Strasbourg & The Black Forest Christmas Markets

We journey aboard the Eurostar from London to Paris and join the high-speed rail network to Strasbourg. From here we meet our coach and are taken to the Black Forest town of 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.  Before this you will have some free time to take in the magnificent Christmas scents and festive atmosphere whilst you stroll around this romantic town. After the opening of the window we continue on our way to our hotel.

Today we visit the Freiburg Christmas Market. With its historic setting amongst the traditional timbered houses, this is a Black Forest delight and one of the most beautiful markets in Germany. It is laden with local treats for you to try including gingerbread, punch and mulled wine; and you can stand in awe as you watch the local artists and craftsman at work making those unique handmade Christmas gifts.

Enjoy a full day in Strasbourg, just over the border in the Alsace region of France. Many stalls are spread across 12 locations in the city centre, making this one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. It is also one of the oldest, with the first market held in 1570. Each location has a different theme and there are gifts of every kind, along with plenty of activities and entertainment, as you wander around and enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere.

We check out of our hotel after breakfast and retrace our route to Paris, where we join the Eurostar for the return journey to London.