New Year's Eve on the traditional Alsace heart

France, discover this 4-day trip

Nature Culture Gastronomy Family Historical

Trip Description

A New Year in Alsace, in the heart of the traditional villages of Turckheim, Hohlandsbourg and Niedermorschwihr… From your family hotel***, located on the edge of the beautiful medieval city of Turckheim, a discovery in the heart of traditional Alsace, between castles, fortified villages and vineyards without forgetting the regional gastronomy. You will go on the assault of the imposing medieval fortress of Hohlandsbourg, discover along the paths the medieval villages of Niedermorschwihr, Katzenthal, Ammerschwihr, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr... Your getaway will be marked by a visit to the vault of a winemaker located in the village since the 18th century, and, on the 31st at midnight, you can join the Night Watchman who makes his round around the old ramparts to present the Happy New Year to all the inhabitants of the city of the Brand. A real dive into history!

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1:
Wednesday, December 31: Turckheim
Reception at the hotel in Turckheim. This beautiful medieval city surrounded by an enclosure is located on the Wine Route at the gates of the Valley of Munster. It is renowned not only for its rich historical centre and the quality of its wines, but also for its Night Watchman. Installation for 3 nights. Stay presentation by the guide and meal. Accommodation: hotel***. Meals included: dinner. Meals not included: breakfast - lunch.
day 2:
Thursday, December 31: Hohlandsbourg Fortress - Pflixbourg Castle - New Year's Eve
Superb loop hike through a vast chestnut forest, conquering the Castle of Pflixbourg built in 1212 which, from its 454 meters, dominates the entrance of the Valley of Munster, then the imposing medieval castle of Hohlandsbourg. Built in 1279 by Siegfried de Gundolsheim, provost of the city of Colmar, this garrison castle, guardian of the valley, was the seat of a seigneury of the Habsburgs. It has been recently restored and offers a magnificent 360° panorama over the plain of Alsace and the Vosges mountains. On a clear day, you can see the tip of the Strasbourg Cathedral and the Bernese Alps. Return to Turckheim for a cellar visit organized especially for you in a cellar located in the village since 1741. A moment of privileged encounter with the winemaker who will share his passion for wine through a tasting commented of the main grape varieties of Alsace including the Sang du Dragon... New Year’s Eve party in a restaurant in the village. At midnight you can follow the Night Watchman who makes a special round for the vows by making the tour of the old ramparts, accompanied by a choir... A song that wishes a happy new year to all the inhabitants of the old town. A beautiful ambiance, unique, festive, original, friendly! Walking time: 4 hours 30 approx. Positive drop: + 450 m. Negative drop: - 450 m. Accommodation: hotel***. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 3:
Friday, January 1st: Turckheim - Kaysersberg (244 m) - Riquewihr (270 m)
Through paths in the middle of the vineyards, we reach Niedermorschwihr which has an architectural curiosity, the twisted bell tower (tors) of its church (unique case in Alsace), the city of Katzenthal renowned for its famous grand cru Wineck Schlossberg and dominated by the castle of the Wineck, and Ammerschwihr famous for its great wines and especially for the Kaefferkopf. Discovery then of the medieval village of Kaysersberg, with its beautiful historical center endowed with numerous half-timbered houses, of its imperial castle, built around 1200 (Kaysersberg means "the mountain of the Emperor") in ruins and dominating the city, the birthplace of Doctor Albert Schweitzer and the Romanesque church of St Croix. Then down to Riquewihr, beautiful medieval city with double walled enclosure, admirably well preserved. Transfer back to Turckheim. Transfer: taxi, about 15 minutes. Walking time: 5 hours 30 approx. Positive drop: + 580 m. Negative drop: - 580 m. Accommodation: hotel***. Meals included: breakfast - lunch - dinner.
day 4:
Saturday, January 02: Medieval city of Turckheim - End of stay
This last morning will be devoted to the visit of Turckheim and its vineyard. During a walk on the «Sentier des Toits» you will discover, starting from the Gate of Munster, the fortifications of the city along the ramparts to the Gate of the Brand. From the top, you will have a view of the roofs of Turckheim. You will then be guided by the dragon on the «Dragon Path» and as the winemakers of the past you will pass the Gate of the Brand to discover the vineyard of Turckheim and its different terroirs. Last meal of the convivial lunch around a tarte flambée in a restaurant of the village located next to the Gate of France. End of stay at about 2.30 pm in Turckheim. Walking time: about 2 hours. Positive drop: + 150 m. Negative drop: - 150 m. Meals included: breakfast - lunch. Meals not included: dinner.