HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY

12-01-2009

CYCLISTS RIDE THROUGH HISTORY AS HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF GERMANY'S MEMBER CITIES OFFER DOZENS OF BIKE PATHS AND EXTENSIVE INFORMATION ON SIGHTSEEING AND EVENTS

 

Partners with BikeToursDirect to Offer Packaged Cycling Tours

                Augsburg, Germany, November 2009 -- There are few better ways to enjoy in-depth view of Germany's historic roots and present day offerings than by bicycle -- a country that prides itself as cyclist-friendly with more than 31,000 miles of signed bike paths.  And the varied locations and abundance of historic landmarks and scenic vistas makes member cities of Historic Highlights of Germany, (www.historicgermany.com), the focal point for many of Germany's cycling visitors.  Whether it is cycling along the Rhine, with a stop at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz; discovering the ancient Imperial Baths in Trier while cycling along the Mosel River; taking a short break in one of Koblenz's original wine bars; or just enjoying a slow ride through the heart of Germany's oldest University town, Heidelberg, cyclists will be in a Historic Highlights of Germany city. 

                Besides being a resource for an abundance of information on suggested routes and sightseeing opportunities, Historic Highlights of Germany has also partnered with BikeToursDirect, (www.biketoursdirect.com), a leader in European cycling tours.  This partnership makes it easy for visitors to arrange their travels on any of more than 50 bicycle tours in Germany -- whether self-guided or guided; individuals, groups or families; and from low-cost offerings to more upscale possibilities. 

                A small sample of possibilities include:

Rhine Bikeway from Mainz to Cologne -- for those who have always wanted to spend time in the Rhine Valley, or come back to it, this 128- to 150-mile ride promises a wonderful opportunity for in-depth exploration.  The six-night, Rhine River itinerary takes in two Historic Highlights of Germany cities - beginning the journey in Mainz, where participants can time their visits to coincide with one of numerous events -- from May's Open-Ohr-Festival, a youth festival with concerts, theater, films, workshops and children's programs, to the Wine Markets in late August/early September.  Koblenz, reached after cycling through the towns of Rüdesheim and St. Goar, also offers a litany of festivals during the summer months including a festival in the Old Town in July and "Rhine in Flames," where more than 80 ships and 140,000 spectators join in for a spectacular fireworks display.  The trip ends in Cologne.  Self-guided rates start at €499 ($749*) per person, double; guided tours are offered on July 4 and Aug. 1 at €680 ($1,020*).

From the Neckar Along the Historic Middle Rhine -- for those who wish to take in even more history, this six-night itinerary includes three Historic Highlights of Germany cities.  Setting off on the 130-mile journey, participants explore the romantic hillside city of Heidelberg, with time to visit some of its centuries-old buildings; Mainz, with its aforementioned Gutenberg Museum, dedicated the life and work of the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg; and Koblenz, where fortress walls, castles and palaces offer a peek into its turbulent history.  Other stops include Rüdesheim, Boppard and Zwingenberg.  Self-guided rates start at €589 ($884*) per person, double.

The Mosel Bike Path -- the six-night, 130-mile route begins in Trier, Germany's oldest town and home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Riders then make their way through Germany's oldest wine growing region, passing terraced vineyards, medieval castles, nature reserves and picturesque villages with opportunities to sample wines along the way.  Some of the historic towns visited along the Mosel include Bernkastel Kues, Cochem and Enkirch before ending in the historic city of Koblenz, where the Mosel enters the Rhine. Self-guided and guided rates start at €452 ($678*) and €682 ($1,023*) per person, double, respectively.

Castles on the Rhine & Neckar -- this seven-night, 140-mile cycling trip combines both cycling and another popular mode of transport in Germany, river cruising.  Participants ride and explore by day, and spend their evenings on board the MS Fluvius, a traditional river boat.  The guided itinerary takes cyclists past picturesque homes in Mainz, through the historic streets of Heidelberg, and to Koblenz, where participants can take in Stolzenfels Castle and other romantic castles set just outside the city on the Rhine's steep slopes.  Other historic towns include Worms, Eberbach and Bad Wimpfen.  Rates, which include the cruise and all meals on board, start at €799 ($1,199*) per person, double.

                BikeToursDirect is a U.S.-based company that represents dozens of European bicycle tour operators, offering both guided and self-guided tours.  Packages include lodging, breakfasts, luggage transfers and detailed maps, with other services outlined in each tour description; bike rentals are also available. Their website can be accessed through the Historic Highlights of Germany website or directly at www.biketoursdirect.com.

Additional information on each city’s offerings and highlights may be found at www.historicgermany.com.  Historic Highlights of Germany is a tourism consortium consisting of Augsburg, Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Mainz, Münster, Osnabrück, Potsdam, Regensburg, Rostock, Trier, Wiesbaden and Würzburg - cities rich in history and cultural.  Contact Historic Highlights of Germany at info@historicgermany.com.

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