Villages & Vineyards of Alsace

Explore this picturesque town with half-timbered houses, romantic canals, flower-laden windowsills and a labyrinth of cobblestone lanes. Visit the scenic Fishmongers' Quarter or 'Little Venice', the Tanners' Quarter and the Place de L'Ancienne Douane. Discover plenty of shops and a covered market before you sample the fabulous local cuisine (B).

A short transfer will lead you to Turckheim. Explore the Renaissance church and medieval gate where storks nest. Pass through the fortified town of Kaysersberg. Elected the favourite village of France in 2017, you'll see why when you walk along its fortified bridge and through its medieval streets that lead up to the castle. Continue to Riquewihr. This town is so enchanting it's been declared an historic monument in its entirety. You'll be fascinated by its cobbled alleys, galleried courtyards, fountains and colourful signboards. Riquewihr is an important wine centre, its two Grand Crus are 'Sporen' and 'Schoenenbourg' (B/D).

Walk through the vineyards to Ribeauville, a medieval village dominated by three chateaux. Each September Ribeauville town celebrates one of the oldest festivals in Alsace; the Fete des Menetriers (Festival of the Minstrels). In the 8th century, Ribeauville was passed to the Lord of Rappolstein (the protector of the wandering minstrels). If you look carefully, you will see evidence of the Piper. Then, explore Saint Hippolyte. Famous for its Pinot Noir, you will have plenty of opportunities for wine tastings. Stroll along the fortified city wall and the stork's tower (B/D).

Day devoted to the amazing Chateau of Haut Koenigsbourg perched on mountain summits offering spectacular panoramic views of the Alsatian countryside towards the Vosges mountains and the Black Forest. The Haut-Koenigsbourg's beautifully refined rooms are decorated with mural paintings, Renaissance furniture and enormous cast-iron stoves – and there's an impressive collection of weaponry from the Middle Ages in the basement. Towering at 757m above picture-perfect villages and colourful vineyards, it's one of France's most visited castles (B/D).

Transfer to Chateaunois. Discover local historic testimonies with ruins such as Ortenbourg castle: Built in the 12th century by the Habsburgs, the military fortress is immediately recognizable by its impressive 32-meter dungeon. Further on, another striking building, the Castle of Ramstein, the rear base of which you can reach in a few steps, is also worth the detour. Continue through the Bernstein forest before reaching Itterswiller a pretty wine village on the 'Route des Vins' (B/D).

On today's walk, visit the remarkable Romanesque abbey-church of Andlau surrounded by forest and vines. Continue through The Grands Crus wine villages. Lastly, stop at Landlau castle where you'll be amazed by its two majestic towers and the restoration work carried out by volunteers. Enjoy wonderful panoramas there (B/D).

Transfer to Selestat train station and train journey to Colmar (B).