Aar bicycle tour
| Destination | |
| Switzerland | |
| Key Facts | |
| Guided dates : 1 - 7 July 2009 Price : 880 € Dates "on your own": 1 April - 15 October 2009 Price : 490 € Difficulty :  |
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The Aar is the longest river entirely within Swiss territory. It starts in the Bernese Alps, descends dramatically to Meringen and then continues quietly until it reaches the Rhine river. Along the way it encounters villages and small cities like Thun, Solothurn, and Bern.
The Aar route follows the river during 226 kilometres, always in Switzerland, and using bicycle paths all the way. The luggage is transported every day by a van, so we will cycle without weight. Moreover, the route is basically flat. We propose this adventure sleeping in tent, in 3 and 4-star campings.
Day 1
Transfer in train to Meiringen. We give the option to go from Zurich or Geneva. We meet in Meiringen and spend the rest of the day visiting the spectacular Reichenbach waterfall (Arthur Conan Doyle was so impressed by this waterfall that he decided to make disappear Sherlock Holmes in it), and the Aar gorge just outside Meiringen.
Day 2 :: Meiringen - Interlaken :: 28 km
After a hearty breakfast, we go to the train station to fetch our bikes. Then we cycle towards Interlaken, along green fields and through small cosy villages. Interlaken is located in a strategically place, between two lakes with wonderful views of the Alps.
Day 3 :: Interlaken - Thun :: 33 km
We wake up early and head towards Thun, a city of castles. During a good part of the stage we will cycle just a few feet from the Thunersee lake and we'll go through the villages of Faulensee and Spiez. The Alps will be at sight all along the stage, just far enough to enjoy flat terrain.
Day 4 :: Thun - Berna :: 31 km
Today we make our entrance into Bern, the cosy Swiss capital. But before that we bid farewell to the lakes of Brienzersee and Thunersee. The Aar river will accompany us during the day.
Day 5 :: Berna - Biel :: 50 km
After a delicious breakfast we start the day with plenty of energy and ready to cycle towards Biel. The Bielersee lake awaits us and we'll enjoy the streets of small villages like Aarberg.
Day 6 :: Biel - Solothurn :: 34 km
Being our sixth day of adventure, by now our body is fully fit, and our spirit breathes the quiet atmosphere of the Swiss landscapes. With this attitude we head towards Solothurn, small city that enchants us with its lively streets and fountains.
Day 7 :: Solothurn - Aarau :: 53 km
After enjoying our breakfast by the banks of the Aar river, we start cycling towards Aarau, our destination. Along the way we see beautiful green fields, wooden bridges, and herds of cows. Our bicycle adventure finishes in Aarau; who wants to start all over again?
Day 8 :: Aarau - Aarau :: 0 km
In the morning we visit Aarau, this time without our bikes. We then take the train back to Geneva or Zurich.
Recommend this trip to a friend
MAP & PROFILE OF THE AAR ROUTE
GUIDED TRIP
The price includes:
• Train ticket from Geneva or Zurich to Meiringen;
• Train ticket from Aarau to Geneva or Zurich;
• 6 days bicycle rental;
• 5 nights in camping, tent included;
• 1 night in youth hostel in Meiringen, with breakfast;
• 1 night in hotel in Aarau, with breakfast;
• Everyday transportation of the luggage;
• Service of the mountain guide during the entire route.
The price does not include:
• Airfare (for recommendations, click here);
• Beverages and meals;
• Sleeping bag;
• Medical insurance.
Minimum group : 5 persons
Maximum group : 10 persons
50% discount to children under 11 years.
Meeting point : Meiringen, Switzerland. More details upon booking.
SELF-GUIDED TRIP
The price includes:
• 6 days bicycle rental;
• 5 nights in camping, tent included;
• 1 night in youth hostel in Meiringen, with breakfast;
• 1 night in hotel in Aarau, with breakfast;
• Trip documents;
• 24/7 helpline;
• Everyday transportation of the luggage.
The price does not include:
• Airfare (for recommendations, click here);
• Beverages and meals;
• Service of the mountain guide during the route;
• Train ticket from Geneva or Zurich to Meiringen;
• Train ticket from Aarau to Geneva or Zurich;
• Sleeping bag;
• Medical insurance.
50% discount to children under 11 years.