blanc de blanc, made only from white wine grapes (most commonly chardonnay). Cycle along the quiet paths, while looking for signs by the side of the road with names of some of the most acclaimed champagne labels: Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon. This is just the beginning of a true Grand Cru experience!

Ride through tiny French towns, making sure to stop in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. This iconic village is home to the walled vineyard where Krug harvests a single plot of chardonnay each year to produce its Clos du Mesnil, one of the rarest and most expensive champagnes in the world. This afternoon, we will be heading to the champagne capital of Épernay to cruise down the Avenue de Champagne. Explore the streets lined with turreted mansions and neoclassical villas.

Ride on to our home for the next two nights, the Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa. A 5-star hotel located in Champillon, France. Surrounded by the vineyards of Champagne. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or simple bask in the serenity at the garden terrace overlooking the lush surrounding valleys. This evening we toast to the week ahead (with bubbly, of course!) before enjoying a multi-course meal in the hotel's private dining room paired with exquisite wines selected by an adept sommelier.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 35 km (22 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 71 km (44 miles), Elevation gain: 732 m (2400 ft)

After a hearty breakfast this morning, you head out on your bike from the hotel toward the Marne River, spinning through sun-soaked villages along the way. The area is home to lush forests, sprawling vineyards, colourful gardens, and historic castles.

We will be having lunch at a beautiful family-owned winery in Hautvillers located in the heart of the Reims Mountain area. This town is known as the home of Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk credited as the spiritual father of champagne thanks to his contributions to refermentation, the process that gives champagne its bubbles. Swing by the location where Dom Pérignon is buried, the village church.

After enjoying a lunch of Champagne-Ardenne specialties, go for a bike ride exploring the Marne Valley while relishing mind-blowing views of the Marne Valley. Pedal past Romanesque churches before crossing the Marne River to return to our hotel, where you can take a dip in the pool or indulge in a spa treatment.

Tonight's amazingly luxurious dinner takes place in the oldest Maison de Champagne, Moët & Chandon. Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, the house was brought to prominence by Claude's grandson Jean-Rémy, a good friend of Napoleon Bonaparte. We have the opportunity to visit one of the most famous cellars in Épernay, a subterranean labyrinth where the grapes complete their transformation into champagne. Tonight, be treated to an exclusive and unforgettable dinner where each course comes with its champagne pairing.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), Elevation gain: 792 m (2600 ft)

Today brings the end to the first part of our adventure as we shuttle out of the Champagne region, and we begin the second part of our adventure in Alsace! Arriving in Marlenheim village, begin your ride along the Route des Vins (Wine Route), world-renowned for its fine vintages.

The Vosges Mountain Range shields these foothills from ocean weather patterns, creating a sunny, warm and dry microclimate, which makes it excellent for cultivating wine grapes. We will be having lunch today at a traditional Alsatian farm with organic local varieties to choose from. Cycle to the town of Obernai and perhaps enjoy spectacular coffee before going to the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile. If you are up for a challenge this afternoon, climb up Mont Sainte Odile into the heights of the Vosges for pleasant views over the surrounding forests and the lush Rhine Plain. At the peak you'll also find the Hohenburg Abbey, a nunnery founded in 690 AD by Saint Odile.

Otherwise continue straight to Ottrott and our home for the evening, Hostellerie des Châteaux. A stunning 17-century manor located 8km from Saint-François on a hill overlooking the sea on the edge of the protected site of the Pointe des Châteaux at the end of Guadeloupe, and 3 minutes from the beach of Salines. Settle into your room, take in views of the valley below as you lounge by one of the three outdoor or indoor pools, or enjoy the spa before we gather to delight in the flavours of Alsace at the hotel's restaurant.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 39 km (24 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 55 km (34 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), Elevation gain: 884 m (2900 ft)

Go on to the scenic Route des Vins this morning, switching up scenery of cultivated fields for the sylvan landscape of the Vosges forest. Then we're in for a treat in the town of Kintzheim, where lunch at Restaurant Saint Martin awaits. This spot is renowned for its tarte flambée, an Alsatian dish with a thin bread-dough base, traditionally topped with Fromage blanc, thinly sliced onions, and bacon. We'll enjoy the dish according to custom: one tart for four people, replaced immediately when finished so it's always hot and crispy.

After enjoying lunch, you are free to travel to the splendidly restored Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a 12th-century fortress strategically set overlooking the valley. Up for more adventure, continue along the edge of the Vosges, taking in quiet towns where geranium boxes adorn nearly every façade.

We come to the end of today’s adventure in Illhaeusern, set along the Ill River by the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains. Originally a 15th-century fishing village, Illhaeusern has a long history as a wine and grain producer along the trade routes with Strasbourg.

You will be staying at the 5-star Hôtel des Berges for the next two nights. Situated in the heart of Alsace with stunning views of the river. Take a refreshing dip in the picturesquw pool, bask in the serenity by the terrace riverside or stroll through its lush and well manicured gardens.

We will be travelling this evening to Ribeauvillé town for a guided tour, walking through the streets adorned with colourful half-timbered houses, spectacular Gothic churches, and mediaeval buildings. Be on the lookout for a restaurant that tickles your fancy for dinner at your own expense.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 34 km (21 miles), Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 68 km (42 miles), Elevation gain: 579 m (1900 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 84 km (52 miles), Elevation gain: 1036 m (3400 ft)

Today’s ride brings us to the famous Route des Vins villages, some of which are listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ”The most beautiful villages of France”. Take a break from your bike to wander through the courtyards in beautifully preserved Riquewihr. After a sumptuous lunch by yourself in thriving Eguisheim, go for a tour through this storybook town, where shops sell wonderful Grand Cru vintages produced at local vineyards.

Back on your bike, ride along the Canal of Colmar, or take some time to shop in Colmar. Loopback to the hotel and unwind at the spa or by the pool, or keep pedalling to the ruins of the Château du Hohlandsbourg for some exploration.

This evening we celebrate our week with a gastronomic delight: a world-class meal at Auberge de l'Ill. This family-owned restaurant has hosted Michelin stars continuously since 1967 and is renowned for its refined and innovative cuisine, along with its exquisite service. Settle into the chic dining room and prepare to be amazed, before retiring to your cozy room for the night.

Level 1, Approx. 23 km (14 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)

Not ready to part ways with your bike just yet? Rise early and take it for one last spin through the lush countryside with spectacular mountain views. Cycle through a sea of neatly tended fields and quintessential Alsatian villages as they come to life. Perhaps you'll meet some locals over coffee and croissants at a café along the way.

If you choose to stay in instead, enjoy one last delightful breakfast and the serene atmosphere. Gather for a final Alsatian lunch before saying farewell. After, board a private coach bound for Strasbourg, Alsace’s capital and largest city.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.