Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to France. Then continue via the auto-routes of France to your overnight stop over the border in Germany at the
3* Victor's Residenz Saarlouis. BB
Day 2 - Head further south to the pretty spa town of
Bad Dürrheim to check into your resort hotel,
4* Waldeck Hotel & Spa for the next 5 nights with a welcome glass of Sekt (German bubbly) on arrival. 3-course buffet dinner each evening is included here DBB
Day 3 - 6 - At leisure in Bad Dürrheim with three included excursion and a full day of leisure to explore. DBB
Bad Dürrheim is known as a 'saltwater spa', a 'climatic health resort' and a centre for wellness making it an ideal place for a relaxing holiday away from the stresses and strains of the everyday and for restoring body & soul. There are some wonderful parks and green spaces in Bad Dürrheim as befits a fashionable spa town, with themed gardens, water features, lovingly planted flowerbeds and even a barefoot path. The hotel is located approx. 10 minutes' stroll away from the town centre with all its amenities and is also well located for a walk through the nearby woods. The Solemar Thermal Spa Centre in the town offers 13 indoor & outdoor pools, steam bath, massage jets, loungers and much more (entrance + sauna fees apply - from €16.50 for 3 hours in 2025. Treatments are chargeable)
INCLUDED EXCURSIONSTriberg & Black Forest Open Air Museum A scenic drive takes you today to the lovely town of
Triberg, famous for Germany's highest waterfalls, which have an overall drop of 163 metres over 7 cascades (entrance not included - approx. €8pp in 2025 - step free access to the first platform from one side only). The vibrant town is also known for its traditional wood carving shops and cuckoo clocks as well as Black Forest ham and kirsch liqueur. Head off to the
Black Forest Open Air Museum, a wonderful collection of authentic farmhouses ranging from 16th to the 18th centuries, painstakingly disassembled and moved to be preserved for future generations. In a beautiful natural setting, each house focuses on different aspects of farm life from times gone by and you'll find horses and chickens, an open-air bakery as well as demonstrations. A local English-speaking guide will show you the
museum highlights before you learn the secrets of how the famous
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau to us!) is made. Enjoy a slice of the genuine article with a cup of coffee before heading back to the hotel
Rhine Falls & SchaffhausenHead south into the most northerly region of Switzerland to experience the drama and beauty of one of Europe's largest waterfall, the magnificent
Rhine Falls, which plunges from a height of approx. 23 metres. Take an included
30-minute boat trip with an audio guide which sails close to the mighty central cliff for which the falls are so famous. Experience the power of the Rhine and this extraordinary natural spectacle at close proximity. Onto nearby
medieval Schaffhausen where you'll have time to explore at leisure. Known as one of Switzerland's prettiest towns, the painted facades of the houses in traffic-free old town are richly decorated with oriel windows and intricate stone masonry. The iconic 16th century Munot Fortress towers above the town and can be seen for miles
Villingen & TitiseeJust a short drive from your hotel takes you to
Villingen (part of Villingen-Schwenningen, a lively twin town) in the Central Black Forest region. There is plenty of historical flair to discover in Villingen with its almost completely preserved town walls, mighty fortified gate towers, beautiful half-timbered houses, babbling brooks and romantic winding alleyways. Enjoy a 1000 years of history set against the landscape of the Black Forest. Onto
Lake Titisee - probably the best-known and most popular destination in the Black Forest Highlands. The lake is 850m above sea level, 2km long, just under 1km wide and approx. 40m deep and is pollution free where boats are powered by electric motors. Enjoy time at leisure in this charming lakeside village with its many souvenir shops, cafes and beer gardens. There will be an opportunity for an optional boat trip on Lake Titisee (schedules permitting - details from your driver)
Day 7 - Time to bid Auf Wiedersehen as you head back into France with suitable stops along the way. Your final overnight stop is close to Reims at the
4* Novotel Reims Tinqueux with dinner (set menu) included. DBB
Day 8 - After breakfast, travel back to the port for your return to England and your hometowns
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
EES
EES (European Entry & Exit System). This is the new entry and exit system for UK citizens (and many other citizens) when entering or exiting the EU. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025.
European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders.
This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026
ETIAS
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) 'Visa-waiver' programme will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
Please note: Once implemented ETIAS will be compulsory, like a Passport. No ETIAS - No Entry. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the required documentation in place.
For the latest information regarding ETIAS please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
Passport
For advice on passports when travelling into Europe please visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/travelling-in-europe/