Overview: The Black Forest embodies everything that the rest of the world expects of a German picture book area.  All this and more is part of the tour when you join RTT to the Black Forest!  A good 125 miles long and almost 40 miles 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. 

Itinerary:  Travel the Black Forest highway through picturesque villages and forest scenery to the first destination, with a chance for breakfast en route (conditions permitting, not included).  At the Vogtsbauernhof Outdoor Museum, culture and history come to life!  Actual buildings set into accessible settings show you how life was lived in past centuries in this rugged region of central Europe.  In six fully-furnished farmhouses, where living quarters and the working farm are housed under one roof, visit a labourer’s cottage and the  surrounding  15 outbuildings; such as mills, sawmills, chapels and storehouses, seven kitchen gardens and a herb garden.  See traditional breeds of domestic animals. Together they present the many different faces of life in the Black Forest: its architecture, traditions, customs and trades, and the way people have lived and farmed for over 400 centuries. Lunch possibilities will be available (Euros required, not included in tour price).  Witness glass blowers at the glass blowing workshop and museum of the Dorotheenhutte and have the opportunity to purchase hand-made wares at their extensive stores.  Proudly known as the ‘Black Forest’s only hand-blown glass factory’, Dorotheenhütte walks its guests through 2,000 years of glass history.  The museum section of the complex shows how the art of glass-making has evolved over the years as well as displays tool and mold artifacts from long ago.  Masters can be observed creating and grinding delicate crystal stemware by hand - each cut a carefully calculated combination of angle and pressure.  Dorotheenhütte also gives their visitors the opportunity to try their hand at glass blowing –  fascinating and fun when considering one rarely gets the invitation to ‘touch’ and ‘try it out’ when fragile objects are concerned. 

The afternoon continues with a drive into the city most representative of the Black Forest region - Triberg. Visit one of the largest clock productions in the area.  Bring VAT forms for your purchases here!  During free time in Triberg, you can choose to explore the waterfall, the local shops, or the Black Forest Museum.  Of course, restaurants abound for typical local specialties and beverages.  Depart Triberg at about 6:30 p.m. Approximate return time to points of origin 2100 hrs.