An exclusive journey
The Christmas Markets of Alsace
Your date here
8-24
Guests
7 / 6
Days / Nights
12
Meals
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season during a whimsy-filled week in the region of Alsace. Located on the border of Germany and France, Alsace is a region steeped in history and tradition. Discover the colorful Christmas markets, marvel at medieval and Renaissance-era architecture, and explore the storybook villages of the Alsace Wine Route, one of France’s oldest and most cherished wine trails. Savor traditional Alsatian dishes like tarte flambée, bacheofe, and spaetzle, and delight in holiday favorites like gingerbread and bredele. Take in the stunning sights and relish in the spirit of the season during this wintry tour through Alsace, ending in spa town of Baden Baden in Germany’s magical Black Forest.
Savor
traditional Alsatian dishes and a medley of holiday flavors
Explore
the Alsace Wine Route and discover regional wines, such as Riesling, and an idyllic landscape
See
some of Europe’s finest Christmas markets and enjoy the seasonal sensory delights
Day 1
Strasbourg
Land in the Strasbourg Airport and make your way to the arrivals hall where you’ll be warmly greeted by your travel director. Take a private transfer to our historic hotel in the heart of Strasbourg. After checking into the hotel, enjoy some time at your leisure to relax or explore your surroundings.
This evening, join together at one of our favorite restaurants for a hearty welcome dinner featuring traditional Alsatian cuisine and wine.
Day 2
Historic Strasbourg
Discover the charming sights and fascinating history of Strasbourg during a privately guided walking tour this morning. Starting at the 15th-century Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, we’ll learn about the medieval clock — a technological innovation of its time. Passing through the square we’ll enter upon one of France’s most beautiful Christmas markets. Our exploration of Strasbourg includes a stroll through Le Petite France — a UNESCO World Heritage Site notable for its numerous canals and historic buildings.
In the afternoon, we’ll learn about Alsatian cuisine and the region’s love affair with sweets. A hands-on pastry workshop introduces us to the traditional tarte flambée, Alsatian gingerbread, bredele (traditional Christmas biscuits), and other holiday specialties. This evening, you’ll have time on your own in Strasbourg to discover the Christmas markets and the assortment of cafés and restaurants offering delicious regional cuisine. Dinner is at your leisure.
Day 3
Alsace Wine Route
Today, we’ll head out on the winding roads of the Alsace Wine Route — cutting through the valleys along the foothills of the Vosges. The Alsace Wine Route is more than 60 years old and one of France’s oldest wine routes. The 100-mile stretch passes through 70 wine-growing villages featuring more than 1,000 wine producers and 27 Michelin-starred restaurants. We’ll visit a number of charming villages today, like Dambach-la-Ville, Ribeauvillé, or Mittelbergheim. Stopping at two wineries along the way, we’ll enjoy the opportunity to taste and learn about Gewürztraminer and Riesling. Savor a wine-paired lunch.
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure in Strasbourg. Our ideally situated hotel is perfect for exploring the area by foot. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 4
Christmas Markets
Strasbourg is home to one of Europe’s oldest Christkindelsmärik (Christmas market). The Christkindelsmärik is held annually in the square of Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. The entire city is filled with holiday cheer, events, and eleven different markets. A private two-hour walking tour delivers the best market experience. We’ll sample delicious festive treats, visit the not-to-be-missed markets, and see spectacular illuminations.
Following a morning of strolling the markets, we’ll sit down for a sumptuous lunch break at a cozy Alsatian winstub. The remainder of the day is yours to discover. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.
Day 5
Colmar
Today we’ll continue our exploration along the Alsace Wine Route heading toward Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wine. We’ll envelop ourselves in the holiday spirit with visits to three traditional Christmas markets in Riquewihr, Obernai, and Colmar. En route, we’ll visit the stunning Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg — an imposing 12th-century medieval castle in the Vosges mountains. After a wine tasting at a local winery, we’ll enjoy some free time in Colmar and lunch on your own.
Back in Strasbourg this evening, we’ll discover the rich Alsatian-Jewish history — one of the oldest in Europe. The chefs of Alsace are among France’s finest, and the Jewish influence on French cuisine is quite delicious. Savor a meal of traditional holiday dishes with Alsatian wine.
Day 6
Baden Baden
This morning, we’ll check out of our hotel and head to the charming spa town of Baden Baden. Upon arrival we’ll check into our Belle Epoque style hotel and head out for walking tour with our local expert guide. See the numerous architecture splendors and magnificent villas that line the Lichtentaler Allee. Savor traditional pastries from a popular cafe.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore as you please. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment at one of the famous Roman-Irish thermal baths. This evening, we’ll savor a festive farewell dinner — the perfect end to our holiday adventure.
Accommodations
Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Île
Enjoy five nights at this luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Strasbourg's famous Grande Île district, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The hotel reflects the best of Alsace elegance in its stylish decor, polished woodwork, and warm tones. Each of the rooms displays an excerpt from the “Serments de Strasbourg,” which tells the city’s history. The upscale rooms offer a warm ambiance with traditional decor.
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Hotel Belle Epoque
In Baden Baden, enjoy a night at the charming Hotel Belle Epoque, located on the outskirts of town, but still within walking distance to the major attractions. The ornately furnished rooms and reception area invoke the days of the Grand European Tour. The highly attentive staff meet your every need at this magnificent villa built in 1874. Guests are invited to join the traditional afternoon tea in front of the elegant fireplace.
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The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Program: TBD
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.) which can leave some areas inaccessible — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/terms.
Included
- Six nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Classic: $ TBD
Superior: $ TBD
Suite: $ TBD
Single: $ TBD
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple, quad, and child accommodations.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Learn more about travel insurance and how it can help you prepare for the unexpected at https://experi.com/travelinsurance/
Travel Terms & Conditions
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