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Embark on an enthralling day trip from Strasbourg to Colmar, Riquewihr, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Your journey begins at the Strasbourg Tourism Office, located at 17 Place de la Cathédrale, within easy walking distance of downtown hotels and the iconic Petite France district.
You will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, easily recognizable by the tour name and Ophorus logo. After a warm introduction and a comprehensive overview of the day’s itinerary, settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan equipped with an onboard P.A. system for clear commentary throughout the day.
Your first stop is Colmar, often described as one of Alsace’s most enchanting towns. Here, French and German influences blend harmoniously in medieval and Renaissance architecture dating from the 14th to 17th centuries.
Stroll through the picturesque “Little Venice” district, where half-timbered houses line flower-decked canals. Admire landmarks such as the Maison des Têtes, the Koïfhus (Old Customs House), and the Pfister House with its distinctive carved galleries and murals. Step inside or admire from the square the Gothic Saint-Martin Church, whose soaring nave and stained-glass windows reflect centuries of religious and artistic history.
Next, continue to Riquewihr, a perfectly preserved wine village nestled among steep vineyards on the Alsace Wine Route. Enclosed by medieval ramparts, Riquewihr offers a rare glimpse into 16th-century Alsace with its cobbled lanes, defensive towers, and richly decorated half-timbered houses.
Enjoy free time to wander the narrow streets, browse wine shops and boutiques, and capture photos of colorful façades and flower-filled balconies that have made Riquewihr famous worldwide.
After visiting Colmar and Riquewihr, your journey continues along a panoramic stretch of the Alsace Wine Route. As you travel through rolling vineyards and charming villages, your guide explains how the route has linked winegrowing communities for generations and how local terroirs shape Alsace’s distinctive white wines.
There will be opportunities for scenic photo stops to admire views over the Rhine plain, the Vosges foothills, and hillside villages crowned by castle ruins.
The day’s finale is Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, a restored medieval fortress perched high above the Alsace plain. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle occupied a strategic position overlooking key trade routes linking northern Europe, the Rhine, and the Mediterranean world.
With your guide, explore the castle’s courtyards, ramparts, and furnished rooms, including the Great Hall, kitchen, and lord’s quarters. Learn how its thick walls, towers, drawbridge, and artillery platforms were designed to defend the site and control movement through the valley below.
From the upper terraces and towers, enjoy sweeping panoramic views of vineyards, forests, and villages stretching across the Alsace plain, and on clear days as far as the Black Forest in Germany. These vistas make Haut-Koenigsbourg a highlight for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
After your castle visit, relax on the return drive to Strasbourg, reflecting on the architectural treasures, historic towns, and castle landscapes you’ve discovered. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the beauty, history, and flavors of Alsace on an unforgettable day trip from Strasbourg—reserve your tour now and explore the heart of this enchanting region with an expert local guide.
