Christmas Markets, Castles and Hot Mulled Wine

We’ll meet at 12:45 pm near Gare de l'Est, where a Girls' Guide representative will guide you to your first-class train to Strasbourg. After a scenic 2-hour ride through the French countryside, we’ll arrive in Strasbourg and be whisked away to the charming Hotel La Diligence in Obernai.

After settling in, we’ll head to the local Christmas market, where the town is transformed into a winter wonderland. The enchanting market stalls, adorned with twinkling lights, offer handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and festive decorations. The charming atmosphere is perfect for sipping mulled wine, browsing unique gifts, and soaking in Christmas. 

Later, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner at La Dime, where you’ll savor authentic Alsatian cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. 

What better way to begin our day than with a visit to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched high on a hill since 1147? From its turrets, you’ll enjoy sweeping views all the way to the Black Forest. Each room is magically decorated for Christmas, with a surprising yet authentic charm waiting at every turn.

Lunch will be at a local tavern near the castle. We will enjoy a delicious meal focusing on local Alsatian flavors, served in a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for a cozy and festive break after the morning’s adventures. 

Afterward, we’ll visit the fairy-tale towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé—both picturesque villages straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Stroll through Riquewihr’s cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses adorned with festive decorations, and explore Ribeauvillé’s charming squares, where bustling Christmas markets fill the air with holiday cheer.

We’ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon to relax before enjoying dinner at La Stub des Gourmets, where modern takes on regional cuisine shine, made with fresh market ingredients.

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head into the mountains to explore one of France’s most picturesque villages, Kaysersberg. Stroll along winding streets flanked by charming half-timbered houses and discover the Christmas magic that fills the air. We’ll stop for a delicious lunch at one of the town’s most delightful spots, savoring local Alsatian flavors.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the renowned Domaine Weinbach winery for a wine-tasting experience in this fairy-tale setting. Afterward, you’ll have time to shop in the village and take in its festive ambiance.

Next, we’ll visit Eguisheim, a town that radiates Christmas charm, before heading to Colmar. 

Our home for the next two nights will be the beautiful L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa, just an 8-minute walk from the heart of Colmar. After check-in, unwind with a swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna, or indulge in one of the hotel’s many spa treatments. 

In the evening, we’ll enjoy an unforgettable dinner at JYS, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

We’ll begin our day with a guided tour of Colmar, a town brimming with fascinating history. Colmar is also the birthplace of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty—a smaller version can be found here.

For lunch, we’ll stop at Wistub Brenner, nestled around the canals of Colmar, often referred to as "Little Venice." You might feel tempted to order the regional specialty, Choucroute, to immerse yourself in the local flavors.

In the afternoon, we’ll embrace the holiday spirit with a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to bake “Bredele,” traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits. Discover the secrets behind these delightful treats and take home the recipes to recreate them. 

After all that indulgence, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at the hotel. Whether you opt for a soothing massage or a dip in the pool, the spa is the perfect way to unwind. You’ll then have plenty of free time to explore the Christmas markets around Colmar, offering the ideal opportunity to pick up last-minute gifts in this fairytale town.

Tonight, you decide where to go and with whom. Perhaps you’ll enjoy room service and a quiet evening in the hotel or venture out to experience Colmar by night—the choice is yours.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll visit the Ecomusée d'Alsace, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Alsatian homes over 200 years old. During Christmas, the village is beautifully decorated, creating a magical atmosphere. You can experience vin chaud brewing, crafters at work, and festive displays. You may even spot Père Noël on a horse-drawn sleigh. Be sure to stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs. 

We’ll head to La Table de Mittelwihr for lunch, a delightful restaurant offering refined Alsatian cuisine with a modern touch. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal before our next stop.  

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Les Secrets du Chocolat in Geispolsheim. During a guided tour, you'll discover the fascinating world of chocolate-making. You'll also indulge in tastings as you learn about the craft and history of this delicious treat. 

We’ll head to Strasbourg in the afternoon for our final two-night stay at the charming Cour du Corbeau Hotel. After checking in and settling into your room, we’ll enjoy dinner at the cozy Bistrot Coco, where you can savor Alsatian-inspired dishes in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Our day begins with a scenic boat tour along the Ill River. On the tour, you'll learn about the history of Strasbourg, from the Middle Ages to the modern Neustadt, and European institutions.

Next, we’ll dive into the festive spirit with a visit to the famous Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg’s Christmas market, which has been delighting visitors for over 450 years. Sip vin chaud (mulled wine) as you shop for unique gifts and enjoy Alsatian specialties like bretzels and tarte flambée. A stop at Strasbourg’s stunning gothic cathedral is a must – be sure to admire the world-renowned astronomical clock and, for the adventurous, climb to the top for panoramic views.

In place of lunch, we'll follow a local around as she leads us on a tasting tour of Strasbourg, including some tasty Christmas specialties. Later, we’ll stroll through another charming market and wander to Petite France, the oldest quarter in town, where you'll explore picturesque streets, delightful shops, and festive decorations. 

After some free time for last-minute shopping, we’ll have a delightful dinner at Les Haras Brasserie. To close the day, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Place Kléber, where the 100-foot Christmas tree lights up the square. This will be the perfect opportunity for group photos before returning to the hotel.

Sadly, it’s time to head home or onwards. We will drive you to the station for your journey home, but first, we’ll have a hearty breakfast together.