Want to win a Camino trip for two?Join our Active Travel Community
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$990USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: JVO

Trip highlights


  • A Walking Holiday Through the Vosges Mountains
  • Castles and Fortified Mediaeval Villages
  • Vineyards and Wine Tasting
  • Hiking Through Lush Green Landscapes

Attractive medieval walled villages steeped in history await you as you walk through the rolling hills and vineyards of Alsace. Their ornate houses are coloured by flower filled wooden balconies and surrounded by old fortifications, charming landscapes and many other sites of historic interest. This route is unquestionably the finest available on the flanks of the Vosges Massif; a green and mountainous corridor wedged between Lorraine in the west, Germany to the north and east and Switzerland to the south. Between the medieval village of Turckheim and Obernai there is plenty to see, such as the fortified village of Dambach that still retains its medieval centre. The walking occurs at altitudes of between 400m and 760m with plenty of sweeping views along the way. The Alsace is a popular area for lovers of good food and fine wine.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Arrive in Turckheim, a mountain village set above the vineyards mostly known for its surrounding medieval wall. Accommodation: A 3* hotel built in typical Alsatian style.The rooms are very comfortable and the atmosphere is friendly. The hotel offers delicious traditional cooking. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a sauna.

Meals:  Nil

We descend at the end of the day through forest and vineyards to Riquewihr, a medieval museum of a town with fortifications dating back to the 13th century. Many of the old buildings have dovecots and are built round central courtyards. Accommodation: Extremely comfortable, modern 3* hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and terrace. It is situated at the gates of the village and has been chosen for its quietness and cleanliness. 16 km / 9.9 miles, + 600m

Meals:  B

We enjoy wide views today over the plains of Alsace as we climb to 645m past the ruined chateaux of St. Ulrich and Gisberg to the small mountain village of Thannenkirch. Accommodation: A lovely flower bedecked modern building in a mountain village, built in the traditional style.This 3* hotel has a good restaurant and boasts a cellar bar where you can sample excellent Alsatian wines. 11 km / 6.8 miles, +520m

Meals:  B

There is a wonderful chateau at Haut Koenigsbourg with panoramic views of the valleys below. There is also the chance to visit the Eagle Centre before descending through the vineyards to Chatenois, a delightful small typical Alsace billage Accommodation: A very small family-run 2* hotel, built in traditional style. The rooms are comfortable. 12.5 km / 7.7 miles, +270m

Meals:  B

A medieval town surrounded by ramparts. The route then goes on to Neue Matten, Bernardville, taking you along wooded paths and through vineyards until you reach your overnight stop at Andlau. Accommodation: A very welcoming 3* hotel located in the famous Kastelberg Grand Cru vineyard, at the edge of Landlau. 19 km / 11.8 miles, +550m

Meals:  B

From Andlau we start by walking through Mittelbergheim, dominated by the ruins of the Chateau d’Andlau and Chateau Landsberg. From here it is hilly walking via Mont St. Odile. Some steepish climbs today offering fine views. You climb to St. Odile - a monastery situated on a rocky promontory. You descend to Ottrot before walking on to Obernai. . Accommodation: This beautiful 3* hotel is a 14th century building located in the centre of Obernai. 20 km / 11.4 miles, +745m

Meals:  B

Depart Obernai after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 6 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfers
  • Information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX flies of the walks will be sent to you

  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Taxe de sejour (city tax) 0,50 - 1,50 Euros per day, per person, locally payable to the accommodations

Grading

moderate  

This moderately graded walk( grade 3) should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly terrain. Day Stages: In the region of 11kms (7 miles) to 20kms (16 miles) per day with average altitude gains of 550m. 4 to 7 hours walking per day.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 24 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$990USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$290
  • Solo Traveller SurchargeUSD$450
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Similar trips

Suggested extensions

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips