Review: Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle and villages in a small group from Colmar
The day’s itinerary
Meet in front of the CGR cinema, Scheurer-Kestner Square (the announcement also mentions the café Au Bureau, right next door). No hotel pick-up.
- Eguisheim, 1.5-hour guided walk. Twice as much time as on the coach, with a guide who walks with you through the circular streets.
- Riquewihr, 2-hour visit: guided tour followed by free time. Lunch is on your own during the free time.
- Wine bar, 1-hour tasting. Included. A wine bar, not a winemaker’s cellar: you’ll sample wines from several producers rather than just one.
- The castle, 1-hour guided tour. In the late afternoon, when the coaches have left. One hour is enough for the full circuit, the Kaiser’s Hall and the great bastion.
- Return to Colmar.
One hour at the castle is the short format. I find it just right: the interior visit takes about that long, whether guided or not (see how long the visit lasts). Those who want to linger on the bastion will regret the extra half-hour offered on the full-day tour from Strasbourg.
What travellers say
Lucas was charming, funny and knowledgeable. The tasting was the perfect way to end the day.
Thierry was excellent, the stops and the castle were just as we’d hoped, and the wine stop was lovely.
Great even in the rain, with a guide who really knew his stuff.
Alain was exceptional, personalised, and offered so much variety.
Lucas was enthusiastic and packed with information.
What works
- Guide present at every stop, in the villages and at the castle
- 1.5 hours in Eguisheim and 2 hours in Riquewihr, the longest village stops
- Wine tasting included at a wine bar
- Castle visit in the late afternoon, away from the coach crowds
Things to know
- Comments in English only
- No hotel pick-up: meet at the CGR cinema
- 1 hour at the castle only, compared to 1.5 hours elsewhere
- Eight seats: fully booked days in advance during high season
If you're staying in Strasbourg, an early morning train to Colmar lets you take this tour without an overnight stay: the meeting point is in town, not at your hotel. Just check the van’s return time before choosing your evening train.
For whom
For those who like to ask questions and prefer a guide over headsets. Wine lovers who’d rather visit a wine bar with multiple producers. Those who find groups of more than ten people tiring.
Less ideal for French speakers with no English, who’ll be better served by the coach tour with audio guide. And if your hotel is in Strasbourg and you don’t want to take the train, the equivalent full-day tour from Strasbourg follows the same format: eight seats, one guide, Colmar, Riquewihr and the castle. The villages along the way are detailed on Alsace Wine Route and castle.
Two alternatives
Entry includedFrom Colmar: Alsace castle, villages and wine tasting
Most bookedFrom Strasbourg: Alsace’s must-sees in a day
Frequently asked questions
Is wine tasting included?
Yes, one hour at a wine bar, along with visits to Riquewihr and the castle. Not included are lunch, other drinks, and any unmentioned entry fees. Each village’s role in the six tours is described on Alsace Wine Route and castle.
Where is the meeting point in Colmar?
In front of the CGR cinema, 1 Place Scheurer-Kestner, Colmar. The listing also mentions Café Au Bureau, at the same location. There’s no hotel pick-up, unlike the coach tour version.
Is one hour at the castle enough?
For the interior tour, yes: it takes about an hour, guided or not. What you’ll miss is time to linger on the grand bastion or in the medieval garden. The page what to see at the castle lists the stops in order.