Travel Itinerary: Colmar & Basel, France and Switzerland

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Colmar

Morning: Arrive in Colmar and get settled. Since you'll arrive around 5pm, the morning is free for travel or relaxation prior to arrival.

Afternoon: Arrive at Colmar around 5pm and check in to the Hotel Turenne, a comfortable 4-star hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the Colmar train station, offering easy access to the city and excellent amenities.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Table du Brocanteur, a cozy restaurant near the hotel known for its Alsace-inspired cuisine and charming atmosphere.

Day 2: Sightseeing & Travel to Basel

Morning: Explore Colmar's Old Town with its colorful half-timbered houses and canals characteristic of "Little Venice." Visit WWII-related heritage at the Unterlinden Museum, where wartime exhibits give insight into the region's history.

Afternoon: Shop along Rue des Marchands and the surrounding pedestrian streets, known for artisan shops and local specialties. Have lunch at JY’S, a Michelin-starred bistro offering delicious seasonal dishes. After lunch, take the train to Basel (approx. 45 minutes) and check in at the Hotel Euler Basel, a stylish 4-star hotel just steps from Basel SBB train station.

Evening: Dine at Les Trois Rois Restaurant, located close to the hotel along the Rhine River, featuring fine dining with classic and modern Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hotel Turenne, Colmar – 1 night, approx. 3 hours check-in and settle-in, €120
• Dinner at La Table du Brocanteur – approx. 2 hours, €40
• Unterlinden Museum – 2 hours, €10
• Shopping on Rue des Marchands – 1.5 hours, variable cost
• Lunch at JY’S – 1.5 hours, €55
• Train from Colmar to Basel – 45 minutes, €25
• Hotel Euler Basel – 1 night, approx. 3 hours check-in and rest, CHF 150 (~€140)
• Dinner at Les Trois Rois Restaurant – approx. 2 hours, CHF 85 (~€80)

Total Estimated Cost: ~€470 + shopping expenses

Tips

For a shorter trip, skip the afternoon shopping in Colmar and head earlier to Basel to explore the city’s museums and nightlife. To extend your stay, consider adding an extra day in Colmar to visit nearby Alsace wine villages or additional WWII sites, such as the Maginot Line fortifications, before traveling to Basel.