Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Strasbourg and then train to Obernai, south of Strasbourg along the Wine Route. The train ride is about 30 minutes and trains are available throughout the day. To arrive in Strasbourg, there is easy rail access from Paris with the newly opened TGV line; or by air. Rail access from Frankfurt is also possible. Orientation by phone at 6pm at the hotel. Overnight in Obernai in a charming 4 star hotel with dinner on your own.

If time, some sites to visit in Strasbourg:
Petite France: The popular corner of the Grand Île (the Main Island) is where theÎle river splits up into a number of canals, and cascades through a small area of half-timbered houses. Ponts Couverts: Towers and footbridges situated at the end of Petite France Cathedral, built from 1190 to 1439. Quartier Allemand (German District), the showcase of German neoclassical architecture in Strasbourg.

Day 2: Your first hiking day; you start from your hotel and go to the Mont Saint Odile. You will then walk on to Barr covering about 17km with some hills and a forested trail. You can have lunch at the summit of the hills at the Mont St Odile then descend nicely to Barr. You are in tree cover most of the day which doesnt allow for long views, but you come out into the wine country around Barr and can sample some of the excellent local wines when you are back. (B) 16.7 km with climbing; elev gain 696m; estimated 5 hours hiking.

Day 3: Barr-Itterswiller; 2 options; 10 or 14km. Two options today, but both take you through vineyard country and on to the Foret d'Andlau and the passing by the wine town of Bernardville before going on to Itterwiller. Upon arrival, we have a wine tasting included for you in town at 6pm! The short route will take about 3.5 hours, 10.3 km with about 397m elevation gain. Long itinerary is 13.7km, 4.5 hours, 721m elev gain. (B,D)

Day 4: Itterswiller/Haut Koenigsbourg - Ribeauville 11km. Your destination today is Ribeauville, but we will start with a taxi transfer at 9am to the Chateau of Haut Koenigsbourg. The castle is nestled at a strategic location on a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain. From there, you will have a scenic hike back to Ribeauville, through the Forest de Ribeauville on the GR5 path. In the Middle Ages, Ribaeauville was the seat of the Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre - the Lords of Ribeaupierre (hence the town’s name of Ribeauvillé). 11.4km, 360m elev gain; approx 4 hours hiking. (B,D) Hotel 3 star, dinner included again tonight.

Day 5: Ribeauville-Kayersberg 10km; 3.5 hours and 610m elev gain. Your destination today is Kaysersberg, a charmingly petite village. You will hike in the vineyards in the morning to reach Ricquewihr, the perfect stop for lunch. Ricquewihr is a medieval town located in the heart of the vineyard, which is well known for its picturesque and its outstanding architectural heritage. Hiking in the forest in the afternoon, you will head to another remains of chateau to visit, just before Kaysersberg where you stay overnight(3 star) and take dinner on your own. (B)

Day 6: Kayersberg-Colmar 16km; 4.5 hours and 504m elev gain. You will first hike to Turkheim, known for its Gewürztraminer, traditional Alsatian cuisine, and stunning surrounding scenery. Then walk to Colmar, one of the most charming of all the Alsatian villages. Of interest are the various museums: (Unterlinden, Bartholdi, du Jouet), and the old town architecture (Old Customs House, Pfister House, Cathedral, etc.). Walking enthusiasts will enjoy Petite Venise, a typical quarter with very well-preserved old Alsace homes, the yacht harbour and the pedestrianized old town with its many shops. Overnight in (3 star) and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 7: Departure after breakfast. Trains to Paris and Strasbourg from Colmar possible. Extra nights in Colmar or Strasbourg possible. (B)

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