This tour is a full-day showcasing the best of the Alsace. Be prepared to be amazed by the landscapes of this region!
Today, the most interesting landmarks of Alsace will be on your programme. Depart from Colmar and discover the small village of Turckheim. The village is a perfect start point for a tour as it is a traditional Alsatian village with fewer tourists.
Throughout the centre of Turckheim there are plenty of traditional Alsace style houses to admire, overflowing with flowers, and a few specific buildings of interest: mostly dating from the 16th and 17th century. These include the town hall, the hospital and the guard house. The most notable features are the fortifications and the three original gateways that surround the old town. While these defences are common in some parts of France they are very unusual in the Alsace region.
Your tour then continues onto the beautiful town of Riquewihr. Surrounded by ramparts, the village has been very fortunate to survive war and destruction. Its tiny streets, fortified walls and old houses have preserved their 16C splendour and remained virtually intact, making for remarkable architectural harmony. Enjoy free time for personal discovery and lunch.
Located between the Rhine valley and the Vosges mountain range, the 60 year old wine route winds across the slopes for more than 170 kms. The itinerary leads across rows of undulating, vine covered hills, and through quaint villages with narrow streets and charming flower decked houses clustered around the local church steeple. As you stop in one of these villages, experience a wine tasting session during which you will be introduced to the local wines.
Finally, reach Haut Koenigsbourg castle. Here, follow your guide for a tour of this mighty fortress that overlooks the valley. Built in 12th century, the Castle occupied a strategic position controlling the wine and wheat routes to the North and the salt route that came from the East.