Konigswinter's Fairytale Castle, Cologne and the Ahr Valley

This wonderful, five-day holiday reveals exquisite Rhineland scenery and a pair of historic German cities. Explore the ancient spa city of Aachen, travel over the vineyard-covered slopes of the Ahr Valley, take a scenic train ride to breathtaking Drachenburg Castle and tour the ancient, cobbled streets of Cologne's charming old town.

Single rooms are available for a supplement 

Day One: 

Travel to Germany

Join our coach at your chosen pick-up point this morning for our Channel crossing to France and the onward journey to Germany. We should arrive at our hotel during the early evening.

Day Two:

Visit historic Aachen

Today's journey takes us to Aachen, an ancient spa city sometimes referred to as the Spa of the Kings due to the 'healing' powers of the Elisa Fountain's steaming spa-waters. See the city's impressive, UNESCO-listed cathedral and head to a cafe to taste the local culinary delicacy known as Printen: a hard, spicy biscuit.

Day Three: 

Explore the Ahr Valley and Konigswinter

Enjoy a morning of exquisite scenery as we take a journey through the picturesque Ahr Valley, where pretty spa towns nestle amid the rolling vineyards. After the tour we'll continue to Konigswinter for a ride on the Drachenfels cog railway to majestic, multi-turreted Drachenburg Castle. Disembark to explore the castle's grandiose living and reception rooms, and enjoy a stroll in the grounds to marvel at the beautiful views over the Rhine.

Day Four:

See the sights of Cologne

Today we take a day trip to Cologne. We'll start the day with a guided tour on the 'Bimmelbahn' Road Train, which offers the perfect introduction to the city's key sights; see the twin-spired Gothic cathedral and the cobbled streets of the altstadt, which is packed with cafes, bars and cake shops selling mouth-watering treats. After the tour, explore at leisure and enjoy an early evening meal (payable locally) before returning to the hotel for a final evening.

Day Five: 

Travel back to the UK

After breakfast, board the coach for the return journey to the UK. We'll cross the channel during the mid afternoon and should arrive back in your local area during the mid-to-late evening.

Further Information

Itinerary changes

Each day's itinerary is subject to small changes at the Tour Manager's discretion. Due to the extensive itinerary on this tour, we regret that we are not able to accommodate individual requests for visits en route.

Appropriate footwear

We strongly recommend that comfortable walking shoes be worn during the excursions on this holiday.

Coach seating arrangements

Your seats on the main coach will be allocated for you in advance, taking into consideration any special requests wherever possible. Your Tour Manager or driver will advise you where to sit as you board the coach. This will be your seat for the duration of the tour. (Seats are not allocated on any connecting services to and from the main coach.)

Joining your holiday

Your final travel documents, including the exact time and place of departure, will be sent to you approximately 7 days prior to departure, providing all payments have been made. We are unable to give exact departure times before this.

Meal arrangements

Where meals are not included, your Tour Manager will ensure there are suitable stops made for you to purchase and enjoy lunch and/or dinner each day.

Triple rooms

The majority of these consist of a double bed and an extra bed that is often only suitable for children. If this is a concern, you may wish to consider booking more than one room for your group.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. The nature of the terrain on this tour means that those with walking difficulties may find parts of the tour difficult.

Channel crossings

Where possible, we will cross the Channel by ferry at the beginning and end of your holiday. However, we reserve the right to substitute crossings by Eurotunnel when necessary.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Hotel information

Amber Hotel ★★★★

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