Aare River, from the Swiss Alps to the Rhine
Switzerland Bike Tours
Biking on Switzerland’s famous cycle route number 8
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length5–8 days
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Prices fromCHF 954 Rates
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Overview
The Aare Route, also known as national route number 8, is Switzerland’s first fully signposted long-distance bicycle route.
This itinerary gives you an excellent idea of the variety of landscapes that characterize Switzerland. The starting point lies in the midst of the Bernese Alps – but don’t panic! The action of the Aare river over millions of years has made this trail manageable for even the average cyclist.
The bike trail winds its way pleasantly through woods and meadows, along fertile fields, and through isolated villages where the charm of the countryside and the old way of life will enchant you. The beauty of Switzerland is on full display! Choose between various itineraries to suit every type of traveler.
Highlights
- Lakes formed by the Aare – Lake Thun, Lake Wohlen, and Lake Brienz
- The capital city of Bern
- The many small towns and villages of the Swiss Alps
- The Rhine River
- "Ambassadorial City" of Solothurn
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Itinerary
8-day: From Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Day 1: Arrival in Grimselpass
Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 46 mi. (75 km)
Day 4: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bad ZurzachDay 1: Arrival at Grimselpass
Welcome to Switzerland! There is no better place to start this incredible bike tour than in Grimselpass, an imposing dam surrounded by a mountain world of rock and ice. Jaw-dropping panoramas await around every corner. This is the source of the Aare River, the longest river in the country, your guide for the next several days.Day 2: Grimselpass - Iseltwald, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +405m/Descent -1,975m
You'll start with a steep descent into the Aare valley before reaching Meiringen. Here you can visit the Sherlock Holmes museum and stroll around this typical town. Be sure to try some meringue, as Meiringen is believed to be the birthplace of this tasty treat. At the shore of the Lake of Brienz, there is another hill to conquer before reaching Iseltwald, your destination of the day.Day 3: Iseltwald - Bern, 46 mi. (75 km) | Ascent +620m/Descent -690m
Cycling the quiet shores of Lake Brienz, you will soon reach Lake Thun and the town of Interlaken nestled in between. Interlaken is a hub for adventure seekers who come from all over to explore the Alps. The dominant peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are a constant presence. You will continue by boat to Thun, the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. You'll continue in the wide Aare Valley until reaching Bern, the capital of Switzerland.Day 4: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands.Day 5: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Today's route is short so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered to be Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: there are 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet: Solothurner Torte.Day 6: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables.Day 7: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +335m/Descent -375m
Finally, you will arrive at where the Aare meets the Rhine river in Koblenz, Switzerland. Hugging the border of Germany, you will pass gabled houses, wetlands, and wildlife. Soon you arrive to the spa town Bad Zurzach. Consider booking an extra night in this Swiss village, to have time to relax in the thermal baths after your bike tour.Day 8: Bad Zurzach departure
This incredible bike tour comes to an end in Bad Zurzach.7-day: From Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Day 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 28 mi. (45km)
Day 3: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Departure from Bad ZurzachDay 1: Arrival in Interlaken
Welcome to the adventure capital of Switzerland! Surrounded by the Bernese Alps and situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this small city is as scenic as they come. If you arrive early, be sure to take in the views from Harder Kulm or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Thun.Day 2: Boat ride to Thun, Thun - Bern, 28 mi. (45km) | Ascent +500m/Descent -565m
Your ride begins in the wide Aaretal (Aare Valley). You'll pass large villages, open fields, & lush meadows, all while being accompanied by the powerful river Aare. Soon you arrive in the capital of Swizterland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bern. The Bern Cathedral with its towering viewing platform, the impressive Houses of Parliament (Bundeshaus) just a stone's throw from the train station, & the elevated rose garden are just a few of the highlights that await you in this city.Day 3: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
From Bern, you'll pass Lake Wohlen, a birding paradise. The river will lead you into the Seeland and then to Lake Biel. The town of Biel-Bienne, where you'll hear German and French spoken equally, is a famous watch-making center. Most are familiar with the prestige and precision of Swiss-made watches, and Biel is where you'll find the headquarters for the most prominent brands.Day 4: Biel - Solothurn, 18 mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Today's route is short so you have enough time to spend in the old town or on the lake at the beach. Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and is considered Switzerland's most beautiful Baroque town. The number eleven has particular significance here: 11 churches and chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, and 11 steps. Be sure to stop in any of the numerous riverfront cafes to try the tasty sweet Solothurner Torte.Day 5: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables.Day 6: Aarau - Bad Zurzach, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +335m/Descent -375m
The River Aare, which has increased considerably in size, is what shapes the landscape in this region. Villages, fields, and a magnificent castle accompany you on your way to Aarau, which still bears features dating back to the 16th century from when the town was once the capital of the Helvetic Republic. Walk through the town - and keep looking up! This town is famous for its lovely gables.Day 7: Departure from Bad Zurzach
Your tour comes to an end! Consider extra nights in Bad Zurzach or Interlaken!Day 1: Arrival to Bern
Day 2: Bern - Biel, 31 mi. (50 km) | Ascent +470m/Descent -580m
Day 3: Biel - Solothurn, 18. mi. (30 km) | Ascent +90m/Descent -95m
Day 4: Solothurn - Aarau, 37 mi. (60 km) | Ascent +330m/Descent -445m
Day 5: Departure from AarauLooking for a different flavor? Check out our entire list of European bike tours or view all featured tours, news, and specials.
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Map
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Hotels & Bikes
This bike tour features two levels of accommodation.
For the itineraries starting in Grimselpass and Bern:
Category A: 3 and 4-star hotels
Category B: 3-star hotels
For the itinerary starting in Interlaken:
Category A: 4-star hotels
Category B: 3 & 4-star hotels
Bicycles
Electric Bike
E-Bike Flyer C-series
- Aluminium frame
- Gearshift:
- built 2021: Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gears
- built 2022: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gears
- Magura HS22 (hydraulisch) rim brakes
- SR Suntour NEX, 63mm suspension fork
- Panasonic 36V/250W mid-engine
- Panasonic Li-Ion-Mangan 15Ah/36V (540Wh) Battery
- Operating distance: max. 100 km
- 28" (size XS: 26") wheel size
- Weight limit 330lbs
- Front and rear mudguards
- Lights and hub dynamo
- Luggage rack
- Chain guard
- Frame lock
- Side stand
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for the tour & category selected
- Breakfasts
- Daily luggage transfers, 2 pieces per person weighing no more than 20 kg (discount available if traveling with only 1 piece)
- 27-Speed Tour de Suisse Touring Bike, with 1 saddle bag, service kit, air pump, & bike lock
- Boat ride Interlaken - Thun
- Carefully elaborated route descriptions
- Travel documents (1 x per room)
- Navigation app and GPS data
- 1 year SwitzerlandMobility Plus subscription
- Subsidy for arrival by train
- Service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Helmets (free of charge but must be reserved in advance!)
- Tourist tax, if applicable (to be paid at each hotel)
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Protection
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Dates & Pricing
Dates
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Arrival possible daily from June 15 to September 29, 2024
From Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Arrival possible daily from March 30 to October 13, 2024
Bern to Aarau
Arrival possible daily from March 30 to October 13, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
8-day: Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach
Season 1: September 14 to September 29, 2024
Season 2: June 15 to September 13, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 3171 £ 1632 $ 2,885 € 1958 Ft 802449 kr 284919 ₪ 7718 ¥ 320659 Mex$ 41885 NZ$ 3512 kr 22849 zł 8492 S$ 2773 kr 22770 CHF 1789 $ 2,065 $ 3022 £ 1555 $ 2,749 € 1866 Ft 764771 kr 271541 ₪ 7355 ¥ 305602 Mex$ 39918 NZ$ 3347 kr 21776 zł 8093 S$ 2643 kr 21701 CHF 1705 $ 1,968 Season 2 $ 3295 £ 1696 $ 2,998 € 2035 Ft 833847 kr 296068 ₪ 8020 ¥ 333205 Mex$ 43524 NZ$ 3649 kr 23743 zł 8824 S$ 2881 kr 23661 CHF 1859 $ 2,146 $ 3118 £ 1604 $ 2,836 € 1925 Ft 788993 kr 280141 ₪ 7588 ¥ 315281 Mex$ 41183 NZ$ 3453 kr 22466 zł 8350 S$ 2726 kr 22388 CHF 1759 $ 2,030 Single supplement $ 771 £ 397 $ 701 € 476 Ft 195118 kr 69279 ₪ 1877 ¥ 77969 Mex$ 10184 NZ$ 854 kr 5556 zł 2065 S$ 674 kr 5537 CHF 435 $ 502 $ 541 £ 278 $ 492 € 334 Ft 136807 kr 48575 ₪ 1316 ¥ 54668 Mex$ 7141 NZ$ 599 kr 3895 zł 1448 S$ 473 kr 3882 CHF 305 $ 352 7-day: Interlaken to Bad Zurzach
Season 1: April 6 to April 26 | September 28 to October 13, 2024
Season 2: March 30 to April 5 | April 27 to September 27, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 2765 £ 1423 $ 2,515 € 1707 Ft 699732 kr 248448 ₪ 6730 ¥ 279613 Mex$ 36523 NZ$ 3063 kr 19924 zł 7405 S$ 2418 kr 19855 CHF 1560 $ 1,801 $ 2524 £ 1299 $ 2,296 € 1559 Ft 638730 kr 226789 ₪ 6143 ¥ 255236 Mex$ 33339 NZ$ 2796 kr 18187 zł 6759 S$ 2207 kr 18124 CHF 1424 $ 1,644 Season 2 $ 2861 £ 1472 $ 2,603 € 1767 Ft 723954 kr 257048 ₪ 6963 ¥ 289292 Mex$ 37788 NZ$ 3169 kr 20614 zł 7661 S$ 2501 kr 20542 CHF 1614 $ 1,863 $ 2631 £ 1354 $ 2,393 € 1624 Ft 665643 kr 236344 ₪ 6402 ¥ 265991 Mex$ 34744 NZ$ 2913 kr 18954 zł 7044 S$ 2300 kr 18888 CHF 1484 $ 1,713 Single supplement $ 778 £ 400 $ 708 € 480 Ft 196912 kr 69916 ₪ 1894 ¥ 78686 Mex$ 10278 NZ$ 862 kr 5607 zł 2084 S$ 680 kr 5587 CHF 439 $ 507 $ 441 £ 227 $ 402 € 273 Ft 111688 kr 39656 ₪ 1074 ¥ 44631 Mex$ 5830 NZ$ 489 kr 3180 zł 1182 S$ 386 kr 3169 CHF 249 $ 287 5-day: Bern to Aarau
Season 1: April 6 to April 26 | September 28 to October 13, 2024
Season 2: March 30 to April 5 | April 27 to September 27, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 $ 1826 £ 939 $ 1,661 € 1127 Ft 462003 kr 164040 ₪ 4443 ¥ 184616 Mex$ 24115 NZ$ 2022 kr 13155 zł 4889 S$ 1596 kr 13110 CHF 1030 $ 1,189 $ 1691 £ 870 $ 1,538 € 1044 Ft 427913 kr 151936 ₪ 4116 ¥ 170994 Mex$ 22336 NZ$ 1873 kr 12184 zł 4528 S$ 1479 kr 12142 CHF 954 $ 1,101 Season 2 $ 1904 £ 980 $ 1,732 € 1176 Ft 481739 kr 171047 ₪ 4633 ¥ 192503 Mex$ 25145 NZ$ 2108 kr 13717 zł 5098 S$ 1665 kr 13670 CHF 1074 $ 1,240 $ 1762 £ 907 $ 1,603 € 1088 Ft 445855 kr 158306 ₪ 4288 ¥ 178164 Mex$ 23272 NZ$ 1951 kr 12695 zł 4718 S$ 1541 kr 12651 CHF 994 $ 1,147 Single supplement $ 495 £ 254 $ 450 € 305 Ft 125144 kr 44434 ₪ 1204 ¥ 50008 Mex$ 6532 NZ$ 548 kr 3563 zł 1324 S$ 432 kr 3551 CHF 279 $ 322 $ 363 £ 187 $ 331 € 224 Ft 91952 kr 32649 ₪ 884 ¥ 36744 Mex$ 4800 NZ$ 402 kr 2618 zł 973 S$ 318 kr 2609 CHF 205 $ 237 Extra Options
Electric bike rental
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach $ 250 £ 129 $ 227 € 154 Ft 63245 kr 22456 ₪ 608 ¥ 25273 Mex$ 3301 NZ$ 277 kr 1801 zł 669 S$ 219 kr 1795 CHF 141 $ 163 Interlaken to Bad Zurzach $ 230 £ 119 $ 210 € 142 Ft 58311 kr 20704 ₪ 561 ¥ 23301 Mex$ 3044 NZ$ 255 kr 1660 zł 617 S$ 201 kr 1655 CHF 130 $ 150 Bern to Aarau $ 193 £ 99 $ 176 € 119 Ft 48892 kr 17360 ₪ 470 ¥ 19537 Mex$ 2552 NZ$ 214 kr 1392 zł 517 S$ 169 kr 1387 CHF 109 $ 126 Extra nights
Cat. A Cat. B Grimselpass double/twin $ 257 £ 132 $ 234 € 159 Ft 65039 kr 23093 ₪ 626 ¥ 25990 Mex$ 3395 NZ$ 285 kr 1852 zł 688 S$ 225 kr 1846 CHF 145 $ 167 $ 257 £ 132 $ 234 € 159 Ft 65039 kr 23093 ₪ 626 ¥ 25990 Mex$ 3395 NZ$ 285 kr 1852 zł 688 S$ 225 kr 1846 CHF 145 $ 167 Single supplement $ 106 £ 55 $ 97 € 66 Ft 26913 kr 9556 ₪ 259 ¥ 10754 Mex$ 1405 NZ$ 118 kr 766 zł 285 S$ 93 kr 764 CHF 60 $ 69 $ 106 £ 55 $ 97 € 66 Ft 26913 kr 9556 ₪ 259 ¥ 10754 Mex$ 1405 NZ$ 118 kr 766 zł 285 S$ 93 kr 764 CHF 60 $ 69 Bern double/twin $ 204 £ 105 $ 185 € 126 Ft 51583 kr 18315 ₪ 496 ¥ 20612 Mex$ 2692 NZ$ 226 kr 1469 zł 546 S$ 178 kr 1464 CHF 115 $ 133 $ 193 £ 99 $ 176 € 119 Ft 48892 kr 17360 ₪ 470 ¥ 19537 Mex$ 2552 NZ$ 214 kr 1392 zł 517 S$ 169 kr 1387 CHF 109 $ 126 Single supplement $ 124 £ 64 $ 113 € 77 Ft 31398 kr 11148 ₪ 302 ¥ 12547 Mex$ 1639 NZ$ 137 kr 894 zł 332 S$ 108 kr 891 CHF 70 $ 81 $ 80 £ 41 $ 73 € 49 Ft 20185 kr 7167 ₪ 194 ¥ 8066 Mex$ 1054 NZ$ 88 kr 575 zł 214 S$ 70 kr 573 CHF 45 $ 52 Aarau double/twin $ 222 £ 114 $ 202 € 137 Ft 56068 kr 19908 ₪ 539 ¥ 22405 Mex$ 2927 NZ$ 245 kr 1596 zł 593 S$ 194 kr 1591 CHF 125 $ 144 $ 204 £ 105 $ 185 € 126 Ft 51583 kr 18315 ₪ 496 ¥ 20612 Mex$ 2692 NZ$ 226 kr 1469 zł 546 S$ 178 kr 1464 CHF 115 $ 133 Single supplement $ 106 £ 55 $ 97 € 66 Ft 26913 kr 9556 ₪ 259 ¥ 10754 Mex$ 1405 NZ$ 118 kr 766 zł 285 S$ 93 kr 764 CHF 60 $ 69 $ 71 £ 36 $ 64 € 44 Ft 17942 kr 6370 ₪ 173 ¥ 7170 Mex$ 936 NZ$ 79 kr 511 zł 190 S$ 62 kr 509 CHF 40 $ 46 Interlaken $ 229 £ 118 $ 208 € 141 Ft 57862 kr 20545 ₪ 557 ¥ 23122 Mex$ 3020 NZ$ 253 kr 1648 zł 612 S$ 200 kr 1642 CHF 129 $ 149 $ 175 £ 90 $ 160 € 108 Ft 44406 kr 15767 ₪ 427 ¥ 17745 Mex$ 2318 NZ$ 194 kr 1264 zł 470 S$ 153 kr 1260 CHF 99 $ 114 Single supplement $ 133 £ 68 $ 121 € 82 Ft 33641 kr 11945 ₪ 324 ¥ 13443 Mex$ 1756 NZ$ 147 kr 958 zł 356 S$ 116 kr 955 CHF 75 $ 87 $ 80 £ 41 $ 73 € 49 Ft 20185 kr 7167 ₪ 194 ¥ 8066 Mex$ 1054 NZ$ 88 kr 575 zł 214 S$ 70 kr 573 CHF 45 $ 52 Bad Zurzach double/twin $ 229 £ 118 $ 208 € 141 Ft 57862 kr 20545 ₪ 557 ¥ 23122 Mex$ 3020 NZ$ 253 kr 1648 zł 612 S$ 200 kr 1642 CHF 129 $ 149 $ 211 £ 109 $ 192 € 130 Ft 53377 kr 18952 ₪ 513 ¥ 21329 Mex$ 2786 NZ$ 234 kr 1520 zł 565 S$ 184 kr 1515 CHF 119 $ 137 Single supplement $ 97 £ 50 $ 89 € 60 Ft 24670 kr 8759 ₪ 237 ¥ 9858 Mex$ 1288 NZ$ 108 kr 702 zł 261 S$ 85 kr 700 CHF 55 $ 63 $ 18 £ 9 $ 16 € 11 Ft 4485 kr 1593 ₪ 43 ¥ 1792 Mex$ 234 NZ$ 20 kr 128 zł 47 S$ 15 kr 127 CHF 10 $ 12 Discounts
When traveling with only one (1) suitcase, the following discounts apply per person:
Grimselpass to Bad Zurzach $ 372 £ 192 $ 339 € 230 Ft 94195 kr 33445 ₪ 906 ¥ 37640 Mex$ 4917 NZ$ 412 kr 2682 zł 997 S$ 325 kr 2673 CHF 210 $ 242 Interlaken to Bad Zurzach $ 310 £ 160 $ 282 € 192 Ft 78496 kr 27871 ₪ 755 ¥ 31367 Mex$ 4097 NZ$ 344 kr 2235 zł 831 S$ 271 kr 2227 CHF 175 $ 202 Bern to Aarau $ 186 £ 96 $ 169 € 115 Ft 47097 kr 16722 ₪ 453 ¥ 18820 Mex$ 2458 NZ$ 206 kr 1341 zł 498 S$ 163 kr 1336 CHF 105 $ 121 -
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
This self-guided bike tour is rated moderate. The route is perfectly signposted and takes place mostly on trails far from car traffic. Some of the route takes place on “natural” or dirt paths, but most is asphalted. While this tour is predominately flat, there are stages with steep uphills. You’ll find the elevation gain/loss in the day-to-day itinerary.
Airport Info
Fly to Bern International Airport (BRN) or Zurich (ZRH)
Local Travel
Train travel in Switzerland is safe, convenient, & efficient! The SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) offers a CHF 10.00 discount on the ticket price for anyone participating in a hiking or biking tour. The reduction can be obtained on the SBB website or on the SBB App when you buy your ticket.
Climate
This area of Switzerland has a humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters. June to August is the peak season for tourism as temperatures are quite pleasant. The Aare River is a popular spot in summer as locals and tourists swim and raft.
Day of Rest
The stages of this itinerary can be shortened or bypassed entirely via train. Certain train cars are designated for passengers with bicycles.
Remarks
It is possible to add an extra night before, after, or during your tour.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Each traveler must ensure that you comply with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by EuroTrek.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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