A Traditional Alsace Christmas
| Resort: | A Traditional Alsace Christmas |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, France |
| Price From: | £1429.00 |
OverviewWhen it comes to quaint medieval villages, atmospheric Christmas markets and traditional crafts and cuisine, theres nowhere quite like Alsace. On this tour of the regions most magical Christmas sights, well stay in charming Eguisheim the perfect base from which to explore all that this heart-stealing area of France has to offer. Expect delicious meals, twinkling lights and an abundance of Christmas cheer. Inclusions
ItineraryDay 1 Basel – Ungersheim – EguisheimAfter meeting the group in a festively decorated Basel, well hit the road to France: where our five-day exploration of the Christmas traditions of Alsace will begin. Our first fairytale destination will be Ungersheim. This fascinating village is home to Alsace Ecomuseum France’s largest open-air museum and will be filled with beautiful trees and wreaths at this magical time of year. This storybook village is Frances largest open-air museum, and it will be filled with beautiful trees and wreaths at this special time of year. While were here, well meet a local craftsman wholl reveal the secrets behind the perfect Christmas decorations at an included workshop. Then: its onwards to our hotel in Eguisheim, where a delicious welcome dinner awaits us. What a start to the trip! Day 2 Eguisheim – Ostheim – EguisheimToday well set our sights on the quaint village of Ostheim where well roll up our sleeves for a traditional French Christmas cooking class. Using fresh seasonal produce, a local chef will show us how to recreate some delectable dishes and when were done, well have the chance to eat our creations for lunch. Later on, the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring the medieval village of Eguisheim (and its enchanting Christmas market) as you please. Enjoy a cup of mulled wine, stock up on gifts to take home or simply browse the stalls what you do this evening is up to you! Day 3 Eguisheim – Ribeauvill – Riquewihr – EguisheimOn this mornings agenda: a stop at the strolling fiddlers town of Ribeauvill, where we’ll embark on a guided tour of the town’s medieval Christmas market. With three castles and scores of Christmas trees bedecked with coats of arms and banners (not to mention troubadours, storytellers and fire jugglers), this unique market is like something out of a fairytale! After taking some time to explore, well switch our focus to another Christmas market in Riquewihr, where well have some free time to wander through the quaint narrow streets and past half-timbered houses, moving from hut to fascinating hut. And then? Well come back together to visit a local wine cellar, where well have the opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting session. votre sant! Day 4 Eguisheim – Strasbourg – Colmar – EguisheimFirst today: well hit the road to Strasbourg, where well step off the tourist trail on an included visit to the Cave des Hospices wine cellars. After a tasting and guided tour led by a local wine producer, well have time to take a look around the city before we climb back aboard the mini-coach and move on to lovely Colmar where well discover the towns mesmerising coloured illuminations (known as the Magic of Lights). Later on, well take our seats in St Matthieu Church for a heartwarming Christmas concert. With Christmas hymns ringing in our ears, well return to Eguisheim for one last group dinner. Day 5 Eguisheim – Orschwiller – BaselThis morning well bid farewell to Eguisheim and make tracks to Orschwiller, where well visit the 12th-century Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle taking the time to wander the courtyard, spiral staircase, beautifully refined rooms and artillery platform for a unique glimpse into the fortress history. Before we return to Basel, weve one more stop to make: a local brewery, where well toast the end of our adventure with a beer tasting session. Then: time to go our separate ways. |
