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. 

Later, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner in-house at Winstub La Dime, a cozy spot that offers the perfect introduction to authentic French cuisine.

What could be a better way to start our day than by visiting Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which has stood perched 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 Ribeauvillé at a local tavern, Aux Trois Châteaux, highlighting Alsatian flavors in a cozy atmosphere.

Take some time to stroll through Ribeauvillé's cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses adorned with festive decorations before we transfer to Riquewihr to explore its 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 fresh, local flavors.

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

Once we make it 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 town. After check-in, unwind with a swim in the indoor pool or relax in the sauna. Each of us will luxuriate in one spa treatment during our stay here, either today or tomorrow evening. 

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

Savor breakfast before we head to 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. We'll 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.  

All of that exploring has surely made us hungry. Let's gather for lunch at La Villa du Meunier, an exquisite Alsatian restaurant nestled in the historic building of an old estate. 

We're in for a treat this afternoon: a local cooking class with Chez Mémé! What better souvenir to bring home than recipes passed down for generations that you can share with your loved ones? The class will be held in the home of a local chef and baker, giving us the cozy, close-knit feeling of joining in on someone's holiday preparations. 

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, take some time 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.

We'll join a local guide for a proper tour of the town later this morning, soaking in all of the history and unique charm that Colmar has to offer. 

We’ll have lunch at Winstub Brenner, 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.  

En route to Strasbourg this afternoon, we'll pause in Mulhouse to walk through their iconic Christmas fabric market, a longstanding tradition that highlights the importance of textiles in this quaint community. 

Our final two-night stay is at the charming Cour du Corbeau Hotel. After checking in and settling into our rooms, opt to relax or join our trip leader for a gentle stroll to Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, an impressive building that held the title of the world's tallest for over 220 years.

Dinner tonight is nearby at the buzzy Drunky Stork, an eclectic, vintage-inspired social club serving up international dishes.

We start our day with a picturesque boat tour on the Ill River. During this tour, you'll discover the history of Strasbourg, spanning from the Middle Ages to modern Neustadt and its European institutions.

Next, we’ll keep our spirits high by visiting the renowned Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg’s Christmas market, a cherished attraction for over 450 years. Sip vin chaud as you shop for unique gifts and enjoy local specialties like bretzels and tarte flambée. 

In lieu of lunch, we'll wander the market on a tasting tour, savoring bites from many different stalls to get the full experience of Christmas specialities on display. 

After some free time for last-minute shopping or a well-deserved rest, we’ll have a delightful dinner at Les Haras Brasserie.

To close out the day, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Place Kléber, where the 100-foot Christmas tree lights up the square. This will be the perfect opportunity for group photos before returning to the hotel.

Sadly, it’s time to head home or onwards. We've scheduled two group transfers to take you to the station for your journey back to Paris, 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.