Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history & dazzling artistic & culinary diversity. Once you have ticked off the great Museums, panoramic vistas & energetic nightlife, what's left? A chance to indulge in a culinary adventure to beat all others, that's what!

And prepare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats & temptations in Germany which has always marched to a different drummer - Lederhosen, Oktoberfest, polka dancing, Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut & drinking beer like no others. Experience Deutschland's soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic Palaces & half-timbered towns. It is Europe at its most exotic.

Stuttgart is more than just the state capital of Baden-Wurttemberg, more than an active Congress & Economic metropolis whose tourist attractions range from Historical to Modern & Nature to Architecture.

Willkommen to Deutschland. Arrive in Stuttgart, cradle of the German automobile industry, home to Porsche & Mercedes-Benz with over 20 Museums & historical monuments scattered around town.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Stuttgart International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Stuttgart is the Capital of the Bundesland of Baden-Wurttemberg province, founded in 1952. It is a centre of Mechanical & Automobile Engineering with the as a manufacturing hubs & Headquarters of the world-famous Bosch, Mercedes & Porsche within its Metropolitan area.

It is denoted as the "Cradle of the Automobile" & home to famous Automobile Museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum & Porsche Museum, as well as numerous Auto-enthusiast Magazine Publishers, which contributes to the city’s status as Germany's Autohauptstadt ("Car Capital City").

The city is filled with greenspaces, which wrap around its center & does not resemble most other industry hubs, as it is a rather sparse city spread over many Hills & Valleys, with Forests, Parks, Mineral Springs & even Vineyards within the city. Its architecture is an appealing mixture of historical & modern buildings

Stuttgart, which once had a reputation as the conservative Capital of the south-west, has turned into a bustling Metropolis with world-class culture, great shopping & night-life.

Ask many Germans their opinion of Stuttgarters and & they will have plenty of things to say: they are road hogs, speeding along the Autobahn; they are sharp-dressed Executives with a Swabian drawl; they are tight-fisted Homebodies who slave away to the dictum of “schaffe, schaffe, Hausle baue” (work, work, build a house). But, so much for the stereotypes: the real Stuttgart is less superficial than legend would have it. True, some good-living locals like their cars fast & their restaurants fancy, but most are just as happy getting their boots dirty in the surrounding vine-clad hills & hanging out with friends in the rustic confines of a Weinstube (Wine Tavern) or a chestnut tree-shaded Biergarten. In the capital of Baden-Wurttemberg, city slickers & down-to-earth country kids walk hand in hand, with no need to compromise.

Whoever thinks of Stuttgart, thinks of world-renowned car factories, high-tech & computer manufacturing, VfB Stuttgart, the Cannstatter Volksfest (Funfair & Folk Festival), the Stuttgart Ballet & perhaps also the Swabian cuisine, spatzle & wine.

Charmingly situated in one of the largest wine regions in Germany, it impresses, on the one hand with its wonderful panoramic view, beautiful Squares, splendid Castles & Palaces & buildings with diverse architectural styles and, on the other, with its diverse cultural offering.

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it can by no means be envied solely on account of its green spaces. The city offers interesting attractions, a world-renowned Ballet, excellent Cultural & Sporting highlights & an international Variety Theatre.

Baden-Wurttemberg's Capital is gaining increasing importance in Europe. With its globally oriented Research & Economical structure, the international character of its population, as well as a variety of Consular representatives, Stuttgart has the best conditions to play a decisive role in the top group of European metropolitan regions.

Some of the landmarks worth seeing are as below. *For illustration only. No ‘guided’ sightseeing today. You can explore on your own.

The unique cauldron-shaped landscape offers plenty of scenic lookouts & formed a dense City Centre where nowadays fortunately most of Stuttgart's main attractions are. In the heart of the City Centre, Schlossplatz (Palace Square) is a must for visitors & an ideal starting point for a tour.

The Schlossplatz is the largest Square in Stuttgart, right in the middle of the Mitte in front of the Neues Schloss. It was created as Parade grounds for the Palace & is now a public green area with lawns, flowerbeds, twin fountains & a decorative Bandstand. In warmer months, the Schlossplatz is always full of locals, students & tourists enjoying its relaxing atmosphere. It adjoins the Koenigstrase with a number of key government buildings around.

Arguably the most recognizable symbol of Stuttgart - Neues Schloss (New Palace) - was constructed between 1746 & 1807 when the Duke of Wurttemberg, Carl Eugen, found Altes Schlossn, erstwhile ducal residence in Ludwigsburg to be less stately. The new Palace was a grandiose undertaking that took many decades, Architects & 4 successive Dukes of Wurttemberg to complete, given the ever-changing tastes & plans, as well as constant scandalization within the Duchy regarding the costs of the lavish residence. The result is a Palace inspired partially by Versailles & other grand royal residences, which gave the centre of Stuttgart an airy, garden park feel.

The Palace was transformed into a State Museum in 1918 when the last King of Wurttemberg abdicated. It was almost completely destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt in 1958-1964 & now houses the Ministry of Finance & Economy. It is possible to visit during guided tours on specified dates announced in advance.

Altes Schloss a fully-functional fortified Castle built at the turn of the 10^th century, evolved together with Stuttgart as it rose from a small settlement to be the Capital of County & later Duchy of Wurttemberg. It was in the 15^th century that the Castle got its current form of a renaissance Palace with a cloistered courtyard. The moat around Altes Schloss was filled in in the 18^th century. Today, Altes Schloss houses the Landesmuseum Wurttemberg.

Wurttembergisches Landesmuseum (Historical Art Museum) is a direct descendant of a Collection of local antiquities formed in 1862 by King Wilhelm I of Wurttemberg & since 1948, has the Altes Schloss as its main seat.

The Museum's collections are a potpourri of Archeological artifacts & works of Art from different periods, mostly related in one way or another to the region. This includes a large Collection of Folk Art. While the Museum actually manages many locations across Stuttgart & the entirety of Baden-Wurttemberg, it is in the Altes Schloss where the main Exhibitions take place. There are small permanent Exhibitions of a cross-section of the Museum's Collections & temporary themed Exhibitions in the Schloss.

The construction of the mighty Alte Kanzlei (Old Chancellery) on the northeast side of the Schillerplatz (Square named after the great poet Friedrich Schiller, whose statue stands in the middle) lasted 3 years from 1542 to 1544. Today the ‘heritage’ building is used as a Restaurant & Bar.

Konigsbau (which means "king's building") was erected in 1856-1860, directly in front of the Neues Schloss as a multi-functional building to host Commerce & special Events, at the order of King Wilhem I. Its Schlossplatz facing façade, with 34 columns over 135 metres, serves as a balance to the equally imposing Palace opposite. In the latter half of the 20^th century, the rebuilt Konigsbau became the seat of Stuttgart's Stock Exchange & part of a large shopping centre called Konigsbau Passagen.

Although there is no Cologne Cathedral type in Stuttgart, there are a few Churches worth visiting. Most beautiful is the Johanneskirche (St. John's Church), surrounded by the lake Feuersee & illuminated at night. Lot of other smaller interesting Churches, too.  

Like a pearly white spaceship preparing for lift-off, the barrier-free Porsche Museum is a car-lover's dream. Housed in a building which is an architectural marvel in itself, inside & out, but the highlights are obviously the exhibited examples of historic Porsche cars (& cars that Porsche designed for other companies, like the legendary Volkswagen "Beetle"), taken from Porsche's impressive Collection of more than 500 historic & significant automobiles. Audio-guides race you through the history of Porsche from its 1948 beginnings. Stop to glimpse the 911 GT1 that won Le Mans in 1998.  A visit may be combined with a Factory tour.

A futuristic swirl on the cityscape, the Mercedes-Benz Museum takes a chronological spin through the Mercedes empire, covering the history of the main & associated brands. It is home to the history of mobility & the brand that extends from 1886 all the way to the future.

Built in 2006, outside the gates of the main Plant perched atop a man-made Hill, it represents a distinctive landmark in the area as an architectural beacon. In the 12 Halls on 9 levels covering a floor space of 16,500 m², the Museum houses over 1,500 exhibits including a Collection of Automobiles built by the Company over its long history. Both pioneering vehicles, significant technological breakthroughs as well as those significant for their participation in history (record-breaking or winning Sportscars, cars used by famous personalities) are exhibited.  Discover the automotive & contemporary history from the very first patented car in the world to the hydrogen vehicle from this millennium.

The Museum celebrates the automobile invented by Carl Benz in 1886: it relates its history & tells its stories, bringing both alive, by placing them in the context of technology, day-to-day life, social history & popular culture. More than 160 breathtaking vehicles of all types are displayed, ranging from some of the oldest automobiles ever built to legendary racing cars & futuristic research vehicles. Look out for legends such as the 1885 Daimler Riding Car (the world’s first petrol-powered vehicle) & the record-breaking Lightning Benz that hit 228 km / hour at Daytona Beach in 1909.

The Museum visit can be combined with a tour of the Factory in Unterturkheim. There is an on-site Cafe & high-class Restaurant in the Museum & a Gift Shop.

Bohnenviertel is the only preserved part of Stuttgart's Old Town, having miraculously survived to the present day, largely intact. Built mainly in the 14^th century, it used to house the poorer part of the population, who fed mainly on beans which were grown all around the quarter in gardens & even hanging from the houses' walls, hence the name meaning "bean quarter". Today, Bohnenviertel hosts Craft Artisans & small, old-style retail, as well as Gastronomy outlets & the Red Light district.

There are many more places worth seeing but you will not have the time.

And, now for the raison d’etre for this trip – a visit to Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt. Take advantage of the time to discover the city & its Christmas Market at your own pace.

When the winter slowly comes, Stuttgart turns into an atmospheric Christmas Market town: fairy lights sparkling everywhere, the scent of cinnamon & vanilla, of bratwurst & gluhwein in the air & festive music sounding through the streets. During the weeks of Advent, the Stuttgart is bathed in a special yuletide glow. The Town Hall is transformed into a gigantic Advent calendar. Each day a "door" is opened, revealing by degrees the Coats of Arms of Stuttgart's Boroughs.

The ceremonially illuminated city - medievally characterized by the Old Castle, the Towers of the Collegiate Church & the baroque grounds of the New Castle - is the magnificent backdrop of the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt right in the Renaissance inner quadrangle of Old Castle, with Stalls & displays in the Schlossplatz, Schillerplatz, Marktplazt & the streets in-between.

If you happen to be in town on 23^rd November, don’t miss the Opening Ceremony at 06.00 pm when the Mayor of Stuttgart officially opens the Market & switch on the lights on the 25 metres high Christmas Tree. Over 60 Choir & Music groups from the metro area perform during the 26 days the Market is open. If you miss the Ceremony, don’t worry! Music plays a major role at Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt with local Music groups performing at daily open-air ‘free’ Concerts on the steps of the Town Hall & amidst the historical surroundings of Alten Schloss.

Whether Santa Claus with his big bushy beard, angels or winter wonderland - in Stuttgart, especially the 300 wooden Booths filled with crafts, toys & festive holiday decor with their creatively decorated roofs, delight the visitors. Evergreens covered in twinkling lights. The Owners of the ornately & lovingly decorated Stalls are rewarded for their pains with a prize awarded each year by a Jury for the Christmas Market's most beautiful Stall.

With its tradition of more than 300 years & its Christmas goods offerings, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt is one of the loveliest in Germany & one of the oldest & largest of its kind in Europe. It was officially mentioned for the first time in 1692 but its roots however stretch back further in time. An official market privilege is known to date back to 1507 when Duke Ulrich of Wurttemberg cedes the town of Stuttgart, the right to collect Stall Fees at the annual Fairs. A Horse Market on St. Ottmar’s Day (16 November) is mentioned. The annual Fair grew & at the same time crept ever closer to Christmas & eventually, it formed the basis for the “Christkindleinmarkt” (Christ child market) that stretched from the Tuesday to Saturday before Christmas.

Visiting a Christmas Market is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Guests from near & far to come together to get into the true Christmas spirit. The Traders’ wares still include traditional Flea Market articles but the range of goods has become far more diverse: the offerings include wooden toys, crib figurines, arts & crafts, jewellery, sweet delights & culinary delicacies from all over the world.

Daily live Concerts, a large children’s fairy tale land with nostalgic Carousels, a real mini Steam Engine & many “get involved” activities like the Children’s Bakery or the Candle making Workshop are popular features. Additionally, there is a popular Antique Market in a heated Tent on the Karlsplatz, an outdoor Ice Rink & the entire Market is powered by local green electricity.

You will find traditional Christmas Market fare, like grilled Bratwurst, hearty fried potatoes, crispy potato pancakes, as well as delicious vegetarian options like mushrooms in garlic sauce & crepes. You will also find smoked salmon sandwiches & local specialities like Maultaschen, Kasespatzle & Flammkuchen. Satisfying your sweet tooth is also easy with Stalls filled with Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (German Christmas bread with powdered sugar on top), Gebrannte Mandeln (hot cinnamon almonds), holiday candy, chocolates, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, & so much more. And, of course, all visitors must try the traditional Gluhwein (hot mulled wine)

Today, get ready explore the Christmas Market in the neighbouring city of Heidelburg.

Early morning, proceed (on your own) to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to board a train for Heidelberg. *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required.

Arrive at Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required   to explore the City.

Proceed (on your own) to explore the City & Christmas Market. (We would of course, be happy to offer suggestions & / or arrange a ‘guided’ tour with a supplement cost).

Heidelberg is a town on the Neckar River in southwestern Germany, known for the venerable Heidelberg University, founded in the 14^th century.

Surrounded by forest, Germany’s oldest & most famous University town is renowned for its baroque Altstadt (Old Town), beautiful riverside setting & evocative half-ruined red-sandstone Heidelberg Castle, Philosophers' Walk & the Old Bridge on Neckar River, which inspired the Poets & Artists of Romanticism, still fascinates & draw 12 million visitors from all over the world today, who follow in the footsteps of the late 18^th & early 19^th century romantics, most notably the Poet Goethe & British Painter William Turner, who was inspired by Heidelberg to paint some of his greatest landscapes. Praised by Poets, painted by Artists & rhapsodized by Composers like Schumann, Heidelberg embodies the spirit of the romantic Rhineland.

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with its picturesque ensemble of attractions, Heidelberg was a seat of government of the former Electorate of the Palatinate. The dreamy, romantic setting, an unparalleled choice of culture & entertainment wherever you go & hearty yet heavenly cuisine - all nestled between the Neckar River & the foothills of the Odenwald forest, has made Heidelberg a top destination for tourists since the 1800s. In 1878, Mark Twain began his European travels with a 3 month stay in Heidelberg, recounting his observations in A Tramp Abroad (1880).

Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany's oldest & one of Europe's most reputable Universities. It is a scientific hub in Germany & home to several internationally renowned Research facilities adjacent to the University, including the European Molecular Biology Laboratory & 4 Max Planck Institutes. The city has also been a hub for the Arts, especially its rich Literary history & a thriving contemporary scene, throughout the centuries & it was designated a "City of Literature" by UNESCO.

Some of the main landmarks as below. *For illustration only as you do not have the time to stop at all of them.  (We can of course, arrange a ‘guided’ tour, with a supplement cost)  

Heidelberg’s Altstadt has a red-roofed townscape of remarkable architectural unity. After having been all but destroyed by French troops under Louis XIV (1690s), it was rebuilt during the 18^th century. Unlike many German cities, it emerged from WWII almost unscathed.

World-famous famous & the epitome of German romanticism - the mighty Schloss Heidelberg on Konigstuhl Hill, some 70 metres above the Neckar River, is among the most impressive sights to be found in Germany.

Towering over the Altstadt, the ruined Renaissance Castle cuts a romantic figure, especially across the Neckar River when illuminated at night. The Castle is reached either via a steep, cobbled trail in about 10 minutes or by taking the Bergbahn (cogwheel train) from Kornmarkt Station.

The Castle towering majestically above the Neckar Valley, used to be the residence of the Palatine Counts & Electors from the House of Wittelsbach, who ruled the Palatinate of the Rhine from here for over 400 years. The Palace is a demonstration of their royal status & in its golden age rivalled the splendor of the Imperial Courts in Vienna & Prague.

The Castle was full of life, the scene of lively festivities with Dancing & Events. Unforgotten is an outstanding Elector like Frederick the Victorious or the enlightened Frederick II. But the walls also tell of the destruction of the Castle at the end of the 17^th century, its slumber in the 18^th century & the beginning of tourism under the sign of the romanticism of the 19^th century.

The Ottheinrich Building at the Palace, is one of the most beautiful & oldest structures of the German Renaissance. Stately sculptures adorn the façade & in the interior, fascinating examples of the luxurious decor have been preserved.

The elaborate decorative figures on the stately show facade were created by sculptor Alexander Colin (1526 - 1612). The Sovereign's self-image & his political agenda were immortalized in stone here. Ancient heroes & Roman Emperors represent Military & Political power. The Ruler was also expected to possess Christian virtue. Ottheinrich had himself installed in the central portal pediment.

The view through the empty windows of the 2^nd story into the blue sky make quite an impression. The once double-gabled roof was damaged by fire from French troops in 1693 & was finally destroyed by a lightning strike in 1764. Only the ground floor was preserved with a roof in the 20^th century. For preservation reasons, the original facade sculptures are now housed in the Halls. Today, the Emperor's Hall & the Lords' Hall in the Building are used for Exhibitions. The German Apothecary Museum has resided in the basement since 1958.

The Hall of Glass is an impressive example of early Renaissance architecture at the Palace. Its Italian arcades connect the 2 most beautiful buildings within Heidelberg Palace: the Friedrich Building & the Ottheinrich Building. The comparably simple Hall of Glass is located between the 2. It was constructed by Prince Elector Friedrich II, who ruled between 1544 & 1556. He had the facade segmented by the arcades in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The building was named for its magnificent 2nd story Hall, once adorned with Venetian mirror glass. The Hall of Glass lost its roof in a firestorm in 1764. Only the arcades situated in front of the facade are still roofed today. In 2011, building management covered the burned-out 2^nd floor with an arched glass roof in consideration of its historic name.

Over the centuries, a gun turret originally constructed in the early 15^th century was reinforced, built up & finally converted into an octagonal Bell Tower which functioned as a ‘lookout’, located next to the Hall of Glass. The Tower's wall, which was burned out in the 18^th century, is being carefully preserved & restored. Several Prince Electors contributed to its current shape.

Did you know that the largest barrel in the world was installed in the Castle's wine cellar in 1591? Made from 130 oak trees, it had a capacity to hold precisely 130,000 liters of Wine from the Palatinate. The largest wine barrel ever filled in the world, it still stands today & is a special attraction in the Barrel Building at the Palace. The Prince Electors celebrated lively parties in the neighboring King's Hall (which today, can be rented for private celebrations).

The original Great Barrel fell victim to the turmoil of the 30 year War. In 1664, it was replaced by an even larger Barrel. Nearly 100 years later, Prince Elector Carl Theodor, who had long since taken up residence in Mannheim Palace, had the 3^rd & current Great Barrel constructed, which has a capacity of precisely 212,726 litres. There are Stairs leading to a Platform above the Barrel.

The best view of the Barrel Building is from the Great Terrace. The Gothic windows installed when the functional building was constructed in the 16^th century, were entirely out of fashion. The reason why its builder, Johann Kasimir, uncle & guardian to Friedrich IV, chose them remains a mystery to this day.

Located next to the Barrel Building is the Ladies' Building built in 1515. It is named for the living quarters located on the upper floors, which were reserved for ladies in waiting. There is the huge ceremonial King's Hall located on the ground floor. During celebrations, Wine could be pumped through a pipe directly from the Great Barrel into the neighboring Ladies' Building & the King's Hall.

So many more places to see but you would not have the time. Proceed for a brief look at the Christmas Market in the Palace Complex.

A fairy-tale town any time of year, but during Christmas, it transforms into a holiday paradise. The “Weihnachtsmarkt,” here is one of the most magical places, with 5 different Squares to choose from, over 140 Stalls. If you are looking for a sports activity or want to do a few laps on Skates in front of the Castle‘s romantic setting, you can go to Karlsplatz, one of the most beautiful Ice Skating Rink in Germany.

From the scintillating scents of the roasting chestnuts & candied nuts, sloshing back hot mulled wine (Gluhwein), the glow of the Castle above & the excitement of visitors of all ages, it seems to swirl in the happy feeling of Christmas.

The small beautiful, romantic town nestled on the banks of a river, packs a punch when it comes to the beautiful & historical Christmas Market with the sight of beautiful, handcrafted wooden Stalls amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Castle.

After spending an hour at or 2 at the Weihnachtsmarkt, proceed (on your own) to Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof to board the train for the short ride back to Stuttgart. *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required.

Arrive at Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof & transfer to the hotel (on your own).

Today, get ready explore yet another exciting town famous for its Hot Springs & of course, the customary Christmas Market on a day trip.

Early morning, proceed (on your own) to Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to board a train for Baden-Baden. *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required.

The journey involves a Change enroute. Both ways at Karlsruhe Hbf. 

Arrive at Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required   to explore the City.

Proceed (on your own) to explore the City & Christmas Market. (We would of course, offer suggestions & / or arrange a ‘guided’ tour with a supplement cost).

Baden-Baden is famous for its thermal baths, Germany's largest Opera House & Concert Hall, magnificent Parks & Gardens, as well as the Kurhaus, the world-famous Casino. The Baden-Baden Christmas Market is also famous, considered one of Germany’s most beautiful, offering visitors a winter fairytale of a special kind.

In modern German, Baden or Bader (plural) the original name of the town, means "bathing" deriving from an earlier plural form of Bad ("bath"). As with the English city named "Bath", other “Baden” is used to denote Hot Springs throughout Central Europe. The current doubled name originated to distinguish it from the other towns, particularly village of Baden near Vienna in Austria & Baden near Zurich in Switzerland.

The notion of the old-fashioned European Spa town lives on in Baden-Baden, where the bath-conscious Roman Emperor Caracalla came to ease his arthritic aches 2,000 years ago.

The original Margraviate of Baden (1112-1535) split into several territories. "Baden-Baden" distinguished the Margraviate of Baden-Baden (1535–1771) with its princely seat at Baden, from the Margraviate of Baden-Durlach. Baden-Baden formally got its current official name in 1931.

Founded by the Romans at the location of a former Celtic settlement, it was named ‘Citavis Aurelia Aquensis’ (the city of Aurelia of the waters) in honour of Aurelius Severus & the city’s Hot Springs. Roman Garrisons were stationed here from the 2^nd century BC onwards & used the healing waters, above all, to cure war injuries. The Baths were also an important meeting place for relaxation & socialising & more luxurious versions were built for Emperors.

Remains of the Soldiers’ Baths with sophisticated heating & water technology are still located below the Friedrichsbad & can be seen. Emperor Caracalla (188-217 CE), in particular, rendered outstanding services to the luxurious expansion of the facilities in Baden-Baden.

In the Middle Ages, rheumatic complaints & injuries continued to be treated by bathing in the thermal waters. In 1112, Baden-Baden & the newly constructed Hohenbaden Castle served as the seat of the Margraves of Baden. The Lichtenthal Convent was founded in 1254. In the 14^th century, the Town was successfully flooded several times with thermal water as protection against the epidemics. The Baths also Physicians & the evolving research, the healing waters were used for treatment of many diseases, such as female infertility, gout resulting from excessive constipation, skin diseases & respiratory problems. In 1479, the seat of the Margraves of Baden was transferred to the New Castle of Baden-Baden.

Until the 30 Years’ War (1618-48), Baden-Baden flourished as a bathing town. Around the mid 17^th century, the richly stuccoed princely Bath was built at the orders of Margrave Ferdinand Maximilian (1652-69) on the ground floor of the New Palace on Florentine Hill. In 1689, during the War of the Palatinate Succession (1688-1697) between France & the “Holy Roman Empire”, Baden-Baden was burnt to the ground by the French. Due to the Palatinate War the town lost its status as the Capital of the Margraves of Baden that it had held since the 12^th century. Although the city was partly rebuilt thereafter, the Bathing system almost came to a standstill.

Baden-Baden’s resurgence as a Spa town was initiated with the building of the Promenade House & the laying out of a chestnut lined Avenue outside the city walls & west of the Oos River in 1765-66. This marked the beginning of a new Spa Quarter, which was not only soon to outstrip the Spa Quarter in the Old Town, but was also to lead to a shift in the focus of the city's structural, economic & social development. The town was rediscovered as a Bathing Resort by the participants of the Rastatt Congress of 1797-98, followed by Artists of German Romanticism.

From the dawn of the 19^th century, the Town was systematically transformed into a modern Health Resort. The old city gates & the city walls were demolished & the town spread further into the Oos Valley & the surrounding landscape. The Promenade House was converted into the Konversationshaus (today's Kurhaus) by Friedrich Weinbrenner, the main Architect for Baden's buildings from 1821-24 & the Trinkhalle was built by Heinrich Hubsch from 1839-42. It was in the Kurhaus & the Casino housed in the building, that Baden-Baden acquired a worldwide reputation as the supreme example of a Gaming Spa.

Baden-Baden awaits you with warmth & tradition as well as a wealth of Art & Culture. Enjoy the unique flair, history & sights of the modern Spa & cultural city which was once called the "Summer Capital of Europe". This Black Forest town boasts grand colonnaded buildings and whimsically turreted art nouveau villas spread across the hillsides and framed by forested mountains.

Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm I, Napoleon III, Berlioz, Brahms & Dostoevsky are among the elite who put Baden-Baden on the map as the most elegant & sophisticated playground in Germany. Tolstoy even set a scene in “Anna Karenina” here. Baden-Baden still evokes an aura of privilege, though there is nothing stuffy about this lively little city that tumbles across green hillsides above darting streams.

Baden-Baden isn’t a demanding place in terms of monuments & landmarks. The pace is relaxed & the streets are geared toward pleasurable strolls. The time-honored center of activity is Lichtentaler Allee, an elegant Park Promenade lined with rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, & ornamental trees set along the bank of the narrow Oosbach River.

At the north end of the Promenade are the formally landscaped grounds of the Kurgarten & the neo-classical Kurhaus, built in the 18^th century as a “Promenade House,” where the rich & prominent came to see and be seen. It has been the hub of Baden-Baden’s social scene ever since, used for Receptions & Galas and one wing houses the Casino.

Visitors also want to step into the Trinkhalle (Pump Room) for a sip of the medicinal waters that have been bubbling up for more than 17,000 years & have a look at the frescoes depicting Black Forest legends.

Walk through the Spa district with the Roman-Irish Friedrichsbad & Caracalla Spa, where you can see the ancient Roman Bath ruins - a Museum of Bathing culture. Discover one of the oldest bathing facilities in the country, fantastically preserved in its original state, which virtually brings the Roman bathing culture back to life. Discover one of the oldest bathing facilities in the country, fantastically preserved in its original state, which virtually brings the Roman bathing culture back to life.

You can join a well-heeled European crowd & soak in the waters, see the sights & some world-class Art, stroll & hike, attend a Performance in one of Germany’s most acclaimed Concert Halls.

Stroll through the Old Town with Market Square, Town Hall & Museum Mile. You may even try your luck in one of the most famous & traditional Casinos in Europe, with its fascinating Gaming Rooms, that Marlene Dietrich called the "most beautiful Casino in the world" & its history.

“Change is always sweet” - Euripides already knew this back in his day, despite never having set foot in Baden-Baden. For it is here - only here, we are tempted to say - that you will find such a soothing mixture of relaxation & stimulation.

And now, let us talk about the Christmas Market.

Framed by the mountains of the Black Forest, the traditional Christkindelsmarkt will whisk you away to a special kind of winter fairy tale with numerous atmospheric attractions. Integrated into one of the most beautiful areas of the City, it is not only a welcome meeting place, but also a place for "pre-Christmas experiences".

The enchantment begins right at the start of the world-famous Lichtentaler Allee. Small candles & lights twinkle atmospherically in front of the Kurhaus. Festively decorated huts await you next to the exclusive colonnade stores. The scent of mulled wine & gingerbread will accompany you as you stroll past the festively decorated huts.

In addition to the finest delicacies, you can expect to find unusual Handicrafts, Christmas decorations, Nativity scenes, exclusive gourmet Igloos & much more. Live programmes on the Stage & all the many atmospheric attractions will once again delight both the little ones & the grown-ups.

In time, proceed (on your own) to Baden-Baden's Hauptbahnhof to board a train for Stuttgart. *Transfer not included.  Optional. Supplement, if required.

Arrive at Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof & transfer (on your own) to the hotel.

Alas, like all good things, your short glimpse of this enchanting city comes to an end & it is time to say au revoir.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

Germany is full of wonderful culture that just wants to be discovered. There is something for everyone in this ancient country’s most diverse selection of towns & cities and its top Museums & other cultural institutions.

Stuttgart is one of Germany's effortless tourist destinations. It is the country's Automobile design & manufacturing center featuring Museums built by Porsche & Mercedes-Benz. Stuttgart also exhibits its rich-historical culture represented by medieval Palaces based upon 18^th century Baroque-style architecture.

With so much culture to explore & cuisine to taste in Stuttgart & beyond, spending 4 days here is bound to be a fantastic glimpse / experience but certainly not enough do justice to the city or the country.

So, you see, you have much more to discover if you come to enchanting Germany ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Stuttgart International Airport, for your onward journey. B

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