Summary

Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest, is one of the most attractive cities in Germany thanks to its climate and geographical situation. As a lively and cosmopolitan university city with an almost 900-year history, Freiburg has made a name for itself as a cultural centre that is known far beyond the region. The traditional and the modern come together here in a very harmonious way A good 200 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide, the Black Forest is not only one of the most varied but also one of the biggest and probably best known holiday regions in Germany.

Strasbourg's European character is rooted in its long history. Former free city of the Holy Roman Empire, Strasbourg is now a capital of Europe and the world. Like New York and Geneva, it has the distinction of being home to major international organizations without being a national capital. Strasbourg, while a business centre, is also home to numerous parks and gardens and enchanting old quarters such as "La Petite France" and the area around the Cathedral. The Île River winds its way around the city, encircling the centre of town, a large part of which is for pedestrians only.

Moving on to Colmar one of the prettiest towns in the Alsace with cobbled streets, Alsatian buildings and brightly coloured half-timbered houses.  The canal quarter known as 'Petite Venise' is particularly well preserved and includes the tanner's quarters.  It is not hard to imagine 16th century wine merchants shipping their wine along these waterways.