The Beautiful Black Forest - JG Explorer

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

Overnight stay at a hotel near Metz, France on a bed and breakfast basis with an en-route visit to Luxembourg.

We continue on to our hotel in Oberharmersbach, stopping en route in the cities of Strasbourg and Colmar. Strasbourg is a picturesque city of beautiful architecture, with its unique blend of French and German influences contributing to its vibrant cultural scene. We explore here before making our way to Colmar, where we stop to enjoy lunch (not included).

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 16^th 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.

We also explore exhibits on traditional crafts and the history of the Black Forest railway at the Black Forest  Museum, which features an impressive collection of Black Forest clocks, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship that the region is known for.

Our optional excursion takes us 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 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 11^th-century Freiburger Münster.

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.

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.

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.

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.