Alsace Wine Trail

Location: Alsace, France. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 1 boot Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 13 May '12 to 24 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Very easy walking through flower-festooned villages taking in feudal castles, churches, forests and vineyards. Fantastic bird spotting and panoramic views of the Black Forest, Vosges Mountains and famous Route du Vin.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Turckheim

Here you stay in a friendly Alsatian hotel in the heart of the village. With so many restaurants on your doorstep, we've left you free to choose where to dine this evening.

Day 2 - Turckheim to Kaysersberg 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr

Time to explore Turckheim's Renaissance church and mediaeval gate where storks still nest. Your walk through the vines takes you past flower-filled Niedermorschwir and Ammerschwihr where you can taste the local vintage, Kaefferkopf, in cosy wine cellars. It's then on to the fortified town of Kaysersberg and our hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town.

Day 3 - At Kaysersberg

In the morning why not stroll up to the ruins of the mediaeval castle for a bird's eye view over Kaysersberg's half-timbered houses decked with geraniums along the River Weiss? Afterwards, perhaps follow a valley trail to Kientzheim or visit Colmar (local bus, 25 mins), the 'Venice of Alsace' and a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses.

Day 4 - Kaysersberg to Riquewihr 10km/6mi/3.5hr

A gentle climb through oak and beech forest to Chapelle St Alexis hidden in the woods - great auberge for lunch. Your route then descends in and out of pine forest and before long, you get your first glimpses of the showcase of Renaissance houses that earn Riquewihr its nickname - Pearl of the Vineyards.

Day 5 - At Riquewihr

The town of Riquewihr is so enchanting it has been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You'll be bewitched by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains, and colourful signboards.

Day 6 - Riquewihr to Bergheim 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr

You pass through the heart of mediaeval Alsace via the Riesling vineyards nestling at the foot of the mountains. Hunawihr has a fortified church and stork sanctuary - you'll also find otters, butterflies and orchids in the reserve there. Three ruined castles of the once powerful counts of Ribeaupierre look down as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim.

Day 7 - At Bergheim

This colourful and ancient market town was a mediaeval refuge where criminals on the run were safe from persecution - unless they were thought to be witches! There are lots of beautiful timber-framed houses and a decorated fountain in the old square. Be sure to take the short taxi ride to the amazing Haut Koenigsbourg Castle - it's a gentle downhill walk back!

Day 8 - Bergheim to Turckheim11km/7mi/3.5hr

You continue parallel to the Route du Vin to a poignant WW2 German military cemetery - panoramic views over to the famous restored castle at Haut-Koenigsbourg. At St Hippolyte there's a Gothic church and fountain, while the ruined court of mediaeval Kintzheim Castle is the setting for spectacular flying displays by birds of prey including eagles and vultures. We give you a lift back to Turckheim.

Day 9 - Leave Turckheim