Take a scenic drive through the charming towns of Stirling and Aldgate, known for their leafy streets, historic architecture, and quaint atmosphere. Stirling, a picturesque village established in the 1850s, is renowned for its English-style gardens and tree-lined avenues. Aldgate, another gem of the Adelaide Hills, boasts a rich history tied to the early settlement of the region, with its railway heritage and idyllic charm.

Your day begins where the Adelaide Hills does its best work — in the fields. Beerenberg has been farmed by the same family for six generations, and you can taste it in everything on the shelves. Step into the farm shop and you'll find handcrafted jams, sauces and condiments made just metres from where their ingredients are grown, with plenty to sample before you decide what's coming home with you. If you're visiting during strawberry season, you can head out into the field and pick your own straight from the plant, at your own cost. It's a hands-in-the-dirt start to the day, and a good reminder that everything you'll eat and drink from here on began somewhere just like this.

From the fields to the factory floor. Melba's operates out of an old woollen mill in Woodside, and the machinery inside is much the same as it was decades ago — copper kettles, hand-poured moulds, and the smell of it reaching you before you're through the door. You'll watch the chocolate being made in front of you rather than through glass at a distance, and there are complimentary tastings while you browse. The shelves run from handmade truffles to the sort of nostalgic sweets you'd forgotten existed, so it's an easy place to find something for the people back home — or to quietly not share anything at all.

Next, sit back and relax with a gourmet lunch at The Haus, one of Hahndorf’s most popular dining spots. Choose from a curated menu of four delicious options, showcasing fresh, local produce and hearty flavours. While you dine, why not pair your meal with a glass of Adelaide Hills wine or try one of their famous German beers on tap? It's the perfect blend of local taste and Bavarian charm—an experience not to be missed!

After lunch, the day slows right down. You'll have a good two hours to explore Hahndorf at your own pace — no schedule, no group to keep up with. Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf was founded in 1839 and the main street still shows it: stone cottages, old pubs, and elms planted by the original settlers. Wander through the galleries and craft studios, stop for a coffee or a German pastry, browse the leather and woodwork shops, or simply sit somewhere in the sun and watch the street go by. It's the part of the day most guests tell us they'd have wanted more of — so we give you the time properly rather than rushing you through.

After your time in Hahndorf, we'll settle in for the comfortable drive back down the freeway to Adelaide. It's a short run — under half an hour — with the Hills falling away behind you and the city coming into view. You'll be dropped back where you started, bags a little heavier with jam and chocolate, and a good day in the Hills behind you.