Nowhere in Europe has Christmas Markets like they have in the French Alsace
That’s why we insist on staying there for five incredible nights. But there is so much more to the Alsace than their wonderful Festive Markets…
What about the famous ‘Route Alsace du Vin’ – the French Alsace Wine Road that follows the Rhine, and borders Germany. Here you will find mountain fortresses high above rolling meadows and vineyards, somewhere you can wander through medieval villages lined with half-timbered houses seemingly untouched by time. Here cobblestoned squares burst with Christmas markets, festive cheer and decorated trees and shops. Commencing in Frankfurt, we spend lunchtime in Heidelberg, then cross the Rhine into France and the outstandingly pretty city of Strasbourg. With two nights here and three more nights nearby in Colmar we really can do the Alsace region the justice it deserves. In Strasbourg bathe in the colours of the 800-year-old Cathedral’s massive stained-glass windows, enjoy a cruise through the UNESCO listed canals of ‘Petite France’ and take in the famous Masion des Tanneurs. Stand on the ramparts of Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and gaze far down onto the vineyards of the ancient Wine Road, be enchanted by the medieval towns of Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Éguisheim, sip world class wine in Zellenberg, and spend ‘My Time’ beside the quaint bridges in Colmar’s ‘Little Venice’. At Mulhouse visit the extraordinary Cité de l’Automobile and enjoy a farewell dinner in the heart of Zürich in Switzerland. We give you time to simply relax, immerse yourself, and enjoy the splendour of the French Alsace at Christmas. All celebrated the Albatross Way!
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Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
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Welcome drink on Day 1 11 meals including breakfast daily (B), and 4 evening meals (D). A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
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Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available) 7 nights specially selected hotel accommodation Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
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Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available) Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides Local guides as described in the itinerary
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Explore the fabulous Christmas Markets in Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Zürich. ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Tour itinerary
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Hand Selected Inclusions
These are just a few of the very special hand selected inclusions that will really make your touring experience exceptional and unique, and don’t forget, with Albatross they are always included.
Medieval Strasbourg
Christmas Markets
A local guide will join us to bring this historic medieval town to life. The traditional, beautifully decorated Christmas Markets, around the Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, date back to 1570. They truly are one of the oldest and finest markets, and they boast one of the highest Christmas trees in Europe.Superbly Located Alsace Hotels
Location is everything when it comes to elevating a city stay
In Strasbourg, our 4-star hotel is located on the edge of the medieval historic centre, about 800 metres from the beautifully decorated Place de la Cathédrale with its vibrant Christmas Markets. Half timbered houses and centuries of history surround you at every turn. This isn’t just a place to sleep - it’s a front row seat to the festive soul of the city. In Colmar, our 4-star hotel is superbly located just 500 metres from the famous bridge in ‘Little Venice’ and the historic old town, where Christmas Markets abound. It provides the perfect base for exploring Colmar and the surrounding villages, towns and sites.Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg - an Alsatian Castle
This is not a cosy Château but a Germanic knight’s fortress
Following the Route Alsace du Vin – the Alsatian Wine Road soon the spectacular silhouette of an Alsatian castle appears perched on the Vosges mountains above the hills of rolling vineyards. Called a Château, Haut Koenigsbourg is undeniably a fortified castle with its soaring ramparts, richly restored medieval interiors. Here you will find stone carvings, ornate staircases, tiled roofs, wonderful frescos, and stained-glass windows. Dating back 900 years it has been destroyed, re-built, destroyed again and then brought back to its medieval grandeur over 100 years ago by German Kaiser Wilhelm II. This is the perfect Gothic fairytale castle—complete with the atmosphere of a true Germanic knight’s fortress. Towering 757 metres above the valley, the sweeping views down on to Alsace Wine Road are enormous.Alsace Christmas Markets – the best!
There are Christmas Markets, and then there are Christmas Markets...
And the ones in the Alsace are absolutely outstanding. With our five nights here you will have a chance to visit so many. During your two night stay in Strasbourg you will visit several by day and by night. The giant Christmas Markets on Place Broglie – the historic site of Strasbourg’s first ‘Christkindelsmärik’ boast one of the highest Christmas trees in Europe and date back to 1570. We also stay three nights in Colmar where the markets are so colourful and, spreading to every nook and cranny in the whole town, appear to be on steroids. In Riquewihr they sit in such a glorious setting whilst Éguisheim is smaller, with narrower lanes and it feels… just beautiful.Alsace - Route du Vin & Wine Tasting
So much to see, so much beauty and we give you time!!!
With a leisurely stay in the heart of picturesque Colmar, we have a perfect base for exploring the authentic beauty of Alsace. Beyond the city’s charm, the region reveals itself along the famed Alsace Wine Road, where rolling vineyards and half‑timbered villages create a storybook landscape. We have allocated quality time to wander Ribeauvillé’s cobblestone streets, lined with colourful houses, and discover equally enchanting Riquewihr and characterful Éguisheim. In the hilltop village of Zellenberg, surrounded by Alsatian ‘Grand Crus’ Riesling vineyards, we stop for a tasting at the historic Jean Becker estate, renowned for over 400 years of winemaking and pioneering organic practices - for nearly 30 years they have been cultivating and producing wines organically.Cars Cars Cars
Explore the remarkable Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse
We have included a really special visit to the home of the world’s largest and most significant car collection. With more than 500 vehicles spanning over a century, the Cité de l’Automobile museum will captivate you even if you hate cars because they need cleaning! Highlights include its famous Bugatti collection and an extraordinary range of automobiles—from tiny early models to grand, sweeping “gangster” cars. Many designs are long forgotten, while others remain iconic, elegant, historic, and astonishingly valuable. An unforgettable and visually stunning experience.Dates and Prices
* The itinerary and hotels featured are based on 2027 tour departures and may be subject to change on specific departures. Please contact our European Tour Specialists for further details.
Pre-register your interest
To register your early interest in our 2028 festive and new year tours, please complete our pre-registration form. We will keep you informed as our tours are developed and released.
Your Hotels
Tour Suitability
Due to the nature of the niche places we visit on this tour, to explore all of the beautiful towns and sites a good level of mobility is required.
- Please note: A lot of the medieval villages we visit have streets made from sometimes uneven cobblestones.
- At the time of creating this Itinerary, there are no activities or excursions which may be specifically or unusually physically challenging for anyone with a good level of mobility.
- Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
Please refer to our Tour Suitability section for more information.
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