Christmas Markets of Strasbourg and the Black Forest - Winter 2016/2017

1. ARRIVE PARIS (2 NIGHTS) Welcome to Paris, France's glittering capital. Relax after check-in or start exploring this amazing city with its festive atmosphere. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelling companions for a Welcome Reception followed by an evening drive to see the city's impressive illuminations and Christmas decorations - the perfect introduction to your holiday. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Novotel Tour Eiffel 2. PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Your expert Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of Paris this morning. View the Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower and see the city in all its glory. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights of your choice or enjoy the festive window displays along the Rue de Rivoli. You might like to round off your day with an evening at a famous Parisian cabaret show. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 3. PARIS – REIMS – STRASBOURG (3 NIGHTS) This morning leave Paris and travel to Reims, a vibrant historical city featuring an abundance of grand period architecture. This city played a prominent role in French history as it was once the traditional site of the coronation of French kings. See the sights during your orientation including the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own or you may consider taking an Optional Experience to visit one of the famous champagne houses for a tasting. Later continue to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region, for a three night stay. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine Hotel Hilton/ Mercure Palais des Congres 4. STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKETS This morning enjoy an included river cruise past some of the important buildings of the European Union institutions such as the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. See the half-timbered houses of Petite France and travel through one of the lock systems on the river. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city of Strasbourg and visit the UNESCO World Heritage historic city centre. In 1570 the first ever Christkindelsmarik (market of the infant Jesus) took place in the city and today it is regarded as one of the best in Europe with its 300 wooden chalets spread out over 11 sites. You will find arts and crafts, food products and traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations. See the giant Christmas tree on Place Kléber and admire the fairytale decorations. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 5. STRASBOURG – COLMAR CHRISTMAS MARKET EXCURSION This morning travel through picturesque scenery along the Alsatian Wine Route and stop in the capital of the wine growing region Colmar. Sample some of the delicious Alsatian wines at a wine tasting. You may wish to take an Optional Experience to Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg or enjoy free time in Colmar to explore the well-preserved old town. Spend time taking in the ambience and beguiling charm of the Christmas markets before returning to Strasbourg. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 6. STRASBOURG – FREIBURG (2 NIGHTS) Today leave France and travel into Germany stopping in the university city of Freiburg for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. There will be time to explore the city and take in a traditional German Christmas market. Traditional arts and crafts on offer include hand-blown glass and wooden toys. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Stadt Freiburg 7. BLACK FOREST EXCURSION Enjoy a relaxing day in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. Admire the scenery as you drive through the hills and lakes of the Black Forest, famous for cuckoo clocks. Learn how this traditional and valuable item is made during a Cultural Insight demonstration of the craft. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 8. FREIBURG – MULHOUSE – DIJON This morning travel to Mulhouse to visit the National Automobile Museum. During this Cultural Insight, hear about Hans and Fritz Schlumpf and their collection of Bugattis and see some of the 400 historic cars on display. Later arrive in the capital of the Burgundy wine region Dijon – famed for its mustard. An orientation of the city will show you some of the varied architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Renaissance masterpieces. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Mercure Clemenceau 9. DIJON – VERSAILLES - PARIS This morning travel to Versailles and see the spectacular palace - you might consider an Optional Experience to discover the breathtaking interior. Later arrive back in Paris and spend time doing last minute shopping or exploring the Montmartre district. Tonight you will raise a toast to your fellow travellers at a celebratory Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner Hotel Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel 10. DEPART PARIS Say farewell to this magical Christmas market experience and your newfound friends at the end of a remarkable festive holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast