Tour Suggestion
River Rhine – After your arrival with the cruise ship in Basel we show you the Triangle region of Germany, Switzerland and France. Discover with us traditions, costumes and delicates of Black Forest. Afterwards you continue to Stuttgart, Tuebingen, Heidelberg and Frankfurt where you will discover German history and inventions.
Day 1: Arrival in Basel
Your cruise ends on the Rhine in Basel today. Your tour guide will meet you here. First you’ll get to know Basel. The city, which lies directly on the Rhine in the middle of the border triangle, is strongly influenced by the multicultural exchange. It is also regarded as an architectural mecca due its pioneering museum structures. Your guide will show you the city’s special points of interest during a guided tour. Afterwards, you have time to see one of the Laeckerli Huus stores. Here you can buy the Basler specialty, the Laeckerli - a gingerbread-like spice pastry - as something special for yourself or for your loved ones. Afterwards you will get to know the border triangle from the border river during a cruise on the Rhine before you end the evening on an ostrich farm. Overnight stay at your hotel in the northern part of Black Forest.
Day 2: Excursion to the southern Black Forest
Today a trip to the Black Forest is on the agenda. On your trip through one of the largest natural parks in Germany, you will experience breath-taking views of wild gorges and dark forests, as well as the impressive scenery of Schluchsee or Titisee and charming valleys with the typical Black Forest farm houses. See the St. Peter baroque monastery church or the former St. Blasien Benedictine abbey with one of the largest dome churches in Europe. Of course, you cannot miss the enjoyment of a world famous black forest cake, and you can taste the original cherry schnapps in the distillery. Overnight stay at your hotel
Day 3: Schwarzwaldhochstrasse and ham tasting
Off into the Black Forest! We’ll drive along the famous "Schwarzwaldhochstrasse" (Black Forest Overpass) towards Freudenstadt and enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys. Along the way we will stop at several smokehouses, where you’ll be introduced to the secrets of ham-smoking, and of course you’ll also get to taste the original Black Forest ham. Your trip will then continue through forests, lakes and hills to the Stuttgart region. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in region of Stuttgart.
Day 4: Tuebingen and Mercedes Benz museum
The first stop today is the Swabian university city of Tuebingen. During a guided tour of the city, you can explore the medieval town center with its half-timbered houses and the impressive market square with its picturesque Neckar front. You can walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the flair of this young, cosmopolitan city. After this stop, the trip continues toward Stuttgart. The next highlight is the Mercedes Benz museum. This unique museum, with its 1500 exhibits, shows the 125 year history of the automobile industry. It is an exciting trip into the past, which is expertly presented using modern technology. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in region of Stuttgart.
Day 5: Heidelberg
Today you explore Heidelberg. The city is not only home to a prestigious university, but also to one of the most famous sights in Germany: Heidelberg Castle. After its destruction, it was only partially rebuilt, and today the castle ruins dominate the image of the old city. Your guide will show you the most beautiful parts of the picturesque old city and the secrets of the castle ruins. Afterwards, you will have time to let the flair of the city take its effect on you. In the afternoon we continue on to Frankfurt. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Frankfurt.
Day 6: Frankfurt
The day beginns with a tour of the city of Frankfurt am Main. You’ll see the historic old city sites, Roemerberg and Kaiserdom, as well as the finance and banking district. The skyscrapers here are among the highest in Europe, which is the reason why the city has been given the nickname “Mainhattan.”
The afternoon is free – take your time to relax or go shopping. In the evening you enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight at your hotel in Frankfurt.
Day 7: Extension day or trip home
Copyright program and pictures: © APPINA TRAVEL GmbH