Alsace Private Day Tour: Colmar, Riquewihr & Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

Experience the Essential Beauty of Alsace

This comprehensive tour reveals the most beautiful aspects of the Alsace region, from medieval towns to hilltop castles. Journey through centuries of history and tradition while discovering the architectural and cultural treasures that make Alsace unique.

Morning: Colmar's Medieval Charm

Your exploration begins with an early morning pickup from your Strasbourg accommodation. Upon reaching Colmar, step into a perfectly preserved medieval world. During your guided walking tour, discover the old town's prestigious monuments, including the Pfister house with its remarkable 16th-century frescoes and the Koïfhus, medieval Colmar's economic heart. The picturesque Little Venice quarter reveals the town's trading past, where canal-side houses showcase the wealth of former wine merchants. Colmar’s beauty did not go unnoticed by the movie industry: it served as a model for the village in the animated film "Howl's Moving Castle," and its architecture inspired the design of Belle's village in "Beauty and the Beast."

Continue to the enchanting village of Eguisheim, birthplace of Pope Leo IX and voted one of France's most beautiful villages. Its unique circular layout, dating from the Middle Ages, follows the ancient walls of its castle. Centuries-old half-timbered houses, adorned with cascading geraniums, create perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

Midday: Riquewihr and Wine Route

Arrive in the magnificent village of Riquewihr, where time seems to have stood still since the 16th century. This walled town, miraculously spared by all conflicts, preserves its authentic Germanic Renaissance architecture. Here, enjoy free time for lunch in one of the town's traditional winstubs (wine restaurants) where Alsatian specialties pair perfectly with local wines.

Your route follows the famous Alsace Wine Road, a 170-kilometer path winding through rolling vineyards. This scenic drive reveals why Alsace is the only French wine region to name its wines primarily by grape variety rather than location.

Afternoon: Mighty Haut-Koenigsbourg

The journey culminates at the impressive Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched at 757 meters above the Rhine Valley. Built in the 12th century and restored under Kaiser Wilhelm II, this mighty fortress controlled strategic trading routes, including salt from the east and wine from the south.

Your guided tour reveals the castle's multiple lives - from medieval stronghold to romantic ruin to symbol of German imperial power. Explore the furnished rooms, including the Kaiser's bedroom, medieval kitchen, and great hall, while learning about medieval military architecture and daily life.

After the visit, you will return to Strasbourg.

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