Vineyards of Alsace
At the meeting point between France, Germany and Switzerland, in the foothills of the Vosges mountains lies the delightful region of Alsace. The regional center, is Colmar, a quaint town with carved and painted houses and an old Venetion quarter. The walking in this area is delightful, in a lush mountainous areas of small villages and forest.
The route takes you through pretty villages full of twisting streets, small squares and picturesque half-timbered houses with neat window boxes and rooves topped by nesting storks. Between the medieval village of Turckheim (where you can find the last remaining nightwatchmen in France) and Riquewihr, with its medieval centre and perfectly preserved double city wall, you will visit the villages of Niedermorschwir, Amerschwihr and Kayserberg, with its castle overlooking the plain of Alsace. Then onto Thannenkirch which retains the most traces of its rich history. There are fortifications dating from the 13th and 14th centuries at Ribeauville, and on the last days of your walk Barr, and Ottrot. You will climb to the summits of Steinkoepfel, Schaentzel, Odilienberg or Mont Saint Odile (an ancient monastery perched proudly on a rocky spur). You will explore the 12th century fortresses of Haut Koenigsbourg, Haut Ribeauspierre, Ramstein and Ortembourg. A good area for lovers of food and wine. Sylvaner, Reisling, Gewurstraminer, and Pinot Blanc are all produced in this area and there are many opportunities to sample them at caves along the route.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: Dinner, B+B in simple country inns (2* ) Logis de France approved.
ARRIVAL: Between 4pm and 7pm on first day at Colmar. By air to Strasbourg, train to Colmar (40 mins) and taxi or bus (10 mins) to the first hotel.
END OF TOUR: After breakfast on day 7 take a short train journey back to Strasbourg.
Self Guided Inn to Inn 7 days
TOURCODE: SVA
GRADE:
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L...O U T F I T T E R S...I N C .
1-800-766-4318