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Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Start your festivities and join us in exploring the magical Christmas markets of Strasbourg and Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. We visit the fairytale that is Freiburg – where a more intimate market is held among the medieval lanes. We also visit the quaint Black Forest town of Gengenbach, home to the world's largest Advent Calendar. This is topped off with a scenic railway journey through the Black Forest so if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit or need to get some last-minute gifts, this rail holiday is the one for you!
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 4 evening meals
- Return Eurostar from London St. Pancras International – Paris
- Connecting rail travel
- Coach transfers for our excursions
- Welcome drink
- Services of our experienced Tour Manager
5 days from £1,175pp
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Inbound Travel
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Itinerary
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We journey aboard Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg. On arrival, you’ll be transferred by coach to Strasbourg Christmas Markets. You’ll have time to wander around, enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere, and pick up gifts of every kind. After some free time, we transfer by coach to our hotel where we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner tonight.
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
After breakfast, we board the coach which will take us to the small town of Villingen. Here you’ll have time to explore the historical centre with its beautiful half-timbered houses, romantic alleys and babbling brooks. We continue to Donaueschingen where we will board the Höllentalbahn Railway for a scenic journey to Freiburg. The Höllentalbahn is one of the best ways to discover Germany's famous Black Forest in all its fairytale glory. The 46-mile route curls in and out of the forest and its highlights include the Ravenna Gorge and the Hirchsprungfelsen rock formation.
On arrival in Freiburg will we enjoy a walking tour of the city with a local guide before some free time to wander around the highlights of the Christmas market. We return to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
We travel by coach to Triberg, which is famous for its cuckoo clocks and its location next to Germany’s highest waterfall. We enjoy a guided visit to the cuckoo clock museum followed by a piece of Black Forest gateau (Schwarzwald cake) at a local café. Afterwards, we continue by coach to the village Gengenbach to see the world's largest Advent Calendar. The 24 windows of the Town Hall are each decorated with a festive scene and a window is revealed every evening during Advent. You’ll have some free time to take in the magnificent Christmas scents and festive atmosphere whilst you stroll around this romantic town. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we travel by coach over the border to the Alsace and to the pretty town of Colmar where we will enjoy a guided walking tour. The centre of Colmar sits on the Lauch River and was the last town in France to be freed after the second World War. Today Colmar is one of the prettiest towns in the Alsace, with half-timbered and brightly coloured houses sitting on cobbled lanes and picturesque canal quarter.
Later, we continue to the small, picturesque town of Riquewihr which is illuminated by festive lights, casting a warm glow on its medieval architecture. The town’s rich history and winemaking tradition add to the seasonal charm, ensuring a special experience for visitors. Additionally, local culinary specialties, such as Alsatian wines and festive pastries and traditional confectioneries, are available for you to sample, giving a genuine taste of the region’s festive fare. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
After breakfast, we transfer to Strasbourg for our return journey by rail back to London St. Pancras International.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 3-star Castle Hotel Schloss Hornberg.
Schloss Hornberg
The 3-star Castle Hotel Schoss Hornberg is a castle style hotel located in the hills above the Gutachtal Valley in the Black Forest. The hotel has its own gardens offering beautiful views of the valley below and surrounding area. A rich breakfast buffet is served each morning, and the restaurant offers regional specialities for the evening meals. The bar has a selection of local and international wines. Spacious bedrooms have free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a minibar. Please note there is no lift at this hotel.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- 3 Star
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer on Request
Service
- Safe Box in Reception
- Bureau de Change
- Room Service Available
Accessibility
- Fridge Available for Medical Requirements
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Bureau de Change
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
Holidays by Rail
Step aboard Eurostar at London St Pancras for a fast and comfortable journey to mainland Europe. On arrival in Amsterdam or Brussels, you will then join connecting services for your onward journey.
Overnight stays in Central London can be arranged as Eurostar departure times are generally early morning and return arrival in the evening, which our Holiday Advisors would be pleased to arrange.
Departure Dates
