Hiking in Alsace is a unique experience as you explore a part of the region that is nestled between the beautiful Vosges mountains in France and the borders of Germany and Switzerland. Alsace is a combination of cultures and therefore charm. The famous Route du Vin (wine route) encompasses at least 100 wine producing villages between Strasbourg and Colmar, creating some of France's best wines. Also also offer gourmet cuisine and has more Michelin star restaurants than any other region. Experience gastronomy in refined and traditional dishes like the famous baeckeofe. The beauty of its traditional architecture will surprise you with village after village of pretty half timbered houses decked with brilliantly colored flowers. On this tour, you will mainly walk on GR trails, which are well maintained and marked.		"Just a note to say thanks to all of you for setting up a great tour in Alsace. All the connections worked out great, and it was exactly the type of tour arrangement we were looking for, at a very reasonable price." -R. Petrilli, Alsace

Day 1 Arrive in Strasbourg. This city has easy rail access from Paris with the newly
opened TGV line. Rail access from Frankfurt is also possible. Transfer from Strasbourg to
Andlau. Orientation at 6pm at the hotel. Overnight in Andlau in a charming 3 star hotel with dinner included. (D)

If time, some sites to visit in Strasbourg:
Petite France: The popular corner of the Grand Île (the Main Island) is where theÎle river splits up into a number of canals, and cascades through a small area of half-timbered houses.

Ponts Couverts: Towers and footbridges situated at the end of 'Petite France'

Cathedral, built from 1190 to 1439

Quartier Allemand (German District), the showcase of German neoclassical
architecture in Strasbourg

Day 2: Our driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the
Mont Saint Odile. You will then walk back to Andlau, partially hiking on the GR 5 trail. Along the way, you will see the château de Landsberg and the château du Haut-Andlau. Same hotel for the night and dinner included. (B,D) 15 km hiking

Day 3: Andlau-Dieffenthal 15km. Today you will pick up the GR 5 trail and walk to Dieffenthal. You will walk through the vineyards and the Foret d'Andlau, through Reichsfeld, a charming small Alsacian village. You will also have the opportunity to see the remains of the château de Bernstein, among the oldest in Alsace! Legend has it that the castle was built on the rock where a bear family was living. This is where its name come from, as Bernstein (or Bärenstein) litterally means bear's rock (Bär, bear and Stein, rock in German). Overnight in Dieffenthal (3 star) and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 4: Dieffenthal-Ribeauville 14km. Your destination today is Ribeauville. In the Middle Ages, the town was the seat of the Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre - the Lords of Ribeaupierre (hence the town’s name of Ribeauvillé). Our driver will meet you in the morning at the hotel and transfer you to the château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. The castle is nestled at a strategic location on a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain. From there, you will have a scenic hike back to Ribeauville, through the Forest de Ribeauville on the GR5 path. (B) Hotel 2 star, dinner on your own. Upgrade to 4 star possible.

Day 5: Ribeauville-Turckheim 15km. Your destination today is Turckheim, a charmingly petite village known for its Gewürztraminer, traditional Alsatian cuisine, and stunning surrounding scenery. Turckheim is probably most well-known for its surrounding medieval wall. It is the only such surviving wall in Alsace. Another attractive feature of Turckheim is the Night Watchman. The traditionally dressed Turckheim native, cloaked in
black and carrying a halberd and lamp makes the rounds at 22.00 (10pm) each night from May to October. As he strolls the protected city, he sings a number of Alsatian
favorites. Overnight in Turckheim (3 star) and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6: Turckheim-Munster 15km. Walk to Munster, famous for its cheese! Legend has it that it was invented by the monks of the Benedictine Abbey of Munster (the Monastery). This cheese was one of the contributions that farmers had to provide to the Munster convent or to other lords of the land. Overnight in Munster (3 star) and dinner included. (B,D)

Day 7: Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Colmar included. Extra nights in Colmar or Strasbourg possible. (B)

All hotels on tour are personally selected for the cleanliness, charm, and excellent service offered by the owners. Guests have thoroughly enjoyed their stays. Upgrade in Ribeauville: 85 euros/person.

The trip includes: Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 6 nights 3 & 2 star hotels, daily baggage transfer, hiking maps with cue sheets and tour information, GPS, arrival transfer from Strasbourg and departure transfer to Colmar, other taxi transfers as noted, arrival orientation, meals include breakfasts and 3 dinners, local emergency service and support. We also provide travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.

Additional Nights possible - please inquire

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services. Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.