World Heritage Sites in Western Germany (7 days)Architecture, Culture and Nature
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Day 1 - Arrival at Cologne
Arrival and Check-in at the hotel. Meet and greet with your guide.
Day 2 - Cologne and Bonn
After breakfast we will begin with a guided tour of Cologne. This former hanseatic city, on the river Rhine is now the fourth-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Germany, founded by the Romans in the year 38 BC. The city´s famous Cologne Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cologne and its University is one of Europe´s oldest. This city is an important cultural center, with a vibrant art scene where one can feel the spirit of the famous Cologne carnival that is annually celebrated. Cologne is also home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries, with exhibitions ranging from local ancient Roman archeological sites to contemporary graphics and sculpture.
At midday we will have lunch in a brewery. Here, you can taste the famous local beer and learn the story about a dish called "Halver Hahn".
Next, we continue with a guided visit of Bonn - the baroque seat and Beethoven´s hometown. The historical center of Bonn offers an abundance of sights both historical and modern. The major points are the Beethoven monument, the Romanesque Minster Cathedral, the Electors palace - nowadays the University - with a park, the City Hall built in Rococo style and the Rhine bank. The imposing view of Germany´s oldest nature park Siebengebirge can be seen from the Rhine bank. Then journey to the birthplace of the famous world composer Ludwig van Beethoven and end with a stroll along The Museum Mile, an impressive architectural museum ensemble featuring 5 different museums (e.g. Art Museum Bonn, House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany or German Museum Bonn) before returning from Bonn to Cologne.
Day 3 - Cathedrals in Cologne and Aachen
In the morning we will start with a guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral is a World Heritage Site, one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany and the largest gothic church in Northern Europe. Cologne´s most famous landmark is described by UNESCO as an "exceptional work of human creative genius". Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and took a period of over 600 years to complete. It has the second-tallest church spires with the 24-ton Bell of St. Peter - the largest free-swinging bell in the world but the most celebrated work of art in the cathedral is the Shrine of the Three Kings, a large gilded sarcophagus dating from the 13th century.
After the visit of the Cathedral, you can climb up the 509 steps to the top of the south tower and enjoy the fascinating view up on high of 100 meters.
Our tour continues to Aachen with a guided tour of the Aachen Cathedral. The "Imperial Cathedral of Aachen" is a Roman Catholic Church. The church is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and for 600 years, from 936 to 1531, the Aachen chapel was the church of coronation for 30 German kings and 12 queens. The Aachen Cathedral is in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, as the first German and one of the first three European historical ensembles. It is mainly identified with a name of Charlemagne, who began the construction and was buried in its vault.
Following the tour of the Cathedrals, stop at the spa in Aachen, or discover the sweet specialty "Aachener Printen". Take some time to smell and indulge your taste buds at the bakery of the traditional Germany Christmas pastry, or take a journey back in time as you walk through the historic old town. Here you can even be guided by Charlemagne who presents his favorite city in a guidebooklet. Just follow the city signs. Discover all facets of Aachen, the alleys and historic squares, a modern city with beautiful historic town houses, many old and new fountains, springs and innumerable stories all about the Cathedral and the town hall.
In the late afternoon we return to Cologne.
Day 4 - Essen - European Capital of Culture 2010
In the morning departure from Cologne to Oberhausen and Essen. Essen is the European Capital of Culture 2010 in behalf of the whole Ruhr Area. Our first stop will be Oberhausen at the Gasometer, the largest former disc-type gas-holder in Europe. Nowadays, it is an impressive reminder of the heavy industry characteristic for the Ruhr Area and serves as an exhibition hall and reflects great engineering skills in its construction. Follow the current exhibition "Out of this World - Wonders of the Solar System" which is one of the most popular projects of the European Capital of Culture 2010.
Midway during the day, we will stop for a lunch break in Oberhausen. Refresh yourselves in the CENTRO. Europe´s biggest shopping and leisure centre. Plenty of restaurants and cafes offer a wide variety of national and international cuisine, as well as a great place for a cup of coffee or drink. Here, you can relax and enjoy the scenic view in a park, or have fun bringing out your inner child in play land built for any age.
Next, we will continue with a guided visit of the Zeche Zollverein World Cultural Heritage Site, formerly known as the "most beautiful coal mine in the world". Today it is the best-known industrial monument and centre of the creative economy in the Ruhr Area. Follow the path of coal amongst gigantic machines on the Zollverein Museum Trail and get to know more about the impressive architecture both past and present. In the evening return to Cologne.
Day 5 - "Nice on the Rhine", hiking and wine
In the morning we will visit the spa town Bad Honnef. "Nice on the Rhine" - this was the name Alexander von Humboldt gave to the town for its mild climate. To the north it lies on the slopes of the Dragon´s Rock mountain, part of the Siebengebirge nature park. Bad Honnef´s picturesque town centre is an attractive location for strolling and shopping, or simply enjoying a drink in one of the many restaurants, cafés and beer gardens.
Optional: Hike the 13,5 km long part of the Rheinsteig® from Bad Honnef to Königswinter. The Rheinsteig® is one of the top trails in Germany and runs along the right bank of the river Rhine with predominantly narrow paths and challenging inclines, uphill and downhill, leading to forests, vineyards and spectacular views.It offers challenging walks and amazing experiences of nature and culture.
Our tour continues in Königswinter, where you will "conquer" the Dragons Rock with Germany´s oldest cog railway. One German legend recounts, that Siegfried - the hero of the Nibelungenlied - killed a dragon living in a cave of that mountain. Experience the magic of the German legend, while taking in the old world charm from the Castle Ruins on top the Rock over the Seven Hills Area. Afterwards you are invited to relax and unwine with a glass of the local wine, which is sure to put you at ease. In the wine region "Mittelrhein", there are about 20 hectares of vineyards with melodious names like "Rosenhügel" (rose hill), "Goldfüßchen" (golden foot) and "Drachenfels" (dragon rock). Then, in the late afternoon cruise the open water on the boat from Königswinter back to Cologne and bask in the magnificent view of the Rhine Area.
Day 6 - Spare Time in Cologne
Today there is time for a visit of a muesum, shopping or optional excursions. Spend some time in the parks and gardens that characterise Cologne´s cityscape within an area of over 41 square kilometres and take a ride with the cable car over the River Rhine.
Optional: Travel to Brühl, the the seat of the castles Augustusburg and Falkenlust that was built as a hunting castle. Both castles were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984 as exceptional examples of 18th century castle-building. They represent the first major works of the Rococo style in Germany and for half a century they were the model for the palaces of many German princes. In 1725, Prince-Elector Clemens August commissioned the Westphalian architect Johann Konrad Schlaun to build a residence castle over the remains of a medieval fortress. Over three years a restrained three-winged building was constructed which incorporated elements of the original building fabric. The garden of Augustusburg, modeled on Versailles, is popular for those who want to relax in nature. Enjoy a coffee on the castle´s terrace with a nice view over the park complex with its fountains and sculptures.
Optional: Take a Segway-Tour of Cologne. The course of the about ten-kilometre (6 miles) tour is guided by Segway instructors provide interesting and qualified information on the route with short breaks to explain attractions or to take pictures.
Optional: Visit some of the twelve Romanesque churches huddled together within the old city walls of Cologne. There are countless legends told about the construction of this collegiate churches or monasteries. They are among the most important throughout Western Europe and document the growth and wealth of high medieval Cologne.
Day 7 - Departure
The tour ends after breakfast.
Included:
- 6 overnight stays in Cologne in a 4 star centrally located hotel including tax, service charges
- All rooms with private bath or shower and toilet
- Transportation by modern vehicles according to group size
- Professional English/ German speaking guides
- All excursions and city tours not marked as optionals
- A maximum of 25 participants during the guided visits
- 6 breakfast buffets
- Welcome Lunch in a Brewery incl. 1 drink
- Wine Tasting in Königswinter
- Beethovenhaus in Bonn
- Cog-Railway-Ticket in Köngiswinter
- Gasometer Exibition "Out of this World – Wonders of the Solar System"
- Rhine Cruise from Königswinter to Cologne
- Guided City Tours of Cologne and Bonn
- Guided Tours in Cologne Cathedral, Aachen Cathedral, Zeche Zollverein
Information:
All services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Prices vary according to the length of stay, the desired category of the hotel, the size of the group and your choice of additional services.
Contact us today for more information and a quote!
Sources of Pictures/Editorial:
Cologne Cathedral CCBY eliotc-at-flickr
Aachen Cathedral by night CCBY Hühnerauge-at-flickr
Essen Zeche Zollverein CCBY dysturb-at-flickr
Rhine View from Drachenfels CCBY Dirk Hartung-at-flickr
Highlights
- Cathedrals in Cologne and Aachen
- Essen - European Capital of Culture 2010
- "Nice on the Rhine"
