Five Days in Alsace and Champagne: Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Paris and drive east to the historic city of Reims. Visit cellars of a celebrated Champagne house for an entertaining introduction to the drink of luxury and sample their fine Champagnes.

Lunch in city centre bistro.

Free time to visit the historic Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau Museum a UNESCO World Heritage site, traditionally the venue for French coronations since the baptism of King Clovis in 498. The Museum contains tapestries and ancient treasures including the talisman of Charlemagne.

Continue on route to our first hotel base in the Alsace market town of Obernai. Dine in restaurant close to hotel.

Day 2

Visit local cave for wine tasting and the take short drive into Strasbourg, “capital” of Europe. See European Parliament buildings and take time to stroll about the ancient city, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend time in the spectacular Gothic cathedral or a museum. Lunch in town.

Return to the vineyards by the pretty village of Dambach-la-Ville for tasting of local wines. Drive back to hotel through stunning scenery and picturesque villages. A popular afternoon activity in Obernai is to visit the old Corn Market for Foie Gras and Gewurztraminer. Dinner in town.

Day 3

Board coach and drive up escarpment to Haut-Kœnigsbourg – the gothic fortress restored by Kaiser Wilhelm II, with vast panoramic view over the Rhine to the Black Forest.

Then down to the town of Ribeauvillé to visit its famous winery for degustation before free time in town.

Scenic drive to charming Kayserberg, birthplace of Albert Schweitzer. Study the shops in medieval town centre. Finally, on to our second base in the unspoiled Middle Age milieu of Riquewihr set amidst the finest vineyards of the region. Time to wander the traffic free streets to window shop or go into one of its many hospitable bars for coffee or Muscat. Dinner in town.

Day 4

Approaching the city of Colmar, call first at the attractive village of Turkheim to taste the excellent wines of the area and be tempted by the local Munster cheese.

Free time to see the Unterlinden Museum and many charming ancient sites. Promenade through the old quarter and take a canal side lunch in Petite Venise, renowned for its excellent restaurants.

Return to Riquewihr via the celebrated cave of Bestheim, taste some of their award winning produce. Dinner in cellar restaurant in town.

Day 5

Head south to the interesting village of Thann to taste wines, claimed by some to be the best of Alsace.

Follow the picturesque Route des Crêtes, built by the French in World War I to enjoy breathtaking views over the Vosges and great photographic opportunities in all directions.

The meandering mountaintop road, will lead us to our route back to Paris via the important historic city of Nancy, where we will rest for lunch before returning to Paris.