Heidelberg and Lake Constance
- 8
- £1,149
- Germany
- The historic university town of Heidelberg
- The island resort of Lindau
- Lake Constance: Four countries, one lake
- Return journey via Augsburg with its medieval centre
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London mid-morning and take the Eurostar to Brussels before connecting onto the scenic Rhine Valley route via Cologne to Heidelberg, where you’ll arrive in time for dinner. Check in for a 3-night stay at the Heidelberger Hof Hotel (or similar).
Heidelberg is one of Europe’s oldest university towns, boasting a beautiful riverside setting, a hilltop castle and a lovely Baroque Old Town, which, unlike many German cities, survived WW2 almost intact.
Enjoy a full day exploring Heidelberg which, in the 18th and 19th centuries, inspired painters and poets such as Goethe, Mark Twain and J M W Turner.
We recommend a wander around the Altstadt and castle, a climb up to the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk) across the bridge from the Old Town or a boat cruise along the Neckar River. In the evening, the Marktplatz is a great place for dinner or simply people-watching with a local beer.
Spend a last morning in Heidelberg before returning to the station for a lunchtime departure to Lindau. This journey takes you via Ulm with its distinctive towering cathedral (the tallest in the world) and the shores of Lake Constance before arriving into Lindau in the mid-afternoon.
On arrival, check in at the conveniently located Bayerischer Hof Hotel (or similar), just across from the main station. From here, the stunning harbour (pictured) is easily accessible.
There’s plenty to do in this picturesque corner of Germany. As well as exploring the walkable centre of Lindau itself, you can also take a boat out onto the lake and visit other interesting destinations such as Konstanz, Friedrichshafen (home to the fascinating Zeppelin Museum) and Bregenz, over the border into Austria.
Another not to be missed attraction is the flower island of Mainau (pictured) with its year-round magical display of flowers. If you fancy stretching your legs, there are some stunning walking trails on offer, taking you along the lakefront and up into the surrounding hills.
After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel this morning, return to the station for a direct train service to Basel.
You’ll arrive into the German station of Basel Bad (run by German Railways, despite being on Swiss soil). From here, it’s a short walk to the make your way to the Essential by Dorint Basel City (or similar) where you have an overnight stay. You’ll be within easy reach of Basel’s historic core either on foot or using the city’s excellent tram system. Enjoy an evening at leisure in this fascinating city, one of Switzerland culture capitals.
Leave Basel today and take the train to Strasbourg where you’ll pick up a high-speed TGV up to Paris Gare de l’Est. It’s possible to walk from here to the Gare du Nord in around 10 minutes. From here, join the Eurostar for your last rail journey back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Heidelberg
This family-run hotel is located in Heidelberg’s central university district, right next to the start of the city-centre pedestrianised zone. All non-smoking bedrooms come with sound-proofing, a 37 inch flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also offers a sauna and a small gym.
Lindau
Lindau’s premier hotel located right on the waterfront, this palatial hotel is an ideal getaway on the shores of Lake Constance. It’s also just steps away from the main station. Guests can take a pleasant drink on the terrace or a delicious meal in the hotel’s fantastic restaurant. The Babor Beauty Spa offers beauty treatments along with saunas, a steam room and a caldarium.
Basel
The Essential by Dorint Basel City is a modern design hotel, located within easy walking distance of Basel Bad station (for rail services into Germany). The hotel has modern bedrooms equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe and Wi-Fi internet access. There is also a bar and a restaurant, along with a gym overlooking the hotel’s garden.
