Best of Eastern France in 14 Days Tour

Best of Eastern France in 14 Days Tour

Eastern France is a region famed for its picturesque vineyards, legendary cuisine, and storied history. The Best of Eastern France in 14 Days tour offers an immersive journey that begins in the sparkling city of Champagne and winds through historic towns, lush wine regions, and stunning alpine scenery, culminating with a refined farewell in the sunny south. This expertly guided tour balances vibrant group excursions with ample free time, giving travelers a robust taste of the region’s culture, art, and natural splendor.

What’s Included

• 17+ Group Sightseeing Events, all included in your tour price
• Small group size (24–28 people, about half the size of typical tours)
• Full-time services of a professional guide and local experts
• All transportation from Reims to Aix-en-Provence
• 13 nights in distinctive, centrally located hotels
• Many meals: all breakfasts and seven dinners/lunches
• All tips for guides and drivers
• Tour kit: guidebook and moneybelt
• Guaranteed tour price upon deposit
• Tour alum discount
• Flexible policies for transfers or cancellations

Note: Personal drinks and optional free-time sightseeing are not included. See detailed tour conditions for more info.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Welcome to Champagne’s Capital, Reims

Your adventure begins in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region, easily accessible via TGV from Paris. An evening orientation introduces you to the group and the city’s vibrant ambiance. Stroll through historic streets, admire regal architecture, and share a delicious welcome dinner—a perfect start in this city famed for its sparkling wine and royal past.

Day 2: Discovering Reims

Explore Reims’ storied center with a local guide, focusing on:

• Reims Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece that rivaled Notre-Dame and hosted centuries of royal coronations.
• The Art Deco heritage: The city’s unique post-WWI architecture, resulting from extensive reconstruction.
• Champagne Tasting: Dive into the world of Champagne at a local producer, savoring France’s iconic bubbly.

Day 3: Verdun—Battlefields and Remembrance

A short drive delivers a profound day in Verdun, one of Europe’s most significant WWI sites. Walk through preserved trenches, contemplate war memorials, and absorb the moving history of this landscape, where hundreds of thousands of lives were lost in the battle of attrition between French and German forces. You’ll then head to Alsace, arriving in picturesque Colmar for a group dinner featuring regional specialties.

Day 4: All Day in Colmar

Colmar enchants with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and idyllic canals. The morning walking tour covers the town’s medieval layout, its important role along historic trade routes, and its local traditions. Don’t miss the acclaimed Unterlinden Museum, home to the awe-inspiring Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. The afternoon allows time for personal exploration—shop, sample Alsatian cuisine, or simply absorb the town’s storybook charm.

Day 5: Alsace’s Route du Vin

The scenic Route du Vin is the jewel of Alsace, where rolling vineyards, flower-decked villages, and mountain views delight the senses. Highlights include:

• Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg: A dramatic, hilltop fortification offering sweeping vistas and insight into regional history.
• Alsatian villages: Authentic lunch in a characterful village and strolls among the vineyards.
• Local Wine Tasting: Sample the celebrated dry Rieslings and aromatic Gewürztraminers directly from the source.

Return to Colmar for a relaxing evening.

Day 6: Burgundy and the Côte d’Or

Travel south to Burgundy, the land of legendary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The town of Beaune offers a fascinating tour with highlights such as:

• Walking tour of Beaune: Discover its walled town center and bustling market squares.
• Hôtel Dieu: Tour the historic hospital, a stunning example of medieval charity and Burgundian architecture.
• Wine Tasting in Beaune: Savor world-class Burgundy wines in an atmospheric cellar.

Day 7: Exploring Burgundy Further

Enjoy free time to wander Beaune’s pedestrian lanes, visit shops, or explore the countryside by bike or local tours. Optional excursions may be offered, such as additional vineyard visits or discovering more medieval heritage.

Day 8: Chamonix—Gateway to the Alps

A spectacular drive carries the group east into the French Alps, where the resort town of Chamonix nestles beneath the mighty Mont Blanc. Acclimatize with a gentle orientation hike and enjoy panoramic views of snow-peaked mountains, sparkling glaciers, and alpine meadows.

Day 9: Adventures in Chamonix

• Wake up to pristine alpine air and choose from a range of outdoor activities: hiking, taking a cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi, or simply relaxing in the village’s charming cafés.
• Learn about mountain culture and the history of alpinism in Chamonix’s rich museum or with an expert local guide.

Day 10: Vaison-la-Romaine—Roman Roots and Provençal Life

Journey to Vaison-la-Romaine, where the Mediterranean atmosphere takes over. Explore extensive Roman ruins—amphitheater, forum, and villas—plus the lively market and medieval upper town. Evenings often find the group savoring Provençal specialties in outdoor cafés.

Day 11: Orange—Classical Highlights

• Guided visit of Orange’s Roman Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient performance venues in the world.
• Free afternoon to explore Orange’s old quarter or nearby villages at your own pace.

Day 12: Rhône Valley Vineyards

• Travel through the Côtes du Rhône, a region dotted with sleepy villages and sprawling vineyards.
• Enjoy a hosted lunch and exclusive wine tasting, experiencing some of the Rhône’s renowned reds and whites at a local winery.
• Return for a leisurely afternoon in Vaison-la-Romaine.

Day 13: Aix-en-Provence—The Tour’s Elegant Finale

The journey culminates in Aix-en-Provence, a sophisticated city famed for its fountains, lively markets, and artistic heritage. Stroll the cours Mirabeau and the historic core with a local expert, then delve into galleries, cafés, or green parks during your final free afternoon. A festive farewell dinner brings travelers together to reflect on unforgettable experiences and bid adieu to new friends.

Day 14: Departure—Au Revoir!

After a final breakfast together, the formal tour ends. Easily transfer to the Marseille airport, or continue your French adventure with the guidance and advice of your expert tour director.

Physical Demands and Readiness

This tour is designed for active travelers. Participants should be prepared to:

• Carry or roll luggage of their own over uneven pavement and up stairs
• Walk 2–6 miles per day, sometimes on hilly or cobbled routes
• Stand for extended periods during guided tours
• Board and exit buses independently
• Potentially hike or walk in mountain or vineyard areas

Table: Main Tour Destinations and Activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this Eastern France tour suitable for beginner travelers?

A: Absolutely. The tour is designed for both new and experienced travelers. Group size is small for a supportive, friendly environment, and expert guides help with logistics and provide local insights at every destination.

Q: What is the level of physical activity required?

A: The tour is physically active—expect daily walking (sometimes uphill or on cobbled streets), carrying your own luggage, and standing during guided site visits. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate exercise.

Q: What meals are included?

A: All breakfasts and seven other group meals (dinners or lunches) are included, showcasing regional French cuisine in a range of local establishments. Participants are free to explore local restaurants on other nights.

Q: Are wine tastings and cultural site fees included?

A: Yes, all scheduled wine tastings, guided tours, and group admissions (e.g., museums, châteaux, Roman ruins) are included. Fees for optional free-time activities are extra.

Q: How are accommodations selected?

A: Hotels are centrally located, renowned for their local character and comfort. Rooms include private baths and are chosen to give you a memorable taste of French hospitality.

Q: What happens at the end of the tour?

A: After breakfast in Aix-en-Provence on the final day, guests may depart at their convenience. The Marseille airport is easily reachable, and your guide will help with onward travel planning if you wish to extend your stay in France.

Why Choose an Eastern France Tour?

• Diverse Landscapes: From Champagne’s gently rolling hills to the dramatic Alps and sunny vineyards of Provence, each leg of the journey is a visual delight.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience centuries-old traditions, vibrant markets, art treasures, and splendid architecture up close.
• Legendary Cuisine & Wine: Savor regional dishes and world-famous wines directly at their source, with insightful tastings guided by local experts.
• Historic Depth: Explore sites that evoke France’s royal past, religious history, and pivotal moments in modern European conflict.

Travel Planning Tips

• Book early to secure your preferred travel dates, as this tour is popular and often sells out.
• Pack comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for a range of weather, especially in mountain regions.
• Consider extending your journey with additional days in Paris or the French Riviera, both easily reachable.
• Brush up on basic French phrases—locals always appreciate the effort!

Contact and Booking

Ready to experience the best of Eastern France? Reach out today to inquire about available dates, pricing, and travel details. Embark on a two-week sojourn into history, nature, and taste—the memories will last a lifetime.