Group Tour Operator and DMC for the Black Forest, Germany

Depart UK

Drive to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais.  Continue through France, stopping for an overnight stay in the Lille area.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to the Black Forest

We will depart after breakfast, driving through France and over the border into Germany and on to our hotel in Gengenbach for the next 4 nights.

At leisure in Gengenbach

A free day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or take a short walk into the town. Gengenbach is a charming town steeped in history, where you can experience the best of German culture, nature and cuisine. Explore the Old Town, where you can admire the colourful half-timbered houses, the medieval abbey and the largest Advent calendar in the world.

Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Colourful Chrysanthemums

Travel to the picturesque village of Lahr, in the heart of the Black Forest for their annual Chrysanthemum Festival. Meet up with a local and experienced guide for an unforgettable walking tour to discover the historic centre and see the thousands of chrysanthemum arrangements that show off Autumn’s colours to their finest and which are atmospherically illuminated in the evening hours. See the intricate arrangements on cars adorned artistically with flowers. Local houses are also decorated with original and rich cascades of flowers. What’s more, a varied cultural and musical programme is on offer in Lahr’s Marktplatz.

Return to the hotel for dinner, with unforgettable memories of a colourful day!

(Note:  Max 25 persons per group for guided tour)

Baden-Baden, Mummelsee and Freudenstadt

Our excursion today first takes us to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden also known as the ‘Rose Capital’ of the Black Forest and renowned for its thermal baths, parks and gardens.  It was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.  There will be some free time to explore the town, take a stroll along the impressive frontage of the Trinkhalle Pump Room with its Corinthian pillars and striking murals. Maybe take a 5 minute ride on the Merkur Funicular Railway, built in 1913 and the longest in Germany, and offers great views from the summit.   An alternative way of discovering the town is by horse and carriage.

From here we will drive to picturesque Mummelsee, a large lake situated along the Black Forest High Road (Hochstrasse).  It’s name comes from white water lilies called “Mummeln” and as a result of its unusual location and the primeval vegetation which surrounds it, there are many tales and legends featuring water nymphs and an underwater king who grew up here.

We will continue to Freudenstadt which has the biggest market square in Germany with striking historical structures, pretty buildings, beautiful arcades known as the Bögele, and small boutiques. Markets are usually held on Tuesdays and Fridays.  Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Depart the Black Forest

It’s time to leave, making the return journey into France where we will stop overnight in the Lille area.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Return to the UK

Depart after breakfast heading north to the port of Calais and take the short sea crossing back to the UK, and home

Black Forest Open Air Museum, Lake Titisee Cruise and Black Forest Gateau!

This morning we make the scenic journey towards Gutach, stopping at the Black Forest Open Air Museum.  Here you can see historic farms and experience how people lived and worked in the Black Forest up to 600 years ago!  In addition, there are around 15 outbuildings – such as mills, saws and storage facilities – cottage gardens, a herb garden and numerous animals of old breeds.

From here we will head to the picturesque Lake Titisee which is located in the heart of the southern Black Forest, a region known as the Hochscharzwald (the ‘High Black Forest’).  The lake is the largest natural lake in the Black Forest.  Here, you can wander along the lakeside promenade and stroll around the small village which offers plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local specialities together with many cafes and restaurants where you can get some lunch.  We can include a relaxing round-trip cruise on the lake to enjoy the scenery followed by some traditional Black Forest Gâteau and coffee in a local cafe.