Black Forest Discovery

ITINERARY

Day 1 – London to Aachen

By Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, where we connect to a high speed train to Aachen. Our hotel for the night is just a short walk from the station. A welcome dinner at the hotel is included tonight.

Day 2 – Via the Rhine to Titisee

We take the scenic route along the Rhine as far as Freiburg and then continue by local train to Titisee in the Black Forest, our base for 5 nights. The journey takes us on the steeply graded Hell’s Valley Railway, the steepest line in Germany, crossing the spectacular Ravenna Gorge on the 131ft high Ravenna Bridge.

Day 3 – The Pig’s Tail Railway

Transfer by private coach to Zollhaus-Blumberg, where we board the morning steam service on the Sauschwänzlebahn to Weizen and back again. The line is renowned for its magnificent bridges and wonderful forest scenery. In the afternoon, we follow the train with the coach for photo opportunities, before returning to Titisee.

Day 4 – Kandertalbahn

Travel by late morning regional train to Haltingen via Freiburg before enjoying a ride on the Kander Valley Railway to Kandern and back. The Kandertalbahn is one of only a few trains in Germany, and the only standard gauge line in Baden-Württemberg, that is operated as a museum train. The tiny steam loco and vintage carriages recreate a typical branch line of the early 20th Century.

Day 5 – Black Forest Circular Tour

After a journey via Freiburg to Offenburg, we take a break for lunch and have time to explore the old town. The highlight of the day is a trip up the Schwarzwaldbahn to Donaueschingen. The Black Forest Railway is a 100km long electrified line, passing through 39 tunnels and over 2 impressive viaducts, and is the only true mountain railway in the region. Crossing the whole width of the forest from west to east, the line climbs via a series of hairpins with amazing views of the valley below. The return to Titisee is via Neustadt.

Day 6 – Day at Leisure

In addition to the many well marked walks in the area, you also have the chance to travel further afield as the Konus Card included with your holiday gives unlimited travel on all regional trains and bus routes in the whole Black Forest area.

Day 7 – To Bonn

We travel to Bonn via Freiburg for a 1-night stay.

Day 8 – On to London

A morning departure via the high speed line to Brussels, connecting with the Eurostar service for London, arriving mid-afternoon.