From Strasbourg: Alsace Villages & Colmar Christmas Market

Traveling through the Alsace region during the holiday season offers a fairy-tale experience filled with twinkling lights, charming villages, and the warm aroma of mulled wine. This tour from Strasbourg promises to deliver all that—plus a taste of local wines, artisanal crafts, and scenic drives along the famous wine route. It’s a well-rounded adventure for those wanting to explore beyond Strasbourg’s city limits, especially during the enchanting Christmas season.

One standout feature of this experience is the chance to visit six different Christmas markets in Colmar, each with its own vibe and atmosphere. The scenic bus rides, complemented by audio guides in 11 languages, make for a smooth, informative journey—perfect for travelers who want to learn as they go without fussing over navigation or language barriers.

A potential drawback, however, is that the guide spoken on the bus is only in French. While audio guides are available in multiple languages, some might prefer a multilingual guide to enhance storytelling in person. Still, this is a minor concern compared to the overall value of the trip, especially considering the comfort of the coach, the detailed itineraries, and the relaxed pace.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy picturesque scenery, culture, and festive cheer. It’s particularly good for those who prefer a guided experience with some free time to explore on their own. If you’re after a comprehensive, comfortable way to tick multiple Alsace highlights off your list in one day, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: A heated coach ensures a cozy ride through the wintry landscape.
• Authentic Village Visits: Explore two small, beautifully decorated villages at your own pace, with detailed highlights about their charm.
• Festive Christmas Markets: Discover six different markets in Colmar, each offering unique local treats and crafts.
• Audio Guides: Multi-language options provide enriching insights, though the guide in French may limit some in-person storytelling.
• Scenic Wine Route: Enjoy panoramic views during scenic drives through Alsace’s famed vineyards and villages.
• Flexible Itinerary: With ample free time at each stop, you can indulge in shopping, tasting, or simply soaking in the ambiance.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour kicks off at Le Toilet Plaze in Strasbourg, where you’ll board a comfortable, heated bus. According to reviews, the bus offers ample seat spacing, which helps prevent the cramped feeling common with some tour coaches. The journey lasts about 45 minutes to the first stop, giving you a relaxed start to the day. The driver, speaking only French, manages the route smoothly, and the provided headsets for audio guides mean you won’t miss out on interesting commentary scattered along the way.

Scenic Scenic Drive & Village of Bergheim

As you cruise along the Alsace wine route, expect sweeping views of rolling vineyards, charming hamlets, and medieval castles perched on hilltops. This scenic drive is a highlight itself—perfect for snapping photos or just relaxing as you watch the landscape change from cityscape to picture-perfect countryside.

Riquewihr Christmas Market

The first major stop is Riquewihr, often called one of the most beautiful villages in France. In just about an hour, you’ll wander through twinkling streets lined with half-timbered houses decorated for Christmas. Reviewers mention the illuminating monuments and buildings create a dazzling effect—truly a photographer’s paradise. According to comments, this short visit is enough to soak in the charm without feeling rushed, allowing time to browse local shops or grab some mulled wine.

Kaysersberg & Its Artisanal Market

Next, the bus heads toward Kaysersberg, a village steeped in history and traditional Alsatian architecture. The authentic Christmas market here is open during all four Advent weekends—it’s a favorite among visitors for its artisanal crafts, local foods, and warm atmosphere. Outside the market days, you can wander the medieval streets, admire the old stone buildings, and see the castle ruins overlooking the town.

Reviewers appreciate the authentic feel of Kaysersberg’s market, with one saying it “traditionally welcomes visitors with a cozy, charming vibe.” The 1 hour and 45 minutes of free time allow visitors to explore, shop, and sample local delicacies like Alsace’s famous tarte flambée or regional wines.

Colmar Christmas Markets & Leisure Stroll

The highlight for many is the 3-hour free time in Colmar. Known for its “Little Venice” district and beautifully decorated streets, Colmar transforms into a winter wonderland. Each neighborhood has its own market, creating a mosaic of Christmas cheer with different themes—think of it as a festive citywide treasure hunt.

You’ll love the chance to walk at your own pace, sip seasonal drinks, and browse stalls packed with local crafts, sweets, and mulled wine. One reviewer mentioned that the audio guide provided helpful insights into each market’s history and traditions, even if the in-person guide only spoke French. The flexible timing means you can linger in your favorite spots or hop on a side trip to find that perfect gift.

Return Journey & Overall Reflection

At around 7:30 PM, the bus departs for Strasbourg, ending a full day of exploring the picturesque villages and holiday markets. The return trip is about an hour, giving travelers time to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Many reviews mention the value of this tour—covering multiple villages and markets in one day for a reasonable price, especially considering the included audio guides and transportation. The experience is well-paced, avoiding the chaos of self-driving or coordinating multiple small tours.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic villages and markets are the core appeal; Riquewihr and Kaysersberg are authentic, not overly commercialized, and beautifully decorated. The scenic drives along the wine route showcase Alsace’s stunning landscape—perfect for those who love picturesque views. The audio guides enrich the experience, providing historical and cultural context in a variety of languages, making the trip accessible for international visitors.

The flexibility during free time is another major plus. Whether you want to indulge in local wines, shop for handcrafted gifts, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, you’ll find ample opportunity here.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, the comfort of the coach, and the overall smooth organization. One said, “We saw 4 villages at the right time without running into traffic or chaos,” which speaks to how well-managed the day is.

However, some note that the French-only guide might limit the storytelling for non-French speakers, but the multilingual audio guides compensate for this to a large extent. Also, the itinerary has been slightly adjusted at times, with some villages like Equisheim sometimes not included, so it’s worth checking the current plan before booking.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress warmly: Alsace in winter can be chilly, especially in the evenings. Layering is key.
• Bring cash: Some stalls might prefer cash for small purchases or food.
• Allocate time for tea or wine: The free time in Colmar is perfect for tasting regional specialties.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid last-minute stress; look for the black bus with the local partner’s logo.
• Prepare for the language barrier: While audio guides are in English, the guide only speaks French, so having some basic French phrases or relying on the guides will help.

Final Thoughts

This From Strasbourg: Alsace Villages & Colmar Christmas Market tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic drives, authentic village visits, and festive market explorations. The price point provides good value considering the included transportation, audio guides, and free time at each stop. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking an immersive, relaxed way to experience Alsace during the holiday season.

If you love picturesque villages, local wines, and Christmas cheer, this tour will meet and likely exceed your expectations. The flexible schedule and the opportunity to explore multiple markets make it a practical option for those with limited time but eager to get a true taste of Alsace’s festive spirit.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? No, guests meet at a designated location in Strasbourg, so plan to arrive there ahead of time.

How long is the total tour? It lasts approximately 10.5 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time.

Are the audio guides available in my language? Yes, they are available in 11 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and more.

What is the transportation like? The tour uses a heated, comfortable bus with good seat spacing, making for a cozy day even in winter.

Can I customize my visit at each stop? While the bus schedule is fixed, you have ample free time to explore each village and market independently.

Is this suitable for children? The tour is not recommended for children under 4 years old, mainly due to the full-day nature and comfort considerations.

In all, this tour strikes a great balance between guided structure and free exploration, making it an excellent way to soak up the holiday magic of Alsace without the stress of self-planning.