From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Idyllic, interesting and impossibly photogenic: Alsace is one of France’s most intriguing destinations.
Nestled between the west bank of the Rhine and the Vosges mountains, close to the borders of Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is famous for its outstanding wines, picturesque landscapes and distinctive Alsatian identity. With a gently rolling terrain and network of dedicated bike paths, it’s also one of France’s most cycle-friendly regions.
Explore the beautiful cities of Strasbourg and Colmar, with their narrow cobbled lanes, museums and magnificent gothic cathedrals, and train your camera lens on canal-front cafés, candy coloured half-timbered houses and window boxes spilling over with vibrant blooms.
Cycle down scenic canal ways, bike paths and country back roads along the Rhine and Alsace’s famous Wine Route, discovering a gentle landscape dotted with churches, castles and villages that seem plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
Our unique self-guided walking and cycling adventures are designed to bring you the highlights and hidden gems of this spectacular region. Join us as we explore Alsace!
8Days
Moderate
7Days
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.
On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.
Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.
In the Alsace, we use a range of 2-3 star hotels, often family run. These charming hotels provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose hotel locations that add to your experience.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Strasbourg, the EU capital and the capital of Alsace is young, sophicticated and dynamic, with countless museums, theatres, operas, restaurants, shopping hubs and festivals
Sample world-famous Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer wines as you walk or cycle along the Alsace Wine Route
Be rewarded with unparalleled vistas from the Vosges Mountains
Witness delightful examples of Hansel and Gretal-style half-timbered Alsatian architecture in villages like Eguisheim that dot the wine route
Explore Mulhouse’s heritage on paths designed in collaboration with the Ville d’Art et d’Histoire in this ‘vélotouristique’ or ‘bike-friendly’ city
Cruise down the fabled Moselle River in a barge
Explore world-class museums in Basel, in which the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland meet
Visit colourful Colmar, the self-proclaimed capital of Alsatian wine
Explore the moated, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel of Neuf-Brisach that was founded in 1699 at Louis XIV’s behest to protect France from the Holy Roman Empire
The months of June – August are busy times, with temperatures ranging between 20 - 25 degree Celsius (68 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes higher.
In autumn and spring the conditions are most favourable for walking and cycling. Autumn brings with it the golden glow over the vineyards which makes the region very attractive.
Winter conditions may make the terrain more suitable for snowshoeing than walking with snow cover requiring modification of some routes. Winter is a particularly scenic time of year with the snow cover on the mountains.
France is +2 hours ahead of GMT/UTC
French (official)
In most areas some English will be spoken
Euro
+33
Electricity in France is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.