We've been looking at some cheap fares to Europe in November and one that caught our eye was a flight to Zurich - since it is close to Alsace. The thought was that we would fly to Zurich - take the train to Strasbourg and then take day trips on the route des vin for a few days then go back to Zurich (cheap flight requires RT from there) for a couple days. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I guess you know that the vineyards will be prob bare by Nov and alot of places closed for tasting. If that doesn't matter then also factor in your train fare to see if it still works for you. fares have gone way up and sometimes it is just better to fly closer like Paris.It is alot of travel time w/ jet lag just for a few days.
Posted by
Concord, California
138 posts
Connie, flying to Zurich is always a good idea. The airport is great, and well-run and organized, much more so than CDG in Paris, for example. Zurich is a beautiful city, full of charming streets and beautiful buildings. November is pretty cold, but dress right and stroll the streets, eat in nice restaurants, and shop, or window-shop. Then only two hours away by train there is beautiful Basel, a true eye candy. From there, two more hours by train is Strasbourg, another beauty. Or Stuttgart, Germany. So even without going to the wineries you will plenty good stuff to see. My mouth is watering as I write this, I can't wait to go back there.
Posted by
Zurich
65 posts
Hi Connie
I went to Alsace once for a weekend in late November and found it to be quite lovely. Train from Zurich to Strasbourg is simple - one train each hour from Zurich's main train station and you'll have to switch in Basel (timetables at www.sbb.ch). Airport is also connected to main station by train with many connections. Follow the Bahn/Railway signs once you out of the baggage-claim area.
We did a wine tasting in Riquewihr, strolled around in Colmar, which already had its Xmas Market open, and stayed overnight in Ribeauville. Strasbourg is a bigger city so there is always something going on.
If you like art, Zurich and Basel both have very nice museums. The Fondation Beyeler is my favorite in Basel. In Zurich, try the Kunsthaus, Museum fuer Gestaltung, and Museum Rietberg. Everything is easy to get to by public transportation. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
Hi Connie,
... Strasbourg is famous for their many "Winstub". (We recall having the best meal we ever ate.) An example is this ... copy & paste this link ...
http://www.chez-yvonne.net/english/accueil.php
... We would recommend the Best Western Hotel Monopol Metropole in Strasbourg (just Google it)... but nothing is cheap anymore with the dollar being so weak.
Have a great trip! P.
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Connie, stay in Colmar and do Strasbourg as a day trip. it's really easy to get in and out of Strasbourg on the many park and rides throughout their tram metro system. You can see everything you'd want to see in Strasbourg in an afternoon. Molsheim is also a fantastic little wine village. Try staying in a little village to save money and increase your cultural experience.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
6 posts
I would agree with Natasha. Zurich airport is my favorite out of all of the ones that I have been to in Europe. It is very convenient and efficient. It is also so easy to get to and from the airport from the city itself. It is only a 12 minute train ride with departures every few minutes.