Western Germany & The Alsace

Name: One Week in Western Germany and the Alsace Private Tour
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.95 (2 reviews)

7 Days / 6 Nights

Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg

from$2,350 per person

Average Guest Rating 5.0 / 5

If you're dreaming of exploring the off-the-beaten-path side of Europe, spending a week in Western Germany and the Alsace in France might just be exactly what you're looking for. One of the most beautiful cities in Germany, Heidelberg, with its gorgeous Old Town, mighty Castle, and breathtaking scenery, offers the perfect setting from where to begin this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Your next stop is Baden Baden where wellness takes center stage in the form of a rejuvenating hike through the lush Black Forest and pampering sessions at the town's thermal springs. Your final stop, Strasbourg, provides the most scenic ending to a remarkable trip. Join romantic river cruises and fill your eyes with beauty at some of the quaintest villages in the Alsace, such as Colmar and Eguisheim.
One of our team members in Germany or France will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these two countries offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

Day Stop in Frankfurt

Day Stop in Frankfurt

The birthplace of German democracy, Frankfurt is now more famous for its bankers, and the skyscrapers they have funded. A hub from the very beginning (the name comes from a river ford used by the Franks who went on to conquer France), Frankfurt's airport offers flights to more destinations than any other, and you can seemingly take trains anywhere from here, too. This is one of Germany's most diverse cities, even when its famous trade shows aren't in town, yet next to the skyscrapers you'll find the restored old town that served as the brief capital of a democratic Germany during the failed 1848 revolutions, and remains a reminder of Frankfurt's time as one of the Holy Roman Empire's prime cities.

Day 1 - Day Stop in Frankfurt

Today, you will trade Frankfurt for Heidelberg. You will be picked up at the airport and taken directly to your accommodations at the other end, a 75-minute ride.

2 Nights in Heidelberg

2 Nights in Heidelberg

An official UNESCO "City of Literature," Heidelberg is devoted to learning, home to Germany's oldest university, and one of Europe's most famous. If you can't study something at Heidelberg, it doesn't exist. But even if you're not there to join the students who make up 1/4 of Heidelberg's population, there's plenty to do. The massive hilltop Heidelberg Castle is at the top of your list, and the valley the castle sits within offers plenty of great places to take it in before you enter the castle itself. The Baroque Old Town is great for a stroll, with a stop or two in its cozy cafes along the way, as are its medieval university buildings. Many of Heidelberg's best views can be found from the Philosophers' Walk across the river from the city center, trod upon by centuries of thinkers.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Heidelberg

Upon your arrival in Heidelberg, a driver will bring you directly to your accommodations.

Bar-Hopping in the Altstadt

Suggestion to explore on your own

Heidelberg's Altsadt ("Old Town") hosts lively nightlife befitting a student city. Among the best wine bars in town is Vinothek Restaurant Oskar on Haspelgasse, which features a broad range of Old and New World labels to taste. A short walk away on Steingasse, you can sample locally brewed beers at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus, home to some of the country's strongest beers, at 33% ABV! Last but not least, for a rocking night, head to Eckstein on Fischmarkt. This cool and stylish pub is a very pleasant place to spend the evening, even if you’re not a metalhead.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Heidelberg

Heidelberg Old Town and Castle Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

The oldest part of Heidelberg has far more to offer than just the Alte Brucke ("Old Bridge"), picturesque alleys, and views of one of Germany's most famous castles. In the Old Town, dreamy squares are linked like beads on a necklace, with people of all ages and from around the world meeting in the many small cafes and pubs, and enjoying the city's museums and theaters. Embark on a tour with a private guide, and really get to know Heidelberg.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours

Dine on Genuine German Cuisine

Suggestion to explore on your own

Heidelberg and the surrounding Palatinate region, is home to serious food aficionados who have figured out creative ways to make enjoyable dishes from simple staples over the centuries. Seek out Saumagan (a pig's stomach stuffed with lean and cured pork and sausage, bacon, potatoes, and, if in season, sweet chestnuts), Studentenkuss ("Student Kiss," a confection made of a waffle, nougat, and dark chocolate), Leberknodel (beef liver, mincemeat, eggs, and soaked bread buns, then steamed or sliced and pan-fried) and Quetschekuchen (Heidelberg’s take on plum tarts, with an apricot jam glaze).

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Baden-Baden by Train

Today, you will travel by train from Heidelberg to Baden-Baden. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and book economy class tickets based on your preferred departure time. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee. The train journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.

You can upgrade your transfer

Baden-Baden by Private Transfer

Upgrade for an additional cost

We also offer the following excursions in Heidelberg

Grape Day Pfalz & Alsace Small Group Tour

Moderate8 hours

Heidelberg Sightseeing Group Cruise

Easy50 minutes

Private Night Watchman Walking Tour

Light1 Hour

2 Nights in Baden-Baden

2 Nights in Baden-Baden

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Baden-Baden

Upon your arrival at Baden-Baden Train Station, a driver will meet you and take you directly to your centrally located accommodation.

Caracalla Group Spa Time with Entrance Tickets

Unwind In The Thermal Springs

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

The Romans already discovered the healing power of the twelve thermal springs underneath Baden Baden and built the first thermal baths 2,000 years ago. Today, the historic spa quarter (Bäderviertel) with its two thermal baths in the old town (Altstadt) are a well known attraction for many visitors From a depth of 2,000 metres, 800,000 litres of thermal water gush into the modern Caracalla Spa and the historic Roman-Irish Friedrichsbad every day, guaranteeing exclusive bathing pleasure and well-being for guests from all over the world. Be sure to visit on your next vacation in Baden Baden.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 14 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Baden-Baden

Black Forest Hike Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

This hike is through part of Baden-Baden's Black Forest region, where you can enjoy wonderful views. Your experienced Black Forest guide will accompany you, providing insights into the area, the natural habitats, and the forest's flora and fauna. This is an opportunity to escape the urban hustle and bustle as you immerse yourself in nature and enjoy fantastic panoramic views over the countryside. The rural countryside of Europe beckons!

Activity Level : Strenuous

Duration : 4 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Strasbourg by Private Transfer

Today, you will leave Baden-Baden and travel to the beautiful city of Strasbourg. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations based on your preferred departure time. The trip takes about 1 hour. Just so you know, this is a non-guided transfer.

We also offer the following excursions in Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Private Walking Tour

Moderate1 hour 30 minutes

Black Forest Private Day Trip

Moderate8 hours

2 Nights in Strasbourg

2 Nights in Strasbourg

The largest city in eastern France, Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament. It also hosts the European Council, among other EU institutions. Strasbourg is situated in Alsace, a cultural region in eastern France, just a stone's throw from the country's borders with Germany. Since the 17th century, the Germans and the French took turns ruling the region, which resulted in an unparalleled blend of cultures. German traits remain in the more traditional aspects of life, such as cuisine and architecture, whereas modern institutions are dominated by French culture. Alsace is famous for its quaint villages and stunning architecture, but also for the wine, beer, and fruit liquors produced there.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Strasbourg

Upon arrival in Strasbourg, your driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Strasbourg

Colmar, Riquewihr, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle Small Group Day Trip

Included in your vacation package price.

This is the essential one-day experience in Alsace you can't miss if you want to make the best of your stay in Strasbourg. Visit the enchanting Colmar and Eguisheim villages to get lost in their charming cobblestone streets. Enjoy some free time for lunch and wine tasting in stunning Riquewihr before you get a glimpse of the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle in the company of your guide.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 9 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Departure Day

Sadly the time has come to bid adieu to France as you head back home. We'll arrange for a private transfer to Strasbourg airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

We also offer the following excursions in Strasbourg

Become Alsacien Private Day Trip

Moderate8-9 hours

Black Forest & Baden-Baden Day Trip Small Group Tour

Moderate8 hours

Black Forest Private Day Trip

Moderate8-9 hours

Blue Forest Private Day Trip

Light6 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt - Heidelberg Private Transfer

Heidelberg

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Heidelberg Old Town and Castle Private Tour

Heidelberg Train Station Transfer

Heidelberg - Baden-Baden Train

Baden-Baden

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Baden Baden Train Station Transfer

Black Forest Hike Private Tour

Baden-Baden - Strasbourg Private Transfer

Strasbourg

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Colmar, Riquewihr, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle Small Group Day Trip

Strasbourg Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

5.0 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

Ellen & Elliot

Massachusetts

Having traveled all over the world with our trusty Lonely Planet book, and then later using Airbnb or VRBO, you cannot imagine how grateful I am now at age 79 to have a company like JayWay Travel. Everything is so stress-free and easy!

Year : 2022
Visited : Germany
Itinerary : Nuremberg, Munich, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt
Rating :

5 / 5

KK and family

California

Fantastic service. Traveling during the summer of 2022 was challenging with COVID issues still present and many travel services like trains and airports overwhelmed. JayWay Travel helped us have an amazing trip despite all the challenges.

Year : 2022
Visited : Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands
Itinerary : Vienna, Prague, Zurich, Heidelberg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Frankfurt
Rating :

4.9 / 5

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