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Upper Rhine & the Black Forest
Unlock the secrets of the Upper Rhine & the Black Forest as we take you on a less-trodden journey into the old heritage of Germany, savoring authentic traditional cuisines, sampling less-documented fine wines and the magical atmosphere of charming towns and villages.
HIGHLIGHTS
Experience enchanting villages of the Upper Rhine & the Black Forest
Enjoy stays in unique and boutique hotels
Experience exceptional wine and gourmet experiences
Enjoy an intimate experience with local characters
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE FRANKFURT / HEIDELBERG / SPEYER / BADEN-BADEN
Arrive into Frankfurt Intl Airport where you will be met as we begin our journey south to Heidelberg, one of the most romantic cities in Germany. set in a picturesque setting nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest. A destination for all seasons and especially in winter with its incredible Christmas market, Heidelberg paints a stunning picture with its charm overlooked by the Heidelberg Castle, rows of Renaissance-styled buildings and red-hued rooftops. Enjoy a tour exploring medieval old town with its charming cobbled streets and cloistered courtyards as well as admiring impressive landmarks like the Karl Theodor Bridge, the Church of the Holy Spirit and Heidelberg University - Germany’s oldest higher education institution. Thereafter, we make a short detour, getting our first glimpse of the Rhine River as we visit the ancient city of Speyer, on the left bank of the Rhine River and one of Germany's oldest city dating to the 10 BC. Visit the UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral, the largest Romanesque structure in the world, first built in 1030 dedicated to be the burial site of emperors. Enjoy thereafter a walk in the old town with time for lunch. We then continue into the spa town of Baden-Baden, a city renowned for its wellness and gourmet where we arrive and check in into the impressive Brenners Park Hotel & Spa where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Overnight: Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: BADEN-BADEN
A day of flexible touring. Depending on your interests, we set the pace and tone for the day. Recommended sites to visit today include Rastatt Residential Palace, the first Baroque residence in the Rhine region built in the 18th Century in the style of the Palace of Versailles. Worthy of a visit as well is the UNESCO-listed Cistercian Maulbronn Monastery Complex, the best-preserved monastic complex in Northern Europe. Consider a visit as well to the beautiful town of Calw, birthplace of Nobel Prize writer Hermann Karl Hesse, nestled in the Nagold Valley where we not only take a walk through the charming old town filled with incredible and dazzling half-timbered houses but learn about the stories of Hermann Karl Hesse reliving his moments.
This evening, savor to a gastronomic adventure by 2 Michelin stars Chef Paul Stradner's exceptional cuisine over dinner as we enjoy a pleasant and tasteful start to your Rhine & Black Forest sojourn.
Overnight: Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden
Meals: Breakfast & Michelin Dinner
DAY 3: BADEN-BADEN / GENGENBACH / SCHILTACH / TRIBERG / FREIBURG
We leave Baden-Baden today for a journey south making our first stop in the fairytale town of Gengenbach on the western edge of the Black Forest set in the Kinzig Valley and one of the most authentic towns for its stunning setting adorned with half-timbered houses framed by vineyards and orchards. We enjoy a walkthrough of one of Germany's prettiest towns, that became the filming site of Tim Burton's "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". Thereafter, continue deeper into the Kinzig to Schiltach where all your half-timbered houses fantasy come into epic proportions and regarded as one of Germany's "Top 5 Most Beautiful Towns". A stroll through the picture-perfect town also takes us to a visit to its Schüttesage-Museum, a tribute to the town's medieval industries of lumber-rafting and leather tanning.
Next, we head on to small town of Triberg, renowned for its cuckoo clocks, the Triberg Waterfall - the highest falls in Germany as well as German hams and sausages. Finally, we will arrive into the cheerful Black Forest city of Freiburg where we will base ourselves for the next 2 nights at the traditional Colombi Hotel.
Overnight: Colombi Hotel, Freiburg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: FREIBURG & THE KAISERSTUHL VINEYARDS
A magnificent day as we begin the day with an insightful tour of the historic university city of Freiburg, set in between the stunning wine-growing regions of the Rhine and the Black Forest. On a walking tour, we wander around its historic center strolling through cobble-stoned streets and squares, hearing about Freiburg’s history and architecture dating back to the 11th Century. Admire the Freiburg Munster - the town’s majestic sandstone cathedral - that overlooks Münsterplatz square. Take in the impressive sight, with the decorative doorway and many spires and carved gargoyles looking down. Wander the narrow streets around the cathedral to see things like the arcades of the Kaufhaus and the little brooks running near the Munster.
The second half of the day will take us on a short drive to the scenic Kaiserstuhl wine region with its rich fertile terroir producing some of the most incredible and award-winning wines of Europe. We will visit some of our favorite wineries enjoying an insight into the wines of the Upper Rhine, tasting and enjoying lunch in an incredible setting. Return back to Freiburg and in the evening, enjoy a delightful Michelin star dinner tucking into exquisite traditional culinary of Chef Renee Rischmeyer.
Overnight: Colombi Hotel, Freiburg
Meals: Breakfast & Michelin Dinner
DAY 5: FREIBURG / THE MARKGRAFLERLAND WINE REGION / BASEL
We leave Freiburg today for a scenic drive south to the relatively unknown wine region of Markgraflerland yet this is one of the most prolific wine-producing region specializing in the varietals of Gutedel, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris - some of the most revered and sought-after award-winning wines in Germany. We spend a lovely day in the vineyards, enjoying tasting of its wines, savoring exceptional food produce for a relaxing day down the Rhine. Consider as well a visit to the 11th Century fortress ruins of the Rotteln Castle where in its glory days, was a commanding fortification under the seat of the Lords of Rotteln in the Lorrach region. Continue south where we will cross the border into Basel, Switzerland on the left bank of the Rhine River. Arrive and check in at the impressive Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, regarded as one of the best hotels in Europe for its legendary hospitality and grandeur.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: BASEL
Today is a day of flexible sightseeing. You have the option to discover the beautiful Alsatian villages on the left of the Rhine such as Colmar, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg in France or perhaps an excursion of the towns and castles on the Swiss bank of the Rhine culminating in the visit of the Rhine Falls - largest falls in Europe. This evening, we celebrate the finale of your journey enjoying a gastronomic dinner savoring to 3 Michelin stars Chef Peter Knogl's exquisite cuisine at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois' Restaurant Cheval Blanc.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel
Meals: Breakfast & Michelin Dinner
DAY 7: DEPARTURE BASEL
Our journey ends today with option to transfer to Zurich Intl Airport (1hr drive) or a 10mins drive to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg depending on your next destination. Or perhaps continue your journey discovering the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Lavaux in Switzerland or the remarkable Burgundy region in France.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The Brenners Park Hotel & Spa is located in Germany's most renowned wellness city of Baden-Baden and has been a place of relaxation and diversion since 1872. Guests can enjoy all that Baden-Baden is renowned for with one of the most advanced spas in Europe as well as savoring to the exquisite cuisines of 2 Michelin Star Chef Paul Stradner.
Welcome to the Colombi Hotel, one of only a few luxury-class city hotels that is still run by its owners. Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque old part of Freiburg, is the perfect base for exploring Freiburg or an excursion to the Black Forest while savoring to the exceptional cuisine of Michelin star Chef Renee Rischmeyer.
The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois lies at the very heart of the city of Basel, Switzerland, perfectly located at the border of the Alsace in France, the Black Forest of Germany and the scenic Upper Rhine. The traditional atmosphere and grandeur of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is complimented with its blend of design and charm and gourmands can savor to 3 Michelin Star Chef Peter Knogl's exquisite cuisine at Restaurant Cheval Blanc.
