Alsace & the Black Forest to Switzerland

June 1-9, 2027 (9 days)

Capacity: 16

The Trip

Join Professors Scott Carpenter and David Tompkins, along with a small group of fellow cycling enthusiasts, for an unforgettable, late spring journey through the scenic and culturally rich landscapes of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

This active program combines rewarding cycling with meaningful exploration across some of Europe’s most picturesque regions.
Highlights include:

  • Cycling through the Alsace region along the famed Wine Route, passing vineyards, medieval villages, and Renaissance façades
  • Visiting charming towns such as Obernai, Riquewihr, Colmar, and Freiburg, each rich in history and regional character
  • Experiencing the natural beauty of the Black Forest, with rides through its dense pine trees and alongside the serene Titisee and Schluchsee Lakes
  • Crossing into Switzerland to cycle along the Upper Rhine and witness the spectacular Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall
  • Accommodations in carefully selected hotels that blend comfort, charm, and local character; plus local specialties such as a wine tasting in Obernai, and a cheese tasting in Munster
  • All logistics are handled throughout by an expert, full-time, English-speaking cyclist guide/tour manager
  • Appropriate bicycles are included, with water bottle and rear pack (there is an e-bike option – limited availability)
  • A support van with snacks and water is available to transport repair equipment/parts, bikes, and/or participants as needed
  • Daily printed route maps and informational sheets are provided via the free smartphone app Ride with GPS


This tour has been carefully designed for cyclists with good physical fitness and prior experience with road cycling, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience for all participants. Our small group is limited to just 16 participants, so I urge you to contact Alumni Adventures today at (800) 811-7244, email carleton@studytours.org, or to make a reservation online click here.

Faculty Leaders

David Tompkins is Professor of History at Carleton College, where he teaches a broad range of courses on modern European history. In his own research, he specializes in the culture and societies of Central Europe. David spent his undergraduate years at Rice University, with a year of study in southern France, and did his graduate work at Columbia University. He has lived for extended periods all over Europe, especially Germany, and traveled there extensively. A marathon runner and cycling enthusiast, David has been on extended bike tours in France, Italy, and Central Europe. He has led five previous alumni tours to Europe, including cycling trips in the Czech Republic and Austria, northern Italy, and Croatia. During evening discussions, David will talk about the history and culture of this contested border region, the history and future of the European Union, and will refute Scott’s views on the superiority of French culture.

Scott Carpenter used to be the Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of French and the Liberal Arts, but now he’s just another retiree leeching on the system. That said, he’s an old hand at traipsing through Europe, with special emphasis on France and Germany. Back when he was gainfully employed, Scott taught French literature and creative writing. He cut his teeth on academic writing (primarily books on French literature and literary theory), but then made the shift into the creative arena. This led to: French Like Moi: A Midwesterner in Paris (2020), Paris Lost & Found (2024), and Theory of Remainders: A Novel (2013)—the last of which is in development to become a major motion picture. During the evening sessions of the upcoming trip, Scott looks forward to discussing the French-German connection, notions of cultural identity within Europe, and the role of literature in everyday life. Serving as a counterpoint (and counterweight) to his younger and fitter co-leader, Scott plans to draft off the cyclists ahead of him. Participants are invited to check out Scott’s Substack, at frenchlikemoi.substack.com.

Tour Prices (7 nights)

Per person, double occupancy
13-16 participants $7,395
10-12 participants $7,795
Single Supplement $995
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required (limited availability).
With fewer than 10 participants, a small group surcharge may be applied.

Itinerary

Tuesday, June 1, 2027: Depart home for Strasbourg, FRANCE

Wednesday, June 2: Arrive in Strasbourg | Time at leisure | Bicycle fitting & warm-up ride | Welcome meeting & dinner

Thursday, June 3: Canal de la Bruche | Molsheim | Obernai
Cycling distance: 35 miles (Elevation gain: 1,732 feet)

Friday, June 4: Alsace Wine Road | Castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg | Riquewihr
Cycling distance: 38 miles (Elevation gain: 3,182 feet)

Saturday, June 5:Munster Valley: Munster, Cheese tasting & lunch | Colmar
Cycling distance: 28 miles (Elevation gain: 1,312 feet)

Sunday, June 6: Freiburg, GERMANY
Cycling distance: 38 miles (Elevation gain: 1,597 feet)

Monday, June 7: The Black Forest: Titisee & Schluchsee Lakes, Rothaus: Rothaus Brauerei
Cycling distance: 42 miles (Elevation gain: 4,146 feet)

Tuesday, June 8: Switzerland: Schöllenen Gorge, Rhinefall, Schaffhausen | Farewell dinner
Cycling distance: 46 miles (Elevation gain: 1,774 feet)

Wednesday, June 9: Fly home

Download the brochure for the complete detailed itinerary.

Additional Information

For more information or to reserve your space, please call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures. To make a reservation online click here.

What to Expect

CYCLING
Cycling experience and a moderate level of fitness is required for this program, which combines local sightseeing with cycling that ranges from leisurely and gentle to challenging ascents and descents. We will travel an average of 38 miles per day over the 6 days of active touring. While no advanced technical cycling skills are required, at times there will be some climbs and descents during rides that are long and winding; daily distances and elevation gains are estimated in the enclosed itinerary. The majority of the road surfaces will be tarmac, with vehicle traffic; some surfaces may be hard packed and unpaved, wet or rough; in some of the city centers there may be cobblestones, which can present challenges, especially after rain. Although there is no substitute for cycling experience and/or physical fitness, electric bicycles are available at an additional cost and will assist riders on hills and enable guests to cycle together more easily. If you have any question regarding your fitness level, we encourage you to choose an electric bike (limited availability on a first come, first served basis). Each day, participants will be given a printed route map as well as information via the app Ride with GPS to allow for an independent cycling pace. There will be a support van available for a limited number of participants who may need to skip a cycling leg in order to reach the next planned destination, and to allow flexibility for unplanned events, however participants are expected to cycle the majority of this itinerary. Participants are responsible for bringing an appropriate bike helmet (although a limited supply may be available with bike rental) and will be required to wear it at all times while cycling. Durable, comfortable clothing, including proper cycling attire, is essential on this program. Participants may bring their own pedals if they prefer (flat pedals only for e-bikes, for safety reasons). Most included lunches will be served picnic-style or at a local café.

For more information on what to expect and the bike options, please download the brochure.

OVERALL
All participants are expected to be physically active and not be an impediment to others on excursions, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Sponsors/Operator, local staff, and host country laws. Any participant showing signs of illness will be asked to wear a mask while in close proximity to others. If our cycling guide decides that a participant cannot join an excursion, or complete a cycling route, safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply. If you have any questions about your ability to participate, we suggest that you visit your personal physician with this brochure in hand, and discuss whether or not the program is appropriate for you. The actual itinerary is subject to variables such as the abilities and interests of the group and local weather conditions. Our expert, English-speaking cycling guide knows the region very well, and will assess each day’s route and brief the group in advance on planned routes and expected conditions. Average daytime temperatures in early June are expected to be in the low to mid-70s F with nighttime temperatures dipping to the low 50s F, with a moderate chance of precipitation. Complete pre-departure details, such as what to take with you and more of what to expect, will be sent to participants.

Flights & Transfers
Airfare from/to home is not included. Group airport transfers on arrival to Strasbourg Airport (SXB) and for departure from Zurich Airport (ZRH) are included (times TBD). Once you have received your final payment invoice, you should book your flights. If you are considering booking non-refundable airline tickets before this time, please contact our office first. Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. can assist with flight arrangements for this tour. You may contact them directly at 866-200-6172 or email studytours@vwti.com. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your flights independently or through your preferred travel agent. Your flight itinerary must be provided to our office prior to departure. We do not accept any liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets.