The Black Forest & the Alsace

Day 1

Travel to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. Making suitable refreshment stops we arrive at the hotel in the Black Forest with time to freshen up before our evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast, we cross into France and head to the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, to Riquewihr, a mediaeval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, classified among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’. For centuries this magnificent town has managed to combine the quality of its architecture with the quality of its world-famous wines, from where it gets its nickname ‘The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards’. There are half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th & 18th centuries. We spend a day here visiting the lovely shops and opportunity to try some of the renowned culinary delights, for example, Tarte Flambée or Kugelhopf (a distinctive Alsatian cake baked in a special Bundt mould. It is made with yeast dough often containing raisins and almonds and sometimes soaked in a syrup with kirsch or brandy). Opportunity to take the land train (extra cost) around the town and the vineyards.

Day 3

Today we travel to the southern part of the Black Forest to Lake Titisee, a charming lake town wich was formed by a glacier. Opportunity to walk along the shores of the lake, visit one of the many restaurants/cafes with opportunity to try a delicious slice of Black Forest gateaux. Wood carving is a traditional industry in the area and there are many Cuckoo Clock shops to visit. Try a glass of kirsch, a colourless alcoholic drink distilled from the fermented juice of black cherries. Afterwards we head to the heart of the Black Forest, where we experience the magic of Triberg, a charming town known for several attractions and specialities that make it a popular destination. Opportunity to visit the Black Forest Museum which offers insights into the cultural history, traditions and craftsmanship of the Black Forest Region (entry extra). There are many delightful shops which are sure to tempt. Try a Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage served with sauerkraut.

Day 4

This morning, we visit the famous spa town of Baden-Baden located at the north western border of the Black Forest. In 2021 the town became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ because of its famous spas and architecture that exemplifies the popularity of spa towns in Europe in the 18th through to the 20th centuries. There are plenty ofs hops to browse and opportunity to visit the Lindt Boutique chocolate shop. Time to purchase lunch here before we head back to our hotel stopping at Franz Fies where dry gin, kirshwasser and many more locally produced alcohol is produced.

Day 5

After breakfast we return to Calais making suitable refreshment stops, for our return Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone. Arrive back home approx. 9pm.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included