German Christmas Holiday

Your tour commences this evening in wonderful Frankfurt: a city of contrasts – from modern skyscrapers to beautifully maintained old buildings. There is so much to see and do in the city centre, including the Christmas markets on the Römerberg, which has traditionally been the centrepiece of the Advent season in Frankfurt. If you have time prior to the tour commencing, we recommend you visit them! Dinner tonight is included in your hotel, but first, enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. (D) Stay: Maritim Hotel Frankfurt, Germany

The ancient university town of Heidelberg is only an hour's drive away. Set in the wooded Neckar Valley, with its twin towered bridge and red sandstone castle, we spend the morning here. Moving on to delightful Baden Baden you will have time to explore the Christmas Market, which is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Kurhaus and the colonnades lit up by thousands of lights, in the heart of the festively decorated old town.

Late afternoon we drive deep into the Black Forest to the village of Hornberg where we stay for the next six nights over Christmas. During your stay all breakfasts and dinners are included and there is also Turkey lunch on Christmas Day. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

After a leisurely departure this morning we cross the River Rhine and enter France to visit Strasbourg. A local guide will join us to bring to life this historic medieval town. The rest of the day is free to explore the old town. The Christmas Markets around the Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie are beautifully decorated and a delight. This traditional Christmas Market, which dates back to 1570, is one of the oldest and finest, and boasts one of the highest Christmas trees in Europe.

Time to do that last minute shopping, indulge in the mulled wine, ginger biscuits and ‘Bredele' (small Alsatian biscuits), take in the music, fabulously decorated trees and folklore displays. Late afternoon we cross back into Germany and make a very special stop in the picture postcard village of Gengenbach. The ornate Christmas markets are set in the old town centre which dates back hundreds of years. Behind the giant Christmas tree, the beautiful 18th century town hall becomes the largest advent calendar in the world.

Our visit is timed so we are in the markets after dusk as the advent calendar window is opened in celebration. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

Christmas Eve! An exciting day as we drive through the conifers and snow covered meadows to reach Hofgut Sternen - ‘the Black Forest Village' to discover how cuckoo clocks are made, and to enjoy Black Forest gâteau and coffee. Afterwards we enjoy lunchtime on nearby beautiful Lake Titisee.

This afternoon, back at your hotel, we have included afternoon tea with Christmas biscuits and later this evening relax and enjoy our traditional festive Christmas Eve dinner. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

Christmas Day as it should be…in a wonderful location – relaxing, eating, drinking and definitely no Indiana Jones repeats or visits from long, lost relatives! This is a day to relax and savour the delights of the valley you are staying in. Nearby you will find numerous hiking paths and walkways to enjoy. A Christmas Day Turkey lunch is included at your hotel. Mid afternoon we have included a guided village walk.

Later we gather for ‘the Hornberger shooting'. This historical re-enactment provides insight into the local event which took place in 1576. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

Boxing Day!A leisurely morning in your castle hotel to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

This afternoon we have included a glorious visit to the ‘Royal Winter Magic' at Hohenzollern Castle with its many towers and turrets which are surrounded by ramps and fortifications. The castle rises majestically from atop an 855 metre high mountain overlooking the Swabian Alb (Highlands). We will use a local shuttle bus to travel up the wooded road from the coach park to the castle. The Royal Winter Magic event promises to indulge you with enchanting illuminations and festive decorations. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

This morning we are joined by our local guide when we visit the capital of the Black Forest – the Gothic city of Freiburg. Sensitively restored, Freiburg is one of the most charming German cities located where the Black Forest meets the Rhine Plain. Arcaded shopping streets and little streams lead through the old town to its great Gothic Münster with a splendid tower and richly decorated interior.

This afternoon in Triberg we visit the Schwarzwald Museum (Black Forest Museum). Tonight we indulge in our farewell Medieval Banquet in the cellars of the Schloss. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schloss, Hornberg, Germany

This morning it is time to say farewell as your tour ends with a transfer to Luzern, via Zürich (drop off at Airport and train station in the city centre). We recommend that you book flights that depart Zurich after 2pm today. (B)