Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

7 Days from

USD 2,249

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays, Short Breaks

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W06AS

Wedged between the Vosges Mountains and the River Rhine, Alsace is a mosaic of rolling hills, mountains and plains dotted with chateaux, vineyards and candy-coloured towns and villages with storybook appeal. It's a region of centuries-old traditions, rich gastronomy and world-class wine.

Alsace is a well-known white wine region boasting several Grands Crus vineyards, and every village, no matter their size, will have a 'cave' or 'degustation' to visit. The Alsace Wine Route and Alsatian Wines reveals the secrets and flavours of the sylvaner, pinot blanc, noir or gris, riesling and gewurztraminer, not forgetting the beer and brasseries.

Along the way you will pass through some of the most beautiful villages in France; Colmar, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, with their brightly-coloured, half-timbered buildings decked with window boxes spilling with geraniums and traditional ornamental features.

Highlights

Easy walking through vineyards, ancient oak forest and unspoilt flower-filled medieval villages
Romantic castles, Gothic churches and panoramic views towards the Vosges mountains and Black Forest
A perfect blend of French and German influences with fabulous local cuisine and varied wines

Key Information

6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
All breakfast and 5 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfer
Train journey from Barr to Colmar

Countries visited: France

What's Included

6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
All breakfast and 5 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfer
Train journey from Barr to Colmar

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas & vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

The route takes you through quiet country lanes, through vineyards on well marked paths and sleepy villages.

Day 2

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 3

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 4

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 5

19 km / 11.8 miles

Day 6

12 km / 7.5 miles

Itinerary

Explore this picturesque town with half-timbered houses, romantic canals, flower-laden windowsills and a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes. Visit the scenic Fishmongers' Quarter or 'Little Venice', the Tanners' Quarter and the Place de L'Ancienne Douane. Discover plenty of shops and a covered market before you sample the fabulous local cuisine.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short transfer will lead you to Turckheim. Explore the Renaissance church and medieval gate where storks nest. Pass through the fortified town of Kaysersberg. Elected the favourite village of France in 2017, you'll see why when you walk along its fortified bridge and through its medieval streets that lead up to the castle.

Continue to Riquewihr. This town is so enchanting it's been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You'll be fascinated by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains and colourful signboards. Riquewihr is an important wine centre, its two Grand Crus are 'Sporen' and 'Schoenenbourg'.