Wines of Alsace

Day 1 – Arrive at Camping Pierre de Coubertin

Upon arrival at the campsite, settle into your pitch and then take the opportunity to meet your fellow members with a welcome meeting, drinks and dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Day 2 – Zellenberg and Riquewihr

Today you will visit Zellenberg – one of the ‘pearls’ of the wine-growing region, perched on a hill amongst the vineyards. Here, you will have a guided walk along part of the ‘Perles du Vignoble’ trail, taking in the geology, flora and fauna, the ampelology and the history of the area. Afterwards, you will have a tour of the cellars  followed by some wine-tasting.

After a picnic lunch, your day continues on to the charming ‘chocolate-box’ village of Riquewihr. Here, take the tourist train with commentary and enjoy free time to explore and visit some of the local wine-shops and ‘mouse-hole’ wine cellars.

Day 3 – Free day at your leisure

Day 4 – Neuf-Brisach and Volgelsheim

Start today with a guided tour of the citadel and ramparts of Neuf-Brisach, an historic fortified city. Take a stroll around the historic ramparts, appreciate the architectural heritage, its bastioned towers, its gates and its Place d’Armes - all still intact.

After lunch in a local restaurant, relax aboard a steam train, dating from the beginning of the last century, to discover the Alsatian Ried with its canals, its fauna and its flora. The train will take you to a cruise boat for an unforgettable 80-minute ride on the Rhine. Admire the scenery from the river as well as the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of Breisach, dating from the 13th century.

After the cruise, it’s back on the steam train to return you to the station.

Day 5 – Free day

Day 6 – An excursion to Kaysersberg

Discover the customs and traditions of the Hautes-Vosges farms. Visit an artisan dairy specialising in the traditional production of Munster AOP. You will get to see where the cheeses slowly mature in the cellars and of course taste a selection of cheeses along with some fresh bread and accompanied of course by a glass of Gewurztraminer

Afterwards, you will be treated to lunch at a farm inn higher up in the valley. Lunch is a traditional ‘marcaire’ (cattle herders) meal, made up of specialities produced locally. Then, stop at the ‘Musée des eaux de Vie’, located in a former 18th century coaching inn, showcasing an exceptional collection of old distillation equipment, bottles and unusual and historical objects. Taste a craft brandy while you’re here!

After the museum, your next stop is the charming, medieval town of Kaysersberg. Take in its fortified bridge dominated by the castle, its cobbled streets and richly decorated half-timbered houses.

Day 7 – Free day

Day 8 – Colmar

Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of the picturesque city of Colmar - capital of Alsatian wines. Walk through its pretty cobbled street lined with half-timbered buildings and learn about its history and its deep connection with the wine trade.

After free time for lunch, take a boat trip to discover the Petite Venise area right in the heart of Colmar’s historic centre - so-called for its network of mini canals. Your day continues at the ‘Musée des Vins d’Alsace’, a new and innovative museum dedicated to the wines of Alsace. End your visit with a tasting of 3 different wines here.

Day 9 – Free day

Day 10 – Sélestat and the Maison du Pain d’Alsace

Today, head over to the ‘Maison du Pain d’Alsace’, which documents the history of bread-making through the ages, from ancient to present day artisan practices. From the harvest to flour, discover all things bread and take in the smells of freshly baked artisan breads.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the beautiful town of Obernai  - wander the pretty streets and have lunch at your leisure. 

In the afternoon, take the Wine Route around Obernai and visit a wine cellar where you will be able to tour their cellars, taste their wines, and learn about the wine production with a couple of immersive video presentations. End the tour with a ‘gourmet’  tea-time wine tasting and nibbles.

Day 11 – Free day

Day 12 – Château de Haut-Koenigsbourg

Take a break from the vineyards today with an excursion to the Château de Haut-Koenigsbourg. Find out about the fascinating history of this medieval castle with a guided tour. 

Afterwards, enjoy a lunch of ‘tarte flambée’ followed by a visit to a nearby craft brewery. Take a tour and enjoy tasting some of the beers produced there, accompanied with a regional speciality - a baked pretzel.

Day 13 – Kientzheim and the Brotherhood of St Etienne

The day is largely free for your leisure. Then in the late afternoon, visit the ‘Brotherhood of St Etienne’ at the Château de Kientzheim. One of the oldest in France, this brotherhood was originally created to safeguard the quality of wines in the city. It now serves as a place where people can get together to appreciate Alsatian wines and gastronomy. Join in a ‘dégustation’ and visit the underground ‘œnothèque’ – a huge reserve of over 60,000 vintage bottles dating from 1834 to present day.

End this truly unique experience with an evening meal in a local restaurant.

Day 14 – Eguisheim

Today enjoy a half-day excursion to the town of Eguisheim. Start with a relaxing ride on the little land-train that will take you through the vineyards in and around Eguisheim. Guided in English, learn about the landscape, the surrounding medieval villages and heritage of the area. 

Afterwards, visit a local winery and enjoy a tutored wine-tasting and a sharing platter of local specialities. Return to the campsite in the afternoon to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 15 – Depart from campsite

 

Please note this itinerary is subject to change.