Christmas Markets of the Black Forest & Alsace - JG Explorer

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in either Châlons-en-Champagne or Reims in France.

We continue our journey, stopping en route in Nancy to discover its Christmas markets, known locally as the Saint Nicholas villages. There are several dotted throughout the city, with the traditional cabins adorned with twinkling garlands and a range of local products and gift ideas on offer. Don't miss Place Charles III's arts and crafts section, which surrounds the nostalgic merry-go-round, as well as the magical atmosphere of Place Stanislas, one of Europe's most spectacular squares. Later, we enjoy an overnight stay in Haguenau with dinner included.

After a leisurely breakfast, we make our way to Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas and home to France’s oldest Christmas market. Soak up the welcoming atmosphere and explore the mesmerising blend of French and German styles of architecture on display, lit up with spectacular illuminations for the festive season. Elsewhere, take the chance to discover the astronomical clock at the gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame (once the world's tallest building!), stroll past quaint half-timbered houses in the Petite France district or try some traditional Alsatian specialities like flammkuchen/tarte flambée, crispy wafer-thin flatbread traditionally topped with crème fraîche, bacon and red onion. Later, we continue to our hotel in Oberharmersbach, where we spend the next three nights.

After a morning at leisure, we take an afternoon trip to the charming medieval town of Freiburg, a city full of beautiful, cobbled squares. The Freiburg Christmas Market is a real highlight of the region, offering a delightful array of festive stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional German treats and mulled wine against the backdrop storybook architecture.

Today we tour the beautiful Black Forest, a region of rich history and storied landscapes. First, we travel to Triberg, famous for having the world’s largest cuckoo clock (which is the size of a two-storey building!), the highest waterfall in Germany and being the birthplace of the original Black Forest Cherry cake recipe! Be sure to sample some of the delicious sweet treat here, take a stroll to see Triberg Waterfall or visit the Black Forest Museum to learn more about this region. Next is the colourful and picturesque town of Rottweil, renowned for its medieval centre, followed by Schiltach in the very heart of the Black Forest, full of half-timbered houses straight out of a fairytale, quaint cafés and little shops. Later, we return to Oberharmersbach in time for dinner at our hotel.

After checking out of our hotel, we begin our journey to Reims, where we stay overnight with dinner included. We stop in Épernay along the way, the capital of France's champagne-producing region. Enjoy some free time here or take the chance to join our optional excursion to the celebrated Mercier cellar for a tour and a tasting, discovering the emblematic blend of the Pinot Noir and Meunier grape varieties.

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Reims to discover its stunning cathedral and other highlights before heading to Calais for our return ferry home.