Alsace & Around
Holiday brief
Here we offer an eight-day early summer tour based in the beautiful and
unspoiled Alsace region of northeast France. Historic towns, picturesque
villages and, of course, the famous wine routes are all contained within hilly
and, at times, thickly forested countryside. Colmar is the perfect base and
springboard not just for touring the Alsace but also for stunning excursions
across the Rhine into Germany
’s Black Forest and for our wonderful day trip to Switzerland.
Classic Colmar
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Wednesday – Meet at St. Pancras International Station in time for a mid-morning Eurostar to
Paris. On then by TGV on the newly opened super-fast Est route via Strasbourg
to Colmar.
Thursday – We’ll introduce you to Colmar this morning. A short stroll, an informative “Dotto Train” tour of the wine capital of the Alsace, and sufficient free time to enjoy the
magnificent town centre and take lunchtime refreshments. Our afternoon
excursion is to the French National Railway Museum, near Mulhouse, and will
include local rail and rustic villages en route.
Friday – We’re heading north today by rail to Saverne, then on by coach to two wonderful
attractions. An engineering feat at Lutzelbourg (ship lift) then a privately
hired steam train through the Abreschville Forest. Glorious scenery complements
a superb touring experience before we return to Colmar by rail from Molsheim
via Selestat.
Saturday – To the Black Forest today and another marvellous trip enjoying summer splendour
travelling through the beautiful forest by coach and train to Blumberg. Here is
a sensational steam railway to enjoy for the afternoon before completing our
circular route back to Colmar.
Sunday – This morning we visit the “local” railway at Vogelsheim – steam hauled, standard gauge and privately hired for your exclusive enjoyment.
Two hours of magic is followed by an excellent SNCF rail trip from Selestat via
Strasbourg to Saales. We complete our day with another stunning drive across
the Alsace hills visiting wonderful historic towns en route back to Colmar.
OUR HOTEL
Hotel Bristol, Colmar
This three-star rated hotel is a firmly established Inside Track favourite,
being ideally situated in medieval Colmar, opposite the station and within ten
minutes of the lovely town centre. All rooms are of a good quality, featuring
all the usual amenities, and the hotel boasts a fine restaurant and brasserie.
Monday – A cracking day today takes us to Switzerland by train via Basle to Lucern. Time
here for a lakeside stroll before we are off aboard the William Tell historic
paddle steamer bound for Vitznau. Mountain rail riding now with the Rigi Bahn,
an early evening mountain top meal, then by Swiss Railways back to Basle and
coach to Colmar. This is one WOW! of a day.
Tuesday – Time to relax and enjoy our last day in and around Colmar. Mid morning we catch
the branch line train to Metzeral (probably the best rail ride in the Alsace)
then it
’s up to, and over the Grand Ballon (the highest point in the Alsace) to lovely
Kruth. Another Alsace branch line journey to Cerney brings us to our holiday
finale with the Train de la Dollar, rustic French steam at its best.
Wednesday – Alas, it’s homeward bound today. We retrace our steps by TGV and Eurostar, via Strasbourg
and Paris, arriving back in London late afternoon.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: AA8/1
Wednesday May 28th (8 days)
£879.00 based on €1.40 to the £
Price Variation
Single supplement £140.00
See booking conditions for currency
fluctuation clause
Our boat is the one coming last!
