Gingerbread, mulled wine, gifts, authentic souvenirs, and a fairytale atmosphere – all await us in Alsace at the beginning of December! We invite you to a magical adventure as we visit the Christmas markets and picturesque cities like Colmar, Strasbourg, and Mulhouse.
ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
- Christmas Markets in Colmar: Discover six charming markets, full of crafts and Alsatian delights, immersing us in the festive atmosphere of the winter holidays.
- Medieval Architecture in Colmar: Stroll through the colorful houses and picturesque canals, admiring the charm of this "Little Venice."
- Wine Tasting: A dive into Alsatian wine tradition, where the refined flavors of Riesling and Gewürztraminer reveal the secrets of an authentic terroir.
- The Great Christmas Tree in Strasbourg: Located in Place Kléber, this imposing tree is surrounded by stands selling local specialties, creating a fairytale landscape.
- City Tour of Strasbourg: Walk through the picturesque streets of the city, discovering the history of the famous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and the medieval district "La Petite France," in a charming atmosphere.
- The Museum of Fine Arts in Colmar: It offers a remarkable selection of artwork, including famous pieces that take us through the artistic history of the region.
- The Train Museum in Mulhouse: A fascinating destination for history and technology lovers, with an impressive collection of old locomotives and carriages.
- Alsatian Cuisine: Indulge in traditional dishes, from foie gras to gingerbread and mulled wine, to experience the authentic tastes of the region.
TRIP DETAILS
- Meeting place: 02.12.2025, at the hotel in Mulhouse (if you require transfer to/from the airport, please mention it at the time of booking)
- Tour starts: 02.12.2025
- Tour Ends: 06.12.2025
ACCOMODATION:
- Mulhouse: Ibis Mulhouse Centre Filature 3* or similar
ITINERARY
Here is a day-by-day description of the places included in the tour.
Day 1: Mulhouse
Meet the tour leader at the hotel in the morning. Our adventure in the charming Alsatian city is about to begin! We’ll stroll through the colorful city center, admiring the painted facades, lively markets, and the Tower of Europe, the city’s symbol. A memorable highlight of the day will be the visit to the Cité de l'Automobile, a true paradise for car enthusiasts, where we’ll see the largest car collection in the world, from elegant classic Bugattis to legendary models that have made history.
Day 2: Strasbourg
A day in Strasbourg, another city where the magic of the holidays comes to life. We start the day at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, admiring the impressive Gothic architecture and the famous astronomical clock, which comes to life at noon. We then stroll through the historic markets, admiring the giant tree in Place Kléber, the covered bridges Ponts Couverts, and fairytale-like Alsatian buildings such as Maison Hansel and Gretel. We explore the Gutenberg and Broglie markets, enjoying the fairytale atmosphere, sparkling lights, and inviting aromas of the Christmas markets at every step.
Day 3: Colmar
A day in the famous Colmar, known for its fairytale charm. The Christmas market in "Little Venice" has six markets where we will discover Alsatian delicacies. We will have the opportunity to enjoy the gourmet market at Place de la Montagne Verte and participate in a wine tasting at Domaine Karcher, an experience that will delight our taste buds.
Day 4: Mulhouse
We remain in Mulhouse to explore the city in depth, with an interesting option being the visit to the Train Museum, the largest in France, or the Textile Museum. Other attractions include the Belvedere Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, or the Devil’s Tower, whose mysterious history adds a touch of legend to our journey. For souvenirs, the markets in the city center are full of artisanal products that reflect the region's traditions. Finally, Mulhouse will also delight us with its culinary offerings – we can savor a tarte flambée and an Alsatian white wine, accompanied by local cheeses.
Day 5: Departure Day
Your journey ends today. If you'd like, you can spend some time exploring the city at your own pace or shopping for souvenirs before departing Mulhouse at your convenience.
Terra Incognita - From Dream to Reality
The cost of the trip is 990 euros per person and includes:
- accommodation as described (1 person in a double sharing room)
- breakfasts and dinners
- bus/train tickets for Mulhouse - Strasbourg - Mulhouse and Mulhouse - Colmar - Mulhouse
- guided city tour of Strasbourg
- English-speaking tour leader
* Not included: other meals, entrance tickets to attractions, optional excursions, and other unspecified expenses.
Payment Terms:
- 50% of the trip cost due at the time of booking
- 50% due by July 15th, 2025
Payments can be made by transfer or bank deposit:
Terranienii Calatoresc SRL
Tax Code: 44036634
Registration number: J23/2103/2021
RO60BTRLEURCRT0596876701
Banca Transilvania
with the mention "Alsace Xmas Markets".
Travel License: 2404/04.05.2021
- Please check entry conditions into France before traveling (this includes, but not limited to: travel insurance, visas; COVID vaccine/tests etc)
- This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. If in doubt, contact our service center regarding your individual needs before booking.
Please be aware that for daily visits we are going to use public transportation (buses/subway/tram etc) or walking
- Meals that are not included: free meal times, we provide recommendations for lunch and dining options during the tour.
- Hotels are classified according to national classification system.
- In case of unpredictable events which may occur before or during the trip (such as, but not limited to closure of sites and/or opening of new sites, the agency reserves its right to alter the original itinerary, in order to offer you memorable experiences throughout the trip).
- Please provide a copy of your passport at the time of booking. If the document is not available at that time, please make sure the agency will receive the document 3 months before departure.
- Minimum number of participants: 2. Maximum number of participants: 10
*Notes:
Throughout the trip, photos and video recordings will be taken, some of which will be published on Terra Incognita and Terra Trips websites and social media pages. By registering and participating in the event, you agree to the recording of photo-video materials and the processing of personal data in accordance with the law. Terra Incognita trips are organized for energetic, cheerful, and sensible groups. Please note that the program is designed for a group, not individually. Depending on certain situations, we reserve the right to adjust the program, with the basic idea being maintained.
*Event images are for presentation purposes only.
- Payments and Currency: In Alsace, the official currency is the Euro (EUR). Payments can be made by card in most locations (restaurants, shops), but it is recommended to have cash on hand for small purchases or in more rural areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist destinations.
- Electrical System: Alsace uses type E and F plugs, with a power supply of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.
- Climate: Maximum temperatures in December in Alsace reach 7-9°C, and minimum temperatures can drop to -1°C. Snowfall is possible, so it is recommended to have suitable clothing for cold and wet weather.
- Language: The official language in Alsace is French. German is also understood and spoken in certain areas, due to the German influence on the region. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but in rural areas, not all locals speak fluent English. It is recommended to learn a few basic phrases in French or German or to have a translation app to facilitate communication.
Alsace – The Magic of Christmas Markets
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