The Black Forest: Waterfalls, Cuckoo Clocks & Spa Towns

Today you explore vibrant Freiburg and the forested hills above it. With your guide you visit the magnificent red-sandstone Gothic minster, whose soaring openwork spire is among the finest in Europe, and browse the lively market beneath it, then wander the cobbled old town, its squares, gates and the gurgling Bachle water channels. You ride a cable car or take a scenic trail up into the wooded hills above the city, such as the Schauinsland, for sweeping views over the Rhine valley and the forest. You breathe the fresh air and take in the beautiful scenery. The charm and views are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel in Freiburg. This evening, savour the city's lively cafes and wine bars, perhaps with a glass of local Baden wine. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey into the heart of the Black Forest and its waterfalls.

Today you journey into the heart of the Black Forest to Triberg, home of the thundering waterfalls and the cuckoo clock. You travel through beautiful forested hills and painted farmland to Triberg, then walk the shaded trails beside the Triberg waterfalls, the highest in Germany, which tumble some 160 metres through a mossy, fir-scented gorge, crossing bridges and pausing at viewpoints as the cascades thunder past. You discover the beloved craft of the cuckoo clock, visiting a workshop or clock museum to see how these intricate timepieces are made and marvel at some of the world's largest cuckoo clocks. The scenery and craft are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel near Triberg. This evening, savour a hearty forest dinner with a slice of the famous Black Forest gateau. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the beautiful lake of Titisee.

Today you journey to the beautiful lake of Titisee, in the high Black Forest. You travel through the dark fir forests and gentle peaks of the uplands, perhaps pausing at viewpoints along the scenic forest roads and near Feldberg, the highest peak of the Black Forest. At Titisee, a crystal expanse of water ringed by forested hills, you stroll or hike the trails around its shores, take a boat out onto the calm water, and breathe the fresh, pine-scented mountain air. You might browse the shops for local crafts, cuckoo clocks and Black Forest ham. The scenery, air and walking are refreshing. As the day ends, you settle into your lakeside hotel. This evening, savour a relaxed dinner beside the lake, taking in the peaceful mountain setting. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the spa elegance of Baden-Baden at the edge of the forest.

Today you journey north through the beautiful Black Forest to the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden. You travel along scenic forest roads, perhaps taking in viewpoints and villages along the way, to this grand Belle Epoque resort where emperors, artists and royalty once came to take the waters. You soak in its beautiful thermal baths, fed by the hot springs that made the town famous, a blissful and restorative experience, then stroll the manicured gardens along the Lichtentaler Allee and admire the grand casino, colonnades and villas. The elegance and calm are restorative. As the day ends, you settle into your Baden-Baden hotel, refreshed and content. This evening, savour a beautiful final dinner in this refined resort, perhaps with a glass of local wine, reflecting on the forests, waterfalls and lakes you have explored. Rest well, ready for your journey home tomorrow.

After a final morning in elegant Baden-Baden, perhaps a last stroll through the gardens or a coffee and slice of gateau in a grand cafe, you are transferred to the airport (via Frankfurt or Stuttgart) for your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the beauty and traditions of the Black Forest, vibrant Freiburg with its minster and water channels, the thundering Triberg waterfalls, the beloved craft of the cuckoo clock, the crystal lake of Titisee, and the spa elegance of Baden-Baden. The images stay vivid long after you land, the openwork spire of Freiburg, the cascades of Triberg, the little cuckoo springing out to call the hour, the calm waters of Titisee, and the thermal baths and gardens of Baden-Baden. The Black Forest offers scenery, fresh air, tradition and gentle luxury in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this enchanting corner of Germany.