Alsace, on the eastern border of France is a fairy-tale province of lakes, forests and mountains with a 'cuckoo-clock' charm and intense national pride. Delightfully alpine in character there is however a pronounced German influence in its cooking and the tongue-twisting place-names add spice to its many other attractions. If you are a regular holiday-maker in 'mainstream' France you will find Alsace refreshingly different. The Alsaciens are warm and friendly people who have lived for centuries between two cultures and have seemingly assimilated the best of both. Their cuisine is hearty and varied, their patisserie has real cream and their wines are some of the best in Europe, fresh, spicy, fruity and fragrant. As our base we use the superbly appointed Hotel Verte Vallee in Munster, a charming village where we are located just five minutes walk away from the centre where storks nest on the church and town hall!
The excursion programme paints a portrait of this rich and varied region, reflecting its rich diversity, taking you on magical mountain and forest rides with breathtaking views of fragrant valleys, along mountain crests with deep blue lakes shimmering far below. You travel the wine road at harvest time, stopping to inspect the flower-decked villages, tasting wines and stocking up with bottled holiday memories. Riesling, Muscat and Gewurztraminer can all be sampled at a world famous producer.
Spend quality time at leisure in beautiful old Colmar with its magnificent Unterlinden museum, and in Strasbourg, thrusting capital of Europe but with so much of its past for us to enjoy on a trip by 'petit train'. All this and much more - do join us!
This ten-day holiday includes:
- nine nights half-board in a double, twin or single room (single supplement £255).
- all coach and ferry travel.
- two lunches, all excursions and the services of a courier throughout.
Cost: £1,205
Specialist guide services, tasting and admission charges are not included in the holiday price.
These are estimated at 35 euros if joining all our visits.
September 30th - October 9th
