From Colmar: 3 Villages in France, Germany, and Switzerland

Nestled in the heart of the Alsace region, Colmar serves as the ideal starting point for a captivating cross-border adventure. Visitors can embark on a journey to uncover the rich cultural and geographical diversity of the surrounding area, exploring historic towns, vibrant cities, and picturesque villages across France, Germany, and Switzerland. Along the way, they’ll encounter impressive Vauban architecture, towering Gothic cathedrals, and charming cobblestone streets – all while marveling at the stunning natural landscapes that connect these three distinct nations. The question is, where will this border-crossing adventure lead next?

Key Points

• Visit the UNESCO-listed town of Neuf-Brisach in France, featuring impressive Vauban-designed military architecture and a well-preserved star-shaped layout.
• Explore the soaring Gothic Freiburg Cathedral in Germany, renowned for its stunning façade, intricate stone carvings, and grandiose interior.
• Witness the scenic setting of Basel in Switzerland, situated at the intersection of three countries and home to iconic medieval cathedrals and the Mittlere Brücke bridge.
• Discover the picturesque French village of Eguisheim, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and idyllic setting amidst rolling hills.
• Experience the cultural and geographical diversity of the region by seamlessly traversing the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Border-crossing Adventure

Crossing the borders between France, Germany, and Switzerland, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and geographical diversity of this picturesque region.

As the minivan traverses the international boundaries, travelers will experience the thrill of moving between these three distinct countries, each with its own unique charm and character.

Along the way, the driver-guide will provide fascinating insights into the history, customs, and landmarks of each destination, ensuring that the border-crossing adventure is both educational and enjoyable.

Whether it’s marveling at the grandeur of Freiburg’s cathedral or discovering the quaint charm of Eguisheim, this cross-border journey promises an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking to enjoy the rich tapestry of European culture.

Visiting Neuf-Brisach

As the tour begins, the minivan makes its way to the historic town of Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the border between France and Germany.

Constructed in the 17th century as a fortified town, Neuf-Brisach showcases the impressive military architecture of its time, with its well-preserved ramparts and star-shaped layout providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s strategic importance.

The guide leads the group on a walking tour, explaining the town’s history and pointing out key landmarks. Visitors can marvel at the symmetrical design of the fortifications, which were built to withstand sieges and offer maximum protection.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore this remarkable example of Vauban’s military engineering, providing a captivating start to the border-crossing adventure.

Exploring Freiburg’s Cathedral

The group then journeys to the vibrant German city of Freiburg, where they marvel at the imposing Cathedral with its soaring Gothic spires.

The guide provides insights into the architectural masterpiece, highlighting its impressive stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings that have stood the test of time.

Completed in the 13th century, the Cathedral is renowned for its stunning façade and towers that dominate the cityscape. Visitors are encouraged to step inside and admire the grandiose nave, the ornate altars, and the elegant vaulted ceilings.

The guide explains how the Cathedral has witnessed centuries of history and remains a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Gazing at the Rhine in Basel

Next, the group makes its way across the border into Switzerland, where they gaze out over the rushing waters of the iconic Rhine River in the vibrant city of Basel.

The guide points out the city’s stunning architecture and highlights its strategic location at the intersection of three countries, making it a hub of cultural exchange throughout history.

Towering medieval cathedrals, modern museums, and bustling commercial districts line the riverbanks, creating a captivating contrast.

The group takes in the lively atmosphere, snapping photos of the famous Mittlere Brücke bridge and the colorful old town buildings that reflect in the river below.

Basel’s rich history and scenic setting leave a lasting impression on the travelers.

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Discovering Eguisheim

After exploring the vibrant city of Basel, the group heads back across the border into France, where they discover the picturesque village of Eguisheim.

This charming town, considered one of the most beautiful in France, captivates the travelers with its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and idyllic setting nestled amidst rolling hills.

Strolling through the narrow, winding streets, the group admires the intricate facades and blooming flower boxes that adorn the charming buildings. They pause to savor local delicacies and sip on regional wines, seeing the town’s serene ambiance.

The visit to Eguisheim provides a delightful finale to the cross-border adventure, leaving the travelers with a lasting impression of the region’s cultural richness.

Transportation and Accommodation

To begin the tour, participants are promptly picked up from their Colmar accommodations by the air-conditioned minivan. The driver/guide then skillfully navigates the group across the borders, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through the picturesque landscapes of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

The small group size, limited to just 7 participants, allows for a more personalized and intimate experience. Throughout the day, the group will be transported from one enchanting village to the next, with the driver/guide providing insightful commentary and recommendations along the way.

With no food or drinks included, travelers are free to explore the local cuisine and flavors at their own pace during the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off at participants’ Colmar accommodations, as well as transportation by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable driver/guide.

Food, drinks, and gratuities are excluded from the tour price, allowing travelers to explore the local cuisine and flavors at their own pace. This gives participants the flexibility to indulge in the region’s culinary delights, whether it’s a hearty German bratwurst, a Swiss fondue, or a French pastry.

The exclusion of these expenses means the tour cost remains focused on the key aspects of the experience – crossing borders, visiting iconic landmarks, and immersing oneself in the cultural diversity of the tri-border area.

Tour Highlights

Throughout the tour, participants marvel at Freiburg’s unique cathedral, a captivating Gothic structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Next, they gaze out over the rushing waters of the Rhine River as it winds through the heart of Basel, Switzerland, providing a breathtaking panoramic view. The tour culminates in the discovery of perhaps the most beautiful village in France – Eguisheim, with its charming half-timbered houses, quaint cobblestone streets, and vibrant flower-filled window boxes.

Highlight	Description
Freiburg Cathedral	Unique Gothic structure
Rhine River in Basel	Breathtaking panoramic view
Eguisheim	Charming half-timbered houses, quaint cobblestone streets, vibrant flower-filled window boxes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is limited to 7 participants, which provides a small and intimate experience. This small group size allows for personalized attention and a more immersive exploration of the three countries visited.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary is fixed, but customers can’t customize it. The small group size is limited to 7 participants, allowing for a personalized experience. Customers should check the tour details to ensure it meets their needs and interests.

Do I Need a Passport for This Border-Crossing Tour?

Yes, you’ll need a valid passport for this border-crossing tour that visits France, Germany, and Switzerland. Passports are required to cross international borders, so be sure to have yours ready before the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though the long duration and border crossings may make it challenging for younger kids. Parents should consider their children’s stamina and interest levels before booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts, though some operators may offer discounts for seniors, students, or children. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Recap

This captivating border-crossing adventure explores the cultural and geographical diversity of the picturesque region.

Visitors can enjoy the historic Vauban architecture of Neuf-Brisach, marvel at Freiburg’s towering Gothic cathedral, gaze upon the Rhine in Basel, and discover the charming French village of Eguisheim.

With convenient transportation and accommodation, this tour highlights the best of France, Germany, and Switzerland.

You can check if your dates are available here: