Germania

Three stops in Central Europe between summer and winter: the German Black Forest, Lake Constance and the Vienna Christmas Markets — a journey through fairytale landscapes, alpine traditions and the magical atmosphere of Central European Christmas.

The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is one of southern Germany's most iconic landscapes: dense fir forests extending as far as the eye can see, half-timbered villages (Fachwerkhäuser) with coloured shutters, the Triberg waterfalls — Germany's highest — and the cuckoo clock, symbol of the region. Roads wind through deep valleys and green-covered hills, past isolated farms where the famous Black Forest ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken) and cherry cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte) are produced.

Lake Constance (Bodensee), shared between Germany, Austria and Switzerland, is a freshwater sea surrounded by orchards and vineyards. The lakeside towns — Meersburg with its medieval castle, the flower island of Mainau, Lindau with its Bavarian harbour — have a relaxed, genteel atmosphere. The Swiss Alps in the background complete a postcard-perfect panorama.

The winter chapter: Vienna, the imperial Habsburg capital, visited for the traditional Christkindlmarkt. The markets in front of the Rathaus (town hall) are an explosion of lights, colours and scents — mulled wine (Glühwein), spiced biscuits (Lebkuchen), sausages and roasted chestnuts. The Belvedere with its market in the baroque garden, the illuminated Ringstrasse and St Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna at Christmas has a fairytale charm that few cities in the world can match.