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Queenstown Wine, Beer & Gin Tour

Wine Tasting at Kinross

Craft Beer Tasting

Gin, Vodka & Spirits Tasting

Transported in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter.

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Queenstown Wine, Beer & Gin Tour | Adults Only

33 Oregon Drive, Kelvin Heights , Central Queenstown , New Zealand .

Immerse yourself in Central Otago wines, craft beers and gins as you imbibe over 12 tastings at a latitude of 45° south, an unforgettable experience.

Pricing and Conditions

Exclusively for Adults only - Drinking Age in New Zealand is 18 years of age.

For any cancellations 48 hours prior to your wine tour departure time, we can change your wine tour to a different date or time at no additional cost, subject to availability. Alternatively, we can fully refund your wine tour, please allow up to 10 working days for the payment to process. For any cancellations within 48 hours of your tour departure time, the wine tour payment cannot be refunded. Please contact us immediately with any changes or cancellations.

Take a scenic drive to the Gin Garden by Broken Heart Spirits, learn about the spirit making process from grain to glass and imbibe a spirits tasting including gin, vodka, whiskey, rum and liqueurs. Then journey through the picturesque Gibbston Valley, known as the ‘Valley of the Vines’ to discover the unique flavours and stories of Central Otago wines as you taste five wines at Kinross. Wrap up the afternoon at Cargo at Gantley’s to enjoy a craft beer tasting (can choose a glass of wine) inside Queenstown’s oldest hospitality business. Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter with your local Kiwi wine guide and boutique group size of up to 11.

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Join Alpine Wine Tours on our daily wine tours and the region's first Queenstown Progressive Dinner Tours which are exclusively for adults only to allow you to relax and unwind. Our Lunch or Afternoon Wine Tours offer a personalised boutique wine tour experience with a small group of up to 11 wine lovers including a wine cave tour. Explore some of Queenstown’s most iconic settings as we take you on a social night out to meet new friends with amazing local wine, craft beers and stunning food. Travel in comfort and style in our 2018 Mercedes Sprinter with your qualified wine guide. Our private and custom tours are the perfect option if you're after a fully-tailored experience with family, friends or colleagues and children are welcome. …

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Emma brought us through three great wineries in the Otago region. She is a great driver, has a great attitude and and very informative. Highly recommend!

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A guide to Alpine wine and where to enjoy it

​Little-known outside their native terroir, Alpine wines are being celebrated in a new festival in Verbier.

Think of the Alps, and your mind probably runs to hiking trails, ski gondolas and dairy cows rather than vineyards. Yet winemakers have been quietly tilling the Alps for centuries, working with the helter-skelter topography to create unique vintages. Alpine areas that have won awards for their wines include the Savoie vineyards in the shadow of Mont Blanc, the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy and the Swiss Valais. Just over an hour from Geneva by car, the Valais is Switzerland’s leading wine area, with 19sq miles of valley vineyards scattered beneath granite crags, growing dozens of indigenous grapes.  

In 2022, the Verbier Wine Festival launched in the ski resort with the aim of shining a light on Alpine winemakers. Only 3% of Swiss wine gets exported internationally, and winemakers can barely keep up with domestic demand, but this also means it’s an enigma for most visitors.

Because grapes in the Valais are planted on precipitous slopes, harvesting them is akin to mountain climbing. It’s traditional for vineyard terraces to use thick, dry-stone walls to shore them up, and one of the fascinating quirks of the region are the near-vertical monorails that scale the road-less vineyard plots. Grapes are mostly hand-picked, which improves the quality of the wines, but also pushes up their price.  

Fendant and Pinot Noir are two of Valais’ most important grapes. Try them in Riddes, at Les Fils Maye , one of the canton’s only 19th-century wineries that remains in the original family’s hands. Tastings take place in the cellar’s carnotzet — a traditional subterranean saloon where winemakers of old would’ve retired from their barrelling duties to eat, drink and chat. A contemporary contrast can be found just outside the castle-crested town of Sion at The Celliers de Sion , Switzerland’s first ‘oenoparc’. Built by two venerable winemaking estates that merged in 1992, it offers gourmet wine walks that climb into the Clavau vineyards.  

Elsewhere, Musée du Vin has two separate sites, at Sierre and Salgesch, linked by a four-mile hiking trail that winds majestically through vineyard terraces. Along the way, info boards highlight Valais’ grapes, which are used to make wines that are strictly regulated under a Swiss Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system.  

At a glance

Festival highlights The pop-up Hexabar is the festival hub, with 120 wines sold by the glass. The head sommelier curates a daily best-in-class list of four wines from one of the six Alpine wine areas, paired with small plates.  

Where to eat At Verbier’s outpost of London’s 67 Pall Mall members club, visitors can taste a 3,000-strong wine list while savouring dishes such as grilled Bagnes cheese infused with Verbier-brewed stout.  

Where to stay Just outside Verbier,   Chalet d’Adrien is a chic country log-cabin hotel with doubles from £245 for two nights during the festival, B & B.  

Meet the maker: Marie-Thérèse Chappaz

Winemaking wasn’t Marie-Thérèse’s first career choice. At 17, she was on track to become a midwife, but a short spell of hospital work made her think twice. The following year, her father gifted her a small plot of land in Valais and she soon discovered her love for the Alpine terroir. The dirt was barely under her nails before Marie-Thérèse knew what she wanted to plant. Although her father wasn’t a winemaker, she’d grown up around wine and knew her palate was good.

What started as a half-acre plot in 1978 has now grown a hundredfold — and self-taught Marie-Thérèse has proved herself to be a renegade superstar of the Swiss winemaking community. She has has grown an indomitable reputation, not being afraid to work her magic with native grapes that have fallen out of favour with other vintners.  

An early adopter of biodynamic winemaking practices, Marie-Thérèse produces wines you’re unlikely to find outside Switzerland. Of the 70,000 bottles she makes a year, half are sold at her rustic cellar door, where visitors can do tastings among the vines. Her range includes Pinots, one of Valais’ signature cool-climate grapes, and native grape varieties including Petite Arvine, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and, as of this year, Completer.

Marie-Thérèse uses altitude, shade and soil changes across different vineyard plots to engineer her wines. “For me, the balance is good,” she says.

Three food and Alpine wine food pairings to try

Assiette Valaisanne The star of this traditional Valais charcuterie platter is air-dried beef soaked in red wine and spices. It’s a good foil for the natural acidity of Switzerland’s young reds.  

Fondue Whether served au naturale or with mushrooms, potatoes or truffles, Switzerland’s unctuous mountain dish works a treat paired with Valais’ mineral-rich whites.

Veal with chanterelles Meaty dishes using the woodland mushroom and local Hérens beef demand the Valais’ heaviest wines. For this typical dish, locals will usually turn to Cornalin.

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Experience the ease of our wine tours! Simply let us know your preferred pick-up and drop-off location, and we'll take care of the rest. We will build a day out of visiting 3 wineries, handling all of the reservations for you. Let us take the stress of planning/driving off your shoulders! Click the link below to request a custom quote for you and your group.

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"We loved working with North GA Wine Tours! We worked with them to take our top producers to North GA to enjoy some wine & views! They were excellent to work with from start to finish. They helped us plan the itinerary and checked us in at each spot and of course drove our group to each destination safely. It was easy and fun! Thanks so much! We look forward to doing it again!"

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7 Wineries You Will Fall In Love With In Idaho’s Lewis-Clark Valley

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Idaho is just being discovered as a center of wine growing, but already the fairly new Lewis-Clark Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) has been highly praised by the wine press. This is an emerging destination for winemaking and combines the best of all worlds. Dedicated winemakers have sought out this region for its unique terrain and weather that allows a slow ripening season, adequate water, and many sunny days.

Several wineries have been singled out for excellence, including Northwest Wine Press ’ 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, and Idaho’s Winery of the Year, Colter’s Creek. Lewis-Clark Valley sits on the border between Washington and Idaho at the base of Idaho’s agricultural palouses (land) and Washington’s high desert. Here they grow Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.

Lewiston, Idaho , and Clarkston, Washington , face each other across the Snake River and a jet boat up Hell’s Canyon is a must when visiting. These industrial towns are fairly straightforward and lodging is your typical chain hotels like Hampton Inn and Best Western, but there are quaint river lodges like Boggan’s Oasis and the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge.

A worthy side trip when visiting the Lewis-Clark Valley is about 45 minutes away to the town of Moscow, Idaho . Pronounced “Moss-coe,” this historical small town is known as the site of the University of Idaho and a farmer’s market that can attract over 100,000 visitors on weekends. Elevated dining, great wines and culture abound in this sophisticated hamlet. I was a guest of the region right before the pandemic and cannot wait to get back to the hospitality and rich dimensions of the State of Idaho.

1. Colter’s Creek Winery   

Idaho’s 2019 Winery of the Year makes wine from only Lewis-Clark Valley and Snake River Valley AVAs fruit, which means it stays hyper-local in Idaho. The good thing is that you can try Colter’s Creek both at its hip tasting room in Moscow and at its tasting room and restaurant in the town of Juliaetta, Idaho. It also has vineyards and a winery where a tour and tasting may be arranged.

In 2007, early in the recognition of Idaho wines, Colter’s Creek owners Mike Pearson and Melissa Sanborn combined their chemistry and engineering backgrounds with a love of wine and the earth and found an abandoned vineyard in Juliaetta nestled between the Potlatch and Clearwater rivers. They named the winery after an early settler named John Colter and today produce a variety of wines that truly encompass the gambit of taste and style. 

Both a chardonnay and chardonnay-viognier are in the lineup along with a variety of rieslings, a perfect food-pairing wine experiencing a renaissance in popularity. Red and white blends are good for everyday drinking, or try Spanish grape varieties like tempranillo and the rocinante blend, Italian grapes like Sangiovese, and French favorites syrah and the grenache, syrah, Mourvedre blend in Arrow Rim Red. The restaurant in Juliaetta allows visitors to try wines paired with foods reflective of the region.

Colter’s Creek prides itself on sustainability in vineyard, water and waste management as well as in the tasting room environments themselves.

2. Clearwater Canyon Cellars

Coco Umiker is the ebullient winemaker at Clearwater Canyon and her enthusiasm is infectious. With a doctorate degree in wine microbiology, she and a vineyard manager and soil scientist create wines with little interference that are long on flavor.

Since 2016, Clearwater Canyon’s tasting room has been on the family’s Idaho Century Farm in the Lewiston orchards. The room features a cozy and comfortable ambiance and is a far cry from the four barrels it crafted in a storage room from 2004-2007.

The energy exhibited here is worth a visit and the wines are solid and well made, even creative. Definitely a priority stop to make in the valley for the fun, frivolity, and history of this solid winery.

3. Basalt Cellars

One of the original leaders in the Lewis-Clark Valley since 2003, and renowned since the winery’s 2004 merlot won double gold medals in the Tri-Cities Wine Competition. It sits on the Washington state side of the Lewis-Clark Valley and sources grapes from vineyards in the best growing regions of the state. An early pioneer in the region, Basalt Cellars secured long-term contracts with well-known vineyards like Bacchus, Weinbau, and Willard to assure quality wines as the winery became known.

Basalt considers itself a maker of ultra-premium wines and ones it feels will age well. This means the grape sources and winemaking have to be extraordinary, with only the finest techniques and all-French barrels for 18-30 months aging. 

French varieties take center focus at Basalt and Bordeaux-origin grapes like cabernet Franc, merlot, and malbec are excellent as are the Bordeaux blends. Sauvignon blanc sells out quickly as does the viognier. From the Rhone region, try syrah and several GSMs (grenache, syrah, and mourvedre) which have deep fan followings. A cool tasting room with very knowledgeable representatives makes a Basalt visit desirable in the Lewis-Clark Valley.

The Idaho Winery of the Year in 2021 says a lot about this unassuming producer. In a storefront in Lewiston, hang with the winemaker/owners of Vine 46 and enjoy an array of interesting and affordable wines that express grapes that grow well in the region. 

Carmenere, tempranillo and GMT (grenache, mourvedre and tempranillo blend) are something new for most wine drinkers and deliver spicy red fruit flavors — a perfect complement to your summer grilling. On the white side, sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, and rosé assure there is something for everyone. I have found that reds age well and look for a lot of great things in the future from Vine 46. The charming area of Lewiston around Vine 46 is an added bonus.

5. Lindsay Creek Vineyards 

Lindsay Creek is an expansive, fun and happening winery that makes tasting not only delicious but entertaining. Live music, event areas and plenty to do means a visit here is never boring. And the wines are fantastic.

Fourth generation grain farmers and brothers Art and Doug Mcintosh haven’t forgotten their roots. In fact, you can see grain fields surrounding the winery and small lot grains like oats and wheat are sold in the retail shop, which is another huge reason for home bakers and cooks to visit. The brothers and their wives love traveling to wine regions and in 2007, decided to try maximizing the lush palouse soils left from centuries-ago Missoula floods into wine grape crops, starting with what they call “a mere 150 sticks.”

Heading back to school for winemaking and viticulture has paid off for the brothers and their Bordeaux and Rhone varieties. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec make up the majority of reds along with a rosé and riesling. All of the wines are incredibly affordable ($16 riesling!) so make Lindsay Creek at the end of a fun day of tasting and listen to some music while watching the sun lower over the palouse.

6. Jovinea Cellars 

The couple behind Jovinea , Michael and Lisa Grigg, moved to Lewis-Clark Valley with the intention of building a winery and, of course, making wine. It would be 8 years until they got into operation and now source fruit from esteemed vineyards in both Idaho and Washington while planting their estate vineyard near the production facility they built in Lenore, Idaho.

Hoping it doesn’t take another 8 years of starts and stops, triumphs and adversity, to get the vineyard online, Jovinea has opened a tasting room in downtown Lewiston, which has become a small center of so-called urban wineries. In Lewiston, lunching in a small restaurant and sampling wines from the handful of local wineries with tasting rooms in town is a perfect way to spend a day in the area. Jovinea makes some fairly rare varieties so a good place to try your first Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Montepulciano, Dolcetto, and Roussanne, grapes originating in Italy and Portugal is here.

7. Rivaura Estate Vineyards

The family behind Rivaura has a long history of farming along the banks of the Clearwater River in Lewis-Clark Valley and the latest generation has embarked on winemaking under the name Rivaura, meaning “river.”

Ron Hewett, Sr., along with sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, planted Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and now make ultra premium viognier, syrah, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. The latest generation of Hewetts, Lance and Vince Hewett, returned to the family business after a time in the working world.

Rivaura’s tasting room is located on the vineyards near Juliaetta, Idaho, with sweeping views of rolling vineyards.

After getting to know Lewis-Clark Valley, travel south to the urban wineries of Boise and the Snake River Valley AVA around the Caldwell area.

Related Reading:

• 7 Truly Underrated U.S. Wineries Outside Of California
• 9 Best Breweries And Wineries To Visit In Chickasaw Country
• And the rest of our wine content

Barbara Barrielle has been a full-time travel, wine, and food writer for the last five years after a career as a publicist in the America's Cup, wine and entertainment. She is also an actress and film producer with two films currently in production and one released in 2018. She is working on a documentary "Crushed" about the wine country wildfires. She writes regularly for the Napa Valley Register, East Hampton Star, Northwest Travel and Life, Human Compass, Oregon Wine Press, and Wine Industry Advisor.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF NEW ZEALAND

Alpine luxury tours.

We ensure you experience New Zealand in ways no-one else can. Making your adventure unforgettable is at the core of what we do. Alpine Luxury Tours was recently voted the Best Luxury Tours in New Zealand for 2022

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Queenstown sights tour.

Highlights: Discover hidden gems and famous movie locations on this privately guided journey through Queenstown, Glenorchy, Paradise and Arrowtown.

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Milford Sound Private Tour with Boat Cruise

Highlights: Full day Milford Sound experience. Travel in a luxury private vehicle. Includes lunch and nature cruise. Option to fly back from Milford Sound to Queenstown.

Queenstown and Central Otago Wine Tour

Highlights: Experience the best of Central Otago wine country with your private guide & vehicle. Includes exclusive wine tastings with lunch (optional)

Middle Earth Waterfalls Heli Hike (exclusive access)

Highlights: Once in a lifetime opportunity to hike the Middle Earth Waterfalls of Earnslaw Burn. Includes private helicopter, glacier views and private guide

Rustic and Robust Royalburn Farm Tour

Highlights: Explore Royalburn Farm Station on a private tour with guided wine tasting and Kiwi style BBQ lunch

Heli Stand-up Paddleboarding

Highlights: Embark on a journey of tranquility, with the highest Stand up Paddleboarding in NZ, includes Helicopter flight, picnic lunch, refreshments and a private guide.

Fiordland Highlights Tour

Highlights: The ultimate Fiordland Tour. Jet Boat and working Farm Tour Experience with option for Overnight Farm Stay and Milford Sound Tour

Central Otago Adrenaline and Aroma Full-Day Tour

Highlights: Experience an exhilarating rush of adrenaline at Oxbow Adventure Co and Highlands Motorsport Park. Then enjoy a luxurious lunch with award winning Central Otago wine. Privately guided.

Exclusive Central Otago and Waitaki Heli Wine Tasting Experience

Highlights: Heli Wine Tour includes Private helicopter, Cheeseboard and wine tastings. Vale is exclusive with Mora Wines , and Private Tasting at Valli Wine Bar.

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Viognier Venture Concierge Wine Tour

Description

Head out of town, into the rural landscape that hasn’t changed for millennia. Visit the gorgeous Rivaura tasting room, located at their estate vineyards. This panoramic view overlooking the Clearwater River is perfectly paired with their multi-award-winning wine.

Head into the rural landscape to Colter’s Creek, enjoy the beautiful view at Rivaura, then one more winery of your choice listed below! Hear about history, culture, and Lewis-Clark AVA.

Enjoy a flight of either red or white wines, at this modern winery and event center. It’s the perfect place to relax and look out for spectacular views.

The 2020 Northwest Winery of the Year, this is one of the two (re)-founding wineries in the Lewis-Clark AVA. Their wines will wow, as they are the only winery in the area to join the prestigious King of Platinum list, for having nearly twenty of their wines get platinum awards, and consistently win top awards at wine competitions locally and nationally. You’ll be able to taste the quality shine through for yourself!

Here, you’ll feel like you’ve always been friends with the winemakers. At this 2021 Idaho Winery of the Year, these two friends (and their wives!) make amazing wine. Their wines consistently win medals at all wine competitions they submit their wines. We will visit them at their tasting room in Newberry Square in beautiful downtown Lewiston. (They will soon be moving directly behind the building to their new winery!)

As we drive up the original highway to get into Lewiston, you can easily see how this vineyard got its name (the Old Spiral Highway). Stu will greet you at his residence (and winery) and you will take in the incredible views of the Clearwater River and the City of Lewiston. As this is primarily a wedding and event venue, getting in to taste is dependent upon there being no events that day.

You’ll feel like family, here. Paul and Heidi love showing off their great variety of white and red wines, which pair perfectly with the incredible views you see from their house. They have won many awards in regional and national wine competitions.

The newest tasting room in downtown Lewiston, tucked into the historic Morgan’s Alley, is a definite treat. This dynamic duo have many of their wines which are focused on Spanish varietals. Take a sip, and taste summer in every glass. Enjoy great wines, and a great husband and wife who want to share their love of wine with you.

This destination winery is meant to wow! Their winemaker is a Master of Wine, of which there are only a few hundred, world-wide. The wines consistently win awards, and the views are absolutely stunning, looking out over the Clearwater River.

Why not have a bite to eat, here where most of the dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, and have some award winning wine in this chic venue in Juliaetta, Idaho. Or, if you are starting your tour in Moscow, have a taste of wine at Colter’s Creek’s tasting room in Moscow!

Primary pickup location is the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, our Premier Partner.

Why take this tour?

Head into the rural landscape to Colter’s Creek, enjoy the beautiful view at Rivaura then one more winery of your choice listed above! Hear about history, culture, and Lewis-Clark AVA.

Tasting fees for all venues

Bottled water, convenience snack (such as crackers), things to know.

You Can Choose One Winery Of Your Choice!

1. Lindsay Creek Vineyards 2. Clearwater Canyon Cellars 3. Vine 46 4. Spiral Rock Vineyards 5. Two Bad Labs Vineyards 6. Jovinea Cellars 7. Rivaura 8. Colter's Creek Tasting Room-Juliaetta OR Moscow

Want a pickup in Moscow, Idaho? No problem! We pickup from the Hattenbaugh Hotel, our Palouse Preferred property for $10 per person. Pickup may also be arranged at the same price for other hotels. Pickup from private residences is also an option within Moscow for $15 per person.

Local Guide

Your local guide, Clint, will talk about the Lewis-Clark AVA, culture of the Nez Perce, as well as the history and scandals of the past, depending on the interest of the guests!

Capacity and Age Requirement

A minimum of four guests guarantees the tour will go. Ages 21+ only.

The tour typically takes 5-6 hours.

Ask a question

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Muscat Concierge Wine Tour

Explore three wineries on this VIP wine tour, while getting behind the scenes access, and learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Venues: Take A Look At The Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Three Of Your Choice!

Syrah Ultimate Concierge Wine Tour

For the guest who wants it all, this is your tour. Start out with a pickup from your Lewiston-based residence and have lunch. Then explore up to four wineries on this VIP wine tour of regional wineries, and end with dinner and a complete chef culinary experience by Foodology catering with a three-course dinner, paired with wine, at a local vineyard or scenic location. Of course, you always get behind-the-scenes access, learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Venues: Take A Look At The Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Four Of Your Choice!

Cabernet Concierge Wine Tour

Explore up to four venues, with lunch included at a local restaurant, on this VIP wine tour of regional wineries, while getting behind-the-scenes access, and learning about local culture, history, and the Lewis-Clark AVA.

Note For Venues: Take A Look At The 8 Venues Listed Below And You Can Choose Up To Four Of Your Choice!

This Tiny European Country Is Less Than 16 Miles Long — But It's Home to Medieval Castles, Alpine Villages, and More

Here's why you should plan a trip to Liechtenstein, and what to do once you're there.

Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a tiny country that covers just 62 square miles and is home to fewer than 40,000 residents. But it's filled with as much culture and natural wonder as a destination 10 times its size — and my husband and I checked it off our travel list on a recent road trip through Europe.

"Liechtenstein is one of those small countries you can travel across in a couple of hours. But, despite being so small, it offers a rich variety of attractions and experiences that make it a great travel destination," Olena Grabova, a world culture specialist at Promova , shared with Travel + Leisure . "It lies comfortably in the beautiful alps, offering breathtaking mountainous landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts." 

Here are all the top places to stay, explore, and dine to experience all the magic that Liechtenstein has to offer. 

• Don't miss your chance to ski or hike in Malbun, the country's coolest mountain town.
• Make a reservation at the celebrated Marée restaurant, which offers a delicious taste of Liechtenstein cuisine.
• Get a view of royal life by checking out the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
• Check out the Prince of Liechtenstein's winery to sip something local.
• Become a local history buff by spending a day at the Liechtenstein National Museum.

Best Hotels 

Park hotel sonnenhof.

In Vaduz, the nation's capital city, travelers will find the Park Hotel Sonnenhof , a luxury retreat that offers some of the best mountain views in all of Europe. The Relais & Châteaux property offers elegant rooms with high-end furnishings, private patios, and panoramic views out every window. There are also lush gardens to roam, a spa, and fantastic dining options, including the Michelin-recommended Marée restaurant. 

Residence Hotel

Find style and comfort just down the road in Vaduz at the Residence Hotel . The hotel offers spacious family rooms that are great for small groups traveling through Liechtenstein who want all the creature comforts of home, including a minibar, coffee maker, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests can also find breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks at the hotel's bistro.

JUFA Hotel Malbun

Find yourself amid the mountains while staying at JUFA Hotel Malbun . Located in the alpine village of Malbun, the family-friendly hotel provides travelers with easy access to hiking trails and even ski slopes in the winter. The rooms are simpler than the other hotels on this list, but for families and groups of friends looking to spend quality time together, it's all you need. Guests can also spend time in the hotel's wellness area, which comes complete with a sauna and steam bath, let their kids have an adventure all their own at the kids club, and come together for a lovely meal at the hotel's restaurant (sit on the terrace if the weather is nice).

Best Things to Do

View the vaduz castle..

Get a glimpse of royal life by viewing the Vaduz Castle , the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein since the 18th century. Travelers are welcome to come and enjoy the gorgeous views of Vaduz and the surrounding area from the castle grounds, but they are not permitted inside as the royal family really does live here. Still, as Grabova noted, "It’s a great spot for photos." She also says, "If you are a wine enthusiast, you should tour the Prince of Liechtenstein winery too, learn about wine production in the region, and taste some of the local wines."

Learn about local history at the Liechtenstein National Museum.

The Liechtenstein National Museum will teach you everything you want to know about the country's history. Here, guests can explore a range of exhibits, including those on religion, the nation's natural history, and even everyday life here in Liechtenstein. Travelers can go through the museum on their own, take an audio guide, or join one of the group tours for a more in-depth experience. 

Hit the slopes in Malbun.

Heading to Liechtenstein this winter? Make sure to stop in Malbun , the nation's main ski resort. It's a small-scale mountain that is home to some rather steep slopes, making it a prime spot for the pros (and there's a fantastic toboggan track if you'd prefer to get your thrills that way). Summer visitors can still explore the mountain by hiking through the verdant landscape. 

Admire the Vaduz Cathedral.

Spend a little time checking out the Vaduz Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of St. Florin, a neo-Gothic church that dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can gaze upon its gorgeous stained-glass windows and intricate architecture.

Best Restaurants

Demmel kaffee.

Start your visit with a caffeine kick at Demmel Kaffee , a coffee shop that serves essentially any kind of coffee beverage you can dream up. It's also a fantastic spot to snag a freshly baked good and buy some beans to take home with you as a souvenir. 

Marée, located in the Park Hotel Sonnenhof, offers a fantastic dining experience recommended by the Michelin Guide . Here, diners can pick from a menu filled with local ingredients, including homemade veal ravioli, schnitzel, lamb shoulder, and more.

Restaurant Adler

Restaurant Adler is the spot to visit for a traditional Liechtenstein meal. The restaurant, built in 1908, continues to be a family-run operation, now on its fourth generation. Expect regional dishes like schnitzel and local trout and char.

Areas to Visit

It's almost a requirement to go to Vaduz while visiting Liechtenstein. The capital city has plenty to do and see, including restaurants, shops, and historical sites. Here, you can see the Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, and the Liechtenstein National Museum.

Triesenberg

Find peace and quiet in the charming mountain village of Triesenberg . The community is located high above Vaduz, ensuring awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. Take in the views during a hike, or find a scenic viewpoint where you can sit and relax in the fresh mountain air.

If you are looking for more action, stop at Malbun. In the spring, summer, and fall, you can enjoy the captivating landscapes, filled with fresh flowers and emerald green grass. In the winter, you can shred the slopes — or take a ride down the thrilling toboggan runs .

Find one more picture-perfect stop in Balzers , a village in southern Liechtenstein. Here, visitors can take in all those same spectacular views and visit the medieval Gutenberg Castle. It's one fairy-tale last stop to visit en route to your next destination. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Liechtenstein is from late spring to early fall (May to September). This is when the weather is at its prime for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and walking through the village streets. That said, there's no "wrong" time to visit.

"Whatever time of year you’re visiting, Liechtenstein knows how to charm you," Grabova said. "For instance, from late spring till early autumn, you can enjoy hiking in the mountains and exploring the countryside. There are a lot of well-marked trails for all levels, including the famous Prince’s Way. So, it doesn’t matter if you are a pro in conquering the long mountain trails or just like walking in the beautiful nature, you’ll get your piece of joy here."

As Grabova also noted, there are several cultural events and festivals that take place during the summer that make it a particularly great time to visit, including the Vaduz Classic music festival and  Liechtenstein Guitar Days , a multi-day festival dedicated to the instrument that draws musicians from all over the world. 

"If you are into winter sports, the beautiful snow-covered landscapes will take your breath away," Grabova added. "Check out Malbun, the key ski resort in the picturesque alpine setting. It is family-friendly with well-groomed slopes, from gentle ones, ideal for beginners and children, to challenging and off-piste ones for pros and daredevils." 

How to Get There

The closest major airport to Liechtenstein is Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, which is serviced by major airlines with routes connecting all over the world. From here, just rent a car and make your way to this tiny European country.

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10 awesome places in Austria for a corporate retreat

10 awesome ideas for a corporate retreat in austria, 1. enjoy some city sightseeing in vienna.

2. Try out some team building in Graz

3. Explore the streets of Salzburg

4. Go climbing around Innsbruck

5. Hike and bike in Nature Park Almenland

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6. get outdoors in rust am neusiedlersee.

7. Combine skiing with history and culture in Vorarlberg

8. Pick apricots and sample wines in Wachau

9. Visit Seefeld and go swimming on Wildsee Lake

10. See Germany’s highest mountain near Ehrwald

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More Four Seasons Year-End Holiday Inspirations for a Stay Like No Other

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What makes a trip an experience? What makes a date on the calendar more than a marker of the seasons to become a lifelong memory shaped by the unexpected?  Whether it’s an elegant getaway for two at a snowy retreat, a few days exploring a new city with close   friends, or a family adventure in a seaside escape, it’s never too early to get ahead of the crowd and lock in plans to give oneself the early gift of anticipation. From moments alone to celebrations together, here is a peek into dreams of the extraordinary that become reality at Four Seasons , where every stay is a stay like no other.

Experience "A Night Above the Clouds" at Four Seasons Hotel Megève and Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois . This includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe or Gentiane room, and a night in the Suite Idéal at Idéal 1850 - accessible only by gondola - offering alpine decor, curated art, and panoramic mountain views. Enjoy personalized butler service, daily gourmet breakfast, and a Savoyard dinner paired with fine French wines, all while toasting the sunset over Mont Blanc with champagne. For a unique twist, experience culinary magic within a snow-made igloo in the middle of the forest, starting with a snowshoe adventure through Megève’s terrain, led by an experienced mountain guide. Then, indulge in a gourmet feast once inside, savouring exquisite charcuterie, local cheeses, and mulled wine. The return journey promises a magical display of sunset and starlit skies.

Explore iconic cities from a new perspective . During a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Prague , set sail on a 50-minute cruise across the Vltava River aboard a charming wooden boat or take a horse-drawn carriage through fairy-tale cobbled streets to the Old Town Square Market, sampling local delicacies along the way. For a different experience, step back in time with a historic car. During a stay in Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square , enjoy the city’s historic charm with a scenic drive in a Little Car or cruise the Thames on a luxury limo charter, taking in festive views of London’s landmarks.

Bid 2024 farewell and welcome the new year with wellness and breathtaking mountain views at the Movement Studio at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe . Enjoy complimentary Gratitude Yoga in November, Yuletide Yoga in December, and a rejuvenating New Year, New You Yoga class with sound bath meditation in January. For ultimate relaxation, indulge in winter-inspired spa treatments at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence , including a facial, body scrub, and full-body massage, accompanied by a festive cocktail and treat.

Uncover winter’s charm at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis with a visit to Nordic Village, a cabin dining experience in the middle of the city. Delight in alpine elegance and seasonal dishes amid cozy, woodsy décor at MINA Brasserie’s chalet-themed terrace in Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre . Starting in November, explore “The Hidden Flask,” a speakeasy-inspired pop-up bar at Four Seasons Hotel Austin , featuring local spirits and infusions. Alternatively, enjoy aerial views from “The Deck,” the hotel’s festive pop-up lounge at Live Oak.

Make spirits bright with a holiday cocktail class and seasonal bites at Goldfinch Tavern, a collaboration between Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and renowned chef Ethan Stowell. Join the mixology team and sommelier Aude Vaillard for educational cocktail and wine tastings by the sea at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora , all while immersed in the stunning beauty of French Polynesia.

Experience Mexico’s vibrant heritage at Rancho Rufino, a sustainable farm just a short golf cart ride from Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico . Here, locally grown ingredients enrich the farm-to-table dining experience with private meals, cooking classes, and farm tours around a cozy community table and wood-burning stove. Alternatively, embrace the season at Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City with a planet-friendly skating rink, created in collaboration with Glice. This Swiss-manufactured, synthetic rink is eco-friendly, requiring no electricity or water, and produces zero CO2 emissions.

Experience a festive Creole celebration like no other at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita . Start with a vibrant Kwi Kreol cooking class to craft traditional local dishes, then enjoy Lazy Fish nights featuring Mauritian lagoon lobsters and spiced rum flambéd bananas, accompanied by a captivating moutya performance (a Creole bonfire dance from the Mascarene region.) Families can join the fun at the Hobbit Village Kid’s Club, where a festive lineup of Creole activities, including coukasiette (hide and seek) and la marelle (hopscotch the local way), promises magical Mauritian memories for all.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with flair and flavour at Four Seasons properties around the world. At CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay , guests can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner featuring a live turkey-carving station, festive cocktails, and pies, set against views of the Bahrain Bay skyline. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle offers a lavish Thanksgiving buffet in the Four Seasons Ballroom, with roasted turkey, prime rib, and panoramic views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle Great Wheel. At Butcher & Still at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island , savour a traditional feast of roasted turkey and seasonal sides. Toro Toro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston presents a sumptuous Thanksgiving brunch buffet with roast turkey, rosemary-crusted prime rib, Dijon-roasted lamb, and a seafood tower. Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh offers a decadent Thanksgiving Takeaway Box to enjoy at home, featuring succulent turkey and classic pecan pie.

Savour the wonder of Christmas Eve with two heartwarming dining experiences. At Il Palagio in Four Seasons Hotel Firenze , Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini brings a personal touch to the holiday with a menu that celebrates his grandmother’s cherished recipes. MAISON MARUNOUCHI at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi invites guests to a six-course French-inspired feast crafted by Chef Daniel Calvert, featuring the exquisite Ozaki beef, known as the "Phantom of Japanese Wagyu," promising a memorable evening filled with sophisticated flavours and genuine service.

Immerse in festive flavours at KHAO by Four Seasons in Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai , where vibrant street food, sizzling stir-fries, and aromatic curries are enjoyed alongside Lanna-style music and dance. Experience a lively Feliz Navidad at Curiosa by Jean-Georges in Four Seasons Hotel Doha , where Latina cuisine and live entertainment create an unforgettable night. Alternatively, discover the Seychelles' Kreol culture with a festive-themed dinner at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles , featuring a sumptuous spread of local fish curries, fresh seafood, and island desserts, all set to colourful entertainment.

Step into a winter wonderland at Off Piste, the ski lodge-inspired restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire , where a heartwarming Alpine menu features comforting dishes like cheese fondue, bratwurst, and a decadent chocolate fondue. Delight in a winter-themed afternoon tea in the picturesque Drawing Room, featuring themed cakes, finger sandwiches, scones, and Champagne, for a quintessential seasonal indulgence. Warm up with craft whiskies and Christmas cocktails expertly crafted by Mixologist Surinder Virk in the historic Library Bar. .

Taste holiday wonders at Opus Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney Resort , where Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber’s artisanal gelato includes gingerbread, eggnog, and chocolate peppermint flavours. At Four Seasons Hotel Beijing , delight in Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea, a refined experience featuring a selection of sweet creations paired with aromatic mulled wine.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with exquisite mooncakes from Four Seasons. At Four Seasons Hotel Macao , Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen offers gourmet mooncakes, crafted from the finest ingredients and featuring classic fillings, in new stylish square scarf packaging. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou features a range of mooncake boxes, from the Classic with mixed nuts and lotus paste to the Lava with custard and truffle flavours, and the Deluxe with lotus paste and coconut paste. Two Michelin starred Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong continues its tradition, introducing a new rose-flavoured winter melon paste mooncake, accompanied by a rechargeable LED folding paper lantern, as part of its signature mooncake series for this year's festivities.

Ring in 2024 with extraordinary experiences. Enjoy a seven-course prix fixe menu at Auro, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, crafted by Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia. After dinner, keep the celebration going at the Resort’s secret speakeasy with live entertainment, cocktails, and a champagne countdown. Look forward to the MÚZSA Champagne Countdown at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest , featuring craft cocktails, Asian hors d'oeuvres, and a stunning ballet performance. Celebrate atop the city’s tallest tower at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia , where Jean-Georges Philadelphia and SkyHigh host a soirée with a grand ice sculpture raw bar, interactive food stations, and live entertainment, all against the dazzling lights of Center City.

Feast into the New Year in magical settings. In Istanbul at Ocakbaşı at Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus , enjoy a romantic evening with a special menu in private glass domes at water’s edge, or celebrate in style in the iconic Old Town of Istanbul, where Executive Chef Özgür Üstün crafts a multicourse dinner in a fairytale setting at Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet . For a seaside gala, join the celebration at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi on Serai Beach, where gourmet cuisine, live entertainment, and dancing under the stars await. Celebrate amid the bamboo jungles at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle with cocktails, canapés and live performances at Burma Bar, followed by a menu featuring northern Thai, Burmese, and Laotian dishes at Nong Yao. Alternatively, amid the ancient wonders of The Great Pyramids of Giza with expertly curated catering from Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza .

Step into a world of glamour for a Grand New Year’s Eve Gala dinner in the timeless ambiance of Zafferano restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Baku . Enjoy a sophisticated festive feast and entertainment that blends Hollywood charm and classic tunes, complemented by performances from a live band and DJ. For an unforgettable night, celebrate at PIGNETO in Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi , where "La Dolce Vita" comes to life with seasonally inspired Italian dishes, crafted with the finest Japanese produce and premium Italian ingredients. Enjoy interactive culinary experiences and beautiful views of Tokyo’s skyline and the Imperial Palace Gardens for a sparkling celebration.

Enjoy holiday celebrations with festive rhythms of DJ Santa and live entertainment during a refined fusion of dinner and brunch, “Christmas Drunch”, in an elegant Asiatic-style setting at Isa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid , or host a private pool gathering for up to 6 people on the 8 th floor at the spa, including the pool, terrace, sauna, and steam room. For the younger crowd, the Kids Club at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech offers a magical visit from Santa Claus for Christmas and a Jasmine and Aladdin Kids Party on New Year’s Eve, where children will dive into an enchanting world of Agrabah, with whimsical décor, creative crafts, and thrilling games.

Spend time with Santa at Toro Toro in Four Seasons Hotel Houston for Gingerbread Tea, where children can decorate their own gingerbread houses, enjoy a selection of teas and pastries, and delight in the company of Santa Claus and his friends. Alternatively, enjoy breakfast with Santa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North featuring a celebratory buffet of breakfast favourites and a special appearance by Santa himself, for a joyful and memorable holiday season.

Be enchanted by festive trimmings at Four Seasons. At The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, a majestic Christmas tree is framed by ocean views, while a gingerbread house, created in partnership with a local charity, invites guests to decorate and contribute to a children's orphanage. Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt becomes a magical winter wonderland with a grand two-storey Christmas tree in the lobby with another towering tree outdoors set against the stunning Red Sea and lush gardens. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui blends sustainability with tradition, featuring a Christmas tree adorned with rice plants and local flowers that will benefit the community long after the season. At Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown , LED-lit floral displays and a sparkling Christmas tree create a warm, festive atmosphere that complements the vibrant energy of Lower Manhattan.

It’s a dream come true for chocolate lovers at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, where the lobby's centrepiece is a whimsical chocolate bar of creations crafted by the talented pastry team. This chocolate extravaganza features chocolates in all forms, from colourful bonbons and cookies to a decadent hot chocolate and coffee bar. Meanwhile, at Four Seasons Resort Lanai guests can personalize their stay and decorate their own room or suite with a Christmas tree, available in a six-foot or tabletop size, complete with festive ornaments and lights, delivered by the floral team, making for the perfect holiday activity to share with loved ones., making for the perfect holiday activity to share with loved ones.

For more year-end offerings, read more here .

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Roam With Cowboys and Flamingos in France’s Wild, Wild South

Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

By Alexis Steinman

Alexis Steinman, a writer based in Marseille, France, rode horses, bikes and boats while exploring the Camargue.

A flamboyance of flamingos was feeding on plankton in a reed-lined marsh. The water reflected their lithe bodies beneath clouds the color of their plumage, blushed by the setting sun. Suddenly, my guide told me to grab my binoculars: Black silhouettes of cows waded through the marsh like hippos in the Serengeti. I had never seen cattle so graceful in the water. This aquatic ballet perfectly summed up the Camargue.

Set in the largest delta in Western Europe, the Camargue, a rustic region of France where the Rhone River meets the Mediterranean Sea, has more water than land and more bulls than people. Thousands of birds migrate to its nutrient-dense terrain. It’s a colorful mosaic: verdant farmland, blue lagoons, sandy beaches and white salt mounds sprouting from marshes tinged pink by microscopic shrimp. “The landscape changes every day,” said my guide, Jean-Yves Boulithe, 56. Yet the Camarguais culture, of fishermen and mustachioed cowboys called gardians , gives the feeling that time stopped at the turn of the 20th century — as do the limited Wi-Fi and cell service.

The Camargue is best experienced in the slow lane, which I kept in mind as I rented a car in Marseille last April for a grand tour of the region, which hugs the coast about halfway between Marseille and Montpellier, south of the tourist hub of Arles. I had been warned about the whipping mistral wind and mosquitoes that keep less rugged travelers away. I had remembered to pack footwear that could get muddy, since many areas are accessible only on foot, in a saddle or on a bike.

A land of salt and mosquitoes

Near Arles, the Rhone splits into two branches, the Petit and Grand, and in this wishbone sits the roughly 300-square-mile Île de Camargue. The Rhone’s yearly floods have menaced the island ever since Phocaean traders and farmers arrived there from Marseille in 600 B.C. In 1869, Napoleon III completed a system of sea dikes and river canals that controlled the floods but transformed the landscape.

Petit Rhone

Montpellier

Grand Rhone

Aigues-Mortes

Salin-de-Giraud

Stes.-Maries-de-la-Mer

Mediterranean Sea

Then in the 20th century, a different type of transformation occurred: Made famous in films, the Camargue became known as the unbridled Far South, roamed by the gardians of French westerns.

The region’s wild terrain may appear untamed, but human intervention has shaped it. Or as a permanent exhibit at the Musée de la Camargue , east of the village of Albaron (admission 7 euros, or $7.65), put it, today’s Camargue is the result of generations of an “incessant fight against floods and salty soil.” If not, the land would have drowned or dried into a salt desert.

Each element of the Camargue’s ecosystem is linked: Tiny, purple wedge clams, or tellines, thrive in just the right blend of saltwater and freshwater. The pans where seawater becomes the region’s prized salt depend on the arid climate for evaporation. The horses and bulls act as four-legged lawn mowers. Even the mosquitoes are important, as a food source for birds. The insects swarm in the summer, and tourists — 75 percent of them French — do too. Spring and fall are the best time to visit.

Ferry ride to another world

The Bac de Barcarin , a tiny car ferry on the eastern edge of the region, takes three minutes to cross the Rhone, but with departures every half-hour, it might be faster to swim. The ferry (€6) lands in Salin-de-Giraud , a town perched at the edge of one of the salt pans that bookend the Camargue. I climbed to the observation point for a bird’s-eye view of them: Snow-white mounds rose from pools colored 50 shades of pink.

My food-obsessed friends had raved about La Chassagnette (€143, set menu for lunch or dinner, plus wine), a 20-minute drive north on the Route de la Mer. This Michelin-starred restaurant puts seasonal vegetables center stage: tempura fava bean leaves, charred mini-leeks beneath flame-roasted pigeon and smoky peas that tasted of a summer barbecue. “In the Camargue, the mix of flora and fauna create a world where everything is linked,” said the chef, Armand Arnal , “which creates something magical.”

Where bird lovers are born

More than 400 bird species flock to the Camargue, which is along the largest migratory corridor between Europe and Africa. Eager to spot some in the wild, I had booked a night at Mas de l’Ange du Vaccarès , whose website advertised a sunset bird-watching tour with Mr. Boulithe, the guesthouse’s owner, as my guide.

His encyclopedic knowledge converted me into a bird lover. Each species has its own personality, he said. The spoonbill uses its eponymous beak to scoop up tiny fish, and the chirp of the black-winged stilt matches its adorable strut. Instead of a room in the chic 17th-century farmhouse, I chose a lagoon-side cabin (starting at €200 a night, including breakfast) with a giant window for bird-watching in bed. It was hard to sleep in with the squawking chorus and Technicolor sunrise.

After a copious breakfast, I drove southwest to continue indulging my newfound avian obsession at Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau (about €9, including binoculars). The 150-acre park invites birders to wander wooden footpaths and reed-lined marshes, perhaps spotting a glossy ibis showing off its iridescent feathers, or herons, which are a sign of a healthy environment, as one of the park’s informational panels explained.

I marveled at seeing such a large flock of the Camargue’s emblematic pink flamingos together in the wild — the way they balanced their football-shaped bodies on twig-like legs in the water, then unfolded into elegant gliders in flight. My visit coincided with their mating dance , when males sing and spread their wings wide to seduce prospective partners.

Good for eating, ‘bad for kissing’

Across the southern edge of the Île de Camargue, the Digue de la Mer, a 43-mile-long dike, helps defend the region from the sea. A flat, sometimes bumpy, ride on an electric bike ( about €30 for a half day ) from Stes.-Maries-de-la-Mer, the Camargue’s biggest town, along the dike to Gacholle Lighthouse took two hours and 15 minutes round-trip. On the narrow, sandy path, I felt like Moses parting the salty sea and brackish lagoons.

On the Petit Rhone, a cruise on the 126-seat boat Le Camargue (€16) offered glimpses of black Camargue bulls drinking at the waterside while white egrets dived for fish. The skipper pointed out Za la Cabane du Pêcheur , a local haunt famous for its fresh fish and eccentric owner, Daniel Zarate, 66, known as Za. Never one to say no to a local’s recommendation, I returned later to lunch on charcoal-grilled sea bream, purple tellines the size of press-on nails and octopus bathed in a garlicky rouille that Mr. Zarate warned was “bad for kissing.”

The boat departed from Stes.-Maries-de-la-Mer, which swells with tourists in the summer high season and for religious pilgrimages in late May. St. Sara, a.k.a. the Black Madonna, is worshiped by the Camargue’s Roma people, who traveled in cozy caravans called roulottes. It felt as if I was bunking in a wooden boat when I stayed in a roulotte at the nearby Mas de la Fouque (€260 to €380 per night, including breakfast), a four-star hotel that pairs gastronomic fare with live music on Saturday nights.

Just down the road, the brand-new, fairy-tale-esque cottages at Les Bains Gardians (starting at €300 a night) transform traditional cowboy dwellings into chic retreats with thatched roofs.

A rosé revived

Grapevines blanketed the Camargue before World War II, when rising salinity began to lower the region’s wine quality. New winemakers are using improved techniques to reverse that unfavorable reputation. Eager to taste the wine firsthand, the next morning I continued my journey west toward Aigues-Mortes , the charming, medieval-walled capital of the Sable de Camargue appellation. At Terres de Sable , I sampled a bright, saline gris-de-gris rosé that made the most of the sandy terroir.

The splashy and touristy salt marsh Salins d’Aigues-Mortes, at the western edge of the Camargue, is the largest in the Mediterranean — almost the size of Paris. You can tour the marsh, whose precious fleur de sel is harvested by hand, either solo or with a guide — by foot or bike, or even on a little train (€9 to €34). My guide, Naomie Aurel, 25, explained that the marsh hits peak pink from June to September, a hue caused by tiny shrimp that consume beta-carotene-rich algae. When flamingos eat those shrimp, Ms. Aurel explained, it “paints their plumes like makeup.”

Intrepid travelers can bunk at the new Nuits Salines , modern cabins in a remote section of the marsh that is closed to other visitors (starting at €130). The hidden perk: Bookings give guests after-hours access to the sprawling property, including its secluded beaches.

Riding a unicorn-white steed

Made famous in the 1953 classic film “White Mane” — the French equivalent of “The Black Stallion” — the hardy, ivory Camarguais breed withstands the hot, windy climate. The unicorn-white horses are essential for exploring the region’s wide-open spaces that are not accessible by car.

I signed up for an intimate ride at Mas Saint Germain . “We want you to get to know your horse,” said Laure Vadon, 52, part of the fifth generation of a horse-breeding family. That meant fetching my horse in the field, brushing it before mounting the saddle and feeding it oats as a reward for our ride (about €45 for two hours). The welcome wind kept the mosquitoes away as we rode to the Étang de Vaccarès , a 25-square-mile lagoon that was so vast, I mistook it for the sea.

Ms. Vadon also raises Camarguais cattle, their ebony coats a photogenic contrast to the horses. Some bulls are bred for equine traditions like the courses camarguaises , a type of nonfatal bullfight. Others are destined for the table as flame-grilled steaks at places like the lunch-only Chez Bob (set menu, about €60).

Retro chic and a museum of rice

Rice replaced many grapevines in the Camargue as salinity rose in the mid-20th century, and the region now produces most of the rice grown in France, including the red and black varieties prized by chefs. The rice fields help desalinate the delta via a complex series of Rhone-fed canals that flood the fields with freshwater. “We need to keep a close watch on the water, so the rice doesn’t dry out,” explained Marine Rozière, a fourth-generation rice grower whose family also runs the small Maison du Riz museum (€5 admission).

Not far from the rice fields, the curved stone walls of Les Cabanettes , where I spent my last night in the Camargue, didn’t resemble anything else in the region. A Modernist 1960s hotel (rooms starting at €135 a night, breakfast included), it had hardly anything in common with cowboys, bulls, flamingos or salt pans.

Yet this eccentricity only seemed to make it an even better fit for such an improbable land.

“Coming to the Camargue, I had no idea such a place existed in France,” said Aaron Redlin, the American co-owner of the hotel. I couldn’t agree more.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .

Southern Sardinia:  This overlooked island region of Italy, with its idyllic beaches and buzzing capital , is ready to share its essence.

Adirondacks :  New York’s Adirondack Park draws more than 12 million visitors each year. Here’s where to go to avoid the crowds .

Los Angeles:  The California city has one of the most diverse urban forests in the world and each neighborhood has its own characteristic plantings .

Nighttime Activities :  Travel adventures, from goat hikes to snorkeling , get even better when they’re done under the stars.