9
15 950
It's a gentle walk to the neighbouring town of Kaysersberg before heading along the Camino de Santiago and over to the spectacular medieval villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauville. *(Staying at Hotel de la Tour)*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7.5
Activity Hours: 4
You have several options today but we suggest spending time in the picture-perfect town of Ribeauville, on the Route des Vins. Explore the brightly coloured streets and squares decorated with Renaissance fountains or pay a visit to some of the most respected wineries in the local area including the Maison Trimbach, Domaine Andre Kientzler, Jean Sipp and the Cave de Ribeauville - the oldest wine cooperative in France. Alternatively, enjoy a walk to the fortified town of Bergheim and discover its fascinating witch-trial past, or perhaps take a bus to Selestat, a city of art, history and exceptional architectural heritage. *(Staying at Hotel de la Tour)*
Today starts with a fairly steep but thoroughly rewarding climb into the Vosges Mountains where you'll find the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre - Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre which offer incredible views over Ribeauville and the surrounding plains. Rejoining the Camino de Santiago you'll arrive in the charming wine village of Rodern, renowned for its excellent Pinot Noir wines and an ideal place for a leisurely lunch and spot of tasting. Continue on to Thannenkirch and enjoy the relaxing spa facilities at your hotel. *(Staying at Le Clos des Sources)*
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 6
You have the opportunity to explore some of the 60km of walking trails which surround Thannenkirch today, but we highly recommend following the well-marked GR5 walking path up to the incredible Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg. It's easy to get lost in this imposing chateau which is perfectly located above the Alsatian plains, with the Route des Vins and Germany to the east, and the Vosges Mountains to the west. For something a little less strenuous, you could always spend the day relaxing in your hotel spa. *(Staying at Le Clos des Sources)*
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 4
After breakfast, we'll transfer you (25 mins) to the start of your walk in Aubure - you might want to pick up some supplies in Thannenkirch or Aubure as there are plenty of scenic picnic spots on today's walk! Descending on ancient forest paths you'll enjoy superb views towards Hachimette and Lapoutroie, as you make your way to Freland, home to the Maison du Pays Welche museum, a fascinating insight into the history, traditions and customs of the local people. Quiet lanes and footpaths lead you to the idyllic mountain village of Lapoutroie and your hotel, Les Alisiers, where you'll find a wonderful restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges! *(Staying at Hotel Les Alisiers)*
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 5
Today's optional walk is a memorable one. You'll follow the Tete des Faux walking trail through atmospheric forest, passing old WWI bunkers and infirmaries now reclaimed by nature, to the remains of the front line between France and Germany. It was atop the summit of the Tete des Faux that the two sides engaged in a bloody stalemate just 30 metres from each other during the First World War - the graveyards for each are currently listed as national historical monuments. You may wish to walk down to Le Bonhomme for a spot of lunch afterwards, before walking back to Lapoutroie. *(Staying at Hotel Les Alisiers)*
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 5
Enjoy the undulating woodland, heading to the little mountain villages of Orbey and Labaroche and on to Trois-Epis, the perfect place to picnic with spectacular views. Visit some chateau remains before returning to the Abbaye d'Alspach for your dinner in a local restaurant, which is included. *(Staying at Abbaye d'Alspach)*
Distance in Km: 20
Distance in Miles: 12
Activity Hours: 6
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 6 Days walking (Including one optional walk)
* Route notes and maps provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
Continental breakfasts and 8 evening meals.
* 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel
* 6 Days walking (Including one optional walk)
* Route notes and maps provided
* Luggage transfers between hotels
This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and
you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. Please bear in mind that
although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotels tends to
be quite social and they will sometimes place walkers together at breakfast
and dinner. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but
as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will
ultimately leave this decision up to you.
You'll enjoy idyllic walking through fragrant pine forest and sprawling
vineyards as you hop between the storybook villages and towns so typical of
the Alsace region - think narrow streets filled with colourful, half-timbered
houses and shops selling traditional, local wares (make sure you look out for
the delightful Christmas shop in Riquewihr)! Connected by the world-famous
Camino de Santiago, the places you visit are home to some of the region's
finest wine producers and you'll have plenty of opportunity to stop for
tastings.
Tearing yourself away from the Route des Vins, you'll head west into the
Vosges Mountains, where you'll discover secluded woodland hermitages and the
remains of once-grand hilltop castles. Here you have some truly inspiring
'rest day' options. A walk up to the incredible, 12th century Chateau du
Haut-Koenigsbourg affords mesmerising views across the entire Alsatian Plain
as far as the Black Forest, while following the Tete des Faux walking trail
you'll pass abandoned WWI fortifications and witness the remains of the
former front line between France and Germany. A bit of light relief then as
you return to the vineyards and make your way back to idyllic Ammerschwihr.
Hotels
All of the hotels we've picked for you offer great local cuisine along with
superb wine lists! In Thannenkirch your hotel is nestled beautifully at the
foot of the Taennchel Mountain, with an indoor swimming pool and spa; while
your hilltop hotel in Lapoutroie boasts an impressive restaurant with
panoramic views over the Vosges.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are
subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Continental breakfasts and 8 evening meals.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. On day 6 you will be
transfered 25 minutes to Aubure, where you will start your walk.
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Kientzheim on the
afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary.
Air inclusive prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Basel 08:35/11:10 then rail Basel St Louis to
Colmar 14:30/15:05 Mon-Fri & 15:30/16:04 Sat & Sun and transfer to hotel 15
minutes. Return: Transfer to station 15 minutes then rail Colmar to Basel St
Louis 13:26/14:01 then British Airways Basel to Heathrow 18:40/19:20.
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a
different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these
for you (there may be an additional charge).
Standard transfers
For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Colmar train
station at 15:05 Mon-Fri, 16:04 Sat & Sun and back to Colmar at 13:00. If
you are making a land only booking transfers are available for a supplement.
Each September Ribeauville town celebrates one of the oldest festivals in
Alsace; the Fete des Menetriers (Festival of the Minstrels). In the 8th
century, Ribeauville was passed to the Lord of Rappolstein (the protector of
the wandering minstrels). If you look carefully, you will see evidence of the
Piper.
Alsace offers an ideal climate for walking, with pleasant temperatures and
high levels of sunshine. The warmest month to visit is July, with an average
temperature of 20oC. The region is much drier than some of the neighbouring
regions, Colmar is France's second driest town. The wettest month to visit is
May, so remember your waterproofs.
Walking boots
Water bottle
Daypack
Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
Warm jumper
Waterproofs
Walking poles
Swimwear
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.
* Visas and vaccinations
* Travel insurance
* Single supplements
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.