Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail

Strasbourg & Black Forest Christmas Markets by Rail

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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:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

et5sbc/1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Strasbourg Christmas Markets with their warm and friendly atmosphere.

  • Explore the historical centre of Villingen with its half-timbered houses and romantic alleys.

  • Scenic journey on the Hollentalbahn Railway through the Black Forest, including the Ravenna Gorge.

  • Visit Triberg, famous for its cuckoo clocks and Germany's highest waterfall.

  • Experience the world's largest Advent Calendar in the village of Gengenbach.

  • Guided walking tour of Colmar, one of the prettiest towns in the Alsace.

  • Discover the festive lights and medieval architecture of Riquewihr.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Transportation

    Journey aboard Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris and continue by high-speed rail to Strasbourg.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included during the stay.

  • Guided Tours

    Enjoy guided tours in Freiburg, Triberg, and Colmar.

  • Transfers

    Coach transfers to various locations including Strasbourg Christmas Markets, Villingen, Triberg, and Colmar.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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