Christmas Markets, Castles and Hot Mulled Wine

After landing in Paris, make your way over to Gare de l'Est by 12:45 pm, where a Girls' Guide representative will guide you to your first-class train to Strasbourg. Following a scenic 2-hour ride through the French countryside, we’ll arrive in Strasbourg and be whisked away to the charming La Diligence in Obernai.

After settling in, we’ll head to the local Christmas market, where part of the town has been transformed into a winter wonderland. The delightful market stalls are decorated with shimmering lights, showcasing handmade crafts, seasonal goodies, and holiday decorations. This inviting atmosphere is ideal for enjoying mulled wine, exploring distinctive gifts, and immersing ourselves in the Christmas spirit.

Later, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before going to dinner at La Dime, where you’ll savor authentic Alsatian cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. 

What better way to begin our day than with a visit to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, perched high on a hill since 1147? From its turrets, you’ll enjoy sweeping views all the way to the Black Forest. Each room is magically decorated for Christmas, with a surprising yet authentic charm waiting at every turn.

Afterward, we’ll visit the fairy-tale towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé - both picturesque villages straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Lunch will be in Riquewihr at a local tavern, Auberge Au Zahnacker, where we'll enjoy local Alsatian flavors in a cozy atmosphere.

Take some time to stroll through Riquewihr’s cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses adorned with festive decorations, and explore Ribeauvillé’s charming squares, where bustling Christmas markets fill the air with holiday cheer.

We’ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon to relax before enjoying dinner at La Stub des Gourmets, where modern takes on regional cuisine shine, made with fresh market ingredients.

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head into the mountains to explore one of France’s most picturesque villages, Kaysersberg. Stroll along winding streets flanked by charming half-timbered houses and discover the Christmas magic that fills the air. 

We’ll stop for a delicious lunch at one of the town’s most delightful spots, The Caveau du Schlossberg, savoring local Alsatian flavors.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the renowned Domaine André Blanck winery for a wine-tasting experience in this fairy-tale setting. 

We'll continue on to visit Eguisheim, a town that radiates Christmas charm, before heading to Colmar.

Our home for the next two nights will be the beautiful L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa, just an 8-minute walk from the heart of Colmar. After check-in, unwind with a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the sauna. 

In the evening, we’ll enjoy an unforgettable dinner at JYS, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

You'll have some free time after breakfast to wander around Colmar, a town brimming with fascinating history. Colmar is the hometown of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, known for creating the Statue of Liberty. A smaller replica is located here.

For lunch, we’ll gather at Wistub Brenner, nestled around the canals of Colmar, often referred to as "Little Venice." You might feel tempted to order the regional specialty, Choucroute, to indulge in the local flavors fully.

In the afternoon, we’ll embrace the holiday spirit with a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to bake “Bredele,” traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits. Discover the secrets behind these delightful treats and take home the recipes to recreate them. 

Afterwards, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at the hotel if you didn't get one this morning. Whether you opt for a soothing massage or a dip in the pool, the spa is the perfect way to unwind. 

For dinner tonight, you decide where to go and with whom. Perhaps you’ll enjoy room service and a quiet evening in the hotel or venture out to experience Colmar by night—the choice is yours.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll visit the Ecomusée d'Alsace, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Alsatian homes over 200 years old. During Christmas, the village is beautifully decorated, creating a magical atmosphere. You can experience vin chaud (mulled wine) brewing, crafters at work, and festive displays. You may even spot Père Noël on a horse-drawn sleigh. Be sure to stop by the gift shop for unique souvenirs. 

We’ll indulge at La Taverne for lunch, a delightful restaurant offering refined Alsatian cuisine with a modern touch. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal before our next stop.  

We’ll head to Strasbourg in the afternoon, stopping along the way in Mulhouse to get a behind-the-scenes look at the importance of textiles during the holiday season. 

Once we're in town, it's worth a stop at Strasbourg’s stunning Gothic cathedral– be sure to admire the world-renowned astronomical clock and, for the adventurous, climb to the top for panoramic views.

Our final two-night stay at the charming Cour du Corbeau Hotel. After checking in and settling our rooms, we’ll enjoy dinner at the buzzy Drunky Stork, an electric, vintage-inspired social club serving up international dishes. 

Our day begins with a scenic boat tour along the Ill River, where you'll learn about the history of Strasbourg, from the Middle Ages to the modern Neustadt and European institutions.

Next, we’ll dive into the festive spirit with a visit to the famous Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg’s Christmas market, which has been delighting visitors for over 450 years. Sip vin chaud (mulled wine) as you shop for unique gifts and enjoy Alsatian specialties like bretzels and tarte flambée. 

In lieu of lunch, we'll follow a local around as she leads us on a tasting tour of Strasbourg, including some tasty Christmas specialities. Later, we’ll stroll through another charming market and wander to Petite France, the oldest quarter in town, where you'll explore picturesque streets, delightful shops, and festive decorations. 

After some free time for last-minute shopping, we’ll gather for a delightful dinner at Les Haras Brasserie. To close the day, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Place Kléber, where the 100-ft Christmas tree lights up the square, offering the perfect opportunity for group photos before returning to the hotel.

Sadly, it’s time to head home or onwards. We will drive you to the station for your journey home, but first, we’ll have a hearty breakfast together.

Cheers to a wonderful start to the holiday season in a beautiful place. We'll make sure to keep in touch and share photos and memories of a week well spent.