Heidelberg – Alsace – Strasbourg

from 375€ / Person

Excursion to Alsace, Heidelberg, Summer 2021

KINGDOM – LAKE TITIZE – HEIDELBERG – MANNHEIM – STRASBOURG – BLACK FOREST – WINE VILLAGES – BOSSIA MOUNTAINS – FREIBURG – COLMAR
2 departures in the heart of Summer with Direct Flights to Basel

Alsace is a very beautiful area that stretches along the west bank of the Rhine. It borders Switzerland, Lorraine, Germany and the free county of Franche Compté. In ancient times Alsace belonged to the Celts. Later it was part of Germany (as well as France). The region “changed hands” several times, until the end of World War II it became permanently part of the French state.

These changes have resulted in the mixing of populations and the creation of a different mentality which is seen from the daily life of the inhabitants to the culture and architecture. On this trip we will visit wonderful places from the capital of Alsace Strasbourg, the German side of the Rhine to the picturesque Heidelberg.

This trip every year has a great impact, but for this year, due to the known situation, we have prepared only 2 departures and only in August. Of course we remind you that if 8 days before departure the proper health conditions in these areas are not met, we will cancel the trip without any loss of money. Rest assured that this is a very nice trip and at a price we will not achieve again in the future.

Our flights are ideally selected for this trip based in Basel. Hotels are only 4 * within cities to have a safe and comfortable stay. All you have to do is choose which of the 2 departures suits you and leave the rest to us ..!

In context
The picturesque cities, the unique landscapes, the fantastic routes, will literally impress you!
A journey taken from a fairy tale

Gathering in the morning at Macedonia airport. Ticket control and direct flight to Basel. Arrival and acquaintance with our guide, who has made this trip repeatedly, knows the places, local traditions and the mentality of the inhabitants. We start the tour in the most industrialized city of the country. Basel is located in the place known as the tri-national, right on the border with France and Germany.

 

Its reference point is the river Rhine, which originates from the southeastern Swiss Alps and continues its journey north to the Netherlands, where it flows into the North Sea after a journey of 1320 km. One of the most important attractions is the red town hall of Markplatz with allegorical figures, and the cathedral which reaches a height of 67 meters marking the religious center of the city. Finally we follow the cobbled street which leads us to the balcony of the Rhine, where we will enjoy the view.

 

We continue to the area of ​​the Black Forest, where through a beautiful route, we will stop at Lake Titizee, where the image will impress you. The surrounding mountain peaks are reflected in the waters of the Lake, while the trees descend to the shores. It is worth looking at the beautiful view sitting in one of the restaurants on the lake (do not miss to taste a piece of authentic Black Forest cake). Finally, go to one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Germany, Heidelberg. A city that was the center of German Romanticism and has the oldest university in the country founded in 1386. Arrangement in the rooms and free time for rest.

Breakfast and departure for Mannheim. It is the second largest city in the state after Stuttgart and is mentioned for the first time in a legal act of 766. In 1607 it acquired city privileges, while at the beginning of the 18th century it was rebuilt acquiring a separate urban planning. We will see the Opera House, the municipal park and the Water Tower, a symbol of the city from the 19th century.

 

We will also be impressed by the baroque palaces that house university faculties. Finishing, return to the beautiful city of Heidelberg. We start our tour in the fairytale city, where we will see the Palace, built on the slopes of the mountain Konigstuhl and the street of the philosophers, from which you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the city. The main road is the royal mile with a length of 1.6 km, there is also the oldest hotel in the city ‘Zum Ritter’ which has been operating since 1592.

 

The two most beautiful churches are those of the Holy Spirit and the university. We will not fail to climb the historic bridge, where the statue of Athena and the statues – symbols of the largest rivers in southern Germany are located. Free time for souvenirs and shopping. Late afternoon return to our hotel. In the evening do not miss to try traditional beer in one of the traditional breweries of the city.

Breakfast and departure for the famous spa town of Baden-Baden. Arrival in the town located on the western slopes of the Black Forest, on the banks of the river Ou, near the town of Karlsruhe. The hot springs in Baden have been known since Roman times and were an attraction for high society in Europe around the 19th century. Aristocratic walks, casino, opera, neoclassical atmosphere, imperial baths are waiting for you to discover. Finally, we continue to the most important city in Alsace, Strasbourg.

 

The local population is a mixture of French and German elements, while the city is considered a bridge of unity between modern France and Germany. We will see the old town square with the Cathedral and we will have free time for photos against the background of the ornate bridges and food. For those who wish we suggest a dream cruise on the canals. We will not fail to get wonderful local souvenirs and colorful folk art items. Finishing transfer to the hotel and settling in our rooms.

Breakfast and start with a tour of the capital and main city of the Lower Rhine prefecture, Strasbourg. A unique touch to the picturesqueness of the area is given by Petite France, an area that seems to be taken from the traditional tales of Charles Perrault and the era of 1600. Trade and traditional activities are the ones that contributed decisively to its development.

 

A look at the Woban Dam will convince us of the magnitude of the defensive works that took place around 1700. Protestantism is strong in the area, which is reflected in the close relationship between the city and neighboring Germany. One of the most important historical events that took place in this city is the printing of the first book in 1450 from Gutenberg.

 

Visiting this city we will see the cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in Europe with a height of 150 meters, the impressive Rohan Palace with its 3 museums and more. Strasbourg is the only city in the world, along with Geneva, which is not the capital of a state, but hosts the seat of major international institutions. The European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the Court of Human Rights move the threads of the Old Continent from the city of northeastern France. Leisure.

 

At noon we have a wonderful excursion to the famous wine villages. South of the city of Strasbourg, and within a radius of 150 km where there are 67 famous wine villages which are located on French soil. Due to the fact that this area is enclosed on one side by the Vosges and on the other by the Rhine, a unique microclimate is created ideal for viticulture. We will visit 2 of the most famous villages, Requiem and Engisheim.

 

Visiting Egisheim we will see an 11th century castle built by the Dukes of Alsace, while in Requiem, known as the vineyard village, as most of the inhabitants are engaged in grape cultivation, we will admire the main street of General de Gaulle. which retains its medieval character, with the pastel colored houses having their honor. Return to our hotel in the evening.

Breakfast and departure for the picturesque town of Colmar, known for its vineyards. The city was founded in the 9th century and is one of the few that does not cross the Rhine, but is connected by a canal of the river Lauch that crosses the city. Museums, cathedrals, architectural monuments, fountains and statues adorn the city and contribute to its uniqueness.

 

We will see the two most important churches of the city, the Cathedral of St. Martin and the Dominicans, we will admire the famous ‘little Venice’, a part of the city consisting of traditional buildings, which are reminiscent of the jewel of Northern Italy, the Pfister an old house in the city center with ornate decoration and German renaissance architecture built in 1537 and the Municipal Library, which has one of the richest collections in France.

 

Colmar is still famous, as it was the birthplace of the painter and engraver Martin Schongauer and the sculptor Frederic Bartholdi, designers of the Statue of Liberty. During our stay in the city do not miss to try a traditional eclair in one of the characteristic patiserie. We continue to Germany and the city of Freiburg, located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, at the entrance of the Black Forest, to the city where the great Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis breathed his last.

 

We will see, among other things, the typical medieval cathedral in the main square. Free time for food in the nice breweries of the area. Returning to Strasbourg, we will pass the European Quarter with the European Parliament, built in 1998.

Breakfast, free time for souvenirs and shopping and then transfer to the airport and return flight. Arrival in our city with the best impressions.