Alsace and Black Forest Fly & Drive

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: ""Regio TriRhena"". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. In addition, the Theater Basel was chosen in 1999 as the best stage for German-language performances. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Gates to the Walled City. A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. • Marktplatz, Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers are available each working day. • Rathaus (Town Hall) Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided tour.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Experience the Enchanting Beauty of Colmar, France Tucked away in the northeastern region of France, lies the enchanting town of Colmar. This charming locale is rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Colmar is like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Its well-preserved old town is filled with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings, adorned with geraniums in the summer, and twinkling lights in the winter. The town's quaint cobblestone streets lead you on a journey through centuries, as you explore the unique blend of French and German architectural styles, a testament to its historical position on the border of both nations. The town is often referred to as the "Capital of Alsatian Wine", owing to its location in the heart of Alsace's vineyards. Wine enthusiasts can embark on a tasting adventure, savoring the region's famous white wines. A visit to the "Route des Vins d'Alsace" (Alsace Wine Route) is a must for anyone looking to experience some of the best wines this region has to offer. Cultural aficionados will be delighted by the Unterlinden Museum, home to a rich collection of medieval and Renaissance masterpieces, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. The Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the French sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty, offers an insight into the artist's life and work. The town's iconic landmark, Little Venice, is a picturesque district with narrow winding canals, where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the town's beautiful houses and their colorful facades. Food lovers will revel in the local gastronomy. Traditional Alsatian cuisine is a delightful blend of German hearty meals and French finesse. Don't leave without trying a traditional "tarte flambée", a local version of pizza, or "choucroute", a hearty dish of sauerkraut and various meats. Throughout the year, Colmar hosts various festivals and events, from the famous Christmas market, which transforms the town into a winter wonderland, to the annual Wine Fair, and the colorful spring and summer festivals, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to experience local traditions. Colmar, with its rich history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, offers a captivating journey for every traveler. It's not just a destination, but an experience that leaves you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply a lover of beautiful places, Colmar, France is a destination that should not be missed.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace region, is a city where French elegance meets German charm. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals and cobbled lanes. At its heart stands the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture whose pink sandstone façade and intricate carvings are best admired from the square below. Climb the tower for sweeping views over the city’s rooftops and the nearby Black Forest on a clear day. Wandering on foot is the best way to discover Strasbourg. The Petite France district, once home to tanners and fishermen, is now one of the city’s most photogenic areas, with canals, locks and beautifully preserved houses reflected in the water. Take a boat tour along the Ill River to see the city from another angle, gliding past historic bridges and modern glass buildings that house the institutions of the European Union. In the evening, the old town fills with soft light and the smell of tarte flambée drifting from traditional winstubs (Alsatian taverns). Strasbourg’s cultural life is rich and varied. The city boasts excellent museums, including the Alsatian Museum, which gives a glimpse into regional traditions, and the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, with its impressive collection of modern art. Music lovers can attend performances at the Opéra national du Rhin or enjoy one of the many festivals held throughout the year, especially the famous Christmas market, one of the oldest and largest in Europe, which transforms the city into a winter fairy tale. Food and wine are essential parts of any visit. Alsatian cuisine blends hearty German influences with French refinement: don’t miss choucroute garnie, baeckeoffe and kougelhopf, paired with local white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris from the nearby Route des Vins d’Alsace. With its efficient tram system, extensive cycle paths and central train station connecting it to Paris, Germany and Switzerland, Strasbourg is an easy and rewarding destination for a city break or a longer stay exploring the region.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Baden Baden is a spa town built on thermal springs at the edge of the Black Forest in Baden Württemberg, south west Germany. This picturesque town is beautifully situated in a wooded valley. The town center is small enough to walk around. The most important sites to see in Baden-Baden are the Casino, a James Bond-worthy cocktail club complete with gilt ceilings, 11 roulette tables and an outdoor baccarat terrace. The Concert hall and the Drinking hall. The Art Museum and the City Museum of Baden-Baden are very interesting. The Frieder Burda Museum houses a dazzling collection of German Expressionist and Gerhard Richter masterworks on display are attracting tourists from around the world. A privately run museum, the Faberge Museum, has a lovely display of jewelry, gems and the eggs of Carl Faberge, who was a supplier of jewels to the Russian tsar and other European nobility. The ruins of the the Roman Baths and the Castle Hohenbaden are also worth a visit.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Freiburg im Breisgau is a pleasant university city surrounded by the hills of the Black Forest in the southwest corner of Germany. It is a beautiful, walkable city known for being one of the sunniest of the country. Freiburg has one of the most beautiful old towns in Germany, flanked by typical channels, paved narrow streets and beautiful historic buildings. Freiburg's 11th century Münster is a very impressive red sandstone structure that dominates the skyline of the city and is the heart of the active commercial and market district. The exterior is a myriad of columns, angles, sculptures and topped by an intricately decorated spire standing above the platz. Make the effort to climb the stairs to the top of the tower for the fabulous views. The interior is equally rich in wonderful art with richly coloured and kaleidoscopic stained glass windows and a colourful and stunning high altar. Located at the square surrounding the Münster, we find the Altes Kaufhaus, the old merchant hall, with its red façade, and the Museum of City History. Close to the cathedral we have the historic and current city halls located at the Rathausplatz or City Hall Square. Freiburg is a laid-back, beautiful university city with a charming old town and wonderful atmosphere. There is nothing better than to sit in one of the beautiful cafes with a glass of wine and enjoy this contemplative city. The university and its students keep the city vibrant and cultural. It is a good base to explore this region with day trips to the nearby spa towns and the numerous hiking opportunities in the Black Forest.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: ""Regio TriRhena"". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. In addition, the Theater Basel was chosen in 1999 as the best stage for German-language performances. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Gates to the Walled City. A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. • Marktplatz, Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers are available each working day. • Rathaus (Town Hall) Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided tour.