Cologne and Dragon’s Rock Highlights

See the famous cathedral; Cologne boasts a multitude of Romanesque churches, museums and galleries. There is the possibility to take a cruise on the Rhine or just meander around the fabulous designer and tourist shops. Have a bite to eat and a local brew in the Altstadt (Old Town) – sample Cologne’s own beer ‘Kölsch’, or visit the House of 4711, where the original Eau-de-Cologne was invented.

Make the short journey from Cologne by road or along the river by boat to Königswinter, with its quaint old town and beautiful riverside promenade. Against the beautiful backdrop of the Siebengebirge hills, take the cog railway to the top of the Drachenfels or ‘Dragon’s Rock’ where the legendary dragon was slain and take in the breathtaking views over the Rhine. Stop off en-route to the summit at the striking Castle Drachenburg or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the train carriage.

An hour’s journey on a local train will bring you to the spa town of Aachen, with its preserved old town, cobbled streets and narrow passageways. See Aachen’s beautiful Cathedral, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, in 30 minutes, you can reach the bubbling city of Düsseldorf, home to the ‘longest bar in the world’. The old town is full of eateries and breweries and everything else that adds to the flair of a historically-grown city. Guided tours can be arranged in either city.