Strasbourg and Colmar Express: the magic of Christmas markets, fine wines, and relaxation




Itinerary
Christmas in Alsace is nothing short of magical – a journey through festive markets, historic towns, and unforgettable flavours. Picture yourself in a cosy Christmas jumper, wandering beneath twinkling lights, and warming your hands with a glass of mulled wine by the fire.
We begin in Strasbourg, proudly known as the Capital of Christmas, with its enchanting old town and unique festive atmosphere. From there, we continue to Colmar, the romantic heart of Alsatian wine country, which transforms into a fairytale village during the Christmas season.
Along the way, we’ll visit Riquewihr, a medieval gem said to have inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Here, among half-timbered houses and artisan workshops, you can soak up the authentic charm of Alsace. Our route follows the famous Route des Vins, winding past medieval castles, historic buildings, and snow-dusted vineyards, where we’ll savour traditional cheeses and fine local wines.
To complete the experience, we’ll enjoy a cruise along the Rhine aboard a Batorama, or unwind in a traditional Alsatian spa. This Christmas tour through Alsace combines culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking scenery – the perfect way to celebrate the festive season in a place where Christmas magic truly comes alive.


Welcome to Alsace
1 night: Mulhouse
Welcome to France
Round-trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose where and when you'd like to fly from. Check-in and the welcome meeting will take place at our accommodation.
We’ll start our adventure by getting to know one another – the perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead. What better introduction than an authentic Alsatian aperitif? We’ll share a glass of fine local wine, accompanied by a selection of delicious regional cheeses.
Alsace is renowned as France’s most important wine region for white varieties such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling, alongside elegant reds like Pinot Noir. It’s the ideal beginning to our journey through the flavours and traditions of this enchanting region.

The magic of Strasbourg
1 night: Mulhouse
The Capital of Christmas
After a breakfast of freshly baked petit pain au chocolat, we’ll set off from our accommodation towards Strasbourg, where we’ll spend our second day together. Known proudly as the Capital of Christmas, this city certainly lives up to its reputation – every street corner sparkles with festive decorations.
We’ll explore Strasbourg’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also called La Grande Île (“the Large Island”) because it is encircled by canals. Highlights include the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, considered the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the charming district of Petite France. With its half-timbered houses, sloping roofs, cobblestone streets and bridges overlooking flower-decked canals, it’s one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods – a truly postcard-perfect setting.
To see Strasbourg from a different angle, we’ll board a boat for a scenic cruise along the waterways. Our day will end by immersing ourselves in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets – wandering among the stalls, soaking up the lights and decorations, and indulging in mulled wine and spiced cinnamon biscuits.

Mulled wine, pretzels and... Colmar
1 night: Mulhouse
Eguisheim - “The most beautiful village in France”
This morning, after collecting our rental car, we’ll set off for Eguisheim, a fairytale village proudly listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. With its winding streets, enchanting corners, and atmospheric wine cellars, it feels as though time has stood still. Here, you can taste and purchase local wines while soaking up the charm of days gone by.
Fairytale or reality? This is Colmar.
Our journey continues to Colmar, a town that looks like it has stepped straight out of a storybook. Colourful half-timbered houses, lively little squares, and beautifully decorated buildings create a setting that is nothing short of magical. The best way to discover Colmar is to simply wander – past medieval houses that remain intact, artisan workshops, and inviting shops where you can sample Alsatian delicacies.
One of Colmar’s most iconic spots awaits: Petite Venise, the picture-perfect quarter of the historic centre along the Lauch River. From the Rue Turenne Bridge, the view of pastel half-timbered houses mirrored in the water, with boats gliding past, is like stepping into a postcard.
As night falls, Colmar takes on an even more enchanting atmosphere. Festively decorated buildings are transformed by lights, creating a spectacular stage-like setting. The town’s renowned light show illuminates monuments, canals, and façades, giving evening strolls a magical allure.
We’ll round off the evening in one of Colmar’s celebrated pubs, savouring Alsatian specialities and enjoying live music – the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle and the “Wine Route”
1 night: Mulhouse
The treasures of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg and the secrets of the wines of Alsace
After a sweet French breakfast, we’ll drive to one of the most famous castles in France: the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. This emblematic site of Alsace’s cultural and tourist heritage is a superb example of a late 15th-century mountain fortress. Perched 757 metres above sea level, it offers breathtaking views across the entire region – and if we’re lucky, a dusting of snow will make the scene even more magical.
In the afternoon, our Happy Hour takes us to one of the oldest Alsatian wine cellars, where we’ll uncover the secrets of local winemaking. We’ll tour the production area before enjoying a tasting of the region’s most renowned varieties, including Gewürztraminer and Riesling.
Three fairytale villages and relaxation
AAfter a quick lunch, we’ll continue our journey through three of Alsace’s most enchanting towns. In Riquewihr, whose medieval streets inspired the setting for Beauty and the Beast, we’ll wander among colourful half-timbered houses and artisan shops. We’ll then explore Ribeauvillé, known as the “Town of Minstrels”, with its charming medieval character, before heading to Kaysersberg, famous for its gabled half-timbered houses and delightful little shops. The air is filled with the aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon – an irresistible invitation to slow down and savour the moment.
To end the afternoon, we’ll indulge in some well-deserved relaxation at a traditional Alsatian spa, where warmth, serenity, and stunning views over the vineyards provide the perfect contrast to the winter chill outside.
As our journey through Alsace draws to a close, we’ll come together for a farewell evening. Over a traditional tarte flambée dinner, and perhaps a final stroll to experience the region’s nightlife, we’ll celebrate the memories of this magical trip.

Goodbye Alsace!
One last goodbye!
Depending on our departure time, we’ll still have the chance to enjoy a final French breakfast with a few sweet treats before it’s time to say our farewells. With hugs and goodbyes, we’ll part ways – until our next adventure together. See you soon, WeRoaders!
What's included
4 nights in a shared room with private bathroom or in an apartment for the exclusive use of WeRoad participants
Rental car on days 1 and 4
WOW experience: A tour of the Alsatian vineyards and cellars with a tasting of the most important local wines.
- Travel Coordinator services
- Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
The Money Pot is only used for all the extra activities (not included in the tour package) that ALL members of the group agree to do. It will also cover the coordinator`s fee for these extra activities. The Money Pot is approximately £115/€130 and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do. Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip to participants and don`t worry, our Travel Coordinators always try and haggle a deal!
Train ticket to Strasbourg
Petrol, parking and tolls
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
The private room option is not available for this trip. Your coordinator will share the hotel with you two days before departure.
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at Basel. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Basel. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
It is a trip suitable for anyone interested in beauty and good things, who wants to taste wine and cheese and savor the Christmas atmosphere in Alsace.
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About France
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for France, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for France – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
France operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in France during standard time and 2pm during daylight saving time.
If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 6pm in France during standard time and 7pm during daylight saving time.
Keep this in mind when planning your activities!
France uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The exchange rates are approximately:
- 0.87 GBP
- 1.07 USD
- 1 EUR for the Euro
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, and sometimes in hotels. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
In France, you can use credit cards, debit cards, and cash for payments. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. Contactless payments are widely accepted, making it easier to pay for small purchases with a tap. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller markets and local shops that might not accept cards. ATMs are available throughout the country, so withdrawing cash is convenient if needed. Always inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.
Tipping in France is not obligatory since service charge is typically included in your bill at restaurants, cafes, and bars. However, if you receive exceptional service and want to show appreciation, you can leave a small tip. A few euros or rounding up the bill is common. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a couple of euros as a tip is appreciated. In hotels, a euro or two for the porter or housekeeping is a nice gesture. Remember, tipping is always optional and based on your satisfaction with the service.
In France, if you're from a European or Schengen country, you can easily use your roaming plan without additional charges. If you're from outside Europe, we suggest you consider buying a local SIM or an e-SIM data plan. Popular providers include Orange and SFR. Wi-Fi is widely available in France, especially in cities. You'll find free Wi-Fi in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even some public spaces, making it easy to stay connected during your travels.
In France, the official language is French. Here are a few useful expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Please: S'il vous plaît
- Yes: Oui
- No: Non
French is widely spoken throughout the country, and knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful during your travels.
In France, you'll find Type C and Type E plugs. Both have two round pins, but Type E also has a hole for the grounding pin. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure compatibility.
The main religion in France is Christianity, with the majority of Christians being Roman Catholic. However, France is a secular country, and there's a significant number of people who identify as non-religious. Other religions practiced in France include Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.
Important religious holidays include:
- Christmas on December 25th
- Easter, which varies each year
While religious practices are diverse, France's secularism means public life is generally separate from religious affiliations.
For your trip to France, packing smartly is key. Here's a handy list to help you get organized:
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Clothing:
- Light layers for varying weather
- A warm sweater or jacket
- Casual and smart-casual outfits
- Scarf for style and warmth
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Stylish yet comfy shoes for evenings
- Sandals for warmer days
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Accessories and Technology:
- Universal adapter
- Portable charger
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Travel guide or map
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen and moisturizer
- Pain relievers, antihistamines
- Prescription medication if needed
This list should cover the essentials for a pleasant stay in France.
France has a diverse climate, so the weather can vary depending on the region and time of year:
- Paris and Northern France: Mild and rainy winters, cool and wet summers. Best time to visit is from May to September.
- Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur): Warm, dry summers, mild winters. Best time to visit is from May to October.
- Eastern France (Alsace, Lorraine): Cold winters with snow, warm summers. Best time to visit is from June to September.
- Western France (Brittany, Normandy): Mild, wet weather year-round. Best time to visit is from May to September.
- The Alps: Cold winters with heavy snow, making it great for skiing, mild summers. Best time to visit for skiing is December to March, for hiking is June to September.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.

















