Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail
Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail
Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail
5 Days
Visiting: London St. Pancras International – Strasbourg, Villingen, Höllentalbahn Railway & Freiburg Christmas Market, Triberg & Gengenbach, Colmar Guided Tour & Riquewihr, Strasbourg – London St. Pancras International
Tour operator:
Tour code:
et5sbc/1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey through the enchanting Christmas markets of Strasbourg and the Black Forest by rail. This festive tour begins with a Eurostar trip from London to Strasbourg, where you'll explore the charming Christmas markets. Discover the historical beauty of Villingen and enjoy a scenic ride on the Hollentalbahn Railway through the Black Forest to Freiburg. Visit Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and Germany's highest waterfall, and experience the world's largest Advent Calendar in Gengenbach. Cross into Alsace for a guided tour of Colmar and the picturesque town of Riquewihr, illuminated by festive lights. Throughout your journey, enjoy the comfort of a four-night stay at the 3-star Castle Hotel Schloss Hornberg, with half-board dining included. This tour offers a delightful blend of cultural exploration and festive cheer, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 London St. Pancras International – Strasbourg
Location: London St. Pancras International – Strasbourg
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.
Day 2 Villingen, Höllentalbahn Railway & Freiburg Christmas Market
Location: Villingen, Höllentalbahn Railway & Freiburg Christmas Market
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.
Day 3 Triberg & Gengenbach
Location: Triberg & Gengenbach
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.
Day 4 Colmar Guided Tour & Riquewihr
Location: Colmar Guided Tour & Riquewihr
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.
Day 5 Strasbourg – London St. Pancras International
Location: Strasbourg – London St. Pancras International
After breakfast, we transfer to Strasbourg for our return journey by rail back to London St. Pancras International.
What's Included
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Transportation
Journey aboard Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included during the stay.
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours in Freiburg, Triberg, and Colmar.
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Transfers
Coach transfers to various locations including Strasbourg Christmas Markets, Villingen, Triberg, and Colmar.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 3-star Castle Hotel Schloss Hornberg.
Mode of Transport
Travel aboard Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg. Coaches are used for transfers to various destinations including Christmas markets and scenic tours.
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 3-star Castle Hotel Schloss Hornberg.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 3-star Castle Hotel Schloss Hornberg.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will journey aboard Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred by coach to Strasbourg Christmas Markets where you can enjoy the atmosphere and shop for gifts. The day concludes with a transfer to the hotel for a welcome drink and dinner.
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What activities are planned for the second day?
On the second day, after breakfast, you will travel to Villingen to explore its historical centre. Then, you'll board the Höllentalbahn Railway for a scenic journey to Freiburg, where a walking tour and free time at the Christmas market are planned. The day ends with dinner at the hotel.
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What highlights are included on the third day of the tour?
The third day includes a visit to Triberg, known for its cuckoo clocks and Germany's highest waterfall. You'll visit a cuckoo clock museum and enjoy Black Forest gateau at a local café. The day continues with a visit to Gengenbach to see the world's largest Advent Calendar, followed by free time to explore the town.
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What will we do on the fourth day of the tour?
On the fourth day, you will travel to Colmar for a guided walking tour of the town, known for its picturesque canal quarter and historical significance. Later, you'll visit Riquewihr, where you can enjoy the festive lights and sample local culinary specialties. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel.
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How does the tour conclude on the fifth day?
The tour concludes on the fifth day with a transfer to Strasbourg for your return journey by rail back to London St. Pancras International after breakfast.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.