Exploring the enchanting Alsace region during the festive season is a magical experience like no other. This day tour from Strasbourg offers travelers the chance to stroll through charming Christmas markets, admire the picturesque medieval towns, and uncover the rich cultural heritage of the area. From the half-timbered houses of Colmar to the historic castles along the Alsace Wine Route, each stop promises to delight the senses and ignite the holiday spirit. Whether you’re seeking unique gifts, local culinary delights, or simply the essence of a traditional European Christmas, this immersive adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Strasbourg explores the highlights of the Alsace region, including the picturesque Christmas markets in Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim.
- The tour includes transportation in comfortable minivans, with an English-speaking driver and guide, but excludes personal expenses, meals, gratuities, and entrance fees.
- The tour visits the charming Old Town of Colmar, with its half-timbered medieval buildings and quaint boutiques, and provides a glimpse into the rich winemaking heritage of Alsace.
- Travelers will visit additional Christmas markets in towns like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Bergheim, each offering unique festive atmospheres and local artisanal crafts.
- The tour concludes in Strasbourg, allowing ample time for further exploration of the city’s historic center and renowned Christmas markets.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Strasbourg allows travelers to explore the highlights of the Alsace region, including its charming medieval towns and festive Christmas markets.
The small-group tour, limited to 8 people, visits the Christmas markets in Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim.
You’ll travel in late-model, comfortable minivans with an English-speaking driver and guide.
The tour includes visits to the Christmas markets, but excludes personal expenses, meals, gratuities, and entrance fees to monuments or museums.
The meeting point is Place Gutenberg in Strasbourg, and the tour returns to the same location around 4 pm.
This immersive experience showcases the best of Alsace’s festive spirit and historic charm.
Inclusions
The tour includes visits to the picturesque Christmas markets across the Alsace region, with an English-speaking driver and guide accompanying travelers throughout the day.
Attendees will explore the charming markets in cities like Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim, browsing the festive stalls and soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Comfortable, fully-equipped minivans provide transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
While meals, drinks, and entrance fees aren’t included, the tour covers the essential sights and allows ample time for personal exploration at each market.
With a small group size limited to 8 people, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience of the Alsatian Christmas traditions.
Exclusions
Personal insurance, meals, drinks, gratuities, and entrance fees to monuments, museums, and attractions (unless mentioned) are excluded from the tour. While the package covers the essentials like transportation, guide, and access to the famous Christmas markets, visitors will need to budget for their own personal expenses. To help plan the trip, here’s a breakdown of the excluded costs:
| Expense | Approx. Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 15-25 per person |
| Entrance Fees | 5-15 per attraction |
| Gratuities | 3-5 per person |
Knowing these exclusions upfront allows travelers to manage their budget and ensure they make the most of their Alsace Christmas markets experience.
Meeting and Pickup
To begin the tour, guests gather at the designated meeting point of Place Gutenberg in Strasbourg, where they’ll meet their English-speaking driver and guide at 9:00 am.
From there, the group departs for the first stop on the Alsace Christmas markets adventure. The tour’s comfortable, fully-equipped minivans provide the transportation throughout the day, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive along the Alsace Wine Route.
The tour concludes back at the same meeting point in Strasbourg around 4 pm, leaving guests with cherished memories of their exploration of Alsace’s charming Christmas markets.
The day’s itinerary is packed with highlights, but the relaxed pace ensures everyone has ample time to soak in the festive atmosphere.
Colmar Old Town
After departing Strasbourg, the first stop on the tour is the charming Old Town of Colmar, where guests embark on a guided walking exploration.
Cobblestone streets wind past half-timbered medieval buildings and quaint boutiques, transporting visitors back in time to the heart of Alsace’s historic past.
The guide points out architectural gems like the Maison Pfister, a Renaissance-style house with an ornate facade, and the iconic Koïfhus, a former merchant’s hall now home to artisan shops.
As the group meanders through the picturesque lanes, the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, setting the perfect festive mood for discovering Colmar’s five bustling Christmas markets.
Alsace Wine Route
The tour then winds its way along the Alsace Wine Route, a picturesque journey through the heart of one of France’s premier wine-producing regions. Dotted with charming villages, historic vineyards, and scenic vistas, the route offers a glimpse into the rich winemaking heritage of Alsace.
Travelers might stop at:
- Eguisheim, a charming town with half-timbered houses and a medieval castle.
- Riquewihr, a picturesque village known for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.
- Kaysersberg, a quaint town with a well-preserved old town and a hilltop château.
- Bergheim, a historic village featuring traditional Alsatian architecture and a Christmas market.
This scenic drive allows visitors to enjoy the unique culture and flavors of the Alsace region.
Additional Christmas Markets
Beyond the picturesque town of Colmar, the tour explores additional charming Christmas markets nestled throughout the Alsace region. Travelers will visit quaint villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Bergheim, each offering its own unique festive atmosphere and local artisanal crafts.
| Village | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Eguisheim | Medieval architecture, pottery, mulled wine |
| Riquewihr | Timber-framed buildings, handcrafted ornaments |
| Kaysersberg | Historic castle ruins, gourmet food stalls |
| Bergheim | Traditional Christmas carols, handblown glass |
These quaint Alsatian villages provide the perfect opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage and indulge in the festive spirit of the Christmas markets.
Return to Strasbourg
Around 4 pm, the tour returns to the starting point in Strasbourg, providing travelers with ample time to further explore the city’s historic center and renowned Christmas markets on their own.
Wander the charming streets of Petite France, a picturesque neighborhood lined with half-timbered houses and canals.
Sip mulled wine and indulge in local delicacies at the bustling Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe.
Marvel at the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city’s skyline.
Discover hidden gems and unique boutiques as they stroll through the quaint neighborhoods, soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Markets?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to visit specific Christmas markets. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider and work out a customized itinerary that aligns with their interests within the tour’s overall duration and logistics.
Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Cuisine?
The tour guides typically provide recommendations for local Alsatian cuisine, like hearty stews, flammkuchen (Alsatian pizza), and renowned wines. They’ll suggest the best spots to sample the region’s gastronomic specialties during the free time at the Christmas markets.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the small-group size and focus on exploring charming Christmas markets make it an enjoyable experience for all ages to discover the Alsace region’s festive highlights.
Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?
Yes, participants can typically explore on their own during the free time allotted at the different Christmas markets. However, they should check with the tour guide about the meeting time and location to rejoin the group.
What Is the Policy for Cancellations or Refunds?
The tour company’s policy typically allows for full refunds if customers cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Partial refunds may be available for last-minute cancellations, subject to the company’s discretion. Customers should review the policy when booking.
Recap
The Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg offers a delightful immersion into the region’s festive charm.
Visitors will stroll through picturesque towns, explore medieval castles, and discover the lively spirit of the traditional Alsatian Christmas markets.
With guided explorations and the convenience of transportation, this tour provides an enchanting glimpse into the holiday traditions and enchanting architecture of Alsace.
