from just £859 per person - Bents Bicycle and Walking Tours

Gruyères and Lake Genèva
With its dramatic mountainous backdrop and stunningly lush
landscapes, you’ll find the charm of this unspoilt region hard to
resist.
From well-preserved medieval villages to sophisticated resorts
on the Swiss Riviera, this tour offers a thrilling journey through
the heart of the Swiss countryside encompassing fairytale
castles, spa resorts, historic cathedrals and ancient city
fortifications – interspersed en route by refreshing swims in
crystal-clear lakes and traditional alpine food at cosy inns.
Difficulty rating: !!
Yverdon
les Bains
Lutry
Lake Genèva
Murten
Fribourg
Gruyères
11 DAY CYCLE TOUR
‘One Night Stops’ 7 Day
Highlights will include:
• Discover the immense city fortifications of Fribourg, Switzerland’s most
important medieval military architecture
• Explore the spectacular alpine scenery of lakes, valleys and forests
• Enjoy refreshing outdoor swimming at perfect bathing spots like Lake
Murten
• Marvel at panoramic mountain views – from the snow crowned
peaks of the Swiss Alps to the picturesque Jura Mountains
• Take to the waters at Yverdon les Bains, famous for its thermal springs
The spa waters here are renowned for their healing qualities
• Experience all the style of the Swiss Riviera in Lutry, a fashionable resort
of chic waterfront bars, cafés and bistros
Day 1: Arrival. Transfer from Genèva
airport to our base hotel in Gruyères.
Day 2: Gruyères. After breakfast, we
personally equip you with your bicycles
ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. The
day is then yours to explore Gruyères,
a well-preserved medieval village with
an 11th century fairytale castle and
dazzling alpine backdrop. Why not relax
by dipping into an authentic fondue
here? Alternatively, you could explore
Lake Gruyère and meander through its
idyllic pastures to a soundtrack of ringing
cow bells (after all, this is the home of
the famously nutty Gruyère cheese);
or even take the train to Gstaad, one
of Switzerland’s smartest resorts, and
follow the National Cycle Route back
to Gruyère through dramatic valley
scenery.
Day 3: Gruyères to Fribourg.
Following the tranquil shoreline of Lake
Gruyère, we ride along quiet lanes and
forest tracks before crossing picturesque
farmland with stunning views of snowcapped
peaks. Finally, we arrive at
Fribourg, an atmospheric medieval
centre perched upon a rocky spur
overlooking the River Sarine. 24 miles
(38km).
Day 4: Fribourg. Explore the steep
cobbled streets of Fribourg. Lined with
ancient buildings, the many attractions
here include the 13th century St Nicolas
Cathedral, covered wooden bridges
decked with brightly-coloured flowers,
and the city fortifications with a mile and
a half of ramparts, 14 towers and a huge
bulwark (Switzerland’s most important
medieval military architecture). We also
recommend a cycle excursion into the
breathtakingly beautiful surrounding
landscape of lakes, valleys and shady
forests dwarfed by towering mountains.
Day 5: Fribourg to Murten. Soak
up the spectacular alpine scenery as
we trundle downhill past lakes, valleys
and forests stopping en route at friendly
Gasthofs in delightfully traditional villages.
20 miles (32km).
Day 6: Murten. On the edge of the
Great Marsh, Murten is one of the best
preserved Swiss medieval towns, and
still encircled by its 15th century walls.
From the castle to the historic arcaded
high street, this is a charming place to
stroll around. You could also opt to
make a splash at Lake Murten which
is ideal for swimming – or cycle across
the causeway at nearby Lake Biel to
St Peters Island, where an excellent
restaurant will reward you with fabulous
views.
Day 7: Murten to Yverdon les
Bains. Today we embark on a truly
epic ride along the shore of Lake
Neuchâtel (the largest lake entirely in
Switzerland) with views across to the
28 cycling & walking holidays Bookings 01568 780800 or visit www.bentstours.com for more information