Christmas
Markets & Great Wines of Alsace
December
11- 15, 2008
$3995 per
person
Discover Alsace at its most magical, as the
wine-producing villages at the foothills of the Vosges mountains
present their annual Christmas Markets. In a tradition dating
back centuries, the best artisans and vendors of the area
sell regional handcrafts and goodies of all kinds, from jewelry
to specialty foods, wooden toys to fine pottery and much more.
The weather is crisp and there's often a light dusting of
snow, just enough to powder the slanted rooftops of the colorful,
half-timbered houses and make your stop for a delicious hot
spiced wine a welcome break. On this special tour, you'll
find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list
while also indulging in fabulous dining, enjoying tastings
at the best wineries of Alsace, and exploring the rich historical
and cultural heritage of this fascinating region.
Step back in time as you wander through winding village streets
lined with perfectly-restored 15th-century homes, beautifully
and authentically decorated for the season. At Ribeauvillé,
townspeople and vendors dress in period costume and re-enact
life in medieval times for the wonderful Marché Medieval.
A boar is roasted on an outdoor spit, troubadours entertain,
and even the King and Queen and their court make an appearance.
Ardent shoppers can join us for an optional trip to the Beauvillé
factory outlet store where you can find some of France's most
elegant table linens at unbeatable prices. The most amazing
and elegant Christmas decoration store in all of Europe is
one of the highlights of the Riquewihr Market (you have to
see it to believe it - a destination in itself for some folks).
You'll also visit Colmar, which enchants visitors not only
with its extensive Christmas Markets, but also with its fairytale-like
"Little Venice" where you'll enjoy a guided walking
tour
Our small group of merry-makers will be based in one of the
most charming villages, Kaysersberg, surrounded by vineyards.
Your hotel, Le Chambard (located in the center of the village),
combines local character with elegant modernity and has a
wonderful Michelin 1-star-rated restaurant. We'll also indulge
in a memorable lunch at 2-star Au Crocodile in Strasbourg,
one of France's most exciting and innovative restaurants.
Along the way, you'll visit some of the greatest wine producers
of Alsace, like Domaines Deiss, Weinbach and Ostertag. If
you love red wines, never fear: we'll be tasting not only
the delicate, perfumed Pinot Noir's of Alsace, but also some
great Burgundies at meals. A fun cooking class with 1-star
Chef Olivier Nasti (chef of our hotel's restaurant) and a
visit to the spectacular 12th century Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg
round out an incredibly memorable five days in Alsace. Return
home in time for Christmas with family, or let us arrange
for you to spend Christmas afterward in Paris or elsewhere
in France.
Make this your most memorable Holiday Season yet
Price $3995 USD Per
Person; Air and travel insurance additional
Call or email
Exclusive Wine Vacations for details. 845-485-7221
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