Adventourus Active Vacations

12 day Guided E-Cycling tour

   This incredibly fascinating tour by electric Flyer bicycle passing through stunning and varied scenery, offers numerous uphill climbs and invigorating valley descents and the time to enjoy the whole host of well-known and lesser known cultural and culinary highlights. Prepare yourself for the thrill of the Jura mountain wilderness, the hilly and lush Franche-Comté region, the famous vineyards and the abundance of waterways in the Burgundy and Ile-de-France areas. And, of course, Paris is always worth a visit!

*     Natural landscape of the Jura mountains
*     Côte-d’Or and Burgundy Canal regions
*     Dijon, Beaune, Auxerre, Paris – towns steeped in history

   Make your own way to Bern. Meet in Bern in the Schützenmatte car park between 9.00 and 9.30 a.m. Your first Flyer bicycle trip will take you along the shoreline of the Neuenburger Lake.

    A journey back in time as we pay our respects to Charles the Bold who in 1476 marched against the Swiss only to be defeated in the Battles of Grandson and Morat. History lesson over, we can now put all our effort into conquering the challenging terrain of the Jura. From the peaks you can enjoy the enchanting view of the snow-covered Alps (weather permitting) and down below, the shimmering lakes. The many wonderful descents are a handsome reward for achieving the climb.

    Overnight accommodation in the town of Salins-les-Bains, once famous for its Great Saltworks.

Day 3: Dole and surroundings (60 km)

   The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 18th century, it was designed according to a philosophy which favoured the powerful use of symmetry. With its sense of balance, this huge structure is breathtaking. In contrast to this, a gentle landscape opens up before us as we continue our Flyer journey with a leisurely ride to Dole, birthplace of Louis Pasteur.

   We leave the town of Dole which is located along the River Doubs where it meets the Rhine-Rhône Canal. We cross over the Saône in St. Jean de Losne und ride into the vibrant capital of the Burgundy region - Dijon, a gourmet’s paradise, world-famous for its culinary delights such as mustard, fine wines and blackcurrant liqueur. Dijon has an outstanding arts museum and once was the seat of the Great Dukes. Take a walking discovery tour around the well-preserved Old Town.

   Welcome to the aristocrats of the world of Burgundian wines. Chambertin, La Romanée, Corton and Montrachet are names which suggest top quality to wine enthusiasts around the world.
   The Gold Coast (the Cote-d'Or) is one most highly prestigious wine regions in the world. “Fly” through the narrow streets of the wine-growing villages and marvel at the charms of the Old Town in Beaune, still intact.

    Once you leave Beaune, which lies in the heart of the renowned vineyards, the scenery changes suddenly; now it is characterised by forests and waterways. Pont d`Ouche is the starting point of a well-developed bike trail along the Burgundy Canal. The hilly landscape provides an almost theatrical scenic backdrop to your journey.

   Shortly before reaching Semur-en-Auxois, we attack the hill ranges at a rapid pace and are plunged into a completely different world; the town lies in a picturesque setting high above the Armancon River, standing proudly on a pink-coloured granite cliff.

   Leaving behind the principal town in this fertile area of Auxois, ride through the foothills of the mountainous Morvan massif and pay a visit to Vauban’s birthplace. The brilliant and ingenious military architect was born here in the 17th century. Continue to Avallon via Quarré-les-Tombes.

   It’s Sunday today so we visit two of the numerous churches. The early Gothic church of St. Père towers over the tiny village, whereas Vézelay lies majestically high up on the hill yet is overshadowed by the Roman basilica which is consecrated to the Holy Maria Magdalene. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   Stop for lunch. After all these spiritual impressions, you can once again enjoy the benefits of being out in the open. Continue to Auxerre at a leisurely pace on the bike track alongside the Nivernais Canal.

Day 9: Sens (75 km)

   Auxerre stands on a hill on the banks of the River Yonne. Pass through this interesting cathedral city and ride through peaceful villages. Stop for lunch in Joigny. With renewed energy you can now put the endurance of the Flyer to the test for nearly the last time. After some pleasant descents you approach Sens, a town once of great importance as an archdiocese. This town centre cathedral is one of the early Gothic churches and is a fascinating building.

Day 10: Fontainebleau and Paris (65 km)

   The last leg of this Flyer bike ride crosses the River Yonne and takes you further westwards through peaceful forests and villages until you reach Fontainebleau, the former 16th century royal residence. Even from the outside you really can appreciate the incredible size of the palace! At this point swap your Flyer for the train and travel the last 70 km on the direct train to Paris.

Day 11 & 12: Paris / Return Journey

   We spend two exciting days in the Capital of France and get to know hidden places and streets thanks to our tourguide. Why not take the perfect opportunity to get to know Paris better by independently extending your stay? Alternatively, take the comfortable high-speed TGV train directly from Paris East back to Basel and Zurich.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

May 27th to June 7th                June 24 to July 5               September 2nd to 13th

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES WITH A MINIMUM OF JUST 2 PERSONS!!   MAXIMUM 18 PARTICIPANTS.

- Accommodation in carefully selected 3 star hotels

- Buffet breakfast and 3-course dinner each day

- Wine tasting

- Drinks and snacks on the bike tours

- Gratuities in hotels & restaurants

- Transportation of luggage

- Rail and taxi transfers as per itinerary

- Entrance tickets and sighseeing tours as per the itinerary

- Rental of a top quality E-Bike, incl. pannier for belongings and water bottle

- English and German speaking travel guide

- Extensive travel documentation.

You may also upgrade to all Superior 4 star hotels, at an additional $785 per person.

EASY: The terrain is hilly and very varied - ideal for the Flyer. Day 2 brings a significant climb in the Jura hills and also the longest and most strenuous leg at 95 km. Average cycling distance is 70 km per day (min. 45 km, max. 95 km). Total approximately 700 km.