Munich & The Black Forest, including Salzburg & Strasbourg

This morning, let’s cross the Rhine River and explore the French region of Alsace. First, we’ll start the day with a walking tour of Strasbourg’s old medieval town. Located on a river island named “Grande île”, Strasbourg city centre is UNESCO World Heritage site, characterized by its half-timbered houses, and cobbled stone streets, dominated by the Gothic architecture of its Cathedral.

This afternoon, we’ll discover more with a walking tour of Colmar, a storybook town that seems straight out of a fairy tale, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets. Known as the “Little Venice of Alsace”, due to its canals that wind through the town, Colmar is also a great place to spot storks, depending on the season, so, look up and try to spot their nests on the roofs and chimneys of houses.

After breakfast, travel by coach to the world famous spa town of Baden-Baden, reputed for its salt- and radon-rich thermal hot springs. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden’s highlights including the Kurhaus, Augusta Square, the Colonnades and Lichtental Alley.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive along the Black Forest Ridgeway, offering spectacular views of the Black Forest and its unparalleled richness of natural scenery. Your final stop is the idyllic Lake Mummelsee, which is one of the few cirque lakes in the Black Forest remaining from the ice age. Due to its unusual location and beautiful natural setting, many tales featuring water nymphs and an underwater king grew up around this legendary lake. Here, you can buy some traditional Black Forest souvenirs such as the cuckoo clock or enjoy a piece of the famous Black Forest cake.

After breakfast, travel by coach to the vibrant university city of Freiburg, situated at the foot of the Black Forest’s wooded slopes and vineyards, for a guided walking tour of the city centre. Freiburg, also known as the “Jewel of the Black Forest”, is home to one of Germany’s oldest universities and a Gothic sandstone cathedral. Be captured by its medieval old town, charming gabled town houses, cobblestone lanes and cafe-rimmed plazas.

On the way back to Strasbourg, we’ll make a stop for a food and wine tasting. Let’s experience more with some Alsatian specialities such as choucroute (sauerkraut), flammekueche (a thin, crispy tart), and the region’s renowned wines, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer.