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ContattaciDEPARTURE
Departure from the designated cities at the published times, marking the beginning of our magical journey to the Christmas markets of Alsace, in the enchanting setting that inspired the fairytale world of Beauty and the Beast.
ARRIVAL IN STRASBOURG
Arrive in Strasbourg in the morning and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas season.
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament, is a city steeped in history and culture. Its historic centre, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Strasbourg is renowned for its Christmas markets, among the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570. The famous Christkindelsmärik stretches between Place Broglie and the Cathedral, offering traditional crafts, Christmas decorations and delicious Alsatian specialities.
The city becomes truly magical thanks to its sparkling lights, the giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber and the joyful sounds of Christmas music, making Strasbourg worthy of its title as the Christmas Capital.
Strasbourg embodies the harmonious meeting of two cultures, balancing its French heritage with its Germanic soul. At its heart lies the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the pink sandstone Cathedral rises like an intricate lacework of stone, while the colourful half-timbered houses of Petite France are reflected in the peaceful canals.
With its covered bridges and historic washhouses, this charming neighbourhood captures the essence of Alsace, where traditional cuisine and regional white wines are part of everyday life.
Strasbourg is also a major European capital, home to the European Parliament and its striking modern district, which contrasts beautifully with the historic old town.
Here, time seems to flow at different speeds: slowly through cobbled streets and lively along the corridors of European institutions. A city of light and water, Strasbourg sparkles with Christmas markets in winter and bursts into bloom along the River Ill in summer. It is a place where history remains alive and Europe breathes as one, united in peace along its waterways.
During the day, enjoy a scenic boat cruise offering a unique and enchanting perspective on Strasbourg and its Christmas markets, as you glide along the city’s picturesque waterways.
Strasbourg’s waterways are more than just rivers and canals; they reflect the city’s spirit and its dual French and German heritage. For centuries, the nearby Rhine marked a natural border, but today it symbolises the connection between cultures and nations.
The River Ill flows through the heart of the Alsatian capital, alongside green riverbanks, cycling paths and peaceful parks where locals gather to relax. Its waterways embrace the Grande Île, the UNESCO-listed historic centre, while also connecting the city with the European Quarter, home to the European Parliament.
In winter, the waters reflect the soft grey skies; in summer, they come alive with sightseeing boats and barges. These waterways have witnessed centuries of history, from Roman times to the present day, flowing northwards as a reminder of Strasbourg’s resilient and open-minded character as a city at the crossroads of Europe.
Enjoy some free time to explore the city’s many Christmas market stalls, browse for gifts for yourself and your loved ones, or sample some of the irresistible local delicacies whose aromas fill the festive air.
Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, is a centuries-old tradition that has enchanted the city since 1570. Place Broglie, with its traditional wooden chalets, is at the heart of the celebrations, while the festive atmosphere spreads throughout the city’s squares, transforming Strasbourg into a magical Christmas village.
The air is filled with the aromas of mulled wine, cinnamon and bredele, the traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits. Handcrafted decorations, Christmas stars and painted ceramics sparkle among the stalls, while the magnificent Cathedral provides a breathtaking backdrop and the towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber takes centre stage.
This cherished tradition brings together heritage, community and festive cheer. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes even the coldest winter days feel special. More than just a market, it is an unforgettable experience that captures the authentic magic of Christmas and makes Strasbourg even more beautiful.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
Wake up and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, travel by coach to Riquewihr, a charming medieval village in Alsace that helped inspire the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. With its colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, it looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairytale.
At Christmas, Riquewihr transforms into an enchanting festive village, with its historic streets lined with market stalls selling local crafts, traditional decorations and delicious regional specialities.
Twinkling Christmas lights add an extra touch of magic, creating a fairytale atmosphere reminiscent of the beloved Disney classic.
Riquewihr is officially recognised as one of France’s most beautiful villages. There will be plenty of time to browse the stalls, discover charming local shops and take countless photographs to capture its timeless beauty.
Its pastel-coloured half-timbered houses, flower-filled balconies and hidden courtyards immediately evoke the village where Belle lived. The fairytale atmosphere is palpable as you wander through the cobbled lanes, where every detail reflects a rich architectural heritage carefully preserved over the centuries.
Yet, just as in the story, beauty here conceals a deeper history. Behind the enchanting appearance of this medieval village lies a fascinating past shaped by wars and changing rulers.
The surrounding vineyards add another touch of magic, as though an enchantment had preserved the village in a timeless world, much like the Beast’s castle.
Riquewihr is not simply a place to visit; it is a place to experience, like stepping into a fairytale.
After an enchanting morning in Riquewihr, continue by coach to Colmar, the jewel of Alsace, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre, picturesque houses with steeply pitched roofs and charming canals.
During the Christmas season, Colmar transforms into a magical festive village with five distinct Christmas markets, each offering its own unique atmosphere.
The main squares, including Place des Dominicains and Place de l’Ancienne Douane, come alive with wooden chalets selling local crafts, Christmas decorations and delicious regional treats.
Festive lights shimmer on the canals, creating a magical, fairytale setting that makes Colmar one of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas destinations. Take your time browsing for gifts or simply lose yourself in the narrow streets, where it feels as though time has stood still.
Colmar’s Christmas markets bring medieval enchantment to life among the canals and half-timbered houses of its fairytale-like old town. Every square hosts its own themed market, each with a distinctive character and atmosphere.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane fills the air with the aromas of mulled wine and bredele, while Place des Dominicains becomes a dazzling world of lights and festive sounds.
For an authentic glimpse of local craftsmanship, explore the artisans’ market, where skilled craftspeople showcase their work in materials such as glass and wood.
The real magic lies in the setting itself: the colourful façades of the Petite Venise district, illuminated little bridges and festive decorations reflected in the still waters of the canals create a truly unique spectacle.
Colmar does not simply host Christmas markets; the entire town becomes a living Christmas scene, offering a complete immersion in a festive fairytale filled with the scents of spices, traditional sweets and pure wonder.
DINNER AND OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, gather with the group, check out of the hotel and board the coach for the return journey, travelling through Switzerland.
Depending on the departure cities and the journey schedule, there will be an opportunity to break up the journey home with a stop in Lucerne, Switzerland, offering the chance to discover one last Christmas market and another beautiful city in a completely different setting.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the majestic Alps, Lucerne is renowned for its beautifully preserved old town and the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke).
During the Christmas season, the city takes on a magical festive atmosphere. The main Christmas market, the Lozärner Weihnachtsmarkt, is held in Franziskanerplatz, where a magnificent Christmas tree decorated with more than 8,000 Swarovski crystals creates a dazzling spectacle. Visitors can browse traditional handicrafts, festive decorations and delicious seasonal treats.
Another charming festive market can be found along the lakeside promenade, where sparkling lights add to the city’s enchanting atmosphere.
Lucerne’s Christmas markets are particularly captivating thanks to their fairytale setting, framed by the shimmering waters of the lake and the majestic surrounding mountains.
Among the traditional wooden chalets in areas such as Schwanenplatz and Kapellplatz, the air is filled with the aromas of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and Chräbeli, traditional aniseed biscuits.
Local artisans display beautifully crafted wooden decorations and hand-painted ceramics, offering a glimpse into Switzerland’s rich traditions of craftsmanship.
What makes Lucerne truly special is its intimate, almost magical atmosphere. Festive lights shimmer across the lake, while the snow-covered peaks of Mount Pilatus create a breathtaking backdrop. Christmas melodies and Alpine choirs complete the experience.
Lucerne offers a refined and intimate Christmas experience, where Swiss traditions blend seamlessly with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Arrival back in Italy is expected in the late afternoon or evening, depending on the respective departure cities, bringing our magical Christmas journey to an end.
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Trip Duration: 4 days / 2 nights
Departure Dates: 4 December 2026 and 6 December 2026Private itinerary with services and accommodation as outlined in the programme.
Availability, rates and services are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking.
Prices may vary depending on availability.
