Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Incorporating both Alsace's Route des Vins and the picturesque Vosges National Park, this 8-night walking holiday showcases the very best that the region has to offer. Your holiday starts in the heart of the wine country and takes you west through ancient forest and into the Vosges Mountains, straddling the French and German border. Here you'll discover the crumbling ruins of once-mighty hilltop castles and vivid reminders of Europe's wartime past.
You'll enjoy idyllic walking through fragrant pine forest and sprawling vineyards as you hop between the storybook villages and towns so typical of the Alsace region - think narrow streets filled with colourful, half-timbered houses and shops selling traditional, local wares (make sure you look out for the delightful Christmas shop in Riquewihr)! Connected by the world-famous Camino de Santiago, the places you visit are home to some of the region's finest wine producers and you'll have plenty of opportunity to stop for tastings.
Tearing yourself away from the Route des Vins, you'll head west into the Vosges Mountains, where you'll discover secluded woodland hermitages and the remains of once-grand hilltop castles. Here you have some truly inspiring 'rest day' options. A walk up to the incredible, 12th century Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg affords mesmerising views across the entire Alsatian Plain as far as the Black Forest, while following the Tete des Faux walking trail you'll pass abandoned WWI fortifications and witness the remains of the former front line between France and Germany. A bit of light relief then as you return to the vineyards and make your way back to idyllic Ammerschwihr.
Wine and food go hand-in-hand in the region of Alsace and all of the hotels we've picked for you offer great local cuisine along with superb wine lists! Your hotel in Kientzheim is only a short walk from several wine cellars in this typical Alsatian village. In Thannenkirch your hotel is nestled beautifully at the foot of the Taennchel Mountain, with an indoor swimming pool and spa; while your hilltop hotel in Lapoutroie boasts an impressive restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges.
Peaceful walks mainly through forests, vineyards and meadows but walking boots are strongly advised. Terrain is rocky in places and there are climbs on almost every day but there should be no need of a head for heights.
Arrive at your hotel, the Abbaye d'Alspach, in time for dinner at a local restaurant.
You stay at Abbaye d'Alspach.
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The famly run Abbaye d'Alspach is located on the Alsace Wine Route in the heart of the medieval town of Kientzheim. This former 11th century convent has been beautifully refurbished with modern yet traditional rooms.
The hotel also benefits from a sauna (pay locally), bar and lounge, and a shady garden.
Please note that the rooms at the Abbaye d'Alspach only have double beds or Austrian style twins.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
It's a gentle walk to the neighbouring town of Kaysersberg before heading along the Camino de Santiago and over to the spectacular medieval villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauville, where you'll stay at the Hotel de la Tour for 2 nights.
You stay at Hotel de la Tour.
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Hotel de la Tour was once a former winery and is located in the heart of Ribeauvillé’s medieval centre. The 31 unique rooms are comfortable and well equipped. There is a variety of restaurants close by where you can sample the delights of the Alsatian cuisine.
Explore the picture-perfect town of Ribeauville, pay a visit to some of the most respected wineries in the local area or, alternatively, enjoy a walk to the fortified village of Bergheim.
Climb into the Vosges Mountains to find the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. Rejoin the Camino de Santiago to head to the village of Rodern and on to Thannenkirch and the Hotel Clos des Sources, for two nights. There's an impressive pool and spa, plus a high quality restaurant offering traditional Alsatian cuisine.
You stay at Auberge de la Meuniere.
Small distinctive Hotel and Restaurant in Thannenkirch, Alsace, the Auberge de la Meuniere is located between Colmar and Selestat, south of Strasbourg, only minutes away from the wine route and from the renowned villages of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Ribeauville, Eguisheim, at the foot of the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle. The rooms are comfortable, decorated with local wood and sandstone.
Explore some of the 60km of walking trails around Thannenkirch, or follow the well-marked GR5 walking path up to the incredible Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Take a transfer (and a picnic) to start your walk in Aubure. Descend on ancient forest paths to enjoy superb views towards Hachimette and Lapoutroie, as you make your way to Freland. Quiet lanes lead you to the idyllic village of Lapoutroie and the Hotel Les Alisiers, where you'll find a wonderful restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges.
You stay at Hotel Les Alisiers.
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Sitting on a hillside overlooking the village of Lapoutroie is the small, modern Hotel Les Alisiers. Thanks to the enviable location, the impressive restaurant and several of the rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Once a farm, the hotel was recently renovated and now has the feel of an up market chalet with each room furnished in a warm traditional style with lots of wood.
Hosts Caroline and Mathias offer a friendly welcome and their restaurant provides a fine selection of contemporary regional cuisine from its ever changing menu as well as an excellent wine list.
Room upgrades: Junior suite.
Today's walk is a memorable one - follow the Tete des Faux trail through atmospheric forest, passing old WWI bunkers, and eventually reaching the front line between France and Germany.
Enjoy the undulating woodland, heading to the little mountain villages of Orbey and Labaroche and on to Trois-Epis, the perfect place to picnic with spectacular views. Visit some chateau remains before returning to the Abbaye d'Alspach for your final dinner.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: 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.
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 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
