FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

City Rivers and Small Town Beauty in Southwest Germany

by Debra Bokur

Aug 30, 2024

© Lena Martin, @inspirationdelavie

Daily

The charm of small towns takes on extra allure when they’re set within the enchanting landscape of Southwest Germany. Twenty picturesque hamlets and villages — many backdropped by a fairytale castle — offer ideal options for leisurely walking tours, shopping in street markets and indulging in authentic culinary adventures. Many of the castles and gardens decorating these areas have been beautifully restored by The State Palaces and Garden of Baden-Württemberg, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the past.

Already dreaming up an itinerary? Here are a few choice locations to add to your plans:

Germany

© Tobias Ackermann

Waldkirch

Waldkirch, known as “the organ town” for its collection of mechanical organs and history as a center for their creation, is the site of Elz Valley Museum. Here, you can learn all about this musical instrument and other mechanical musical devices like the cuckoo clock. Waldkirch is the location of the ruins of Kastelburg. Built by the Lords of Schwarzenberg in approximately 1280, the castle ruins are reached by the Ritterweg path, guarded by full-sized statues of knights. Around the town’s marketplace are cafés and restaurants where you can take a break from shopping to enjoy a coffee or meal while soaking in the magical surroundings.

Mosbach

Mosbach in the Odenwald is a great choice any day, but especially if you enjoy outdoor pursuits such as cycling, walking or hiking. Check the schedule of events at programs being held at the Alte Mälzerei (old malthouse); visit the town museum; or take a tour of Palm’sche Haus, one of the many fascinating half-timbered buildings located here.

Germany

© Nina Zasche, @goodmorningworldblog

Calw

Deep in the Black Forest, the town of Calw is made up of charming streets, shops and cafés, along with memorable museums that include The Tall One, the lone remaining tower of a medieval city fortification; Monastery Museum Calw-Hirsau; and Palais Vischer history museum. Look for the post-renovation reopening of Hermann Hesse Museum, once home to the beloved poet, writer and artist.

Maulbronn Monastery

While you’re enjoying the sights of Southwest Germany, add a visit to the ancient Maulbronn Monastery to your itinerary. Recently awarded a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this structure, founded in 1147, is widely regarded as the best-preserved complex of medieval monastic buildings in this part of the world.

monastery

© TMBW Negwer

Castles

Not-to-miss castles can be found in Bad Mergentheim and Donaueschingen. At Tettnang Castle, tours include a slice of fruit cake prepared from an original recipe handed down from the Counts of Monfort. To give you a sense of grandeur, the cake is served in the castle’s magnificent hall on real royal porcelain plates.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

eFlyer Reviews
Feb 12, 2025

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin Review

I recently visited La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, located on Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Although most of the resort is on the French side of St. Martin, a very small piece sits on the Dutch side, Sint-Maarten, making it possible to walk from France to Holland, and back again, by taking two steps. Of course, since most of the resort’s guests speak English, everyone working at the resort speaks English as well.

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

JW Marriott Expands in Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott just unveiled its second resort in the Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located in Kaafu atoll’s largest lagoon (just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport), this new and luxurious retreat spans 80 private pool villas, include 47 overwater pool villas.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

Air France Launches New Direct Flights Between Los Angeles and Nice, France

To celebrate Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Air France launches new direct flights between Hollywood and the French Riviera. A longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France once again restarts special flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Nice (NCE).

February 2025
Feb 10, 2025

Beaches, Parks and Family Attractions Make San Diego a Perennial Favorite

Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels to me like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Slideshow
Feb 10, 2025

8 Stained-Glass Windows to Put on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows with us.