No Fly Strasbourg - The Capital of Christmas

Day 1  Strasbourg    
Board the Eurostar at St Pancras and speed under the channel to Paris. Travel across Paris to Gare de L’Est and continue your journey through rural France and the Alsace region to Strasbourg. Drop your bags off at your hotel before heading out to explore this fairytale city. Make your way to picturesque La Petite France, a historic neighbourhood filled with traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses overhanging a maze of canals. Board the little electric train for a tour around the city lights before going to a cosy tavern to sample a hearty plate of local Baeckeoffe stew and a lovely glass of mulled wine.    

Day 2  Strasbourg    
Spend today in Kléber Square, home to the oldest Christmas market in France and a stunning 30m decorated tree. Glide around the Christmas tree on the ice rink before heading to the many markets dotted around the city. Amble through the beautifully illuminated streets, inhaling the sweet aromas of cinnamon and spices while you peruse the 300 wooden chalets for regional treats such as bredel biscuits and select some local handicrafts as souvenirs.    

Day 3  Strasbourg    
This morning, visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, watch the parade of the apostles at the Renaissance astronomical clock (except Sundays) and climb the 330 steps for sweeping views of the historic city. After lunch, why not visit the ancient Cave des Hospices Strasbourg, thought to hold the world’s oldest wine barrel, and perhaps taste some wine? As the sun sets, maybe take a boat trip through the pretty canals of Grand Ile de Strasbourg, the UNESCO listed old town to see the twinkling Christmas lights.    

Day 4  Strasbourg    
Enjoy a final stroll through the labyrinthine quaint cobbled streets under the colourful Christmas decorations before heading back to the station for your onward journey to London via Paris.