France | Alsace Wine Trail
Independent Walking, hotel to hotel
This gentle, relaxed walking route runs in parallel with the central part of the famous Route du Vin, where practically every colourful village has its own vineyard and east-facing ruined castle. There are countless opportunities to taste wines along your way. The Alsatian vignerons are so proud of what they produce that they will insist you sample their whole range, while everyone enjoys a good chat.We find them really hospitable and welcoming.
| Duration: | 9 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW170 |
| Trip Style: | Moderate - 3 star |
| Departure Dates: | Every two days from 13th to May to 24th Sep |
| Price: | From $1,672 |
| Single Supplement: | $325 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Trip Details
The walks average three hours a day, taking you on sentiers viticoles (paths via neatly-groomed vineyards) and along pleasant forest tracks. And all along your way, you'll find exquisitely preserved villages, dominated from the heights by their own feudal castles, usually only two or three kilometres apart. Geraniums spill from window boxes and balconies, and the half-timbered buildings can be plastered in pastel colours, bright blue, apricot or red. All our hotels are family-run and pride themselves on their warm welcome.We arrange for you to have dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
Day 1 - Arrive at Turckheim
Here you stay 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.
Day 2 - Turckheim to Kaysersberg 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr
Time to explore Turckheim's Renaissance church and mediaeval gate where storks still nest. Your walk through the vines takes you past flower-filled Niedermorschwir 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 our hotel on a quiet cobbled street in the old town.
Day 3 - At Kaysersberg
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 (local bus, 25 mins), the 'Venice of Alsace' and a honeycomb of pretty canals and gorgeous pastel-coloured houses.
Day 4 - Kaysersberg to Riquewihr 10km/6mi/3.5hr
A gentle climb through oak and beech forest to Chapelle St Alexis hidden in the woods - 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.
Day 5 - At Riquewihr
The town of Riquewihr is so enchanting it has been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You'll be bewitched by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains, and colourful signboards.
Day 6 - Riquewihr to Bergheim 10km/6mi/3hr or 17km/10mi/5hr
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 there. Three ruined castles of the once powerful counts of Ribeaupierre look down as you walk on through the vines to Bergheim.
Day 7 - At Bergheim
This colourful and ancient market town was a mediaeval refuge where criminals on the run were safe from persecution - unless they were thought to be witches! There are lots of beautiful timber-framed houses and a decorated fountain in the old square. Be sure to take the short taxi ride to the amazing Haut Koenigsbourg Castle - it's a gentle downhill walk back!
Day 8 - Bergheim to Turckheim11km/7mi/3.5hr
You continue parallel to the Route du Vin to a poignant WW2 German military cemetery - panoramic views over to 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 including eagles and vultures. We give you a lift back to Turckheim.
Day 9 - Leave Turckheim
WALKING DETAILS
This is an 1 boot independent walking holiday. This easy walking holiday will take you through vineyards, ancient oak forest and totally unspoilt gingerbread villages bedecked with flowers. There is the opportunity to visit roomantic castles, gothic churches and exquisite Riquewihr. 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.
This holiday follows the central part of the renowned Route du Vin (Wine Road), where practically every colourful village has its own vineyard and ruined castle. There are countless opportunities to taste wines along the way. The Alsatian vignerons are so proud of what they produce that they will insist you sample their whole range, while everyone enjoys a good chat. We find them really hospitable and charming. The villages are spick-and-span and temptingly photogenic. Geraniums spill from window boxes and balconies, and the half-timbered buildings can be plastered in pastel colours, bright blue, apricot or red.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel des Deux Clefs, Turckheim
The 3* Hotel des Deux Clefs is absolutely stunning. The hotel building dates back to the 16C 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 21C traveller; all are ensuite and feature satellite tv.
Hôtel Constantin, Kaysersberg (3 star)
In the heart of the old historic town of Kaysersberg, Hôtel Constantin welcomes you to a beautiful traditional Alsatian wine grower's house, with comfortable rooms. An ideal base for walking and exploring the vineyards.
Hôtel à l'Oriel, Riquewihr (3 star)
Hôtel à l'Oriel is located right in the centre of Riquewihr, the building is centered around a central courtyard and is very rustic in style, with the exterior of the hotel painted a cheerful yellow with wooden timbered balconies burgeoning with flowers. The bedrooms, many with wooden beamed ceilings, are decorated with bright patchwork quilts and solid wooden furniture.
Hôtel Chez Norbert, Bergheim (3 star)
With only 12 rooms, this hotel has the feel of a country house. Each of the rooms are comfortable, and nicely presented with a TV, mini bar & telephone.
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Continental breakfast and 4 evening meals
- Transfers
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
