Experience the Charm of Three Borders with the Christmas Across the 3 Borders Tour
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas adventure that takes in some of Europe’s most enchanting markets without the stress of planning, this tour offers a compelling option. We haven’t personally taken it, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like a well-organized way to soak up festive cheer across three countries in just one day.
What really appeals to us is how this tour combines convenience and variety. You get to visit the French fortress town of Neuf-Brisach, explore the lively Christmas markets of Freiburg in Germany, and finish with the glowing lights of Basel in Switzerland—all with a professional guide and round-trip transport from Colmar.
One thing to keep in mind is that, with a packed schedule, you’ll want to be ready for some early starts and quick visits. This isn’t a relaxed, slow day, but rather an energetic overview perfect for those who want to maximize their time.
If you’re someone who loves holiday markets, appreciates guided commentary, and prefers hassle-free logistics, this trip is likely to suit you. It’s especially great if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or even with friends — but families with children should consider the pace and plan accordingly.
Key Points
- All-in-One Experience: See three Christmas markets in a single day, covering France, Germany, and Switzerland.
- Comfort and Convenience: Round-trip transport and hotel pickup mean no worries about navigating unfamiliar cities or arranging logistics.
- Rich Atmosphere: Each city is uniquely decorated for Christmas, with beautiful illuminations that come alive in the evening.
- Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable drivers and guides help you discover more about each location, making the day more meaningful.
- Flexible Exploration: You have time at each stop to browse, soak up the atmosphere, and pick up holiday gifts.
- Good Value: For around $160, the tour offers a full day of sightseeing with all transportation covered, based on positive reviews about the experience.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
The day begins early, with pickup at 10 am from your Colmar hotel, heading straight to Neuf-Brisach. This French fortified town offers a different kind of Christmas ambiance—more subdued and historic, with the fortifications adding a unique backdrop for your first stop. The visit here is free, giving you a chance to explore at your own pace and appreciate its architectural charm.
Next, you’ll head into Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany. While the Christmas market here is free to explore, what you’ll love is the lively, festive atmosphere that the locals create. Our sources highlight that this stop is perfect for browsing traditional stalls and perhaps tasting some local treats or mulled wine.
The highlight of the evening is Basel in Switzerland, where the Christmas market glows with lights and decorations. This is when the atmosphere reaches its peak—twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of baked goods fill the air. The reviews tell us that Yvan, the guide, was very attentive during these stops, helping visitors understand the history and culture behind each market.
Throughout the day, the driver is available to assist, and bottled water is provided to keep you refreshed. You’ll also get the chance to make quick purchases—just a heads-up that some shoppers found it useful to carry Swiss Francs for Basel, as not all shops accept euros.
Planning more time in Colmar? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Why People Love This Tour
Based on the reviews, many travelers are genuinely delighted with the experience. One reviewer called it “one of the best tours I’ve ever done,” citing Yvan’s attentive guidance and the “beautiful sights” seen along the way. Others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made the experience more enriching, especially when explaining local traditions and history.
The tour’s pace also seems to work well for most travelers. They mention having enough time at each market to explore, browse, and take photos without feeling rushed. The comfort of the mini-bus and the punctuality of the guide are often highlighted as major positives.
A recurring theme in the reviews is the value for money. For around $160, travelers feel they received a full day of culture, sightseeing, and holiday cheer, which would be difficult to replicate on their own without significant planning.
The Practical Side: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size
The transportation is described as comfortable, making the early start manageable. Being a small group—limited to 7 travelers—means you get more personalized attention, which many appreciated. The group size also allows for easier movement and spontaneous stops if you wish to linger somewhere longer.
Timing-wise, the tour kicks off at 10 am and ends back in Colmar, giving you a manageable, full day without feeling overwhelmed. The schedule prioritizes seeing the markets in daylight and then at night, giving a well-rounded experience of their daytime charm and evening glow.
What Could Be Improved
While the overall impression is very positive, some travelers mentioned the need to be prepared for the pace. If you’re not keen on quick visits or have mobility issues, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll need to budget extra time and money if you want to sit down at a restaurant.
A couple of reviewers pointed out that carrying Swiss Francs for Basel could make shopping easier, as not all shops accept euros. Planning for this small detail can make your experience smoother.
Is This Tour Right for You?
If you love festive markets and want to experience the holiday spirit across three countries in one day, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to do just that. It’s perfect for travelers who value guided experiences, convenience, and seeing as much as possible in a short time.
It’s especially suited for those who don’t want the hassle of organizing multiple trips or worrying about transportation logistics. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, which many visitors find more enjoyable.
However, if you prefer a laid-back, leisurely day or have specific dietary or mobility needs, you might want to consider longer, more relaxed options or local independent explorations.
The Sum Up
For anyone eager to take in three diverse Christmas markets without the headache of planning, this tour seems like a worthwhile choice. The combination of professional guides, comfortable transportation, and well-chosen stops makes it a solid pick for festive enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
The positive reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the experience is, with many travelers mentioning the attentive guidance and stunning sights as standout points. Given the price and the scope of what’s included, it offers good value, especially if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive holiday experience.
If you’re visiting Colmar during the festive season and want to see the magic of Christmas in three different countries, this trip is likely to leave you with lasting memories—and perhaps some great holiday gifts too.
Christmas across the 3 borders
“Wonderful tour. Would have never been able to pull this one off on my own. Great guide; beautiful sights.”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your central Colmar hotel, making it easy to start the day without additional transportation worries.
What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts around 9 hours, starting at 10 am and returning to Colmar later in the day, allowing you to experience a full day of holiday magic.
Are the Christmas markets free to explore?
Yes, all market visits are free; you only need to pay for your own shopping or food if you choose to buy at the stalls.
Can I buy lunch during the tour?
Lunch isn’t included in the price, but there are stops where you can find food and drink options, so bring some extra cash or plan to eat at the markets.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Be aware of the pace and amount of walking involved.
What language is the guide?
Based on reviews, guides seem to be very knowledgeable and capable of explaining the sites clearly, often in English.
How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Is there a specific time to start the tour?
Yes, the tour begins at 10 am from the meeting point in Colmar, and punctuality is appreciated to make the most of the day.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, some Swiss Francs for Basel shopping, and a camera to capture the festive scenes. If you want to browse more, extra cash is handy.
This Christmas across the 3 borders tour offers a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday season in a few hours, with enough comfort and guidance to make it memorable. Whether it’s your first time in the region or a repeat visit, it’s a lively, well-organized way to see the festive lights, taste seasonal treats, and pick up holiday gifts—all with minimal fuss.
