Review: private excursion to the castle, Riquewihr and Colmar from Strasbourg
The day’s itinerary
The chauffeur picks you up at your hotel. The order is the same as the shared transfer, castle first, but on your schedule.
- The castle, 1 hour. Ticket included, you go straight in. Self-guided tour with the audio guide.
- Riquewihr, 1 hour. Lunch at your own expense.
- Colmar, 2 hours 30 minutes. Free time. If you’re staying in Colmar that night, the chauffeur will drop you off there—this is the only one of the six options that doesn’t require returning to the starting point.
Six to seven hours depending on what you request. Two rules to know: no large luggage in the vehicle, so no hotel moves between Strasbourg and Colmar with suitcases; and nothing to eat or drink is included, except for water and the van’s sweets.
What travellers say
Tarik (or Tarek—spelling varies) and Rohid are the most frequently mentioned. People praise their punctuality, driving, and English. No one mentions history.
An excellent driver—I wouldn’t call him a guide—but he got us there safely and on time.
Tarik, professional, excellent English.
Tarek was fantastic, with smooth communication before and during the trip.
Our best day trip, with Rohid.
Storybook settings, helpful driver.
What works
- Private vehicle just for you, schedules adjustable on the spot
- Hotel pickup, drop-off in Strasbourg or Colmar
- Castle ticket included
- Punctual drivers who speak French, English, or Spanish
Things to know
- A driver, not a guide: no commentary included
- Maximum of four people, no large luggage
- Castle in the morning, with the crowds
- Only 49 reviews—a smaller sample than others
Ask the driver right at the start to reverse the order and save the castle for late afternoon. This is possible on a private tour, not on a shared van, and the castle is much quieter in the late afternoon than in the morning.
For whom
Families with young children who don’t want to impose their pace on six strangers. Those staying in Strasbourg tonight and in Colmar the next day, provided you travel light. Those who want the ticket included and zero logistics.
Not for those who want the castle explained: with four people, the guided van for eight involves less organisation and tells you much more. The private tour page compares the two formats in more detail, and accessibility explains why the castle’s 300 steps remain an obstacle even in a private car.
Two alternatives
Most bookedFrom Strasbourg: Alsace’s must-sees in a day
Shared private driverFrom Strasbourg: Colmar, Riquewihr and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Frequently asked questions
Does the driver provide a guided tour of the castle?
No. They drop you off and wait; the visit is self-guided with the audio guide. The ticket, however, is included. To prepare for the interior visit, see what to see at the castle.
Can we be dropped off in Colmar instead of Strasbourg?
Yes, that’s an option. However, large luggage is not allowed in the vehicle. All other Strasbourg departures return to the starting point; see from Strasbourg.
From how many people is the private tour worth it?
The vehicle accommodates a maximum of four people. For two, the shared transfer offers the same route with a driver but without the ticket. The private tour page details when the private option is the better choice.