Contrasts of Alsace and the Vosges Self-Guided Walk

Contrasts of Alsace and the Vosges Self-Guided Walk

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Contrasts of Alsace and the Vosges Self-Guided Walk

9 Days Starting and ending in Kientzheim

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W08AL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

8 to 99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

Tour Overview

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. 

Highlights

  • Ancient forest and awe-inspiring hilltop chateaux

  • Authentic medieval villages on the Alsace Wine Route including France's 2nd most beautiful village, Riquewihr

  • Walk along the world-famous Camino de Santiago

  • Stay in one of France's oldest Auberges in Ribeauville

  • Off-the-beaten-track walking in the picturesque Vosges National Park

  • Sweeping vineyards (some with Grand Cru status) and some of the region's finest wine producers

  • Walk along the world-famous Camino de SantiagoAuthentic medieval villages on the Alsace Wine Route including France's 2nd most beautiful village, RiquewihrOff-the-beaten-track walking in the picturesque Vosges National ParkAncient forest and awe-inspiring hilltop chateauxSweeping vineyards (some with Grand Cru status) and some of the region's finest wine producersStay in one of France's oldest Auberges in Ribeauville

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN Kientzheim

Meals Included: dinner

Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Staying at Abbaye d'Alspach)

Day 2 : Kientzheim TO RIBEAUVILLE

Meals Included: breakfast

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. (Staying at Hotel de la Tour)

Day 3 : AT RIBEAUVILLE

Meals Included: breakfast

You have several options today but we suggest spending time in the
picture-perfect town of Ribeauville, on the Route des Vins. Explore the
brightly coloured streets and squares decorated with Renaissance fountains or
pay a visit to some of the most respected wineries in the local area
including the Maison Trimbach, Domaine Andre Kientzler, Jean Sipp and the
Cave de Ribeauville - the oldest wine cooperative in France. Alternatively,
enjoy a walk to the fortified town of Bergheim and discover its fascinating
witch-trial past, or perhaps take a bus to Selestat, a city of art, history
and exceptional architectural heritage. (Staying at Hotel de la Tour)

Day 4 : RIBEAUVILLE TO THANNENKIRCH

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

Today starts with a fairly steep but thoroughly rewarding climb into the
Vosges Mountains where you'll find the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of
the Lords of Ribeaupierre - Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre
which offer incredible views over Ribeauville and the surrounding plains.
Rejoining the Camino de Santiago you'll arrive in the charming wine village
of Rodern, renowned for its excellent Pinot Noir wines and an ideal place for
a leisurely lunch and spot of tasting. Continue on to Thannenkirch and enjoy
the relaxing spa facilities at your hotel. (Staying at Auberge de la
Meuniere)

Day 5 : AT THANNENKIRCH (OPTIONAL)

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

You have the opportunity to explore some of the 60km of walking trails which
surround Thannenkirch today, but we highly recommend following the
well-marked GR5 walking path up to the incredible Chateau du
Haut-Koenigsbourg. It's easy to get lost in this imposing chateau which is
perfectly located above the Alsatian plains, with the Route des Vins and
Germany to the east, and the Vosges Mountains to the west. For something a
little less strenuous, you could always spend the day relaxing in your hotel
spa. (Staying at Auberge de la Meuniere)

Day 6 : THANNENKIRCH TO LAPOUTROIE

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, we'll transfer you (25 mins) to the start of your walk in
Aubure - you might want to pick up some supplies in Thannenkirch or Aubure as
there are plenty of scenic picnic spots on today's walk! Descending on
ancient forest paths you'll enjoy superb views towards Hachimette and
Lapoutroie, as you make your way to Freland, home to the Maison du Pays
Welche museum, a fascinating insight into the history, traditions and customs
of the local people. Quiet lanes and footpaths lead you to the idyllic
mountain village of Lapoutroie and your hotel, Les Alisiers, where you'll
find a wonderful restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges! (Staying
at Hotel Les Alisiers)

Day 7 :  AT LAPOUTROIE

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

Today's optional walk is a memorable one. You'll follow the Tete des Faux
walking trail through atmospheric forest, passing old WWI bunkers and
infirmaries now reclaimed by nature, to the remains of the front line between
France and Germany. It was atop the summit of the Tete des Faux that the two
sides engaged in a bloody stalemate just 30 metres from each other during the
First World War - the graveyards for each are currently listed as national
historical monuments. You may wish to walk down to Le Bonhomme for a spot of
lunch afterwards, before walking back to Lapoutroie. (Staying at Hotel Les
Alisiers)

Day 8 : LAPOUTROIE TO Kientzheim

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

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 dinner in a local restaurant, which is included. (Staying
at Abbaye d'Alspach)

Day 9 : LEAVE Kientzheim

Meals Included: breakfast

LEAVE Kientzheim

What's Included

  • Route notes and maps provided 

  • Continental breakfasts and evening meals

  • All accommodation

show more

What's Not Included

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplements

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinationsTravel insuranceSingle supplements

Food

Continental breakfasts and 8 evening meals. 

Accommodation


Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

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  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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