Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
9.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Hostellierie Munsch is ideally located in the heart of the vineyards of Alsace, at the foot of the castle of Haut-Koenigsbourg.
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.
Transfer to Chatenois. Discover local historic testimonies with ruins such the Castle of Ramstein, the rear base of which you can reach in a few steps, is worth the detour. Further on, another striking building, Ortenbourg castle : Built in the 12th century by the Habsburgs, the military fortress is immediately recognisable by its impressive 32-meter dungeon.
Continue through the Bernstein forest before reaching Itterswiller a pretty wine village on the 'Route des Vins'.
You stay at Hotel Winstub Arnold.
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The Hotel Arnold is located in the village of Itterswiller, at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. Hotel Arnold’s restaurant is located across the street. La Winstub, a former wine cellar, serves home-made dishes and regional cuisine made from local, seasonal produce.
On today’s walk, visit the remarkable Romanesque abbey-church of Andlau surrounded by forest and vines. Continue through The Grands Crus wine villages. Lastly, stop at Landlau castle where you'll be amazed by its two majestic towers and the restoration work carried out by volunteers. Enjoy wonderful panoramas there.
Transfer to Selestat train station and train journey to Colmar.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Turenne, Colmar.
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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.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$821.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
9.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
