About the tour: Christmas in the Black Forest & New Year in Lake Garda & the Dolomites

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to northern France for an overnight stay.

After breakfast we continue our journey into Germany and towards the dramatic scenery of the Black Forest for a four-night stay. En route we pause at the beautiful city of Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a vibrant multicultural city and capital of the Alsace region. There will be free time for you to explore before we continue to our hotel.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The Black Forest is one of the most visited and best-known holiday regions of Germany. People are attracted by the outstanding natural beauty of its varied landscapes; from deep forests, rolling hills, lush meadows and pretty villages with decorated wooden houses.

On our optional excursion we visit the university city of Freiburg im Breisgau, one of the most attractive of South Germany and generally regarded as being the “unofficial capital” of the Black Forest. The charming old town is dominated by its Gothic Munster the towering spire of which is the landmark of the city. Completed in 1330, the tower stands at an impressive 116 meters in height. The city has lots to offer. Perhaps take a stroll through the historic old town to learn about the culture and history of the city, or spend time in one of the cosy cafés. The town centre is noted for its pretty squares and romantic lanes and alongside some of the cobbled streets run a series of narrow streams called the Bachle.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Merry Christmas! This morning, enjoy an included scenic drive through the winter countryside of the Black Forest to the pretty lakeside village of Titisee to admire the crystal-clear waters and take in the fresh mountain air. Afterwards, marvel at the majesty of the beautiful countryside with its rolling mountains and snow-covered evergreen forests as we travel back to our hotel for our traditional dinner and music.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our included excursion takes us to the beautiful town of Freudenstadt, which over the centuries has been ravaged by war, plague and fire, yet restored beautifully. Freudenstadt has the biggest market square in Germany, framed by pretty arcaded houses and shops. Listen to the carillon of bells in Martin Luther Square (on the hour at 11am, 3pm, and 5pm) or admire the ornamental water jets in the lower market place.

From Freudenstadt we continue to Triberg, home to Germany’s highest waterfalls, and to the pilgrimage church of ‘Maria in der Tanne’. Triberg is also well-known for its cuckoo clock tradition – carvers, clock makers and clock shops are characteristic of the town. The German Clock Route also passes through Triberg!

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Germany and travel south into Italy to Lake Garda for a six-night stay.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning at leisure in the resort of Riva del Garda, then an optional visit to a local wine cantina. Enjoy a tasting of the red and white wines and sample some of the local produce of the area including ham, house bread, cheese and salami.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, why not join our wonderful optional excursion to the unique city of Venice, the largest city in the Veneto area. Venice is one of the most interesting cities in the world. It mixes Byzantine and Renaissance architecture throughout the 118 islands, and the magnificent buildings, surrounded by bridges and canals, are a sign of the city's former wealth. It has remained virtually the same for 600 years, which adds to its fascinating character and retains its romantic charm. Venice is the world’s only pedestrian city, which makes it easy to explore on foot.

Be sure to see some of the famous sights such as the Doge’s Palace, the symbolic seat of Venetian power and the enclosed Bridge of Sighs. The bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. The bridges name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of Venice before being taken down to their cells. A local legend says that lovers will be granted eternal love and bliss if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs! A visit to St. Mark’s Square, the principle public square of Venice, is also a must. It is dominated at it’s eastern end by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a superb example of the Romanesque-Byzantine style. It was built in the 10th century to house the body of the St. Mark the Evangelist.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we have an included excursion to the second largest city in the Veneto region, Verona. Why not make the most of your time here by joining our optional guided walking tour? Verona is a beautiful city and famed as the setting for Shakespeare's romantic tragedy ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The many charms of the city will be brought to life as you walk through its streets accompanied by a local guide. Admire the 1st century Arena, home to the prestigious Verona Opera Festival, which dominates the main square (entrance not included). Verona boasts an abundance of fine palaces, churches and monuments, which adorn its alleyways and squares. Our informative guide will reveal many of the fascinating stories behind the history of the buildings and personalities that will allow you to appreciate to the full the charming nature of this fine old historic town. You will have free time during the afternoon to explore at leisure the many historic buildings, browse amongst the shops or take a coffee break in one of the many cafés in Piazza Bra overlooking the Arena.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Join us today as we take a drive through the majestic Brenta Dolomites (weather permitting) on our included tour. Don’t forget your camera to capture some spectacular scenery as we pass through this beautiful alpine region, visiting the ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio. We return to the hotel for a five-course gala dinner with music and dancing.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leisurely morning before an optional boat trip on Lake Garda.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Lake Garda and travel to Germany for an overnight stay.

• Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the majestic city of Cologne; this stylish and attractive city stands on the banks of the Romantic River Rhine. Here you can enjoy some free time to explore the many shops and boutiques. During the Second World War around 90 percent of Cologne’s inner city was reduced to rubble. Today the Rhine metropolis is the fourth largest town and one of the most outstanding travel destinations in Germany and Europe. The Cologne cathedral, famous around the world, dominates the panorama of the city and is still today the second highest building in Cologne after the telecommunications tower. Maybe take time to visit the famous Gothic Cathedral, with its most celebrated work the Sarcophagus of the Magi, thought to hold the remains of the three wise men. The local cuisine, with its many traditional pubs and restaurants, is highly varied and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Whether it’s relaxing on the Rhine promenade of drinking a Kolsch in one of the typical breweries – a visit to Cologne is always worthwhile! We continue to our overnight hotel in Belgium.

• Included meals: Breakfast

Return home.

• Included meals: Breakfast