Tilting at Windmills

The route will take the riders through Bavaria’s numerous bucolic towns, past grazing cows, cool green forests and across quaint village squares. You may see farmers working the fields while wearing the region’s distinctive Lederhosen – a sight you will not soon forget.

The first rest day is in Heidelberg, a university town whose renowned academic institution dates from the 14th century. Riders will also enjoy exploring the imposing Heidelberg castle that overlooks the city and the Neckar River from atop Königstuhl hill. From there, a short journey will bring the riders into Mannheim. Here the cyclists will be pleased to discover the Rhine River bike path – a perfect way to ride alongside one of the world’s great rivers. A vital transportation route in the Middle Ages, the ‘Romantic Rhine’ is now more known for its sightseeing riverboats, historic cities and the many castles and fortresses perched along its waters.

Pedalling north past vineyards and the legendary Lorelei headland, the cyclists will be well-advised to stop in one of the many village Stubbes for a taste of some of the world’s best Rieslings. A little further along, the ancient city of Koblenz, some 2000 years old, marks the beginning of the Rhine Gorge and the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Its attractive triangular-shaped old city is situated below the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. One day later the tour arrives in the bustling city Cologne, perhaps best known for its incredible twin-spired Cathedral.

Savoring their last rest day, the cyclists can climb up Cathedral’s South Tower’s 533 steps for a sweeping view over the Rhine River, looking back from whence they came and then forward towards the Dutch border and the end of their journey. First, however, they will head north through the industrial city of Dusseldorf before leaving the Rhine just before crossing into the Netherlands. The home stretch takes them through Arnhem, the site of a decisive World War 2 battle in 1944, past windmills dotting the pretty Dutch countryside and into the cycling mecca that is Amsterdam where they will celebrate the completion of their own personal Odysseys.