Group Tour Operator and DMC for Cologne, Germany
Cologne, Rhine Valley and ‘Dragon’s Rock’
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Cologne Old Town
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View towards the city centre with cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge ©Francesco Carovillano, GNTB
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View towards the city centre of Cologne with its cathedral ©Francesco Carovillano, GNTB
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Bonn Market Square
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Cologne from the Rhine River
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, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 nearby capital, Bonn.
Dates
On request 2026
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais and continue through France and to Brühl or Hürth (outskirts of Cologne) for the next 3 nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Cologne Sightseeing
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of Cologne which boasts a multitude of churches, museums and galleries including the famous Gothic cathedral? The two towers, completed as recently as 1880 (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,
After the tour, sit down in one of the traditional ‘Brauhaus’ breweries and savour a ‘Kölsch’and some lunch before discovering more of the city at leisure. 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 also 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.
(Museum visits and/or river cruises can be arranged in advance for groups – please ask for details)
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
‘Dragon’s Rock and the Rhine Valley
Make the short journey out of the city by road to nearby Königswinter, a quaint old wine-growing 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 (‘Dragon’s Rock’) to see the ruins of Burg Drachenfels and for spectacular views across the Rhine. There is a sheltered viewing terrace and restaurant (it’s worth checking opening times beforehand). There is also the opportunity to stop-off on the journey to the summit to visit the striking Schloss Drachenburg Villa, museum and park.
Before returning to the hotel, a group wine-tasting can be arranged. Or, if time allows, maybe stop off in Bonn, the old capital of West Germany, and discover a modern, cosmopolitan city with more than 2000 years of history. Beethoven’s birthplace is located directly on the Rhine and the old town with its extensive pedestrian zone is home to around 30 museums. (Guided tours for groups can be arranged)
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Cologne and head for Calais and the ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day/excursion
Aachen and Monschau
See the superb cathedral and town hall in Aachen and stroll around the cobbled streets of medieval Monschau in the Eifel Mountains.
Recommended hotels: Inspected by Greatdays Staff in 2024
4* H+ Hotel Köln Brühl
4-star hotel in an attractive location within easy reach of Cologne and Bonn. Brühl is a picturesque town with a lot to offer in terms of culture and recreational activities. Comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a relaxation/ spa area and FREE on-site coach parking.
4* H+ Hotel Köln Hürth
In a quiet location with great links to Cologne. The Hürth-Park shopping centre is located directly opposite the hotel. Comfortable rooms, excellent catering, a spa area and FREE on-site coach parking.
4* H+ Hotel Köln Brühl
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
4* H+ Hotel Köln Hürth
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
