Alsace – Heidelberg – Luxembourg (from Thessaloniki)

We wake up in the fairytale-like region of Heidelberg, built on the banks of the Neckar River. Today is entirely dedicated to this city because it’s truly worth it! We’ll stroll through its pedestrianized historic center, along Hauptstrasse, which is considered Germany’s longest pedestrian street at 1.6 km. This time of year in this magical city is a special experience, as the city is decked out for the holidays and the Christmas market. We’ll admire medieval and modern churches, such as the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Jesuit Church. Also impressive in the city are the so-called “student prison,” the “witches’ tower,” a section of the medieval fortification wall, the Zum Ritter Hotel, dating from 1592, the city’s old university, and the bridge connecting the city to the opposite bank. Four bridges span the banks of the Neckar, with the Old Bridge (Altebrücke) being by far the most beautiful. Those who wish can follow the guide and cross to the other side of the city to walk along the famous Philosophers’ Path (Philosophenweg), a picturesque and lush cobblestone path where, during the Romantic era, university professors and philosophers used to stroll. On the hill above the Old Town stands the Castle (optional climb), from where you can enjoy the best view of the city, with its bell towers and rooftops. At noon, spend some time in the historic center to enjoy lunch and beautiful walks.

We enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel, leave Heidelberg behind, and set off for the unique city of Strasbourg to begin our guided tour, in a city that feels more like the capital of Europe than an old Alsatian town. The historic center, known as “Petite France” (Little France), was designated a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1988. It has the vibrancy of a university town, thanks to the University of Strasbourg, founded in 1566. We’ll stroll through the old town, filled with picturesque little houses made of wood and painted in bright colors, where the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg stands out. It’s worth taking a moment to admire the astronomical clock and the 12th-century stained-glass windows. On Place du Château, next to the cathedral, stands the 18th-century Roan Tower, once the archbishop’s residence, which today houses the city’s main museums: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts and Archaeology, and the Camarzelle House. At noon, enjoy some free time in the city’s pedestrian streets for coffee or a meal at the excellent Alsatian restaurants, followed by check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, we recommend exploring the city by boat: One of the most romantic ways to discover the city’s beauty is by cruising down the Ill River on a 75-minute boat tour. You’ll see the entire historic center, enjoy panoramic views of the buildings in the Petite France district, the traditional houses along the river, the covered bridges, the German Quarter, and the impressive, state-of-the-art buildings of the European Parliament.

Join us today on a wonderful excursion to the famous wine villages. South of the city of Strasbourg, within a 100-kilometer radius, there are 67 famous wine villages on French soil. Because this region is bordered on one side by the Vosges Mountains and on the other by the Rhine, it creates a unique microclimate ideal for viticulture. Our first stop will be the small town of Riquewihr, nestled among vast vineyards on the eastern slope of the Vosges Mountains. For centuries, it was owned by the Dukes of Württemberg, and having escaped the wars that ravaged the region, it retains its 16th-century architectural style, while its few residents have continued to this day to cultivate Riesling grapes for wine production. It retains part of its fortifications, cobblestone streets and towers, old fountains, beautiful rooftops, timber-framed houses, a riot of colors on the walls, and a variety of flowers in the windows. We continue on to Colmar, a town that looks like a painting. Pastel-colored wooden houses lining the canals and colorful flowers lend a unique atmosphere to what is perhaps the most beautiful city in Alsace. Its historic center is crossed by the Lauch, a tributary of the Ill, which flows into the Rhine. Be sure to try a glass of the region’s excellent white wine at one of the many shops in Colmar, which is not unfairly called the wine capital. We continue on to Eguisheim, our final destination, which has preserved its traditional architecture in its entirety. Built in concentric circles around its 13th-century octagonal castle, it is surrounded by vineyards of two local grape varieties. We’ll… get lost without a care in its circular alleys: they always bring you back to where you started. Small houses with balconies, wooden frames, and protruding windows overflowing with geraniums leave us in awe. The central square is no less beautiful, with its fountain, the 8th-century city castle with its outer wall dating to 720 AD, and the chapel of the reformist Pope Leo IX, who was born here. The tops of the castle tower and the church are home to stork nests. Other sites of historical interest include the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, the city’s two Renaissance fountains, and the statue of Joan of Lorraine. Late in the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Strasbourg.

Free day in Strasbourg or the option to join an optional full-day excursion to Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. We depart early in the morning and head to a city with a unique geography: historic neighborhoods, bridges, and fortifications stretch across different levels, high above deep valleys. Our tour of the Upper Town includes the Place de la Constitution, with the Gëlle Fra monument and a view of the Petris Valley, the area around the Cathedral of Our Lady, and Place Guillaume II, where City Hall is located. We’ll see the exterior of the Grand Duke’s Palace and continue on to the Chemin de la Corniche promenade, one of the city’s most impressive spots, overlooking the Alzette Valley and the Grund neighborhood. The succession of views of the city walls, old houses, and bridges explains why the old town and its fortifications are a World Heritage Site. This is followed by free time for lunch and a stroll through the Place d’Armes and the surrounding shopping streets. In the afternoon, we head back to Strasbourg. Those staying in Strasbourg can spend the day visiting museums, cafes, and markets, or enjoy an optional cruise on the Ill River, depending on available schedules. Overnight stay.