Rügen & Usedom Chalk cliffs and imperial seaside resorts

Day 1: Switzerland - Braunschweig

Journey to Braunschweig. This city is well worth a visit and is known for its historic Burgplatz. (Steigenberger Hotel****).

Day 2: Braunschweig - Rügen

The journey first leads through the gently undulating Lüneburg Heath and then on to Schwerin, the "City of Seven Lakes". The smallest state capital in Germany and, after Rostock, the second-largest city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it lies on the shores of Lake Schwerin in a beautiful, richly wooded lake landscape. The city's landmarks are Schwerin Castle and the cathedral, an important Gothic brick church. In the evening, you will arrive in Göhren on the island of Rügen. (3 nights at the Vju Hotel Rügen****).

Day 3: Island of Rügen

Rarely does one experience such a fascinating blend of sea and land as on Rügen, the most scenic island in the Baltic Sea. Everywhere there are views that bring a quiet hush and awaken the longing to return. Drive to the Wittow peninsula, followed by Cape Arkona, the northernmost point of the island. From here, you will take a short walk to the fishing village of Vitt. A relaxing boat trip along the coast follows, during which you will admire the unique chalk formations of the cliffs with the Stubbenkammer and the Königsstuhl. At 118 metres, the Königsstuhl is the highest chalk cliff on the island of Rügen.

Day 4: Island of Hiddensee

By boat, you will travel to the car-free island of Hiddensee, which is part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park. The unspoilt areas at the southern tip are important breeding and resting grounds for many rare bird species and are mostly closed to visitors. The oldest, northernmost and smallest village on the island is Grieben. Here, as in the island's other 3 districts, the signs of time seem to have passed by without a trace. The main village, Vitt, radiates above all one thing with its thatched, white houses and small green front gardens: peace and tranquillity.

Day 5: Göhren - Heringsdorf

You will visit the charming Hanseatic cities of Stralsund and Greifswald. Stralsund is widely praised as the most beautiful of these cities, but Greifswald, with its striking brick buildings, is also well worth seeing. The cityscape is particularly shaped by the buildings of the University of Greifswald. One of the most magnificent and imposing is the Baroque main building of the university, built in 1750 by the Swedes, who ruled here for almost 200 years. You then follow the avenue road and reach the Baltic seaside resort of Heringsdorf. (2 nights at the Hotel Travelcharme Strandidyll****).

Day 6: Usedom

Today you will visit the imperial seaside resorts, more precisely the spa resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin. Like pearls on a string, united by Europe's longest promenade at 8.5 km, they line the white coast. You will stroll along the famous piers, tasting the salt in the air and listening to the surf. Let your soul unwind here. In Bansin, rugged natural beauty goes hand in hand with a Baltic beach whose white sand is reminiscent of the Caribbean. When the sun shines on the imperial resort of Usedom, you can leave everyday life behind.

Day 7: Usedom - Halle

You will travel through the wonderful landscape of the Mecklenburg Lake District, the largest contiguous lake area in Europe. Thousands of lakes, many small streams and moors, the Müritz National Park and above all unspoilt nature: the Mecklenburg Lake District is an area of particular scenic and cultural charm. In Waren on Lake Müritz, you will have time for a short stroll. You then continue to Halle. (Dorint Hotel Charlottenhof****).

Day 8: Halle - Switzerland

Journey home to Switzerland.