The northwest Mittelland region of Switzerland is far less hilly than one imagines, yet has beautiful scenery to rival many European destinations. Baroque and medieval towns together with traditional Swiss villages dot the Aare river valley and the area around Murtensee Lake. With a support driver to transport luggage and provide back up you are free to cycle unencumbered at your own pace as you carry with you only what is needed for each day - the perfect way to see this quiet corner of Switzerland.

Solothurn & the Aare River
We first set out from Solothurn, thought to be Switzerland's largest Baroque city, with Italian, Swiss and French influences, and head along the Aare valley towards Wangen. Our route takes us through numerous typically-Swiss villages before we arrive at the beautiful Baroque summer house and gardens of Schloss Waldegg. Next we pass by the interesting wooden bridge that links Buren to Aarberg and enjoy the atmosphere created by the city's elegant facades before arriving in Murten.

Murten & its Lake
The wonderful town of Murten provides for an interesting stop, its beautifully preserved medieval buildings surrounded by walls and towers; the lake on which it sits only adds to its beauty. Enjoy a free day to explore the town or further afield on an optional ride which makes a circuit of the lake with an opportunity to ride through vineyards and enjoy a swim. Riding on we pause in Avenches, famous for its Roman amphitheatre, then head on to Payerne and its llth century church. Finally we arrive in Yverdon les Bains, a famous spa town.

Neuchatel & the Areuse Gorge
Another pretty lakeside ride brings us to Grandson, whose stunning chateau sits above the lake commanding wonderful views, and then in to Neuchatel itself. A 2-night stay allows us to enjoy both the town, famous for its watchmaking and home to several excellent museums, or make a fantastic final ride from Fleurier through the Areuse Gorge, where cascading waterfalls and views of the dramatic limestone bowl of Le Creaux-du-Van won't fail to impress - a great finale to a wonderful week of riding.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Solothurn. 2 Ride along Aare valley to Wengen; return Solothurn. 3 Cycle Solothurn to Murten. 4 Ride around Murensee Lake back to Murten. 5 Ride via Avenches to Payerne and Yverdon les Bains. 6 Cycle via Grandson, with opportunity to visit Grandson Chateau, to Neuchatel. 7 Free day; optional train to and ride from Fleurier down Areuse Gorge to Neuchatel. 8 End Neuchatel.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder.
Comment: Graded A, easy, this tour is suited to those new to the concept of cycling holidays, but who enjoy occasional rides at home. We cover approximately 182km over 4 days, with a further 86km being optional rides on free days. The average ride between night stops is around 45km (27 miles) and the terrain is either flat or gently undulating. Entrance fees to sites are not included allowing you to decide what to visit and for how long and thus ride independently or with several fellow cyclists. 97% on tarmac and 3% on gravel.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff:Explore Tour Leader drives a support van/co-ordinates rides and transfers luggage.
Trip Reference:CSW