Christmas Markets of the Black Forest & Alsace

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in Metz, France.

Our first stop of the day is Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas and home to France’s oldest Christmas market. Here we can enjoy 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.

Our next visit is the charming medieval town of Freiburg, a city full of beautiful, cobbled squares. The Freiburg Christmas Market is a highlight, offering a delightful array of festive stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional German treats and mulled wine.

Afterwards, we continue to our hotel in Oberharmersbach, where we spend the next three nights.

We tour the hauntingly beautiful Black Forest, home to centuries of German history. First, 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 fairytale. Next is the colourful and picturesque town of Rottweil. Famous for its medieval centre, in appearance very little has changed since the 16th century. The last stop of the day is Triberg, which is famous for having the world’s largest cuckoo clock (which is the size of a two-storey building), the highest waterfall in Germany, and is the birthplace of the original Black Forest Cherry cake recipe!

We return to Oberharmersbach in time for dinner at our hotel.

We spend the morning at Mulhouse. During the Christmas season, Mulhouse transforms into a winter wonderland with its enchanting Christmas markets. The main market is held at Place de la Réunion, where there are beautifully decorated stalls offering a variety of handcrafted gifts. The market is famous for its unique Christmas fabric, which is used to adorn the chalets and other parts of the city, adding a special touch to the festive atmosphere. In the afternoon, after lunch (not included) we head to Colmar.

Colmar's Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque in Alsace, set amidst charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Highlights include the Place des Dominicains with its beautiful church backdrop and the Place de l'Ancienne Douane. The entire town is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for a festive stroll.

We return to the hotel evening and enjoy a late dinner.

We travel to Reims in France for our overnight stay. On the way, we stop at Nancy. The city is renowned for its Art Nouveau buildings and vibrant cultural scene, making it a delightful stop for lunch (not included) before continuing our journey to Reims.

Our optional excursion takes us first to the town of Épernay, the self-titled capital du champagne in the heart of the vineyards. We visit one of the renowned champagne houses where we have the opportunity to taste some of the finest champagnes in the region. The tasting session will include a selection of different champagnes, allowing us to appreciate the unique flavours and characteristics that define Épernay's champagne.

Next, we head to head to Mercia, where we will continue our champagne-tasting tour. This visit includes a guided tour of the cellar, where we learn about the history and production process of their exquisite champagnes. A truly wonderful experience to savour on our last morning together!

Ferry from Calais to Dover.