A chance to combine a visit to Strasbourg, one of Europe’s loveliest cities and home to several important European institutions, with some adventure and outdoor activity - mountain-biking and hiking in the stunning Vosges Mountains of Alsace or, during the winter months, skiing.
INCLUDED FEATURES
- Return ferry crossings Dublin-Holyhead and shuttle through Channel Tunnel
- 1 night Lille area, 3 nights in Alsace,
- Visit Reims Cathedral
- River cruise in Strasbourg
- Visit Chateau of Haut-Koenigsbourg & Mont Ste Odile
COST
6 Days, 5 Nights
From €495 per person
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SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY 1
Catch the early morning ferry from Dublin then take a leisurely drive southwards to Folkestone where the coach drives onto the train to pass through the Channel Tunnel. Arrive in France and continue to hotel in the Lille area for an overnight stop.
DAY 2
This morning visit the City of Reims, which played an important role in French history as the traditional coronation site of the kings of France. The immense Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame is well worth a visit. Reims is also famous for its champagne production - look out for the many champagne houses in and around the city centre. Continue towards the Alsace region for a 3 night stay near Strasbourg.
DAY 3
Spend a full day in Strasbourg, the Capital of Alsace, located on the banks of the Rhine on the border with Germany. It is a prosperous and beautiful city and an included cruise on the River Ill is the very best way to begin exploring. Starting in the medieval part of the city, the cruise passes through the “Petite France” area notable for its medieval half-timbered houses situated along the canals. Next comes an area of broad boulevards, parks and large buildings and fi nally see the ultra modern European Parliament, the European Council and the European Court of Human Rights. After disembarkation, it’s a short stroll to the Cathedral Quarter and the stunning Cathedral, built of red sandstone. Its enormous spire is visible from much of the Alsace Plain. The pretty streets around the Cathedral Square are filled with interesting shops and winstubs (wine taverns) where typical local dishes such as choucroute and tarte fl ambee are always on the menu.
DAY 4
First stop this morning is the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, the most-visited attraction in the Alsace, situated in a commanding position high on the edge of the Vosges mountains, overlooking the Alsatian Plain. Built in the Middle Ages, the Castle was used by successive powers until the end of the 30 Years War. It was restored at the beginning of the 20th Century and re-built as it would have been in 1618. Next, visit Mont Sainte Odile where the patron saint of the Alsace founded the first convent in the area. The convent is now a hotel however it is possible to see the sites where St Odile healed the sick. Many pilgrims flock here every year and there are also many paths and walks through the forests. Another famous site is the Pagan Wall, which dates back to Celtic times. This afternoon head to the nearby Champ du Feu to enjoy mountain-biking or hiking along the forest trails. There are routes suitable for all abilities. During the ski season, we can arrange a full or half day’s skiing at the Champ du Feu Ski Field.
DAY 5
Return to Calais today with time for a shopping stop at one of the hypermarkets, then take the shuttle through the Channel Tunnel and head northwards to Holyhead for the 02.00hrs ferry.
DAY 6
Arrive Dublin 06.00hrs and transfer back to school.
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