This is one of those days that works because everything sits relatively close together.
You leave Zurich in the morning, reach the Rhine Falls in about an hour, spend time around Schaffhausen, and then continue across the border into Germany and the Black Forest.
Two countries.
Completely different landscapes.
One private day.
Start with the Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls are the largest waterfall in Europe, and this is one place where I want you close to the water rather than looking at it from a distance.
From the Schloss Laufen side, you can walk down towards the viewing platforms right beside the falls.
And when the boats are operating, that too.
The closer you get, the less this feels like a sightseeing stop and the more you understand the force of the water.
Schaffhausen, if you want it
A lot of people go directly from the falls to Germany.
I often keep some time for Schaffhausen.
The Old Town has beautifully painted façades, narrow streets and an extraordinary number of historic oriel windows. Above it sits the Munot fortress, the symbol of the city.
You do not need hours here.
A walk, coffee, perhaps the Munot, then continue.
Then cross into the Black Forest
Once we enter Germany, I would not try to show you the entire Black Forest.
I choose according to the guest.
For somebody interested in tradition, I like the clockmaking side of the region. The Black Forest has centuries of clockmaking history, and around Furtwangen you can visit the German Clock Museum, with thousands of pieces covering much more than just cuckoo clocks.
If you simply want scenery, then we concentrate on the forest, villages and lakes.
Titisee or somewhere quieter
Titisee is the famous name.
It is beautiful, but it can also be busy.
Depending on the day, I may prefer to spend more time on the road through the forest or continue towards quieter stretches of the region rather than insist on another crowded stop.
That is the benefit of having your own private driver.
We can change the plan.
And yes, have the cake
If you are in the Black Forest, you are allowed to have Black Forest cake.
Chocolate, cherries, cream and Kirsch.
No explanation required.
A few things I choose according to the guest
A clock workshop for somebody who actually wants to understand the craftsmanship.
A forest walk for somebody who has spent enough time in cities.
A lake for the family.
A traditional lunch instead of another attraction.
Or more time at the Rhine Falls and less time in Germany.
There is no reason every private tour should look exactly the same.
From Zurich and back again
Your private driver collects you at your hotel in Zurich.
Rhine Falls.
Schaffhausen if you want it.
Then the Black Forest.
The route, stops and timing are built around the day rather than around a fixed coach schedule.
Switzerland in the morning. Germany in the afternoon.
This is one of the private days we arrange from Zurich. Begin the conversation.