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Day 2: Ammerschwir to Rouffach (25km/16mi )
A freewheel through the Kaefferkopf vineyards leads to the cobbled streets and geranium decked half-timbered houses of Turckheim. Then along country lanes bordered by the Vosges hills, each peak crowned by a ruined castle, to Eguisheim. The birthplace of Alsatian wine (the Romans started it all off) every grape variety grows here so there’s lots to try. Then to Rouffach for the next two nights.

Day 3: At Rouffach
You could simply relax in the hotel’s indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi but the town itself merits a visit. Surrounded by oak forest and fruit orchards, its idyllic setting is matched only by its marvellously preserved medieval centre. You can also visit its stork sanctuary to see the region’s emblem up close. Colmar - Alsace’s Venice – a honeycomb of canals and pastel houses, is a short train ride away. Don’t miss the Unterlinden museum – a treasure trove of Rhine Renaissance art.

Day 4: Rouffach to Breisach am Rhein (42km/26mi )
Oak forest gives way to swaying cornfields as you leave the vineyards behind and cycle to Neuf Brisach. Commissioned by Louis XIV, the “Sun King’, this rose coloured star shaped fortress town guarded the border in the 17C. Today it’s a fascinating museum. Then it’s across the Rhine and into Germany. St Stephan cathedral dominates the horizon as you reach the half-timbered houses of Breisach am Rhein on the riverbank.

Day 5: At Breisach am Rhein
After admiring Breisach’s Gothic cathedral and mediaeval walls, why not follow one of the waymarked cycling trails to the Kaiserstuhl, the hilly area opposite the city. Known as the “Tuscany of Germany” for its mild climate, you’ll find terraces of vines and a wealth of wild flowers – 33 different orchids flower in June. Or maybe take the train to Freiburg, capital of the Black Forest, to see one of Germany’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Some guests last summer opted for a cruise on the River Rhine - lots to choose from.

Day 6: Breisach am Rhein to Dieffenthal (44km/28mi )
Through pine forest to Burckheim - half-timbered houses crowned with a mediaeval castle - then an easy freewheel along the mighty Rhine. Past long boats and stone bridges we cross back into France at Markolsheim. One of the towns on the Maginot Line (2nd WW defences). Then along quiet lanes through tobacco and corn fields to pretty Dieffenthal in the vines and our hotel on the edge of the village.

Day 7: Dieffenthal
Why not cycle to Dambach La Ville, one of the prettiest villages in Alsace, and leave your bike to follow the sentier viticole (path) through the vineyards. A possible cycling circuit takes in flower-decked Itterswiller and Andlau with its Romanesque church with plenty of wine tasting en route. Or you could take the train to Strasbourg with its pink stone Gothic cathedral, medieval streets and canals and Renaissance squares.

Day 8: Dieffenthal to Ammerschwir (27km/17mi )
Today ’s route retraces in part a Roman wine road. Cycling through vineyards and cherry orchards past Scherwiller with its lavoirs on the River Aubach, and Chatenois’s curious witches’ tower, you reach Ribeauville in time for lunch. Its cobbled streets hide tempting winstubs and even a wine museum! But save time to explore flower-decked Riquewihr – Pearl of the Vineyards - before cycling back to Ammerschwir.

Day 9: Return home
We take you to the airport in time for your return flight.