Join us on a wonderful 8-day tour of Germany’s spectacular Black Forest region. A mountainous area renowned for its spruce and fir covered mountains, gentle valleys, spectacular gorges carved by the River Rhine and picturesque villages that look as though they have been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Famous for its extravagant traditional costumes, cuckoo clocks and, not forgetting, scrumptious Black Forest Gâteau this tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, promising unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights.
Day 1 SATURDAY We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to France. We continue through France to our overnight hotel in Laon.
Day 2 SUNDAY Travelling south we cross the border into Germany, arriving at our hotel in Schallstadt in time for dinner and our 5-night stay.
Day 3 MONDAY Today, we enjoy a scenic tour of the heart of the Black Forest. Our first stop is in Triberg, the birthplace of the much-loved Black Forest gateau and best known for its world-famous wooden cuckoo clocks, including the world's largest. You can also visit the town's spectacular waterfalls, the highest in Germany, before we continue to the Black Forest Open Air Museum. Here, we will gain insight into over six hundred years of Black Forest life by exploring traditional farmhouses alongside live workshops by local craftworkers including a Black Forest gateau cooking demonstration, which includes a slice of the delicious cake.
Day 4 TUESDAY A free day to explore at leisure the picturesque village of Schallstadt with its half-timbered houses and romantic narrow streets and alleyways. Slightly further afield, there are regular local trains that whisk you into the heart of nearby Freiburg, a medieval city overlooked by castle ruins; home to 'The Red Bear', reputed to be Germany's oldest inn.
Day 5 WEDNESDAY Discover the charm of Strasbourg from a unique perspective on a guided walking tour and guided boat tour. Glide along the Ill River and take in the city’s stunning architecture and rich history. You can explore Strasbourg’s most famous sights, including the Petite France district, Neustadt, and the European Quarter, all from the comfort of a boat.
Day 6 THURSDAY This morning we make our way to beautiful Titisee, one of the largest lakes in the region. Here, we can admire the crystalclear glacial waters and take in the beautiful scenery along the lakeshore. Later, enjoy a ride on the Wutach Valley Railway - one of the most unusual and impressive stretches of railway in Germany and popularly known as the Sauschwänzlebahn (the 'Pigtail Line'), because of the twisting route around the Black Forest.
Day 7 FRIDAY Departing after breakfast we journey back into France to our overnight hotel in Reims.
Day 8 SATURDAY We make our way to Calais and the channel crossing to Dover, where we continue the journey, arriving home later this afternoon.
This family-run hotel is located in beautiful Black Forest countryside, a 15-minute drive from Freiburg city centre. Hotel-Restaurant Zum Ochsen offers traditional country-style rooms and Baden cuisine. The bright rooms feature wooden interiors, a seating area and private bathroom. Cable TV and free Wi-Fi with most rooms having a balcony with panoramic forest views. A rich breakfast buffet and regional Baden specialities are served in the rustic-style restaurant or on the scenic beer terrace. Lift access available to bedrooms.
