Swiss Lakes Cycling

Perfect for families and first timers: effortless cycling, flexible routes, virtually traffic-free trails Interest-packed routes: Roman remains, frescoed mediaeval squares, majestic châteaux Picture postcard pretty villages, chic waterfront cafés, lakeside swimming Distant Alpine views: Eiger, Mont Blanc, High Bernese Alps Protected nature reserves: white egrets, purple herons, honey buzzards

Beautifully flat and unspoilt, this 8-night independent cycling holiday explores the enticing Swiss Jura region on the French border and is tailor made for exploring on two wheels!

This is a region where vineyards and châteaux charge east over the Swiss border and sweep down fertile hillsides to meet a necklace of sparkling Swiss lakes – Neuchatel, Biel and Murtensee. This broad valley of lakes has been at a crossroads of ancient trading routes for centuries, so grand castles and Roman ruins go hand in hand with nature reserves, vineyards and waterfalls - all scattered like chaff across a patchwork countryside served by an intricate network of dedicated cycling paths.

Families will love stopping for cool swims and ice creams in shady waterfront parks, while culture lovers will revel in highlights like Roman Avanches and the swarms of castles and museums you’ll pass as you pedal effortlessly from one hotel to the next. En route you’ll discover the picturesque sugar town of Aarberg, elegant Neuchatel’s frescoed mansions, soothing hot spa baths in Yverdon des Bains and medieval arcaded streets in Murten. Our selected hotels are an eclectic mix of old coaching inns, grand townhouses, and cutting edge style boutique accommodation on the Neuchatel waterfront. We have included evening meals in Aarberg and Murten, but left dining options free in Neuchatel and Yverdon for you to explore the many restaurant options on offer.

The flexibility of this holiday is a fantastic bonus – all of the cycling days can be shortened if you wish, just by hopping on a local train, post bus or ferry with your bicycle. With our expert local agent, Swisstrails, taking care of your bags, bikes and providing all on the ground assistance, it really couldn’t be easier!

New for 2010 - Electric bikes!

For summer 2010, electric bikes will be available (for a small supplement) on this holiday. These work just like normal ones, the only real difference being that when you pedal, the battery automatically kicks in and your power is increased by up to 80%! So you can cover almost twice the distance with half the effort - sheer genius! They come equipped with a battery (and a spare battery), a charger and panniers as standard. At the end of the day, you simply lift the battery off the bike and leave it on charge with your mobile phone, ipod, etc.