France : Alsace

Villages & Vineyards of Alsace- Short Break

Trip code: W04AS 5 (2 reviews)

Self-guided walking

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • 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
  • Based on our popular 6 night, Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 3 evening meals
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfer
  • Train journey from Selestat to Colmar

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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 home to rich and fabulous cuisine. Grab a table at a 'winstub' (a traditional Alsatian restaurant) and try local dishes such as 'baeckeoffe' (a casserole of lamb or beef with potatoes and onions, marinated overnight in Alsatian white wine infused with juniper berries), or 'tarte flambee/flammekueche',a thin pizza-like creation with creme fraiche, onions and lardons. 'Sauerkraut'(pickled cabbage) is also iconic, widely celebrated in Alsatian villages and eaten with various types of sausage.

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.

Terrain

Walks on this holiday are off-the-beaten-track. Walk through vineyards and villages.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Colmar

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.

You stay at Hotel Turenne.

hotel details



Hotel Turenne, Colmar

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


Hotel Turenne, located in the Petite Venise district of Colmar, combines the Alsatian charm of its colourful facade with exposed studs with the modernity and sobriety of its rooms.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Colmar - Riquewihr (18km/11.2mi)

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'.

You stay at Hotel de la Couronne.

hotel details



Hotel de la Couronne, Riquewihr

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
WiFi
TV


The Hotel de la Couronne is an historical building from the 16th century. Originally the buildings contained a post house, and already in those days, travellers and their mounts found refuge and warmth during their journeys. Located in the heart of the Alsatian medieval village of Riquewihr, the rooms are contemporary and Alsatian style.

Day 3: Riquewihr - St Hippolyte (18km/11.2mi)

Walk through the vineyards to Ribeauville, a medieval village dominated by three chateaux. Each September Ribeauville town celebrates one of the oldest festivals in Alsace; the Fete des Menetriers (Festival of the Minstrels). In the 8th century, Ribeauville was passed to the Lord of Rappolstein (the protector of the wandering minstrels). If you look carefully, you will see evidence of the Piper.

Then, explore Saint Hippolyte. Famous for its Pinot Noir, you will have plenty of opportunities for wine tastings. Stroll along the fortified city wall and the stork's tower.

You stay at Hostellerie Munsch.

hotel details



Hostellerie Munsch, St Hippolyte

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Hostellierie Munsch is ideally located in the heart of the vineyards of Alsace, at the foot of the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg.

Day 4: At St Hippolyte (14km/8.7mi)

Day devoted to the amazing Chateau of Haut Koenigsbourg perched on mountain summits offering spectacular panoramic views of the Alsatian countryside towards the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest. The Haut-Koenigsbourg’s beautifully refined rooms are decorated with mural paintings, Renaissance furniture and enormous cast-iron stoves – and there’s an impressive collection of weaponry from the Middle Ages in the basement. Towering at 757m above picture-perfect villages and colourful vineyards, it’s one of France’s most visited castles.

You stay at Hostellerie Munsch.

hotel details



Hostellerie Munsch, St Hippolyte

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Hostellierie Munsch is ideally located in the heart of the vineyards of Alsace, at the foot of the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg.

Day 5: Leave St Hippolyte

Transfer to Selestat train station and train journey to Colmar

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
SUN
 
 
1
£779
2
£779
3
£779
4
£779
5
£779
6
£779
7
£779
8
£779
9
£779
10
£779
11
£779
12
£779
13
£779
14
£779
15
£779
16
£779
17
£779
18
£779
19
£779
20
£779
21
£779
22
£779
23
£779
24
£779
25
£779
26
£779
27
£779
28
£779
29
£779
30
£779
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £246.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Basel airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

We had a wonderful walking trip, our first together in 18 years of marriage. We would definitely go again. Experiencing the Alsace on foot was so satisfying and it's given us a spur to get a bit fitter and do more walking. The service throughout was excellent.

Deborah Sarjant, 21 Jul 2024

 

Wonderful location, felt well supported and enjoyed our experience.

Neil Coombes, 9 Apr 2024

 


Self-guided walking

4 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

4 nights from £779

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE