Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1 & 2
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
This unique part of France provides a fantastic step back in time - an absolute must for the history buff and those who appreciate a good glass of wine.
Having been fought over for centuries by Germany and France, this rolling, wine-growing heartland is now heavily characterised by an eclectic mix of cuisine, language, architecture and customs. Pristine German and French cemeteries offer a moving reminder of Alsace's history.
Our holiday offers a leisurely walk alongside the Route des Vins, using sections of the world-famous Camino de Santiago trail, through delightful medieval villages and ancient neatly-groomed vineyards, passing east-facing ruined castles.
Along the way you will pass through some of the most beautiful villages in France; Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, with their brightly-coloured, half-timbered buildings decked with window boxes spilling with geraniums and traditional ornamental features. 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 people are welcoming and helpful and keen for you to sample their produce!
For those who wish to take on more challenging terrain or longer routes, there are 2-Boot walking options attached to three of the four walking days. These take you up into the forests of the Vosges and provide a wonderful contrast to the undulating trail through the vineyards. You can visit the tiny Chapel St Alexis or The Galtz monument with its viewing platform or even have a walk around the ruins of the chateaux of Ribeauville.
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.
Historic Riquewihr is a highlight of the tour, an enchanting medieval village nestled amongst sloping hills of vines that produce the exceptional aromatic Riesling wine.
We have selected traditional, family-run hotels for your stay, including the stunning Hotel des Deux Clefs in Turckheim whose building dates back to the 16th century and is officially classed as a monument historique. Turckheim also has a town crier who, at 10pm, walks the streets telling of the day's events and bidding the local people a 'good night'. Hotel a l'Oriel in the heart of Riquewihr has a cosy winstub and a pretty internal courtyard. Its beautiful beamed decor is stunning and quaint.
Gentle walking, mainly through vineyards, woodland and heavily scented pine forests. No particularly challenging sections; however some paths are stony so protective footwear is advised.
Your first night is spent 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.
You stay at Hotel des Deux Clefs.
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The 3 star Hotel des Deux Clefs is absolutely stunning. The hotel building dates back to the 16th century and as such, is officially classed as a monument historique. It's easy to see why: it is an authentic Alsatian construction with timbered walls, oriel windows and lintels. Flower bedecked balconies complete its picture perfect exterior.
Inside, the hotel is traditionally furnished with wooden panelled walls, and tasteful red furnishings, making it instantly feel cosy and welcoming - especially in the sitting room where you can savour a drink before dinner. The bedrooms however are fully equipped for the demands of the 21st century traveller; all are en suite and feature satellite tv.
Room upgrades: Superior Room.
Superior rooms are larger than the standard rooms and come with either bath or hydromassage shower.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today it's time to explore Turckheim's Renaissance church and medieval gate where storks still nest. Your walk through the vines takes you past flower-filled Niedermorschwihr and Ammerschwihr where you can taste the local vintage, Kaefferkopf, in cosy wine cellars. It's then on to the fortified town of Kaysersberg, voted prettiest town in France 2017, and your hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town.
You stay at Hotel Les Remparts.
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On the edge of the historical town of Kaysersberg, bordering forest and vineyards, the Hotel Les Remparts offers calm and comfortable accommodation. The spacious guestrooms are distributed among 2 buildings situated in the hills overlooking the beautiful, open and verdant landscape. All of the rooms are equipped with modern en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi internet access and TV.
Additional services include a bar, a sauna and a games room with table tennis, pool table and fuss-ball table. There is no restaurant at the hotel however there are plenty of dining options in the local area. Private parking is available on site.
In the morning why not stroll up to the ruins of the medieval 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, only 25 minutes by local bus. Known as the 'Venice of Alsace', it's a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses.
A gentle climb to the French cemetery above the village of Sigolsheim, with its panoramic views of the Alsace plains and the Kayserberg Valley. Descend through the vineyards to the Renaissance houses of Riquewihr, the 'Pearl of the Vineyards'.
You stay at Hotel a’ l’Oriel.
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Hotel a l'Oriel is located right in the centre of historic Riquewihr. The building is centred around a central courtyard and is painted a cheerful yellow with wooden timbered balconies burgeoning with flowers.
The cosy interior has been beautifully renovated to retain its traditional Alsatian style: the bedrooms, many with wooden beamed ceilings, are decorated with bright patchwork quilts and solid wooden furniture.
Room upgrades: Superior Room or Suite.
The superior rooms are larger than the standard rooms. The suite is a larger room with seating area.
The town of Riquewihr 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. The pretty 'Christmas Shop is worth a visit.
You pass through the heart of medieval 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. Three ruined castles of the once-powerful Counts of Ribeaupierre loom overhead as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim.
You stay at Hotel La Cour du Bailli.
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The Halbeisen family and their team will welcome you to Alsace. Local wine growers since 1737, the family has converted the old wine growers farm, surrounded by their vineyards into a 3 star hotel.
The hotel features a medieval decor with a pretty courtyard and all en suite rooms are traditionally decorated. La Cour du Bailli also offers a spa centre with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Room upgrades: Junior Suite, Appt Privilege or Suite Privilege.
This colourful and ancient market town was a medieval refuge where criminals on the run were safe from persecution. There are lots of beautiful timber-framed houses and a decorated fountain in the old square. Be sure to take a short taxi ride or do the longer optional walk to the amazing Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle; it's a gentle downhill walk back too!
You continue parallel to the Route des Vins to a poignant WW2 German military cemetery with panoramic views over the famous restored castle at Haut-Koenigsbourg. At St-Hippolyte there's a Gothic church and fountain, whilst the ruined court of medieval Kintzheim Castle is the setting for spectacular flying displays by birds of prey. At Chatenois, where the walk finishes, we give you a lift back to Turckheim.
You stay at Hotel des Deux Clefs.
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The 3 star Hotel des Deux Clefs is absolutely stunning. The hotel building dates back to the 16th century and as such, is officially classed as a monument historique. It's easy to see why: it is an authentic Alsatian construction with timbered walls, oriel windows and lintels. Flower bedecked balconies complete its picture perfect exterior.
Inside, the hotel is traditionally furnished with wooden panelled walls, and tasteful red furnishings, making it instantly feel cosy and welcoming - especially in the sitting room where you can savour a drink before dinner. The bedrooms however are fully equipped for the demands of the 21st century traveller; all are en suite and feature satellite tv.
Room upgrades: Superior Room.
Superior rooms are larger than the standard rooms and come with either bath or hydromassage shower.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Gutenberg, Strasbourg; Hotel Le Senat, Paris.
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This is a brilliantly situated hotel in a quiet side street just off the lively Place Gutenberg and a stone's throw from the Cathedrale de Notre Dame.
The 42 rooms are a good size and individual in style. All rooms are en-suite, with hairdryer, flat screen television and free Internet access in each room.
There is no bar or restaurant, except for the little breakfast room next to reception; however, you have a good choice of places to eat and drink on right on your doorstep.
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1 & 2
Flights
available
Printed route
directions
