Current as of: October 25, 2019 - 13:59 Valid for departures: From October 10, 2019 to December 31, 2030 Contrasts of Alsace and the Vosges Self-Guided Walk Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays 9 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Adventure Holidays in France Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate Programmes: Walking & Trekking W08AL Trip Overview Your holiday starts in the heart of the wine country and takes you west through ancient forest and into the Vosges Mountains, straddling the French and German border. Here you'll discover the crumbling ruins of once-mighty hilltop castles and vivid reminders of Europe's wartime past. At a Glance 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel 6 Days walking (Including one optional walk) Headwater wine service Route notes and maps provided Luggage transfers between hotels Countries visited: Adventure Holidays in France Trip Highlights Walk along the world-famous Camino de Santiago Authentic medieval villages on the Alsace Wine Route including France's 2nd most beautiful village, Riquewihr Off-the-beaten-track walking in the picturesque Vosges National Park Ancient forest and awe-inspiring hilltop chateaux Sweeping vineyards (some with Grand Cru status) and some of the region's finest wine producers Stay in one of France's oldest Auberges in Ribeauville Is This Trip for You? 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. Group 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. Adult min age: 18 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 17 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Kientzheim End City: Kientzheim Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Kientzheim Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Staying at Abbaye d'Alspach) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Kientzheim to Ribeauville 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) Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 3 At Ribeauville 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) Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Ribeauville to Thannenkirch 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) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 6 Day 5 At Thannenkirch 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) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 10 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 6 Thannenkirch to Lapoutroie 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) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 7 At Lapoutroie 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) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 8 Lapoutroie to Kientzheim 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) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 20 km / 12 miles Activity (hours): 6 Day 9 Leave Kientzheim Meals included: Breakfast All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Accommodation 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. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $496.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking Continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals. Transportation 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. Weather & Seasonality When to go Each September Ribeauville town celebrates one of the oldest festivals in Alsace; the Fete des Menetriers (Festival of the Minstrels).