Group Tour Operator and DMC for Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Rhine Valley and Dragon’s Rock
Here’s a combination of a majestic city, a famous German legend and the spectacular scenery of the River Rhine. Discover the secrets of Cologne, a city mostly destroyed during WWII. After almost complete obliteration, the rebuilt city is now the fourth largest city in Germany. Its most famous landmark is its Gothic cathedral, which looms over the city. Its filigree spires and ornate facade mark the centre of the city. Stretching out from this centre, city is awash with fascinating museums. There’s an abundance of art and art history to be enjoyed, but there’s something for every taste from sports to chocolate to the Romans. Cologne is a lively and vibrant place to explore and is also a great base from which to explore the Rhine Valley.
While here, you can also travel along the Rhine to visit ‘Dragon’s Rock’. As you travel up Drachenfels on the cog railway, a stunning landscape will be unveiled. At the summit stands the neo-Gothic Schloss Drachenburg. This remarkable castle has beautiful grounds. For even more expansive views over the Siebengebirge Hills, climb the tower. Even just the views from the train are outstanding. Furthermore, you can easily visit some of Germany’s other wonderful cities such as the former capital, Bonn.
Dates
Throughout 2024 and 2025 on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Cologne
Take a short sea crossing to France before continuing onto Germany and to our hotel in Cologne city/area for 3 nights
Day 2
Cologne Sightseeing
Explore the historic city of Cologne at leisure, which boasts a multitude of churches, museums and galleries including the famous Gothic cathedral? The two towers, completed as recently as 1880 (and one is 7cm higher than the other!) are the symbol of the city, a point of orientation and the pride of the people in Cologne. The Old Town, carefully rebuilt after being mostly destroyed during WWII, has retained its old-world charm with narrow, cobbled streets and alleys. Visit the Roman church Groß St. Martin (Great St. Martin) and the historical Town Hall, or sit down in one of the traditional ‘Brauhaus’ breweries and savour a ‘Kölsch’.
Other attractions you may want to see or visit include the Chocolate Museum and/or the Fragrance Museum which tells the story of the original and famous Eau-de-Cologne.
There is the possibility to take a cruise on the Rhine to see the city from a different perspective or just meander around the fabulous designer and tourist shops.
Guided tours/museum visits/river cruises can be arranged in advance
Day 3
Drachenfels and Königswinter
Make the short journey out of the city by road (or along the river by boat) to nearby Königswinter, a quaint old town with a beautiful riverside promenade. Against the beautiful backdrop of the Siebengebirge hills, take the cog railway built in the 19th Century to the top of the Drachenfels, the ‘Dragon’s Rock’ (payable locally). Legend has it that Siegfried, the hero of the Nibelungenlied (a famous German poem), killed the dragon Fafnir, who lived in a cave in the hill, then bathed in its blood to become invulnerable. It seems all rather believable! The views across the Rhine from the top of the ‘rock’ are spectacular. There’s an opportunity to stop-off on the journey to the summit to visit the striking Schloss Drachenburg.
We can also arrange an optional winetasting before heading back to Cologne.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Cologne and head for Calais and the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day/excursion
Bonn, Germany’s former Capital
Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany until 1990 and now an internationally renowned hub of commerce and culture, the idyllic city of Bonn on the Rhine River is as assured and cosmopolitan as ever. Bonn is much more than just the former capital of Germany, as it enjoys a widespread reputation as a city of the arts. As the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn spreads the joy of classical music and honours its world-famous son during the Beethoven Festival with a series of concerts held every September and October. The city lives up to its reputation as one of Germany’s finest centres for art with two of Germany’s most significant art museums – the Bonn Museum of Modern Art and the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany (better known as the Bundeskunsthalle). The Museum of Modern Art features one of the most extensive collections of German Expressionism, while visitors who stroll across the Marktplatz square, which dates back to the 11th century, can marvel at the Baroque Town Hall as they sample the delicious produce that local farmers sell here daily. Optional guided tours available.
4 day tour | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
2024 | price on request | ||
2025 | price on request |