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Magic Switzerland (Magic Travel Services GmbH) · Individual rail tour

Christmas Markets: Basel, Alsace and the Black Forest

Four-day Christmas markets rail tour from Basel through three countries

Illustration of Christmas Markets: Basel, Alsace and the Black Forest

Magic Switzerland operates a four-day individual rail tour centered on Christmas markets across three European countries. The itinerary stays based in Basel, Switzerland, for three nights at a four-star hotel with breakfast, using rail day trips to reach Freiburg in Germany's Black Forest and Colmar in France's Alsace region. On Day 1, you arrive to explore medieval Basel's Christmas markets, adorned with brightly painted chalet stalls and decorations. Day 2 takes you by rail across the border to Freiburg, where you visit the Black Forest markets and taste traditional Gluhwein, a warm spiced wine. Day 3 journeys by rail to Colmar, an award-winning Alsatian town famous for festive decorations and regional treats like pain d'epices, a spiced gingerbread, and local wine caves. Day 4 is departure, but not before tasting Basel's classic Leckerli biscuit. This tour suits couples seeking a romantic winter getaway, food-and-wine enthusiasts keen to sample regional specialities, and history lovers drawn to medieval architecture. The included Basel Mobility Card and airport transfer simplify navigation.

What to know before you look closer

  • All three nights are spent in Basel; the Freiburg and Colmar visits are day excursions by rail.
  • The single-room supplement is 672 CHF, significantly above half the double rate, reflecting limited solo pricing.
  • The package is described as individual rail tour, not guided; confirm departure times and meeting logistics with Magic Switzerland before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Basel

    Arrival Switzerland

    Arrive in medieval Basel, host to the grandest Christmas markets in Switzerland! Explore the old town adorned with decorations and brightly painted chalet stalls.

  2. Day 2overnight: Basel

    Basel - Excursion Freiburg in the Black Forest

    Cross the border to Germany, visiting the markets of the Black Forest in Freiburg and indulging in traditional Gluhwein.

  3. Day 3overnight: Basel

    Basel - Excursion Colmar in Alsace

    Journey to Colmar, the charming Alsace town enhanced by festive decorations and stalls. Try pain d'epices and visit the wine caves before returning to Basel.

  4. Day 4

    Departure

    Taste the classic Basel treat Leckerli before your return home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in medieval Basel to explore the old town's Christmas markets with brightly painted chalet stalls and festive decorations.
  • Day 2Cross the border by rail to Freiburg in Germany's Black Forest to visit the Christmas markets and taste traditional Gluhwein.
  • Day 3Travel by rail to Colmar, the charming Alsace town decorated for Christmas; visit wine caves and sample pain d'epices before returning to Basel.

Included

  • Return Airport transfer in 2nd class
  • Basel Mobility Card for free travel throughout the city
  • 3 Overnights at 4* hotel with breakfast in Basel
  • Excursion to Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany)
  • Excursion to Colmar (France)
  • Travel documentation

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail travel to Freiburg and Colmar, plus a Basel Mobility Card for free local transit throughout the three nights.
What is the daily structure?
Day 1 is arrival and exploration of Basel. Days 2 and 3 are day trips by rail: Day 2 to Freiburg in the Black Forest, Day 3 to Colmar in Alsace. Day 4 is departure.
Where do I sleep?
Three nights at a four-star hotel in Basel with breakfast included. An extra night in a double room can be added for 94 CHF per person.
What is included in the from-price?
Airport transfer in second class, the Basel Mobility Card, three nights with breakfast, both rail excursions, and travel documentation. The price is 502 CHF (approximately 625 USD).
When does this trip run?
The package is scheduled for the Christmas market season, typically November and December. Confirm current departure dates with Magic Switzerland.
How much walking is involved?
Plan for moderate walking to explore the old towns and Christmas markets in Basel, Freiburg, and Colmar, plus typical station and hotel navigation.

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