Alsace and Eastern France Cultural Tour – Wine, Villages & Alpine Wonders

Bienvenue à Lyon! Arrive in France’s vibrant culinary capital, where your unforgettable journey begins. We recommend arriving a day or two early—France Travel Solutions can arrange pre-tour accommodation at the same hotel, ensuring a seamless start without changing rooms. Settle into your charming boutique hotel in the heart of Lyon, then join your fellow travelers and private tour leader for a warm welcome dinner at a traditional Lyonnais bouchon. These intimate bistros are famed for their hearty regional dishes and convivial atmosphere—this will be a meal and setting you’ll never forget.

Start your day at Lyon’s largest open-air market by the Saône River, a living tradition since the early 1900s. Enjoy vibrant sights and flavours as locals shop for fresh produce, cheeses, and delicacies.

Later, join a guided walking tour of UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon, with its Renaissance architecture and traboules (hidden passageways), then take a river cruise along the Rhône and Saône, soaking in Lyon’s elegance from the water. Finish your day with free time exploring the chic Presqu’île district.

Say au revoir to Lyon as we journey towards Annecy, stopping at the beautifully preserved medieval village of Pérouges—a place where time stands still.

Continue through the picturesque French countryside to Annecy, affectionately known as the “Venice of the Alps.” Settle into your cozy accommodation for the next four nights. As dusk falls, explore Annecy’s dreamy canals, lakefront promenades, and welcoming cafés.

Today is yours to discover the full charm of Annecy. It’s Market Day, so awaken your senses with fresh cheeses, artisanal crafts, and Alpine specialties.

Enjoy a free day to explore—wander the flower-laden old town, relax at a lakeside café, or take a leisurely bike ride around Lake Annecy for panoramic Alpine views. Whether adventurous or relaxed, Annecy will leave you smitten.

This morning, set sail on a scenic Lake Annecy cruise, gliding past charming villages and majestic mountains mirrored in Europe’s cleanest lake.

In the afternoon, delve into Alpine cheese-making traditions with a local tasting experience. Sample famous cheeses like Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie, paired with regional wines in a truly authentic setting.

Embark on a breathtaking day trip to Chamonix, at the base of Mont-Blanc. Take the Brévent/Flégère gondola (weather permitting) for sweeping views across three countries.

Later, ride the historic Montenvers Railway to La Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier. Step into a sculpted ice cave, and marvel at this glacial wonder. Enjoy free time in Chamonix for chocolate, cheese, and charming boutiques before returning to Annecy.

Travel from the Alps to the fairytale region of Alsace, a land of timber-framed villages and vineyard-draped hillsides.

Arrive in Eguisheim, one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” With its pastel façades and cobbled lanes, Eguisheim is pure storybook magic. Settle into your home for the next 4 nights and soak in the ambiance.

Today is all about exploring some of the most beautiful villages in the country. You begin with a scenic journey through the Alsace Wine Route, stopping first at Riquewihr, a postcard-perfect village known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and renowned Riesling wines. Next, stop is Kaysersberg, the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, with its romantic medieval charm and vine-covered hills.

After lunch, spend time in Colmar, the jewel of Alsace. Wander through “Little Venice,” enjoy its pastel-colored houses, and soak up the rich blend of German and French architectural influences.

In the late afternoon, return to Eguisheim, our base in the heart of Alsace, where you’ll have free time to relax, sip local wines like Cremant d’Alsace, or enjoy a peaceful stroll through this circular village that feels like a living fairy tale.

Discover the European capital of Strasbourg on a full-day cultural journey. Marvel at the Gothic cathedral, explore La Petite France, and enjoy a boat cruise on the Ill River.

Visit the Caves Historiques des Hospices de Strasbourg, a historic wine cellar beneath a medieval hospital, before returning to Eguisheim

En route to Paris, stop in Châlons-en-Champagne for a visit and tasting at a prestigious Champagne house. Tour its ancient cellars and raise a glass to one of France’s most iconic exports.

Arrive in the French capital by late afternoon and check into your elegant Parisian hotel for the next two nights. Enjoy an evening stroll by the Seine or a romantic view of the Eiffel Tower.

This morning, travel to the opulent Palace of Versailles with skip-the-line access. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and breathtaking gardens.

Return to Paris for free time, then gather for a farewell dinner, where stories and laughter flow alongside exquisite French cuisine. Celebrate friendships formed and memories made—this is a night to treasure.

All good things must come to an end. Today we bid farewell to our private tour leader and chauffeur.

We’ll assist with departure arrangements—or if you’re not ready to leave just yet, let us organise a personalised extension in Paris or elsewhere in France.

With hearts full and spirits lifted, we say à bientôt—until next time!