******VISIT THE FAMOUS CHRISTMAS MARKET IN COLOGNE, OPEN FROM 17TH NOV. TILL 23RD DEC. 2025****** This morning we start from our departure offices for a ride over the highway to Cologne. The road is one of the most important traffic links between the Federal States of Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. Time enough to chat with your guide on German infra-structure. Although we are moving between two of Germany's strongest industrial zones, the country is green. Left and right the road are many forest areas and expansive fields.

Upon arrival our tour guide will take you on a sightseeing tour through Cologne. The 2000 year old city offers countless historical sights and is nowadays a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis. You can see the old town with its busy breweries, pubs and restaurants, the small old market places, the traditional old houses along the river banks, churches and renowned museums (among them the Romano-Germanic Museum, with a large collection of Roman artefacts. Cologne was founded by the ancient Romans). The Ludwig Museum of Modern Art counts among the leading European galleries. Various shopping lanes offer a large variety of bargains , also in smaller local shops and boutiques. Time for a visit of the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the absolute climax of this excursion. Marvel the golden Shrine of the Three Magi and the magnificent church window of Gerhard Richter. Afterwards, use you free time to explore the city on your own.