Enchanting Alsace – Strasbourg – Heidelberg (from Thessaloniki)

Breakfast at the hotel, and then we begin our tour of Strasbourg, a city that combines Alsatian tradition with its modern European character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a charming setting of squares, bridges, and historic buildings. We’ll stroll through the old town, dominated by the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady. Its ornate façade is one of Strasbourg’s most iconic symbols, while inside, the stained-glass windows and the famous astronomical clock stand out. Near the cathedral, we’ll see the Kammerzell House, with its richly decorated facade, and the Rohan Palace on Castle Square, which houses the museums of Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, and Archaeology. We continue on to Petite France, one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The traditional half-timbered houses, canals, and bridges create the perfect setting for a stroll and photos. Afterward, we’ll have free time for coffee, shopping, or lunch at one of the traditional Alsatian restaurants. For those interested, we recommend an optional cruise on the Ill River. From the boat, you’ll enjoy iconic views of the city, and depending on the route chosen, the route may include Little France, the Covered Bridges, the Neustadt district, and the buildings of the European institutions. The time and duration of the cruise are determined by the available itinerary. Overnight stay in Strasbourg.

After breakfast, we depart for Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most romantic cities. Built on the banks of the Neckar River, with its imposing castle towering over the rooftops of the old town, it combines historic charm with the vibrancy of a renowned university town. We’ll stroll along the main pedestrian street, Hauptstraße, past historic buildings, shops, and charming cafés. On our tour, we’ll explore the Agora Square, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the historic Zum Ritter Hotel. We’ll pass through the old university district and learn about the history of the famous “student prison,” one of the city’s most unique attractions. Our walk will take us to the Old Bridge, the Alte Brücke, where we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the river, the Old Town, and the castle. In your free time, you can enjoy a meal in the historic center or, if you’d like, head up to the castle for the panoramic view. Those who prefer walking can, time and weather permitting, head toward the Philosophers’ Path on the opposite bank of the Neckar. The route involves an uphill climb, but the view is well worth the effort. In the afternoon, we return to Strasbourg. Overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel and a free day in Strasbourg, or join our optional excursion to the famous Alsace Wine Route. Nestled between the slopes of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine Valley, vineyards and traditional villages create one of the region’s most iconic landscapes. Our first stop is Obernai, at the foot of Mount Sainte-Odile. We’ll explore its historic center, with its beautiful facades, the Town Hall, the distinctive Kapellturm tower, and the Renaissance-style Well of the Six Buckets. The small squares and cobblestone streets immediately immerse us in the atmosphere of Alsace. We continue on to Riquewihr, a village with distinctive architecture, colorful houses, and corners that look like something out of a fairy tale. We’ll stroll down its main street, past traditional shops and wine bars that showcase the region’s wine heritage. Our next stop is Eguisheim, known for its concentric streets that encircle its historic center. We’ll stroll among the characteristic Alsatian houses, small courtyards, and picturesque squares, discovering one of the most charming villages along the route. We’ll conclude our excursion in Colmar, the jewel of Alsace. In its historic center, we’ll admire traditional houses and the imposing Gothic Church of St. Martin. We’ll walk to Little Venice, where the colorful houses are reflected in the waters of the Lauch River and the small bridges offer beautiful photo opportunities. We’ll have free time to stroll around and enjoy the city’s atmosphere before returning to our hotel in Strasbourg.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Basel, the Swiss city located near the borders with France and Germany. Built on the banks of the Rhine, it combines a well-preserved old town with a vibrant cultural life and modern architecture. The river divides it into Greater Basel (Grossbasel) and Lesser Basel (Kleinbasel), giving it a unique character. During our brief tour—depending on how much time we have before our flight—we’ll explore the Market Square (Marktplatz), with its distinctive red City Hall, and the imposing Münster Cathedral. We’ll enjoy the sights of the old town and the Rhine, bidding farewell to a region that has treated us to diverse landscapes, flavors, and cultural experiences. We will then be transferred to the airport for our direct return flight with Aegean Airlines to Thessaloniki.

Notes: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without any omissions. For the January 6 departure, the final day of the return trip does not include Basel but instead features a visit to the renowned spa town of Baden-Baden and a direct return flight from Stuttgart on Aegean Airlines.