Trier · Strasbourg · Luxembourg
Moselle Valley,
Alsace & a Little Lux
A wine lover's loop through three countries — Roman ruins and Riesling in Trier, fairy-tale half-timbered canals in Strasbourg, and the rolling green hills of Luxembourg. Wonderfully rich, surprisingly under the radar.
10 Days · 9 Nights
May – October
Mid-Range
Rental Car
3 Countries
Duration
10 Days · 9 Nights
Best Season
May – October
Budget
Mid-Range
Stays
3 Bases
Getting Around
Rental Car
About This Trip
Moselle, Alsace & Luxembourg at Your Own Pace
This gorgeous loop combines rich history, beautiful river valleys and an exceptional wine culture across three countries. Roman amphitheatres and Moselle Riesling in Germany, half-timbered canal streets and Alsatian whites in France, then rolling green hills and free public transport in Luxembourg. The whole circuit fits neatly into ten days and leaves most visitors wondering why they hadn't heard more about it.
This is an ideal "first loop" for travellers who want a little exposure to several very cool places rather than immersing in just one. Each of these three destinations could anchor a trip on its own — together they create something greater than the sum of their parts. The area is wonderfully rich in history, architecture and wine, and remains refreshingly under the radar compared to more obvious European circuits.
The Route
One City at a Time
Days 1–4
Trier
Germany's oldest city — Roman ruins that predate anything in Britain, Moselle Riesling in every wine bar, and a wine walking tour that makes wandering with a glass of wine in public feel perfectly natural.
Days 4–8
Strasbourg
A fairy-tale city where every turn of a corner delivers an Instagram moment. Petite France is genuinely as beautiful as it looks. This is also the perfect base for exploring the Alsace wine villages.
Days 8–10
Luxembourg
A small country that punches well above its weight — stunning gorge views, lovely Moselle wineries and entirely free public transport. A wonderful final stop before heading home.
The Route, Day by Day
Your Itinerary
A suggested flow through each city — built around wine, culture and the places worth lingering in.
Days 1–4 · Trier
Roman Ruins, Moselle Riesling & a Walking Tour with a Glass in Hand
Germany's oldest city sits in the Moselle Valley with 2,000-year-old Roman monuments still standing in the streets. The wine is exceptional and the wine walking tour — strolling the old town with a glass in hand — is one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Day 1
Arrival
Arrive & Explore the Old Town
Check in to the Ibis Styles Trier — great location and excellent value, with spacious temperature-controlled rooms. Spend the first afternoon wandering into the old town. The Porta Nigra, a 2nd-century Roman city gate still standing in the middle of the city, announces immediately that Trier is unlike anywhere else in Germany. Find a wine bar for the evening and order a Moselle Riesling.
Porta NigraTrier old town★ Ibis Styles Trier
The Ibis Styles rooms are temperature controlled rather than air conditioned — if visiting during a heat wave, ask for a fan at check-in.
Day 2
Full Day
Roman Ruins + ★ Wine Walking Tour
Trier has more well-preserved Roman monuments than any city outside Italy — the Imperial Baths, the Amphitheatre, the Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra are all within walking distance. In the afternoon or evening, join the wine walking tour through the old town. For a Canadian, the idea of strolling a 2,000-year-old city with a glass of Moselle wine in hand feels wonderfully outrageous. It is wonderful. Highly recommended.
★ Wine Walking TourTrier AmphitheatreImperial Baths (Kaiserthermen)Basilica of Constantine★ Zetlinger Restaurant
Zetlinger has the best mushroom soup ever encountered on this trip — and the food overall is extraordinary. Book a table for dinner after the walking tour.
Day 3
Full Day
Moselle Valley — Drive, Boat or Bike to Bernkastel-Kues
A full day following the Moselle River from Trier toward Bernkastel-Kues — one of the most beautiful stretches of river valley in Germany. The riverside road winds through steep vineyard slopes and charming wine towns. Bernkastel-Kues is an adorable half-timbered town with excellent Moselle wine. The views from the castle ruin above town are extraordinary and lunch in the town square is delicious. Note: attempting to continue on to Cochem is very rushed for a day trip — Bernkastel-Kues is the right endpoint.
★ Bernkastel-KuesMoselle ValleyBurg Landshut castle ruin
Consider going by boat if the schedule works — the river perspective on the vineyard slopes is stunning. The cycling paths along the Moselle are flat and excellent for those who want to bike a section.
Day 4
Drive Day
Drive to Strasbourg
The drive from Trier to Strasbourg takes about 2.5 hours direct, or longer with stops. The route passes through the Saar wine region and into Alsace — consider a stop at a vineyard or a small town en route. Arrive in Strasbourg in time for an evening walk through the old town.
Trier → Strasbourg (~2.5 hrs)Hotel de l'Europe by HappyCulture
Parking at the Hotel de l'Europe is not attached — drop luggage and park at the nearby lot. There is reportedly calming music playing in the car park, which sets the tone for Strasbourg perfectly.
Days 4–8 · Strasbourg
Petite France, Alsatian Wine & Fairy-Tale Villages
Every corner of Strasbourg's old town looks like a painting — half-timbered houses reflected in still canals, geraniums on every windowsill. Beyond the city, the Alsace wine route connects some of the most beautiful small towns in France.
Day 4
Arrival
Arrive & Discover Petite France
Check in and head immediately to Petite France — the medieval quarter of Strasbourg where half-timbered houses line the canals of the River Ill. There is a reason so many photos of Strasbourg come from here. Just start wandering and take it all in. The Christmas shop on Petite France is an experience unto itself — an extraordinary amount of Christmas in one very festive place, open year-round.
★ Petite FranceVieux Centre★ Christmas Shop, Petite FranceLeo Bar
Leo Bar in the heart of the vieux centre is a really fun spot for an evening drink — great atmosphere and a good place to land after a first day of wandering.
Day 5
Full Day
Strasbourg Cathedral + Vieux Centre
The Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the great Gothic buildings in Europe — the west façade is extraordinary in detail, and the interior contains a 16th-century astronomical clock still working today. Spend the rest of the day exploring the different neighbourhoods of the vieux centre. The lanes around the cathedral are full of independent shops, wine bars and excellent small restaurants.
★ Strasbourg CathedralVieux Centre lanes★ La Fignette Restaurant★ Épicerie Baeck
La Fignette is a charming Alsatian restaurant — book ahead and ask for an outdoor table. The inside can get hot in summer. Épicerie Baeck is outstanding for lunch — beautiful charcuterie and sandwiches.
Day 6
Full Day
Alsace Village Day — Eguisheim, Colmar & Riquewihr
A day on the Alsace wine route visiting the most beautiful villages in France. Eguisheim is an extraordinary circular medieval village — walk the route inside the walls, stop at winery tasting rooms along the way. Domaine Gilinger is recommended for the wine and particularly for their scented candles. Freudenreich Joseph et Fils has a cute patio and lovely wine. Colmar is a beautiful canal town — go early or late evening to avoid the busiest crowds. Riquewihr is a perfectly preserved medieval wine village further north on the route.
★ Eguisheim (circular medieval village)★ Domaine GilingerFreudenreich Joseph et Fils★ ColmarRiquewihr★ Sainte-Joie winery, Bergheim
At Sainte-Joie winery near Bergheim, an impromptu and extensive tasting with the winemaker turned into a trip highlight. Experiences like this are possible if you stop and ask — the Alsace wine route rewards curiosity. Contact: [email protected]
Day 7
Full Day
★ Contre-Pied Caviste Wine Shop + Final Wanders
A visit to Contre-Pied Caviste wine shop is one of the non-negotiables of Strasbourg. Thomas is an expert in the wines of the region and will guide visitors to genuinely hidden gems. French speakers should attend one of the wine tastings — it is fascinating and fun for any wine lover. Non-French speakers can enquire about arranging a private tasting. Spend the rest of the day revisiting favourite spots in the vieux centre.
★ Contre-Pied CavisteVieux CentreLeo Bar
Even without French, a visit to Contre-Pied is worthwhile. Thomas is passionate and knowledgeable — reach out ahead of time to arrange a private English-language session if you want the full experience.
Day 8
Morning + Drive
One Last Morning in Petite France — Then Luxembourg
A final slow morning in Petite France before the drive to Luxembourg. The canal views at different times of day are always different — morning light is particularly beautiful. The drive from Strasbourg to Luxembourg takes about 2.5 hours. Stop at Domaine Goldbierg winery en route — a beautiful lunch stop with exceptional views over the Moselle.
Petite France (morning)★ Domaine Goldbierg (lunch winery stop)Légère Hotel Luxembourg
Fill the tank in Luxembourg — it has the cheapest petrol in Europe. Cross the border with a near-empty tank and fill up immediately on arrival.
Days 8–10 · Luxembourg
Gorge Views, Vineyard Lunches & Free Public Transport
Luxembourg is a small country that surprises at every turn — dramatic gorge and valley views, a pretty old city, lovely Moselle wineries and the entirely practical delight of completely free public transport everywhere in the country.
Day 8
Arrival via Winery
★ Domaine Goldbierg — Winery Lunch
Domaine Goldbierg is one of the best stops of the entire trip. A beautiful Luxembourg winery with extraordinary views over the Moselle valley — lunch here with a glass of local wine is a genuinely memorable experience. Then check in to the Légère Hotel Luxembourg, which is modern, very clean and remarkable value. It is walking distance from the train station for easy access to the city centre.
★★ Domaine GoldbiergLégère Hotel Luxembourg
The Légère Hotel is not in the city centre — there is not much to walk to nearby. However it is extremely good value and the short train ride to the centre is free. If you prefer to walk to restaurants in the evening, consider a hotel closer to the old town.
Day 9
Full Day
Luxembourg City — Casemates, Bock Promontory & Old Town
Take the free train into Luxembourg city centre. The old town sits dramatically above the gorge of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers — the views from the Bock promontory and the Chemin de la Corniche (described as Europe's most beautiful balcony) are extraordinary. The Casemates du Bock, a network of tunnels carved into the rock over centuries, is a fascinating underground history. Dipso bar is a great stop for a drink and a snack in the afternoon.
Casemates du BockChemin de la CornicheBock promontoryLuxembourg old town★ Dipso bar
Public transport in Luxembourg is entirely free — trains, buses and trams. Park the car at the hotel or a train station and use public transport for the entire Luxembourg leg. It is a genuinely wonderful policy.
Day 10
Final Day
Luxembourg Countryside + Leisurely Departure
Before leaving, take some time to see the Luxembourg countryside — the rolling green hills and the Moselle valley are genuinely beautiful and often overlooked in favour of a rush to the city. A short drive through the wine villages along the Luxembourg Moselle is a lovely way to end the trip. Then head to the airport or onward destination.
Luxembourg Moselle villagesLuxembourg countryside
Don't rush straight to Luxembourg City. The countryside is gorgeous and the winery at Domaine Goldbierg is reason enough to take the scenic route. Give yourself time to breathe it in.
For wine lovers, this trip delivers discovery and challenge pre-conceptions in the most delicious way possible.
Where to Eat & Drink
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
From the best mushroom soup ever eaten in a Moselle valley restaurant to an impromptu winemaker tasting in an Alsace village — the food and drink on this loop rewards every curious detour.
★ Zetlinger
€€
The best mushroom soup ever eaten. Ever. The food here is extraordinary — a genuinely remarkable meal in the Moselle valley. Do not miss this.
Non-negotiable. Book a table for dinner after the Trier wine walking tour.
Épicerie Baeck
€
Amazing charcuterie and outstanding sandwiches. The perfect Strasbourg lunch — quality local produce assembled with care.
Leo Bar
€€
A really fun bar in the heart of the vieux centre. Great atmosphere, great spot to land after a day of wandering Strasbourg.
La Fignette
€€
A charming Alsatian restaurant with very good food. Book ahead and request an outdoor table — the inside can get warm in summer. A lovely Strasbourg dinner.
Dipso
€€
A nice stop for a drink and a snack in Luxembourg city. Good vibe, good location for a mid-afternoon break between sights.
★ Domaine Goldbierg
€€
A beautiful Luxembourg winery with extraordinary views over the Moselle valley. Lunch here is a genuinely memorable experience. One of the highlights of the Luxembourg leg.
Stop here on the way from Strasbourg to Luxembourg — it is a perfect lunch break with a view that makes you glad you came.
★ Contre-Pied Caviste
€€
Thomas is an expert in the wines of Alsace and will guide visitors to genuine hidden gems. French speakers should attend a tasting — it is fascinating for any wine lover. Non-French speakers can arrange a private session.
Visit even without a tasting — the range is exceptional and Thomas is wonderfully knowledgeable. Website: contre-pied-caviste.com
Sainte-Joie Winery
€€
An impromptu and extensive tasting with the winemaker here turned into a trip highlight. If passing through Bergheim on the wine route, stop and see if they have time. The wines are excellent.
Contact: [email protected] — 21 Route de Sélestat, Bergheim. The kind of spontaneous discovery that makes the Alsace wine route so special.
Alsace · Village Wine Route
The Alsace Village Route
The Route des Vins d'Alsace connects some of the most beautiful medieval villages in France — each with its own winery tasting rooms, independent shops and improbably pretty streets. Here are the essential stops.
| Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eguisheim | Morning | A perfectly circular medieval village — walk the route inside the old walls, stopping at winery tasting rooms along the way. Domaine Gilinger is recommended for the wine and their beautiful scented candles. Freudenreich Joseph et Fils has a lovely patio. |
| Bergheim / Sainte-Joie | Mid-morning | Stop at Sainte-Joie winery (21 Route de Sélestat, Bergheim) for a tasting. The winemaker does impromptu sessions if available — one of the best spontaneous experiences on the route. Contact: [email protected] |
| Colmar | Lunch + afternoon | A beautiful canal town, very popular — go early or late evening to avoid the biggest crowds. The Little Venice area is genuinely lovely and worth the visit despite the tourists. |
| Riquewihr | Late afternoon | A perfectly preserved medieval wine village, one of the most beautiful in Alsace. Less visited than Colmar, with wonderful shops and excellent wine tasting rooms along the main street. |
Where to Stay
Accommodations
€ Under 100€ · €€ 100–200€ · €€€ Over 200€. All four stays are mid-range and well-located.
Trier · Great location · Spacious rooms · Excellent value
💡 Rooms are temperature-controlled rather than air conditioned — if visiting during a heat wave, request a fan at check-in.
€€
Strasbourg · Good value · Great location · Note: parking is not attached
💡 Drop luggage at the hotel then use this car park nearby — there is reportedly calming music playing during the day. Parking map
€€
Luxembourg · Modern and very clean · Excellent value · Walking distance to train station (free transit to centre)
💡 Not much within walking distance of the hotel itself — if you want to walk to restaurants in the evening, consider a hotel closer to the old town instead.
€€
All Recommendations, Mapped
Explore the Spots
Filter by city and category · ⭐ = in the itinerary · Click any card to find it on the map
Sights
Eat & Drink
Wineries
Where to Stay
In the itinerary
Must-Do
Top Picks
The moments worth planning your trip around. Don't leave without them.
1
Roman Ruins in Trier
It is extraordinary to see a Roman amphitheatre this far from Rome. The Imperial Baths, Basilica of Constantine and Porta Nigra are all within walking distance. The most Roman city outside Italy.
2
Moselle Valley — Drive, Boat or Bike
The scenery between Trier and Bernkastel-Kues is stunning. Go by boat if the schedule works — the river perspective on the vineyard slopes is unlike anything else. The cycling paths are flat and excellent.
3
Wine Walking Tour in Trier
Strolling a 2,000-year-old city with a glass of Moselle wine in hand feels wonderfully liberating. The tour is great. The wine is lovely. Highly recommended.
4
Petite France, Strasbourg
There is a reason so many photos of Strasbourg come from here. Half-timbered houses reflected in still canals. Just start wandering and take it all in.
5
Alsace Village Day
Eguisheim, Colmar and Riquewihr are postcard-pretty, full of local wine and independent shops. You could visit all three in one day — or stay the night in one of them for a more immersive experience.
6
Domaine Goldbierg, Luxembourg
A beautiful Luxembourg winery with extraordinary Moselle valley views. Lunch here is one of the trip highlights. Stop on the way from Strasbourg before heading to the city.
Trier Must-See
- Porta Nigra
- Trier Amphitheatre
- Imperial Baths
- Basilica of Constantine
- ★ Wine Walking Tour
- ★ Zetlinger Restaurant
Strasbourg Must-See
- ★ Petite France
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Vieux Centre lanes
- ★ Contre-Pied Caviste
- Christmas shop (year-round)
- Leo Bar
Alsace Villages
- ★ Eguisheim (circular medieval)
- ★ Colmar (canal town)
- Riquewihr
- ★ Domaine Gilinger
- ★ Sainte-Joie winery
- Freudenreich Joseph et Fils
Luxembourg
- ★ Domaine Goldbierg (winery lunch)
- Casemates du Bock
- Chemin de la Corniche
- Bock promontory
- Dipso bar
- Free public transport!
Getting Around
How to Move Through the Route
A car is by far the best way to cover this loop. That said, once in Luxembourg, park the car and take advantage of completely free public transport — it is one of the most practical travel policies in the world. There are also great options for exploring the Moselle Valley by boat or bike.
Planning Tips
📅 When to Go
May to October
The sweet spot for this loop. Vineyards are green, Alsace village markets are running and the Moselle boat tours are in full swing. July and August can be warm — look for accommodation with air conditioning, or ask for a fan at the Ibis Styles Trier.
🍷 Book Wine Tastings Ahead
All Tastings Require Reservations
Every winery on this route requires advance booking and includes a mandatory tour — they are all proud of their operations. Book directly or use Contre-Pied Caviste in Strasbourg for guidance on the best Alsace producers to visit.
⛽ Fill Up in Luxembourg
Cheapest Petrol in Europe
Plan to cross into Luxembourg with a near-empty tank. Petrol is noticeably cheaper than France or Germany — it is worth the wait. Also: all public transport in Luxembourg is entirely free. Park the car and use the trains and buses for the whole Luxembourg leg.
🌡️ Summer Heat Tip
AC vs Temperature Control
The Ibis Styles Trier has temperature-controlled rooms rather than air conditioning. If visiting during a heat wave, ask for a fan at check-in — they have them available. The Hotel de l'Europe in Strasbourg is better equipped for summer heat.
