ALSAZIA TREK: CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND VINEYARDS
Alsace is the easternmost region in France, and it lies between the Vosges mountains and River Rhine, representing the natural border with Germany.
His troubled history and the proximity with Germany are responsible for its unique cultural, linguistic, and culinary identity where traditions and cultures of both nations are kept alive.Alsace will enchant you with its picturesque hamlets: coloured timber-framed houses seem to be coming out from a fairy tale book; the surrounding hills produce one of the most precious wine in the world thanks to the mosaic of rocks underneath.
Green valleys, ancient ruins and fortresses nestled in the mountains: though it is one of the smallest region in France, Alsace offers a picturesque landscape making it one of the most beautiful and typical region in the country.
During Christmas time, all villages decorate their buildings creating a magic and unique Christmas atmosphere: suffused lights, thousands decorations on the front of the houses, wooden small houses selling typical cuisine and local products to taste, traditional music and dances.
There is no place in Europe which could equal Christmas atmosphere in Alsace.Climate in Alsace is not exttemely cold or wet. As to my experience, we have never suffered from cold or snow.
Weather conditions will be monitored during the preceeding days in order to define the programme which could be modified consequently but not completely cancelled.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Middleage villages immersed in Christmas atmosphere;
- Vineyards and hills among villages where to hike;
- Tasting of different vines on different hill directly from the producer;
- Tasting of local cuisine which will surprise you;
- Easy and comfortable excursions just to justify Taste with the Trek;
Technical details
Both excursions are medium easy 100 to 200 difference in level and around 12 km each.
More details as we define allocation.
Description
The 2 hikings I would like to plan starts in Ribeauvillé or Kaysersberg according to accommodation; they are both fascinating villages along the wine road in Alsace. Difficult in level is always medium easy and hikings will lead us to live in a more relaxing way the atmosphere of villages and Christmas markets as well as visi fortresses on the hills surrounding the area and offering wonderful view on Rhin plane.
More programme details as the accomodation is confirmed.
Difficulty level MEDIUM – EASY
Excursion suitable for adults and teens in good health and physical fitting conditions, used to walk in mountains, considering difference in level and length.
Excursion is not suitable for people suffering from heart, respiratory, postural diseases or being overweight; not suitable to people just having been surged; please inform the guide about any disease worth to be communicated and which could affect the excursion.
Dogs must be on a leash owing to the presence of wild animals in the wood and out of respect for other participants who could be afraid of or annoyed by them.
Please check for access to foreign countries.
Dogs are not allowed in the suggested apartments.
Responsible tourism
The excursions I offer also aim at supporting local economic activities and at living unique experiences closely in touch with and with respect to people and places.
That’s why they often include tasting experiences and/or chance to buy local products directly from producers, mainly small local activities working hard and with passion to keep traditions alive;
That’s why groups I accompany are usually small … in order to meet and live local people and enter their lives and the calmness of the place on tiptoes.
The Cape Town Declaration in 2002 recognises that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms, it is characterised by travel and tourism which:
- minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts;
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life changes;
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
- provide access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged;
- is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
Day 1
Transfer from Italy to Alsace by private car or train and meeting point at the hotel/apartmente (depparture from Como at about 6.30am). Car-sharing is possible.
Visit, relax, accommodation and dinner
Day 2
Hiking among vineyards to middleage neighbouring villages. visit to Christmas markets. Wine tasting.
Itinerary and technical details according to final accommodation.
Return by either private or public transport.
Dinner and relax.
Day 3
Hiking among vineyards to middleage neighbouring villages. visit to Christmas markets. Wine tasting.
Itinerary and technical details according to final accommodation.
Return by either private or public transport.
Dinner and relax.
Day 4
Transfer back to Italy according to means of transport and weather conditions. Colmar visit according to time available.
Programme to be defined according to participants accommodation
ATTENTION: programme and itinerary could vary according to weather conditions. The journey is confirmed even in case of cancellation of the hikings due to bad weather conditions. If it is the case, the programme will modified accordingly offering participants a safe stay thanks to the many richnesses of the region.
CANCELLATION/POSTPONEMENT
The excursion can be cancelled or postponed anytime by the Guide at her absolute discretion, in case safe and proper conditions cannot be guaranteed following bad weather conditions on the day of the excursion or on the previous days.
Excursion could be confirmed even if weather conditions are not good but safe for participants.
In case of cancellation by the participant after the confirmation deadline, 27th October 24, the relevant Guide fee and hotel costs cannot be refunded.
Adults and teens: € 250.00 (4 days);
Inclusions: accompanying fee Hiking Guide AIGAE LO639 during hiking; liability insurance; logistics and language help; guide’s expenses
Exclusions: any lunch and break; any transport to the meeting point; food and accommodation; injury insurance for the participants; any service not included in the item “inclusions”.
EXTRA COSTS
- 180 € per person 3 nights: accommodation in apartments with shared bathroom; single, double and big beds, sofa beds. Apartments with 3 to 4 beds. Please contact the Guide for more logistics.
- Breakfast in the apartment or in the village; dinner and lunch;
- 40 € swiss highway tax; Fuel costs; costs to be shared among passangers. As it is a long drive, my advise is to value a reduced cost for the driver and owner of the car.
Reservation required within 27th October 24 on website chart.
Contact details
e-mail sabrina@trekandtaste.it – mobile +39 347 04 05 703.
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 3
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 9
Minimum number of participants is required to confirm the hiking.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult holding responsible.
Guide costs are covered by the amounts paid by participants.
Participation to the excursions implies unconditioned acceptance of the rules and payment of hotel costs.
INJURY INSURANCE FOR TREKKERS
Participation fee only includes liability insurance; no injury insurance coverage is provided to Participants to the excursion. It is advisable to take out a suitable injury insurance.
EIC Organization offer an annual injury insurance which can be activated by the Trip&Trek app and amounting to 10 euros per year, per person. The insurance is valid 1 year whenever you participate to an excursion with and AIGAE Guide. For more details, please contact info@escursioni-italia.it.
ATTENTION: The Guide cannot be hold responsible for accidents occurring when not on trekking excursions in Nature.
It is suggested to buy a good medical, luggage and cancellation insurance.
Alsazia can be reached both by car and train from Como and Milan.
Please contact the Guide for more details.
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- Winter trekking shoes.
- Backpack to carry personal belongings and spare water and food.
- Packed lunch according to excursion and programme (please check);
- Dress in layers according to the season (shirt, long-sleeved shirt, Fleece jacket or sweatshirt, rain and wind stopper jacket); rain poncho in case of instable weather and summer storms.
- Headlamp.
Please contact the Guide for more details
According to measures in force at the time of the hiking