Arrival in Frankfurt, Transfer to Lahr, Gengenbach

Your magical European Christmas journey begins with a luxury transfer from Frankfurt airport to the enchanting town of Lahr, nestled on the edge of the Black Forest, where you'll check into your home for the week—an elegantly renovated palace that perfectly captures the refined charm of the region. After settling into your beautifully appointed apartment, we'll enjoy a hearty, local snack at the palace to celebrate the beginning of our holiday adventure before heading out for the afternoon to visit the picturesque village of Gengenbach. Here you'll witness the world's largest Advent calendar come to life against the backdrop of one of Germany's most charming market squares. Tonight, you'll have the freedom to explore the delightful Christmas market at your own pace, discovering authentic handcrafted treasures and sampling traditional holiday treats beneath the twinkling lights.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Lunch (L)

Colmar, France

After breakfast in your palace apartment, we'll cross the historic Rhine River into France to discover the enchanting town of Colmar, “the jewel of Alsace”, with a storybook setting that embodies everything magical about a European Christmas. Lunch will be at your leisure in the market, allowing you to savor regional specialties or warm yourself with a steaming cup of vin chaud. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander through myriad market stalls lining the cobblestone streets, discovering unique treasures from local artisans. This evening, we'll return to Lahr for dinner together, marveling over the day's discoveries.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Freiburg, Germany

After a leisurely breakfast at your Palais Apartment, we'll venture into vibrant Freiburg, where centuries-old Black Forest traditions blend beautifully with the energy of a historic university town. At Freiburg’s Christmas market, you'll discover treasures and treats from the heart of the Black Forest, each one offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage that makes this region so special. Lunch will be at your leisure among the market's delightful offerings, and you'll enjoy time to explore the market at your own pace, perhaps finding the perfect handcrafted ornament or sampling homemade gingerbread that's been crafted using recipes passed down through generations. This evening we'll gather for dinner, sharing our anecdotes from the day.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Ribeauvillé & Riquewihr, France

Today we'll discover the real-life inspiration for Belle's village in Beauty and the Beast as we explore two of Alsace's most enchanting towns. In Ribeauvillé, winding medieval streets and gingerbread-house facades create a storybook setting made even more magical by twinkling festive market stalls. After enjoying lunch at your leisure in the market, we'll continue to Riquewihr, where half-timbered houses and ancient charm transport you into a fairy tale come to life. Both villages lay claim to inspiring Disney's beloved animated village, and as you wander through these magical settings, you'll understand why these towns capture hearts year after year. You'll also have ample time to discover unique keepsakes that embody the spirit of this enchanting region. Tonight, we'll return to our palace for dinner, engaging in friendly debate over which village truly captured Disney's imagination.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Black Forest & Ravenna Gorge

This morning, we'll journey deep into the legendary Black Forest, where centuries-old traditions and natural beauty create the perfect backdrop for an authentic German experience. We'll enjoy a memorable lunch in a traditional cabin, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the forest that has inspired countless fairy tales and legends. After lunch, we'll explore the dramatic beauty of Ravenna Gorge, where nature's winter artistry creates a breathtaking contrast to the festive charm of the Christmas markets. This evening, you'll have the freedom to explore local dining options at your own pace, perhaps discovering a cozy restaurant where traditional hospitality creates lasting memories.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Strasbourg, France

Today we'll experience the crown jewel of European Christmas celebrations in Strasbourg, where the legendary Christkindelsmärik has been weaving its winter magic for over 400 years. You'll discover why Strasbourg's market is considered the gold standard of Christmas celebrations, with its sophisticated blend of French elegance and centuries-old Germanic traditions creating an atmosphere that's both refined and deeply authentic. Lunch will be at your leisure in this remarkable setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the market's offerings and perhaps discover that perfect treasure that captures the essence of Alsatian craftsmanship. Tonight, we'll gather for dinner back at our palace, celebrating the magical experiences that define a true European Christmas.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)

Christmas Treats & Baden-Baden

This morning, we'll immerse ourselves in the authentic art of German Christmas traditions during a hands-on experience alongside local bakers, discovering the secrets behind the beloved sweets that make German Christmas celebrations so special. We'll savor lunch at the bakery, where the warmth of fresh-baked goods and the gemütlichkeit of authentic German hospitality create unforgettable memories. This afternoon, we'll experience the sophisticated charm of Baden-Baden, one of Europe's most elegant spa towns, where the Christmas market perfectly embodies the refined luxury this historic resort town is known for. Tonight, you'll have the freedom to explore Baden-Baden's dining scene at your own pace, perhaps choosing a restaurant that reflects the town's reputation for exceptional cuisine and timeless elegance.

Palais Wunderlich, Lahr
Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

Departure

After a final breakfast in your palace apartment, you'll have time to pack your treasures and reflect on the magical memories created during this enchanting journey through Europe's most beloved Christmas destinations. Luxury transfers will take you to Frankfurt Airport for your journey home, carrying with you the warmth of authentic German and French holiday traditions, the beauty of medieval villages transformed by twinkling lights, and the special moments that made this Christmas adventure truly extraordinary. The spirit of European Christmas magic—from the steaming cups of glühwein and vin chaud to the handcrafted treasures discovered in centuries-old markets—will remain with you long after you return home.

Breakfast (B)