The Beautiful Black Forest

Itinerary

The Beautiful Black Forest

The Black Forest is renowned for its dark green coniferous trees, half-timbered houses and rushing waterfalls. This breathtaking region must be seen to be believed, the landscape so astounding and inspiring, it’s no wonder the Black Forest is one of the most picturesque regions to visit in Germany! Our tour takes us into the very heart of the Black Forest to fairytale-like villages nestled amongst the mountainside and elegant German towns, such as Baden-Baden and Freiburg.

The Beautiful Black Forest

Itinerary

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2

We continue on to our hotel in Oberharmersbach, stopping en-route in the beautiful city of Strasbourg.

Day 3 – Scenic tour of the Black Forest (Rottweil & Triberg)

We tour the hauntingly beautiful Black Forest, home to centuries of German history. Our scenic adventure begins with the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg, Rottweil. The name might sound like the dog breed, Rottweiler, because Rottweiler is descended from drover dogs left by the Roman Legion in Rottweil! The town has an attractive Old Town of towers, churches and fountains and is famous for its medieval centre which has changed very little in appearance since the 16th century.

Next, we head to Triberg in the heart of the Black Forest. You’ll notice walking around the centre of Triberg, a large amount of Black Forest gâteau in the windows and cuckoo clocks. Triberg is the birthplace of the original Black Forest Cherry cake recipe! And if that’s not impressive enough, Triberg is also famous for having the world’s largest cuckoo clock (which is the size of a two-storey building) and for having the largest waterfall in Germany – falling an impressive 163 metres in a series of cascades.

Day 4 – Optional excursion to Freiburg & Lake Titisee (£16pp)

Today on our optional excursion, we travel to Titisee, one of the largest lakes in the region. Here, we can admire the crystal-clear glacial waters and take pleasure in the beautiful scenery along the lakeshore. Additionally, we can explore numerous small stores offering handmade products and local food delicacies.

After spending time at Lake Titisee, we next head to the charming medieval town of Freiburg. You’d be forgiven if you think you’ve stepped into a fairytale – a city full of beautiful, cobbled squares, colourfully painted houses, red terracotta roofs and the famous Münsterplatz, a square in the heart of the city, home to Freiburg’s famous food market and the Historisches Kaufhaus, or Merchant’s Hall. Towering above the square is the grand cathedral, the 11th-century Freiburger Münster.

Day 5 – Day at leisureDay 6 – Baden-Baden & Freudenstadt

We make our way to the pretty spa town of Baden-Baden. Set against the backdrop of the luscious and enchanting Black Forest, reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm fairytales, Baden-Baden is a magical and elegant town built on thermal springs which has made it an ideal spa getaway for centuries.

Next, we travel to Freudenstadt on the famous Black Forest High Road also known as the B500. One of the most spectacular forest roads in the world and is featured in many advertisements and films. The town of Freudenstadt is a popular destination of rest and relaxation. Some famous names are associated with this ‘climatic health resort’ such as the American writer Mark Twain.

Day 7 –Schiltach & Gengenbach

Today we travel to Schiltach in the very heart of the Black Forest. This lovely destination is full of half-timbered houses, straight out of a story book. The town centre, or 'Städtle', offers a chance to see how this small town looked centuries in the past. Later, we travel to our second stop of the day, the pretty town of Gengenbach. Wander along the river or through the old town, which boasts romantic half-timbered houses, and charming winding streets.

Day 8 – Heidelberg

We head to the beautiful town of Heidelberg. Built on the banks of the River Neckar, the city is surrounded by lush green hills and boasts a castle and Baroque-style Old Town full of grand and beautifully-preserved buildings. We then continue to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.

Day 9

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

The Beautiful Black Forest

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings 
• First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France (JG3 rating) (last night with light evening meal)
• 6 nights at a selected Bären hotel, Oberharmersbach (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Welcome drink
• Entertainment one evening
• Scenic tour of the Black Forest (Rottweil & Triberg)
• Excursions to Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt, Schiltach & Gengenbach
• En-route visits to Strasbourg & Heidelberg
• Free time in Oberharmersbach

Optional excursion to Freiburg & Lake Titisee (£16pp)

The Beautiful Black Forest

• Scenic tour of the Black Forest (Rottweil & Triberg)
• Excursions to Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt, Schiltach & Gengenbach
• En-route visits to Strasbourg & Heidelberg

JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

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Accommodation

Selected Hotel

JG3 rating

We’ll stay at a selected Bären hotel in Oberharmersbach. All rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant. All meals are buffet style.

Your hotels will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotels will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.