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7 Day Rhine River & Black Forest Discovery
Highlights: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Baden Baden, Freiburg
Trip start: Frankfurt
Trip end: Freiburg
Price Range from $2,331 to $2,961 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Enjoy this adventure through the popular Black Forest Region of Germany. Travelling through beautiful forest scenery, you will encounter enchanting medieval and traditional wine villages, castles and cathedrals that are the epitome of German romanticism. Highlights include a visit to the Rhine Valley; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, charming Baden-Baden; an international and exclusive thermal spa resort and so much more! This is a perfect tour for those seeking to discover the culture, history and beauty of this stunning region.

Travel confidently with our local office staff providing 24/7 support. Customize, combine, or change this tour to meet your exact vacation needs.
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Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Frankfurt
  • Frankfurt: Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver(economy)
  • Welcome Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking City Tour with Goethe House and Museum (4hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Frankfurt City Hotel (4*) (B)
Day 2
Frankfurt
  • Shared - Rhine Tour & Wine Tasting (8hrs) - Coach/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dinner (not included)
NH Frankfurt City Hotel (4*) (B)
Day 3
Heidelberg
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver(economy)
  • Train - Frankfurt - Heidelberg [1.5 hrs] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
  • Heidelberg: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Old Town Walking Tour with Castle (3hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Holländer Hof (3*) (B)
Day 4
Baden Baden
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Heidelberg - Baden Baden [1.5 hrs] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
  • Baden Baden: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking City Tour (1.5 hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Hotel Etol (3*) (B)
Day 5
Freiburg
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Baden Baden - Freiburg [1 hr] - 2nd Class
  • Freiburg: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking City Tour (3 hrs) - Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Intercity (3*) (B)
Day 6
Freiburg
  • At Leisure
  • Optional Colmar and Breisach Tour
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Intercity (3*) (B)
Day 7
Freiburg - Basel
  • Transfer - Private - Freiburg - Basel [1 hr] - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Frankfurt

Boasting the only skyscraper vista in Germany, Frankfurt offers an unusual blend of high commerce and high art. It is considered a vibrant centre of business and culture, and the remnants of its old centre are juxtaposed against the most modern of office blocks, including the highest skyscraper in Europe, the Commerzbank. Although much of the city was destroyed in WWII, Frankfurt has done a lot to rebuild its reputation as a cultural centre. Even though it can't replace the medieval buildings permanently lost in the Allied bombing of the city, Frankfurt now spends more on arts than any other city in Europe. The result is a hard fought worldwide reputation as a centre for all the arts, with over 40 museums and a wonderful programme of exhibitions and performances.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and German speaking driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy a half day 4hour walking tour with a private English speaking guide. From 1st Century Roman settlements to those made under the Germanic tribes, Frankfurt was to become of pivotal importance to the German-dominated Holy Roman Empire, and is where the German Kings and Emperors were coronated over a millennia ago. Despite the ravages of the Napoleonic War, Nazism and obliteration by bombing raids in WWII, Frankfurt's remarkable cultural legacy prevails, making it one of the world's most important cities. Having served as the seat of the first democratically elected German parliament, it is also the city of Goethe and home to the Frankfurt School, and is nothing less than the financial centre of the European continent. The tour includes a specialized guide and entrance fees.

NH Frankfurt City Hotel (4*) is situated in the heart of Frankfurt, close to the pedestrian zone, the Zeil shopping street, restaurants and major sightseeing attractions like: the Modern Art Museum, Our Lady's Church, Cathedral and Cathedral Museum, Historical Museum, Zoo, St Leonard's Church, Museum of Applied Arts and German Cinema Museum. The airport is approximately 12.5 kilometres from the hotel. NH Frankfurt City Hotel has 256 air-conditioned guestrooms, equipped with modern comforts, including complimentary broadband and internet access throughout the hotel. The restaurant offers a selection of international, national and Spanish dishes, accompanied by a fine selection of wines, cognacs and cigars at the hotel bar. For relaxation the hotel provides a well-being area where you can enjoy spa facilities, including a fitness room, sauna, massage room, steam room and solarium.

Overnight at NH Frankfurt City Hotel (4*).


Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Goethe House
Goethe House
NH Frankfurt City Hotel
NH Frankfurt City Hotel
Day 2 Frankfurt

An unforgettable day trip to the Rhine River Valley – an area which UNESCO counts to the World Heritage of mankind. Come to see the river, the little villages and vineyards. Mighty medieval castles, more than anywhere else in the world. See the famous Loreley Rock. Enjoy a gorgeous view from the Niederwald Monument and a cable car ride (optional) from the top of the hills in summertime. Lunch in a beautiful restaurant at the riverside is included and a wonderful boat trip on a Rhine steamer alongside the famous river panorama up to St. Goarshausen. We invite you to a wine tasting. Shopping stop at Ruedesheim/Drosselgasse. (In winter when steamers are not operating we may visit a castle instead). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Overnight at NH Frankfurt City Hotel (4*).


Rhine River - Loreley Rock
Rhine River - Loreley Rock
Day 3 Heidelberg

The home of the oldest university in Germany Heidelberg has been a refined centre of culture and learning for six hundred years. Today little has changed. Apart from the castle overseeing the city which was destroyed during the Second World War, Heidelberg's beautiful medieval and renaissance architecture has largely survived intact. Wealthy, worldly and wise, Heidelberg is Europe at its most cultured.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Enjoy the direct train ride from Frankfurt to Heidelberg. Train duration is approximately 1.5 hrs and is direct.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy a private tour of Heidelberg in the company of a private guide for a 4hr walking tour and visit the historical part of town, which lies in the shadow of  the imposing castle ruin on top of the hill.  Ride the funicular and enjoy the views as you make your way uphill towards the castle. (Entrance fees to the castle (outside) and funicular included).

Hotel Holländer Hof (3*) - Harmony between tradition and the spirit of contemporary times that is conspicuousin the townscape of Heidelberg is also to be found in the stylish rooms of the hotel. The hotel is situated in the heart of Old Heidelberg, right opposite the "Old Bridge " and has a beautiful view over the Neckar river, the Philosopher's walk and the Heidelberg Castle. This location is the ideal starting point to explore the oldest University town in Germany, the longest shopping street, the cozy student inns and the famous sights (e.g. the Heidelberg castle, the old university, the historic old town, the Palatine museum). The 39 rooms are furnished with telephone (ISDN), radio, TV, safe, hairdryer, minibar, shower bathroom, and wireless LAN connections.

Overnight at Hotel Holländer Hof (3*).


Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
Hollander Hof
Hollander Hof
Day 4 Baden Baden

Baden-Baden is a town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is located on the western foothills of the Black Forest, on the banks of the Oos River, in the region of Karlsruhe. The springs of Baden-Baden have been known for more than 2,000 years, and their composition resembles that of the Roman baths of the 3rd century. The water at the baths of "Caracalla-Therme" spa is rich in sodium chloride, and comes from artesian wells 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) under the Florentiner Mountain. The popularity of the city as a spa dates from the early 19th century, when the Prussian queen visited the site to improve her health. The 19th century saw the town rise to become a meeting place for celebrities, attracted by the hot springs as well as by the famous Casino, luxury hotels, horse races, and the gardens of the Lichtentaler Allee. Baden-Baden is the most picturesque of all the German bathing towns. The city offers many options for sports enthusiasts. Golf and tennis are both popular in the area. Horse racing fans enjoy the international racing season each August at nearby Iffezheim. The countryside is ideal for hiking and mountain climbing. In the winter Baden-Baden is a skiing destination.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Enjoy your train ride from Heidelberg to Baden-Baden. There is one train change.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer with vehicle and driver.

Explore Baden Baden town with your private guide.  The Russian poet Shukowski once said about Baden-Baden: "It is a paradisiacal place." Recovery for body and soul, scenic beauty and Mediterranean lifestyle, splendid parks and various society events - Baden-Baden offers all that in a charming and open way. Already in the 19th century, various kings and artists found their way to this glamorous health resort. Baden-Baden became the "summer capital of Europe" while Paris formed its counterpart as "Europe's winter capital".  These are aimed at all those who enjoy widening their knowledge of historic, social or cultural subjects from personal or professional motivation. Associations, researchers or teachers, student travellers, individual guests or simply "Baden-Baden lovers" will learn about topics of special interest during an informative but entertaining excursion through the streets, buildings and historic events of the town.

The Hotel Etol (3*) is set in a listed industrial building from 1840 which houses today the historical guild house of Baden-Baden. The places of interest, such as the congress house, the spa building, the casino, the theatre, the Burda Museum, the Kunsthalle (art gallery), the drinking house and the spa garden are within walking distance. The thermal baths and the festival hall are also a mere stroll away and can be reached within 10 minutes on foot.  All rooms are quiet with a view of the green inner courtyard. They come with bathtub or shower, toilet, hair dryer, cable TV, mini bar and direct dial telephone. Furthermore, hotel provides of a laundry service and parking facilities right on the doorstep.

Overnight at Hotel Etol (3*).


Baden Baden
Baden Baden
Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden
Hotel Etol (3*)
Hotel Etol (3*)
Day 5 Freiburg

Freiburg is known as the "Jewel of the Black Forest". It is a major city in the southwest of Germany, situated not in but on the edge of the Black Forest. Lying in the secluded wine-rich south western corner of Germany, Freiburg is a very laid back, beautiful university city. Known throughout Germany for its university, good weather (snow in winter and seemingly endless sunny days in summer), vineyards, and soccer club, Freiburg is considered by Germans to be a desirable place to live. Due to its secluded location in the "Dreilaendereck" (Three country corner) and being fairly removed from any other larger German cities, the mentality in Freiburg has often more in common with Alsace in France and Switzerland than the rest of Germany. Locals often go shopping in France and Switzerland for their respective native products and go to museums and theatres in Basel or Zurich. Everything above Frankfurt is "North Germany" and very far away. Hence one can find a strong local patriotism. Freiburg has also been described as California of Germany.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer with vehicle and driver.

Enjoy a train trip from Baden Baden to Freiburg (Breisgau).  The trip takes around 1 hour and is a direct train.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer with vehicle and driver.

Freiburg is a lovely middle age town with small lanes and historical monuments. During your guided tour you’ll see old villas, the house of the whale, the bubbling streams passing through the town, and last but not least, the famous cathedral of Freiburg. 

The InterCity Hotel Freiburg (3*) is located in the heart of the city of Freiburg, directly at the traffic hub of the main station from which you can easily reach the center of Freiburg. A modern upper middle class hotel of the “Steigenberger Hotel Group” awaits its visitors, similarly the business guests and the city tourists. The FreeCityTicket, a local transport ticket, is even included in the price of your stay.

Overnight at Intercity (3*).


Freiburg
Freiburg
Cathedral of Freiburg
Cathedral of Freiburg
Intercity, Freiburg
Intercity, Freiburg
Day 6 Freiburg

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Consider a day tour of the beautiful Alsace region, exploring quaint Breisach am Rhein and picturesque Colmar (France) with the possibility of visiting the famous Isenheimer Altar.Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in doing this tour or if you would like information on more options.

Overnight at Intercity (3*).


Day 7 Freiburg - Basel

Enjoy a private transfer between Freiburg and Basel, the trip takes 1 hour drive.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.