8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

Walking the Alsace Wine Route

Discover the treasures of the Alsace wine region in north-eastern France.
Walk through charming ’Plus Beaux Villages de France’ villages
Enjoy extensive views over rolling landscapes dotted with medieval castle ruins
Try Alsatian delicacies like Tarte Flambée and Kugelhopf
Relax at the end of the day on a sunny terrace with a glass of aromatic Riesling

Walk through the unique French region of Alsace, from the tranquil village of Thannenkirch to the lively village of Eguisheim, one of the ’Plus Beaux Villages de France’. Alsace retains a rich Germanic character; which can be traced back to when it was under German control. It now exudes a unique culture, taking the best of French and German influences; evident in its beautiful architecture and delicious food and drink. Spend mornings on the trail, and the afternoon relaxing and exploring. Walk between the picturesque towns and villages, truly experiencing the best Alsace has to offer. Enjoy carefully maintained vineyards, welcoming wine cellars, gourmet restaurants, peaceful forest trails, fairy-tale villages and sweeping views of the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest. Relish our special walking adventure in this exceptional region of France.

From £1,099.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Thannenkirch

Arrive at Sélestat train station from where you will be transferred to Thannenkirch (20 mins).Thannenkirch is a peaceful village, nestled in the green rolling hills of Alsace, a few hundred metres above the plain and vineyards. Adorned with handmade woodworks and carvings, wander through this beautiful village and take in the peace and quiet. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening (included) and prepare yourself for your first day of hiking.

Dinner:Thannenkirch

Overnight Thannenkirch

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel La Meuniere | 3 Star | Hotel

This 3 star family run hotel is beautiful on the outside and in. Rooms are comfortable, spacious and clean. Dinner is included this evening at the on-site restaurant. The head chef has previously worked in 3 Michelin star restaurants in the surrounding area, and brings this high-quality to Thannenkirch’s down to earth setting. The panoramic terrace is a great place to enjoy an aperitif before eating.

Le Clos Des Sources | Hotel

Stay in the recently renovated Les Clos Des Sources, a spa hotel run by the 4^th generation of the family who founded the hotel. Bring your swimming costume with you to enjoy the facilities.

Day 2 Walk to Ribeauvillé 4 miles / 7 km

Your walking adventure begins with a beautiful walk to Ribeauvillé. Ascend steadily on a pleasant path through the forest. Arrive at the ruins of the ‘Trois Châteaux’, three medieval castles which make up an impressive part of the Alsace landscape. Enjoy the panorama from the third castle, views over the town of Ribeauvillé and a sea of vineyards open up. Descend to the town, taking your time to soak in the views.

Ribeauvillé is a lively, picturesque town brimming with pretty half-timbered houses, medieval towers and churches. Why not visit the "Cave de Ribeauville"to learn more about the local wine production?

Elevation Gain/Loss: +201m / -438m

Overnight Ribeauvillé

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel de la Tour | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel de la Tour is a bright and cheerful hotel faithful to the generous Alsatian traditions of hospitality. The hotel has 31 individually decorated rooms, a small bar, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and even a tennis court.

Hotel le Ménestrel | 3 Star | Hotel

You will be able to enjoy their comfortable terrasse or our bar, sitting immediately in front of the vineyard. Wellness center (sauna et jacuzzi) available free of charge.

Au Cheval Blanc | 3 Star | Hotel

Nestling in a historic building dating back to 1500, the hotel offers 19 rooms. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and bathroom. Free WIFI connection is available in rooms and public areas. There is an outdoor terrace, equipped with a SPA and sauna.

Day 3 Walk to Kaysersberg 7 miles / 11 km

Today you’ll be walking through the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. The trails are undulating and the scenery beautiful; surrounded by lush green vineyards and picturesque villages whose spires dot the horizon. Arrive in Riquewihr, a walled medieval town which has been amazingly preserved. Half-timbered and brightly coloured buildings host a range of shops, restaurants and museums. Continue through vineyards and onto a balcony path above Kayserbserg which leads to the Chateau de Kaysersberg. Descend into the town which was voted ‘France’s Favourite Village’ in 2017.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +296m / -299m

Overnight Kaysersberg

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Les Remparts | 3 Star | Hotel

Within walking distance of the historic old town the Hotel Les Remparts offers you calm and comfort. The hotel has 44 modern rooms, a sauna, games rooms and dozens of excellent restaurants within strolling distance.

Hotel Kle | Hotel

Located in a former house of a wine-grower in the heart of the charming village of Kaysersberg. Staying here is a culinary experience, there is a traditional Alsatian vaulted cellar which is open from breakfast-time until evening. It's the ideal opportunity to discover what the region has to offer, from the fine selection of Alsatian wines to the locally-grown produce.

Day 4 Walk to Lac Noir and Blanc or Free Day Kaysersberg 12 miles / 19 km

Take a local bus to the village of Orbey, nestled in the heart of the Vosges Regional Park. This optional walk is strenuous but one of Alsace’s classic walks. Follow the trail through alpine-like pastures before ascending through the forest to reach a panoramic path high above Lac Blanc, a picturesque lake at 1,100m above sea level. Descend to Lac Noir, before a gentle amble through hamlets and dairy farms brings you back to Orbey. (please note that buses do not run on Sundays; ensure this day falls on another day of the week if you are keen to do the optional walk)

Alternatively, take it easy today and spend the day at leisure in Kaysersberg. Wander the streets and take in the medieval architecture of the town. Enjoy a leisurely evening meal at one of Kaysersberg’s many restaurants. Local specialities include tarte flambée, coq au Riesling, choucroute, cordon bleu, munster cheese and pretzels. All to be washed down with a glass of local white wine of course!

Elevation Gain/Loss: +882m / -881m

Overnight Kaysersberg

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Les Remparts | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Kle | Hotel

Day 5 Walk to Turckheim 6 miles / 10 km

Follow the Chemin de Compostelle through vineyards and some shady forest sections. Walking through the authentic villages of Ammerschwihr, Katzenthal and Niedermorschwihr give a glimpse into the everyday lives of the Alsatian inhabitants. Evidence of the wine production and trade is prevalent, and the vineyards you walk through will likely be being tended by the winemakers.

Arrive in Turckheim, another historical delight. The nightwatchman makes his rounds through the town every night at 10pm (May-October) as in the olden days, singing in the Alsatian dialect. Keep an eye out for nesting storks on the tops of the half-timbered houses.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +185m / -204m

Overnight Turckheim

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Les Duex Cles - Turckheim - Alsace

Hotel Des Deux Clefs | 3 Star | Hotel

This hotel is one of the most beautiful buildings in Turckheim, dating back to the 15th century and is full of tradition and charm. Enjoy a refreshing glass of Riesling in the peaceful garden terrace.

Les Portes de laV allee - Turckheim - Alsace

Les Portes de la Vallee | Hotel

A quaint Family run hotel with warm, country-style rooms with wood furnishings in a residential neighborhood is a 10-minute walk from the town center and 8 km from the Château du Hohlandsbourg.

Day 6 Walk to Eguisheim 7.5 miles / 12 km

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast including French classics such as pain-au-chocolat and croissants. Here in Alsace, you will also find "Kugelhopf" in the breakfast buffet, a soft sponge cake with sultanas and nuts which the locals like to dunk into their morning coffee.

A steep but short incline takes you out of Turckheim and into the woods. The rest of the day’s walk is spent between calm forest trails and open vineyard paths. On a clear day, enjoy views of Germany’s Black Forest on your left and on your right a smattering of ruined castles perched high on the hills. Eguisheim is one of France "Plus Beaux Villages" and it's easy to see why. Beautifully ornate, its fountains, traditional houses and colourful flower boxes are a real treat.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +203m / -245m

Overnight Eguisheim

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hostellerie du Château | 3 Star | Hotel

A friendly and warm welcome is waiting from Phillipe and his team at this charming 3* hotel. The hotel benefits from a fantastic location in the main square in Eguisheim, next to the former Château (now a church) and its ubiquitous nesting storks. Rooms are individually decorated.

La Ferme du Pape | Hotel

Located at the gate of the charming village, this hotel is in a beautiful building which has a traditional feel to it and a restaurant worth trying.

Auberge Alsacienne | 3 Star | Hotel

Located at the edge of the charming village of Eguisheim, this hotel is located in a building from the 16th century with modern interiors and a restaurant which serves Alsactian specialities.

Day 7 Loop Walk or Free Day Eguisheim 9 miles / 14 km

Today you have the option of a loop walk or a day of leisure in the town. The loop walk takes in four of the castles that sit high on the hills surrounding Eguisheim.

Alternatively, spend the day in Eguisheim, enjoying the atmosphere of the village, sampling one or two of the local wine producer’s wares. Eguisheim has a range of traditional restaurants to choose from. Be sure to enjoy a fine evening meal to mark the end of your Alsace walking adventure.

Elevation Gain/Loss: +545m / -545m

Overnight Eguisheim

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hostellerie du Château | 3 Star | Hotel

La Ferme du Pape | Hotel

Located at the gate of the charming village, this hotel is in a beautiful building which has a traditional feel to it and a restaurant worth trying.

Auberge Alsacienne | 3 Star | Hotel

Located at the edge of the charming village of Eguisheim, this hotel is located in a building from the 16th century with modern interiors and a restaurant which serves Alsactian specialities.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This tour is ideal for those looking for a classic hotel to hotel itinerary which combines interesting walks with charming towns and villages. The walks are relatively short but undulating, so be prepared this along the way. Two tougher optional walks will help you build up an appetite if desired. The length of the walks allow plenty of time to explore and enjoy the gastronomic delights of Alsace. Stay in comfortable, family-run 3-star hotels.

Trip Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine

Accessible by Rail

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded ‘easy-moderate’ overall. The walking days are fairly short, but the trails are undulating with some steep sections. The optional loop walk from Orbey (Day 4) could be considered moderate-strenuous due to the ascent/descent and length. The second optional loop walk (Day 7) could be considered moderate, due to the ascent. You should be in good shape to get the most from this tour. The terrain is a mixture of forest trails, grassy vineyard paths, and paved country lanes and quiet country roads.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights accommodation in 3* hotels and B&B’s
7 Breakfasts
1 Dinner
Luggage transfers
Train station transfers on Day 1 and Day 8
Detailed information pack, route notes and access to our App
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Lunches
5 Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.