Via Rhôna Cycle Path Switzerland

Make your way by train to Andermatt, a village in the Ursern Valley. This quintessential Swiss Alpine village has classic scenes of half timbered houses, with restaurants and shops lining the small town centre. Surrounded by snowy peaks, take some time to absorb the views in preparation for your first cycle day.

After collecting your bike at the designated location, you begin cycling from this stony Alpine fortress over the treeless pastures of the Urserental. There is a challenging climb to the Furkapass (2430m) and past the ice caves of the Rhone Glacier. Overnight in Oberwald (Cat B) or Obergestein (Cat A). +/-1000m/3300ft

In Valais German, the Rhone is called 'Rotten'. Today you pass through the Valais along another hilly section through the sunny high valleys of the Goms towards Brig. Be rewarded with impressive views of the Rhone Valley, snow capped mountains and small swiss villages. Overnight in Brig. +620m/2046ft, -1300m/4290ft

Leaving Brig this morning, the terrain is much flatter, with small rolling hills through the main valley which begins to widen with endless views of greenery. You will leave the river Rhone for part of your cycle today to enjoy a ride through the vineyards to a winery for an included wine tasting. Following your wine tasting, you will continue on to the village of Sierre for your overnight accommodation. +170m/560ft, -320m/1050ft

Today, your cycle will pass through the historical city of Sion showcasing two hilltop fortifications; a 13th Century Castle and 15th Century Cathedral. This section of the cycle is dominated by views of the high alpine scenery of the Dents du Midi. Continue today's relatively flat cycle through a world of fruit orchards and vineyards to the quaint city of Martigny, famous for it's gastronomy with a choice of many outstanding restaurants and produce. Overnight in Martigny. +120m/396ft, -180m/595ft

Leaving Martigny, you cycle past the village towns of Vernayaz and Dorenez to the valley's narrowest point and the medieval town of St-Maurice. St-Maurice lies between a rock face of the alpine peaks and the shores of Lake Geneva. It is full of charm and history. Its worth it to stop here for coffee and a visit to the Abbey dating back to the year 300AD. Continue your cycle along the shores of Lake Geneva and past the Chillon Castle to Montreux (Cat B) or Vevey (Cat A) for your overnight stay. +215-250m/710-825ft, -305-335m/1006-1105ft

Today's cycle is completely focused on the sublime beauty of Lake Geneva. Follow the shores of the lake past the traditional resort town of Montreux with it's main promenade lined with flowers, Mediterranean trees and grand Belle Époque architecture. Finish today's cycle in the city of Lausanne, famous for being the home to the Olympic Committee's international headquarters and Olympic Museum. With only a short distance to cycle today there is plenty of time to explore the attractions or take a relaxed picnic by the side of the lake, absorbing the astounding views. +425-475m/1400-1570ft, -430-480m/1420-1585ft

This morning you will enter "La Côte" region of Switzerland. This section of the Rhone Route is known for it's vineyards and impressive view of the high Alps across the lake. You will pass through the market towns of Morges and Rolle with impressive views of the majestic Mont Blanc across the lake and bordered by famous vineyards of the region. Today's cycle will conclude in Nyon or the neighboring village of Pragins (Cat A). Spend the afternoon exploring Prangins Castle or the Lake Geneva Museum in Nyon. +470m/1550ft, -435m/1435ft

Enjoy a leisurely last day along the shores of Lake Geneva. The cosmopolitan city of Geneva announces itself with the infamous 140m-high water fountain. The town is surrounded by villas, yachts and prominent boulevards. Home to Europe's United Nations and the Red Cross, it's is known as the global hub for diplomacy. +235-615m/775-2030ft, -255-605m/841-1997ft

Your cycle will conclude after breakfast. Alternatively, continue cycling along the Via Rhona all the way to the Mediterranean!