Christmas In The Black Forest By Rail

Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary

• Dec 23

  We journey aboard the Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg. On arrival, you’ll be transferred by coach to the beautiful town of Freiburg, where we check in and enjoy our evening meal.

  Meals - Dinner

• Christmas Eve - Villingen

  After breakfast, we walk to the railway station and take the train to Villingen, where you’ll have time to explore the historical centre with its beautiful half-timbered houses, romantic alleys and babbling brooks. Delve into the past and take in the town wall with its mighty fortifications and gate towers. You can even enjoy the variety of the Baden and Swabian cuisine in one of the numerous restaurants and cafés. We return to the hotel for our 4-course Christmas Eve buffet meal this evening.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Christmas Day - Freiburg

  Merry Christmas! After breakfast, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Freiburg on board a vintage tram. Freiburg's history, which dates back to the 11th century, is still apparent in the city’s historic buildings and picturesque narrow streets. The medieval Swabian Gate, the elaborate facades of the buildings and, of course, the Freiburg Cathedral strike an exciting contrast to the city’s modern, trail-blazing architecture. Take in the historic Old Town, and marvel at historic buildings such as the 16th-century Historical Merchants Hall with its eye-catching dark red intricately decorated façade.

  After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore before we enjoy an included lunch in a local restaurant. This evening, we gather in the hotel for our 4-course buffet meal.

  Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Boxing Day - Colmar with Guided Tour & Riquewihr

  Today we travel by coach over the border to the Alsace and to the pretty town of Colmar where we will enjoy a guided walking tour. The centre of Colmar sits on the Lauch River and was the last town in France to be freed after the second World War. Today, Colmar is one of the prettiest towns in the Alsace, with half-timbered and brightly coloured houses sitting on cobbled lanes and picturesque canal quarter.

  Later, we continue to the small, picturesque town of Riquewihr with its medieval architecture. The town’s rich history and winemaking tradition add to the seasonal charm, ensuring a special experience for visitors. Additionally, local culinary specialties, such as Alsatian wines, festive pastries and traditional confectioneries, are available for you to sample, giving a genuine taste of the region’s festive fare. We return to the hotel for our 4-course buffet dinner this evening.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5

  After breakfast, we transfer to Strasbourg for our return journey by rail back to London St. Pancras International.

  Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation