Germany's Black Forest is the heavily wooded area to the south-west of the country, along the eastern bank of the River Rhine which forms the border with neighbouring Alsace in France. In total, it covers an area just a fraction smaller than Northern Ireland. The first part of our tour is based at Oberharmersbach, in the heart of the region, at the family owned and managed Baren Hotel, where we get a true flavour of everything that makes this part of Germany unique. Experience the food, the drink, the music and culture, Black Forest ham and gateaux, beer and schnapps, the '' Heimatabend" (a presentation of local costume and dance) and of course, wood carved cuckoo clocks.

We drive direct from Europoort to Oberharmersbach, (a little further than usual on our first day on the Continent in order to spend the maximum time at our destination). We make up for our speedy arrival with a leisurely return journey when we follow the Rhine, stopping for a couple of nights in the charming town of Boppard.