In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Fly to Basel and travel to Freudenstadt
Touch down in Basel this morning, and meet your friendly, experienced tour manager at the airport, before travelling through the region's enchanting winter scenery to your hotel, nestled on the edge of the Black Forest National Park.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a drink, and will then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in, mingle with your fellow travellers or explore the local area. Later this evening, settle into the hotel’s restaurant for a welcome dinner.
Included visits to Freiburg and Colmar
Kick off your Christmas celebrations with breakfast at the hotel ahead of an excursion to two nearby towns, Freiburg and Colmar, popular for festivities and Christmas markets at this time of year.
The first stop will be Freiburg, home to a reconstructed medieval old town, historic town halls, and lively beer halls, all illuminated with lights and decorations. Accompanied by your tour manager, set out into the city and take in its most famous landmarks including Freiburg Minster to the historic Rathausplatz, one of the city’s prettiest squares. You’ll then come to Freiburg’s delightful Christmas market, which has been around since 1973 and features over 120 stalls. Embrace local traditions with a steaming glass of Glühwein as you browse the hand-crafted trinkets and try some festive fare, like raclette and roasted almonds. At the heart of the market, an antique, wooden Ferris Wheel can also be found and presents the perfect way to take in the city from above.
This afternoon, continue into Alsace to Colmar, a town renowned for its storybook charm. Join a friendly local guide for an exploration of the town’s memorable highlights as you pass the colourful half-timbered houses of ‘La Petite Venise’ (Little Venice). You’ll stop at the Unterlinden Museum, which is housed in a stunning Dominican convent, before spending time browsing Colmar’s magical Christmas markets for the perfect blend of tradition and holiday spirit.
In the evening, you’ll return to the hotel for dinner with the other travellers.
Christmas Eve - Included Black Forest drive
Mark Christmas eve with a scenic full day’s excursion into the Black Forest region for some fresh air and a scenic drive. This expanse of mountains, forests, and quaint villages is often linked to the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and is even more enchanting during the festive period, covered in snow.
You’ll begin by calling at Triberg im Schwarzwald, a town located in the centre of the Black Forest, and popular for its waterfalls and cuckoo clocks. The Triberger Waterfalls, are in fact, one of the tallest waterfalls in Germany, ringed by various viewpoints and gushing down several stages amongst the lush greenery. There are also clock shops in abundance here, where you can purchase your own timepiece if you want. The world’s largest and smallest cuckoo clocks can be viewed here, too.
Throughout the day, you’ll also have the chance to visit a number of the traditional German villages that make the region so enchanting. If you have the chance, don’t miss out on trying some fresh Black Forest ham, or a slice of the area’s indulgent namesake cake.
In the evening, you’ll head back to the hotel for the final dinner.
Christmas Day - Day at leisure with special festive lunch
Commemorate Christmas morning with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before setting out to spend the day however you see fit. For a more easy-going time, head up to the onsite spa for a brisk dip in its heated outdoor pool, or spend some time warming up in the sauna. You can also find a number of picturesque walking trails near the hotel which promise the perfect setting for a gentle morning’s stroll.
This afternoon, reconvene at the hotel for an indulgent Christmas lunch ahead of more time at leisure and dinner at the hotel’s restaurant later in the evening.
Boxing Day - Included visit to Baden-Baden
After breakfast, celebrate Boxing Day with an excursion to the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden. Upon arrival, join your friendly local guide for a fascinating introduction to the town’s historic thermal baths, grand architecture and charming streets.
Visit the iconic Kurhaus, with its pillared facades, and stroll through the serene Lichtentaler Allee park as your guide outlines the town's rich history as a wellness destination. During the tour, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Roman Baths and discover the town's fascinating spa traditions.
In the evening, return to the hotel for a relaxing dinner to reflect on your day in this elegant and historic town.
Transfer to Basel airport for flight home
After breakfast, you’ll check out and journey to Basel airport for your flight home.