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Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    W08AS
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided walking
  • Duration
    8 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • Call usfor dates and prices
  • Departure months
    JFMAMJJASOND
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
  • All continental breakfasts
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Room upgrades and extra nights at selected hotels
  • City break add-ons in Strasbourg and Paris
  • Suitable for
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Wine lovers, flora & fauna, art & history

France: Alsace

Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

This trip is currently unavailable. Please call us on 0044 1606 720199 for further details.

  • Easy walking through vineyards, ancient oak forest and unspoilt flower-filled gingerbread villages
  • Romantic castles, Gothic churches, medieval villages; Riquewihr and Colmar, the 'Venice of Alsace'
  • Blend of French and German influences
  • Great views of the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains with stone castles standing proud on panoramic crags
  • Wildlife in abundance: storks, butterflies, orchids and birds of prey

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.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Walking information

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.




We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Arrive at Turckheim

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 the Hotel des Deux Clefs (breakfast included)

Day 2: Turckheim to Kaysersberg 10km/6.5mi/3hr or 21km/13.5mi/5.5hr

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 the Hotel Les Remparts (breakfast included)

Day 3: At Kaysersberg

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.
You stay at the Hotel Les Remparts (breakfast included)

Day 4: Kaysersberg to Riquewihr 11km/7mi/3hr or 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr

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 the Hotel A L'Oriel (breakfast included)

Day 5: At Riquewihr

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 stay at the Hotel A L'Oriel (breakfast included)

Day 6: Riquewihr to Bergheim 11km/7mi/3hr or 20km/12mi/5.5hr

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 the Hotel La Cour Du Bailli (breakfast included)

Day 7: At Bergheim

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 stay at the Hotel La Cour Du Bailli (breakfast included)

Day 8: Bergheim to Chatenois/Turckheim 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr or 14km/9mi/4hr

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 the Hotel des Deux Clefs (breakfast included)

Day 9: Leave Turckheim


Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel des Deux Clefs, Turckheim

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Les Remparts, Kaysersberg

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel a’ l’Oriel, Riquewihr

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel La Cour du Bailli, Bergheim

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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.

Extending your stay

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Le Senat , Paris

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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.


Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hotel Gutenberg, Strasbourg

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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.

Travel

Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Colmar train station at 14:00.

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.

Reviews

Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.


24/01/2024

Very helpful service. Good to talk to a real person.


27/11/2023

Prompt and personal reply on the phones. willing to listen and makes changes as we wanted them. A little disappointed that we're still awaiting flights but understand as we've booked so far in advance, however, consequently, the price is subject to change which isn't ideal. Hence 4 stars not 5.


19/08/2023

Very efficient, invoice produced and emailed as we spoke. I just wishHeadwater was not so expensive

Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 8 night self-guided walking holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels

All continental breakfasts

Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure

Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)

Luggage transfers between hotels

Walking transfers


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

Please call for prices

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 us for further details.

Holiday details

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
Please contact us for child prices.

Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.

Departures

Meals
All continental breakfasts

Tailor-made travel

Tour only

Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Colmar train station at 14:00.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.