In the morning departure from Cologne to Oberhausen and Essen. Essen is 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 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 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.