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

Exploring three captivating villages in one day, this tour departs from Colmar for an 8-hour journey across France, Germany, and Switzerland. Priced at $158 per person, the experience offers a seamless way to see the distinctive charm and culture of each country, with small group size limited to 7 participants. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, bottled water, and pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Colmar.

While the tour provides an immersive look at each destination, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate walking and no mobility limitations. Travelers should note that food and drinks are not included, and free time in some locations, like Basel and Eguisheim, may be somewhat limited, especially in bad weather. The tour has received an excellent rating of 4.7 out of 5, reflecting its popularity and the quality of guides and scenery.

Key Points

• Visit three countries—France, Germany, and Switzerland—in a single day from Colmar.
• Includes stops at Freiburg’s unique cathedral, Basel’s Rhine views, and Eguisheim’s colorful, medieval village.
• Led by a multilingual guide with a reputation for friendliness and knowledge.
• Transported comfortably in an air-conditioned van with bottled water provided.
• Limited group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Colmar to the UNESCO Village of Neuf-Brisach

This tour begins in Colmar, where the guide welcomes participants with a pickup from chosen meeting points, including Starbucks, Railway Station, or Hotel Bristol. The first highlight en route to Germany is a drive past Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the late 17th century. This fortified village showcases impressive military architecture and offers a quick glimpse into European defensive history.

The drive is comfortable, and the guide shares interesting facts along the way. This stop is brief but enriches the overall experience by framing the border-crossing theme of the tour. The proximity of these historic sites makes it easy to hop from one destination to another, maintaining a smooth flow throughout the day.

Exploring Freiburg’s Fairytale Streets and Cathedral

The German city of Freiburg is a highlight of this trip, known for its charming streets and a cathedral that stands out for its architectural beauty. The tour includes a walk through fascinating alleyways, where the water channels running alongside sidewalks evoke images from fairy tales. The cathedral, an iconic structure, provides a stunning backdrop and is a major landmark in Freiburg.

Participants are encouraged to observe the blend of modern and historic architecture, and the guide points out interesting details along the way. The timing allows for a leisurely exploration, though some reviews note that extra free time in Freiburg could enhance the visit, especially on clearer days. Still, the overall impression is of a city that combines beauty and a lively atmosphere.

Crossing Borders to Basel’s Rhine and Medieval Old Town

Next, the journey takes you into Switzerland’s Basel, divided by the Rhine River. The city offers stunning views of the rushing water, picturesque bridges, and a medieval old town filled with narrow winding alleyways and beautiful cathedrals. The walk through Great Basel reveals cultural differences from other Swiss towns, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in regional identity.

Participants have the chance to admire Basel’s scenic river views, explore its medieval neighborhoods, and appreciate its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Limited free time means visitors should plan accordingly, and it’s suggested to have a passport or ID card ready for border checks.

Discovering Eguisheim: France’s Charming Village

The final destination is Eguisheim, often described as perhaps the most beautiful village in France. This medieval town, just south of Colmar, is famous for its concentric circular layout, with antique houses painted in bright hues that create a lively, picturesque scene. The central plaza is perfect for strolling and shopping, and a medieval castle adds to the village’s historic atmosphere.

Many reviews praise Eguisheim’s beauty, noting it as the highlight of the trip. The small size and colorful houses make it a perfect spot to relax and absorb the timeless charm of Alsace. The tour ends in the late afternoon with a comfortable drive back to Colmar, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their transnational adventure.

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Logistics: Pickup, Transport, and Group Size

This small-group tour emphasizes personalized attention, with limited to 7 participants. Pickup is included at several convenient meeting points in Colmar, such as Starbucks, the railway station, or hotel locations like Hotel Bristol. The air-conditioned minivan provides a comfortable ride from site to site, with bottled water available throughout the day.

Participants should bring passport or ID card for border crossings. The tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or who require wheelchair access; bikes, baby carriages, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted inside the vehicle.

Pacing, Timing, and Weather Considerations

With an 8-hour duration, the tour strikes a balance between sightseeing and travel time. Start times vary, so it’s important to check availability. Some reviews mention that free time in Basel and Eguisheim could be expanded, but weather conditions, like rain, might influence the pace and duration at certain stops.

The guide is praised for being friendly, informative, and patient, sharing facts and stories in both English and French. Travelers should be prepared for moderate walking and bring comfortable shoes.

Comparing Similar Experiences

This tour is just one of several options offered by ALSACE ORIGINAL EXPERIENCES, with other tours focusing on wineries, Christmas markets, and local history. It stands out for its easy border crossings, small group size, and careful itinerary covering three countries in a single day.

Why Choose This Tour?

The value lies in visiting diverse towns with distinct cultures and sights while enjoying comfortable transportation and expert guidance. The reviews highlight excellent guides like Didier, who is known for friendly, thorough explanations and making the day enjoyable even in bad weather.

However, travelers should manage expectations regarding free time and be mindful that mobility restrictions are not supported. The price offers a good balance for the experiences provided, especially considering the multi-country visit.

Final Thoughts on the Colmar Three-Country Village Tour

This 8-hour journey from Colmar offers a great way to see a slice of France, Germany, and Switzerland in one day. The scenery, historic sites, and charming villages make it a worthwhile outing for those interested in regional contrasts and border culture.

The small group size and professional guidance ensure a personalized experience, while the careful itinerary keeps the day moving smoothly. If you appreciate beautiful villages, scenic drives, and easy border crossings, this tour provides a reliable, enjoyable option. Just remember to bring your passport and comfortable shoes for walking through Eguisheim, Basel, and Freiburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times varying based on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price of $158 covers transport in an air-conditioned minivan, driver/guide, bottled water, and pickup and drop-off at your Colmar accommodation.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour fee.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
No, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or who require wheelchair access.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include the UNESCO village of Neuf-Brisach, Freiburg’s cathedral and streets, Basel’s Rhine and medieval town, and Eguisheim’s colorful houses and castle.

Do I need to bring anything specific?
Yes, travelers should bring a passport or ID card for border crossings.

Can I choose my pickup location?
Yes, pickups are available at several points in Colmar, including Starbucks, Railway Station, and Hotel Bristol.

Is there a guide available in multiple languages?
Yes, the guide speaks both English and French.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 7 participants to ensure a more personal experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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