Villages & Vineyards of Alsace, Self-Guided Walk
Start: Turckheim Finish: Turckheim
Duration: 8 Nights
Physical rating: Leisurely / Moderate
Special diets catered: Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour Operator: Exodus
Group size: 1 - 6
Age range: 8 to 99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From: $1489
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Walk through vineyards, ancient oak forest and unspoilt flower-filled gingerbread villages - Visit romantic castles, Gothic churches, medieval villages; Riquewihr and Colmar, the 'Venice of Alsace'
- Try the regional wines
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrive at Turckheim
Meals: breakfast
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. *Standard hotel*
Day 2
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Turckheim to Kaysersberg
Meals: breakfast
Today it's time to explore Turckheim's Renaissance church and mediaeval 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 and your hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town. Two options: 10km/6.5mi/2hr or 21km/14mi/4hr *Standard hotel*
Day 3
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At Kaysersberg
Meals: breakfast
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, only 25 minutes by local bus. Known as the 'Venice of Alsace', it's a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses. *Standard hotel*
Day 4
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Kaysersberg to Riquewihr
Meals: breakfast
A gentle climb through oak and beech forest leads to Chapelle St Alexis hidden in the woods and with a 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'. An easier route through the typically Alsatian villages of Kientzheim and Sigolsheim take you up to a war memorial with incredible panoramic views of the Vosges plains, then pick up the Camino de Santiago into Riquewihr. Two options: 11km/7mi/2hr or 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr
Day 5
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At Riquewihr
Meals: breakfast
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. *Standard hotel*
Day 6
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Riquewihr to Bergheim
Meals: breakfast
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. Three ruined castles of the once-powerful Counts of Ribeaupierre loom overhead as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim. Two options: 11km/7mi/2hr or 19km/12mi/4hr *Standard hotel*
Day 7
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At Bergheim
Meals: breakfast
This colourful and ancient market town was a mediaeval 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! *Standard hotel*
Day 8
:
Bergheim to Chatenois/Turckheim
Meals: breakfast
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, while the ruined court of mediaeval 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. Two options: 12km/7.5mi/2.5hr or 14km/9mi/3hr *Standard hotel*
Day 9
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Leave Turckheim
Meals: breakfast
If you have pre-booked a transfer, we will take you to Colmar train station in time for your journey home.
What's Included
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Luggage transfers between hotels
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All accommodation (see accommodation section)
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Route notes and maps provided
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Walking transfers
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All breakfasts
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
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Visa's & vaccinations
Food
Although traditional Alsatian cuisine is originally a peasant cuisine featuring potatoes, cabbage, beef and pork as the main ingredients, there are now some 30 Michelin starred restaurants in the Alsace region, offering visually spectacular and delicious, locally sourced, dishes. With two ‘starred’ restaurants in Kaysersberg, one in Riquewihr and one in Ammerschwihr, along with several others featured in the Michelin guide, there is plenty of top quality dining to choose from along your route. The cuisine features a lot of different pies, long simmered or stewed dishes like the traditional baeckeoffe. There is also the famous tarte flambée (flammekeuche in Alsatian dialect), a thin dough covered in cream, chopped onions and diced bacon. The influence of German cuisine and food habits is mainly marked in the important consumption of pork products and charcuterie. ‘Winstub’ is a traditional Alsatian restaurant. Originally it was a public space where the Alsatian wine-makers used to come to present and sell their wine. They used to serve traditional simple dishes to their customers, to accompany their tasting.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 70 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Travel, Your Way
Good reasons for travelling privately
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Increased safety during COVID
Spend the majority of time amongst your group to reduce exposure to others
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family