Christmas in Alsace and the Black Forest

Christmas in Alsace
and the Black Forest
November 25 – December 4, 2016
Small group exploration by comfortable van . . . engaging, dramatic
scenery . . . stories spanning the centuries.
Trip Highlights:
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Beautiful drives and stunning panoramas in the Vosges Mountains and the Black
Forest
Lovely hotels – 3-star and 4-star
Delicious regional and seasonal dining
Museums, churches, “old towns,” castles and other sites that tell the stories of Alsace
and the Schwartzwald
Visits to some of the world’s prettiest villages
Christmas markets
Itinerary:
Friday, November 25
Evening departure, via Lufthansa (recommended flight) from Charlotte to Basel,
Switzerland
Saturday, November 26
Arrive Basel, transfer to comfortable van / vehicle. We’ll drive to the town of Thann –
gateway to the French Vosges Mountains. We’ll check into our lovely hotel, then unwind
and settle into our new surroundings. Early dinner, then catch up on our sleep. Overnight,
Thann.
Sunday, November 27
This morning we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, followed by exploration of the beautiful
Guebwiller valley. We’ll visit the famous Abbey Church of Murbach (known for its
Romanesque architecture) – one of the region’s cultural treasures. In the afternoon, we’ll
visit the National Museum of the Automobile (on the edge of Mulhouse), drive to the
Bussang Pass for a terrific look at the surrounding Vosges peaks. Dinner and overnight in
Thann.
Monday, November 28
We depart Thann, following the famous Wine Route on the eastern slopes of the Vosges.
We’ll visit a string of enchanting “wine villages,” including Eguisheim and Riquewihr –
among France’s “most beautiful villages” and featuring half-timbered houses in the Alsatian
style. We’ll visit the imposing fortress of Haut Konigsbourg, as we resettle at our beautiful
country inn near the village of Ottrot, beneath legendary Mount Ste. Odile. Dinner and
overnight in Ottrot.
Tuesday, November 29
After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll explore this lovely region: the Christmas market in old
Obernai, Mount St. Odile – crowned by a splendid abbey, and other local treasures. Dinner
and overnight in Ottrot.
Wednesday, November 30
This morning we’ll check out of our inn and drive across the Rhine River into the
Schwartzwald – the Black Forest. We’ll ascend to Triberg – capital of the cookoo clock
industry in the Schwartzwald, and famous for its pretty waterfalls. In the late afternoon,
we’ll check into our nearby hotel. Dinner and overnight in the Schwartzwald.
Thursday, December 1
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in
the hotel . . . then we’ll explore
pretty villages and the fabled
wooded mountains – with a
seasonal aura in the air.
Highlights will include a visit
to postcard-perfect Schiltach,
and the famous covered
market in Freudenstadt.
Overnight, Schwartzwald.
Friday, December 2
Our drive today will take us around the regional capital of Freiburg, into the Munster valley
(known for its namesake cheese). We’ll move into a splendid country inn nestled in a
mountain valley along a gurgling stream. Dinner and overnight near Bad Sulzburg.
Saturday, December 3
We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in the inn . . . then drive to nearby Staufen for the annual
Christmas Market day. Enjoy singing and cultural performances, along with the sights,
fragrances, and tastes of the season.
Dinner and overnight near Bad Sulzburg.
Sunday, December 4
We’ll make the easy drive to Basel for our return flight to the U.S.
Pricing information:
Price: $3499 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $750); includes comfortable
van transportation, 8 nights accommodations (3-star, family-owned hotels in lovely
settings), all breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, all touring and entrances. Price does not
include other meals, international airfare, alcohol.
Please continue to registration form, after Weinachtsmarkt photo gallery.
Trip Registration Form
Please mail / return this registration form, along with deposit check (payable to Explore Up Close),
to:
Explore Up Close, LLC
613 Poplar St.
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Christmas in Alsace / Black Forest: November 25 – December 4
1. Name: ________________________________________________________________________
2. Mailing Address:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Home Telephone Number: _______________________________________________________
4. Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________
5. Will a spouse / friend / guest accompany you on this trip?
_____ Yes
_____ No
Name of person(s) traveling with you:
_______________________________________________ ; _________________________________________________
How to contact this person: email _________________________________________________
Telephone: ___________________________________________________
(continued on next page)
6. Lodging specifics (requests will be honored to the degree possible):
_____ room with two (2) beds
_____ room with one (1) bed
7. Deposit / Refund information:
The deposit amount is $750 / person. Refunds (minus a $100 service fee for international
trips) can be granted before bookings are made, but not less than 60 days prior to trip
departure. The purchase of trip insurance can insure your trip investment in the event of
illness and a number of other “emergency contingencies.” See your travel agent or call
Chumley Cope for more information.
8. Payment information:
Full payment is due 60 days prior to the trip start date.
* * * * *
Enclosed is my check, payable to “Explore Up Close,” in the amount of
_______________.
This payment covers the deposit(s) / full payment(s) [circle one] for the following
travelers:
a. ____________________________________
b. ____________________________________
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Additional information / questions about the trip:
Contact Chumley Cope at Explore / Up Close, LLC.
You may reach Chumley by telephone at (864) 431-7567 or by email at
chumley@exploreupclose.com. Look for information about other trips at
www.exploreupclose.com.