Day 1: Following your home taxi collection you will board our platinum tour coach as we head to Kent for our short sea crossing to France. Upon our arrival we continue our journey firstly crossing into Belgium before entering Germany, enroute to Cologne where we find our hotel for the next 4 nights, the Mercure Koeln West on a dinner bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: This morning we head south along the Rhine Valley. Our first stop is Königswinter where we board the Drachenfel Railway for a ride on Germany's oldest cog railway. Since 1883, it has connected the old town of Königswinter, located in the Rhine Valley, with the Siebengebirge Mountains, ending at the Drachenfels Plateau. During your journey you will experience supreme engineering and stunning views over the romantic Rhine Valley.
Whilst at the summit, we have included a visit to Schloss Drachenburg. A stunning castle built between 1882 and 1884 on the hill where the hero Siegfried is said to have slain the dragon.
Upon arriving at the castle, you can’t help but gasp at the view in front of you. First, there’s the castle itself, which looks different from every angle. Then, you have the surrounding gardens, with views of Königswinter and beyond.
Make sure you head to the Venus Terrace. From here, you have an unparalleled view of the front entrance, which is flanked by two luminous golden stags. Over the door are three sculptures of famous rulers (Caesar, Charlemagne, and Kaiser Wilhelm I).
This afternoon we continue to one of the oldest towns in Germany, Andernach. A town which is rich in history, dating back to Roman times. Visit the Runde Turm Museum and discover the fascinating past of the town, admire the well-preserved city walls and explore the historic center with its winding alleys and medieval buildings.
Day 3: This morning we make the short journey into Cologne. This beautiful city is the largest on the Rhine and is dominated by its cathedral, a gothic masterpiece which hovers above the rooftops. Cologne (Köln in German) is a city of contrasts. The city has 2000-year-old Roman roots, and some ruins of which are still visible underneath this modern city. Today Cologne blends the few Medieval structures that survived heavy bombing during WWII with reconstructed areas designed to look as they did before the war. Add to these the modern architecture of the post-war city and you get a snapshot of modern-day Cologne.
Day 4: This morning we make the short journey to Norwich’s Twin city of Koblenz which is famed for the mighty Ehrenbrietstein Fortress. We have some free time to visit the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
This afternoon we head to Alken, located a short way along the Moselle valley, for an included afternoon of wine tasting in the Famous Cellars of the Anton Hammes. The Hammes family have been vintners here for over 300 years, and you will enjoy a wine tasting, with 4 or 5 different varieties offered, before having the chance to purchase your favourites to bring home with you!
Day 5: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and head back to France for our crossing to Kent. Upon our arrival we continue our journey back to Norfolk, arriving late evening to re-join our door to door taxi service who will return you safely home.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evening meals may be buffet)
Price: £903pp
Single Supplement: £157 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Tour Reference: EUR1911
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure