Situated on the banks of the River Rhine, STRASBOURG, capital of Europe, as well as Alsace, is as well known for its historical and cultural sights, as its picturesque ambience. The charm of the old part of the city (Petite France) combines well with the splendour of institutional buildings inspired by ‘German’ architecture. This mixture of influences is also present in the localcuisine. Highlights include the towering Gothic Cathedral that boasts a 19th Century Astronomical clock that draws the crowds for its midday performance, the Rhine Palace and the Palais de l’Europe and lovely cobbled squares flanked with timber framed houses.

The character of Alsace is quintessentially captured in the immaculately preserved town centre of COLMAR. High gabled houses front the charming streets and squares and visits to the galleried Old Customs House, the Maison Pfister adorned with frescoes and Colmar’s own ‘Little Venice’ are well worth while.

RIQUEWIHR owes its considerable prosperity to the wine industry and boasts a wealth of sumptuous houses and public buildings. At the foot of the famous castles of Gursberg and Haut Ribeaupierre, RIBEAUVILLE is distinctive for its impressive Butcher’s Tower.

A full day is set aside for exploring the old towns of OBERNAI, MOLSHEIM and ROSHEIM, with their ancient city walls and narrow streets with timber framed houses.
Since the 19th Century, BADEN BADEN, an elegant spa town, has been one of the most fashionable resorts in Germany. Splendid ‘Belle Epoch’ architecture and a casino claimed as the most beautiful in the world and the town centre’s car free streets make shopping a real pleasure.