How to Plan Your Alsace Villages Tour from Strasbourg
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful region of Alsace, then you won’t want to miss out on visiting some of its most charming villages. While you could attempt to DIY your way through the region, organizing transportation and arranging tickets to various attractions can quickly become more trouble than it’s worth. Fortunately, this is where the team at Ophorus comes in. Their Alsace Villages tour from Strasbourg is the perfect choice for anyone looking to see the highlights of the region without any stress or hassle.
Overview
This full-day tour will take you to three of the most picturesque villages in the region: Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Colmar. You’ll travel in a comfortable, fully equipped minivan, accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide who will fill you in on all the important history and cultural customs of the region along the way.
What’s Included
The tour includes entrance fees to all monuments, museums, and attractions, as well as any necessary personal insurance. However, meals and drinks are not included, so make sure to bring some snacks and cash for lunch.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour meets at Place Gutenberg in Strasbourg, and the minivan will depart promptly at the scheduled time, so make sure to arrive a little early to ensure you’re not left behind.
What to Expect
The first stop on the tour is the enchanting village of Riquewihr, located along the famous Alsace Wine Route. Here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village’s medieval streets, marveling at its beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings and picturesque courtyards. Keep an eye out for the Dolder tower, the village’s most famous landmark. From here, you’ll continue on to the equally charming village of Eguisheim, which has been designated as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Here, you’ll discover the secrets of the village’s architecture, including its intimate alleyways and hidden courtyards. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some storks nesting on the rooftops! Finally, the tour will conclude in Colmar, a beautiful town that has been called the “Little Venice” of France due to its network of canals and quaint bridges. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town’s many highlights, from the stunning Gothic St. Martin’s church to the beautiful Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
Additional Info
The tour is confirmed at the time of booking and travelers will receive an email with the tour supplier’s contact information to confirm the pickup location and time. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but is suitable for most travelers. Pets are not allowed on the tour, and there is no smoking permitted in the minivan.
The Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your tour, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, you will not receive a refund.
Book the Tour Here
Ready to explore the charming villages of Alsace? Book your tour with Ophorus today and get ready for an unforgettable day of discovery and adventure! Click here to book your tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a charming city located in the northeast of France. Known for its half-timbered houses, canals, and rich history, it attracts millions of tourists every year. If you’re planning a trip to Strasbourg, you might have some questions about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Strasbourg to help you plan your trip.
What is Strasbourg known for?
Strasbourg is known for its beautiful old city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its Christmas market, which is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Strasbourg is home to several European institutions, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. The city is also known for its gastronomy, with specialties like choucroute (sauerkraut and sausages) and tarte flambée (thinly rolled dough topped with cheese, onions, and bacon).
How do I get to Strasbourg?
Strasbourg has its own airport that is served by several major airlines. You can also get to Strasbourg by train from other major cities in France and Europe, including Paris, Brussels, and Frankfurt. Strasbourg is well-connected to the rest of France and Europe by highways, so driving to the city is also an option.
What are some of the best things to do in Strasbourg?
There are many things to do in Strasbourg, but some of the best include:
- Visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral, which is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
- Exploring the Petite France neighborhood, which is full of charming half-timbered houses and canals.
- Visiting the Palais Rohan, which houses several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Strolling around the Parc de l’Orangerie, which is the oldest park in Strasbourg and home to a zoo and a lake.
- Checking out the Christmas market, which takes place in the city center every year on the last weekend of November.
When is the best time to visit Strasbourg?
The best time to visit Strasbourg depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the Christmas market, you should visit in December. The market takes place from late November to December 31st and attracts millions of visitors every year. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather, you should visit in the spring or fall. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but the city can be crowded and hot.
Do people in Strasbourg speak English?
English is not widely spoken in Strasbourg, especially outside of the tourist areas. However, many people working in the tourism industry speak English. It’s always a good idea to bring a phrasebook or a translation app, especially if you plan on exploring outside of the city center.
Is Strasbourg safe?
Strasbourg is a safe city, but like any city, travelers should exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures. Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded tourist areas, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
What are some traditional dishes to try in Strasbourg?
Some traditional dishes to try in Strasbourg include:
- Choucroute: Sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes
- Tarte flambée: Thinly rolled dough topped with cheese, onions, and bacon
- Baeckoeffe: A meat and potato casserole baked with white wine
- Munster cheese: A strong and pungent cheese from the Alsace region
- Kougelhopf: A sweet cake made with yeast and raisins
What souvenirs can I buy in Strasbourg?
There are many souvenirs you can buy in Strasbourg, including:
- Alsatian wine: Strasbourg is located in the Alsace wine region and is known for its white wines.
- Alsace pottery: Hand-painted pottery from the Alsace region.
- Bretzels: A type of pretzel that is a popular snack in Strasbourg.
- Christmas ornaments: Strasbourg is known for its Christmas market, and you can find many unique ornaments to take home as a souvenir.
Conclusion
Strasbourg is a beautiful and charming city with a rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring its old town, trying its delicious food, or experiencing its famous Christmas market, there is something for everyone in Strasbourg. We hope that this blog post has answered some of your questions about the city and helped you plan your trip.
How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region of France and is located near the German border. This beautiful city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food. If you’re planning a trip to Strasbourg, here’s a helpful guide on how to spend your time as a tourist.
1. Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It took over 300 years to complete and boasts a remarkable façade, intricate sculptures, and stunning stained glass windows. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to reach the top of the cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
2. Explore the Petite France Quarter
The Petite France Quarter is a picturesque neighborhood with narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and charming restaurants. It is located on a small island in the middle of the city and is surrounded by canals. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canals and learn about the history of the district. Alternatively, walking tours are available as well.
3. Discover the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
The Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame is an art museum that is dedicated to the history of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The museum has a vast collection of sculptures, stained glass windows, and architectural drawings. It is an excellent place to learn about the cultural heritage of Strasbourg and the evolution of Gothic art.
4. Try the local cuisine
Strasbourg is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of local dishes to try. One of the most famous dishes is Choucroute, which is a hearty meal made from sauerkraut, potatoes, and various meats. Other local delicacies include Flammekueche, a thin bread topped with cheese, onions, and bacon, and Bretzel, which is a soft pretzel that is a popular snack.
5. Visit the Palais Rohan
The Palais Rohan is a stunning palace that was built in the 18th century for the Archbishop of Strasbourg. It now houses three museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée Archéologique, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Visitors can admire the ornate architecture of the building and the vast collection of art and artifacts.
6. Take a Day Trip to Colmar
Colmar is a charming town located just 30 minutes from Strasbourg by train. It is known for its colorful architecture, picturesque canals, and quaint streets. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town and learn about the history of the region. They can also enjoy local cuisine and wine at the many restaurants and bars.
7. Go Shopping in the City Center
The city center of Strasbourg is a shopper’s paradise, with many boutiques, markets, and department stores. Visitors can browse the local products, including traditional Alsatian delicacies, wines, and souvenirs. The Christmas markets are particularly famous, and they offer a range of festive products, including mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade decorations.
8. Attend a Festival
Strasbourg hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, the Festival International de Strasbourg, and the Musica Festival. These events celebrate the culture, music, and food of the region and provide an excellent opportunity to experience the local traditions.In conclusion, Strasbourg is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. From the stunning architecture and art to the delicious cuisine and festivals, there is plenty to see and do. Use this guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time as a tourist in Strasbourg.
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