Day 1

We take the 13.00 hrs Eurostar from London St. Pancras International (or 13.15 hrs from Ebbsfleet International - exact times will be given on travel documents) arriving just 1 hr 51 mins later, in Brussels. A coach soon takes us over the German border to the picturesque cathedral city of Aachen situated in an amphitheatre of scenic wooded hills. We stay one night with dinner at the three-star centrally located Ibis Aachen Marschiertor.

Day 2

This morning we enjoy some time in Aachen during which we will see the cathedral, some of which dates from the 8th century and you cannot fail to be awe-struck. It dominates the city in every sense: is one of the most outstanding in Europe, built with huge amounts of fine marble in the Byzantine style from the eastern Roman Empire, similar to that found in Istanbul today. The treasure house is incredible, containing many outstanding relics of medieval times including a throne from which over thirty princes were crowned King of Germania, plus a huge chandelier given by Frederick Barbarossa one of the most famous Germans of all time and a shrine containing the remains of Charlemagne himself. (Please note that access into the cathedral is very restricted during the services. Therefore on Saturdays and Sundays it is unlikely you will be able to see inside.) During the afternoon we enter the ruggedly scenic Rhine gorge so beautifully depicted on countless travel posters! We weave our way along the valley through fairy-tale villages, dominated by imposing castles crowing the hillsides, formerly occupied by robberbarons extracting tolls from misfortunate river users. We see the Lorelei Rock, from which, according to legend, mermaids lured unsuspecting sailors to their deaths with their enchanting song. The scenic, vine covered valley sides plunge into the swirling waters below which combined with the craggy shoreline creates the river of so many poets’ dreams. We continue our journey to the delightful town of Heppenheim and our hotel for two nights, the modern three-star Park Inn Heppenheim. Heppenheim is gorgeously medieval, not particularly famous for anything, but so beautifully typical of rural central Europe, you are sure to love it.

Day 3

This morning we visit nearby Heidelberg enjoying a guided walking tour of this wonderful city, which positively flaunts its beauty. Its setting is second to none, nestling by the picturesque river Neckar, in a valley dominated by its imposing castle, high on a wooded hillside - a real-life fulfilment of the perfect medieval German landscape! The town itself is a maze of historic, baroque and gabled buildings lining the river with its romantic old-town behind. Adding to this, its 14th century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe lends Heidelberg that gentile atmosphere rather similar to that of Oxford or Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of ‘The Grand Tour’ and visited, amongst many others, by the artist Turner who captured its splendours for eternity. During our guided walk we see the principal sights but Heidelberg’s greatest monument, is simply the city itself. During the afternoon, you are free to explore as you wish, before returning to our hotel.

Day 4

This morning we take the drive south visiting Baden-Baden, a famous spa resort since Roman times. Reaching its peak during the 19th century, it was much frequented by Europe’s aristocracy of the day. Today it still has a regency feel, rather like Bath or Cheltenham. Immediately on leaving the town we enter the Black Forest, following the classic ‘High Road’, experiencing some of central Europe’s most stunning scenery. With its rugged valleys full of white-water rivers and cascading waterfalls, rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees, this is the Black Forest exactly as you expect it to be. We visit the archetypical village of Sasbachwalden full of chalet-style houses, with their gentle sloping roofs, large verandas and balconies crammed with flowers. Surrounded by their large manicured gardens this is as close to a genuine picture-postcard as you can get. We then cross the frontier into France, staying three nights in picturesque Strasbourg at the three-star, centrally located Mercure Strasbourg Quartier Saint Jean. Strasbourg abounds with good quality restaurants so we have included dinner on the first evening only. The hotel is superbly situated at the edge of the historic old town allowing you to explore this beautiful city with ease.

Day 5

France’s region of Alsace has managed to preserve the best of its past wonderfully, with old stone and half-timbered villages studded throughout the rolling countryside, with the forested hills of the Vosges forming the attractive backdrop. The region takes great pride in its traditions with many still speaking the French, almost German-sounding dialect so synonymous with Alsace. Like most things here the cuisine is unique too and the wines are simply world-class: light, flowery, almost spicy, the Riesling and Gerwuztraminer can accompany almost any food. Capital of it all is Strasbourg, now famous, or infamous depending on your point of view, as one of the centres of the European Union. But far more attractive is its 16th century old town, so beautifully bisected by picturesque canals. This morning we will have a walking tour of this unique and cosmopolitan city, situated midway between Paris and Prague. The 11th century cathedral is stunning and there are several museums, one of which includes works by Rodin. This afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish.

Day 6

Just south of Strasbourg lies a picturesque wine route, virtually an open-air museum of romantic medieval villages, cobbled streets and Renaissance chateaux strung like pearls on a necklace, with rolling hills providing the perfect backdrop: it does not get much better than this! We enjoy a scenic drive and a tasting of some of Alsace’s fine wines, soon arriving in Colmar, the best-preserved city in eastern France. Originally the centre of the wine trade, much of it dates from the 16th century. Bisected by canals, it is a maze of former merchants houses, antique shops, plus a monastery. The former wine exchange and the cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel coloured half-timbered houses, displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. Sit, enjoy a coffee, watch the world go by or just wander where your feet take you - simply delightful!

Day 7

This morning at the appropriate time we take the TGV (France’s famous high-speed train) to Paris, connecting with the Eurostar service to London St. Pancras International or Ebbsfleet International. In order to facilitate the easy changing of trains, your Tour Manager will accompany you throughout.