Cologne's (Koln) history goes back to the days of the Romans, who settled on the banks of the Rhine River. In the 18th Century Cologne became famous for its toilet water achieving world wide fame under the name of Eau de Cologne. It was the largest city in Germany until the 19th Century but was destroyed by bombing in WW II. After the war, Cologne was rebuilt to it's former glory. A major attraction is the huge Gothic Dom (Cathedral); as well as visiting the ornate interior you can take in the view over the city from the top of it's spire. Next to the Dom you will find two great art museums with works from the 15th Century up to modern day Andy Warhol pieces. For something different sit back and enjoy a cruise along the picturesque River Rhine. Maybe visit the Museum of Chocolate which celebrates the story of chocolate from the bean to the wrapper. Cologne has excellent shopping opportunities in the largely pedestrian city centre. In the evening enjoy a local beer (Kolsch) and a meal out at a restaurant or beer hall.
As well as these city sights there are four areas all within the city centre, dedicated to Christmas markets. People travel from all over Europe to visit these markets. Firstly you have the Neumarkt, this is the city's oldest market located in the largest central square in the heart of the city's shopping district. Secondly the Rudolfplatz located near the Hahnentorburg (city wall). Thirdly, the Christmas market located at the Cathedral and dominated by an impressive Christmas Tree. And lastly the Altermarkt located in front of the Town Hall, best known for colour, lights, trees and garlands. Carols, processions, rich smells of gingerbread, roasting chestnuts and spiced wine is all around. There are wooden toys and Christmas tree decorations to be had and don't forget to sample the local mulled wine available in souvenir mugs and the local delicacy ~ baked apple.
PLANNED ITINERARY
FRIDAY
We depart London at 22:30 Friday night for our journey down to Dover. From here we take the ferry across to France. On arrival in Calais we travel on through France and Belgium before we arrive in Germany.
SATURDAY
We will make a stop at a motorway services where you will have the chance to have breakfast and freshen up before heading on into Cologne. On arrival in the city centre you will have the full day to explore the local Christmas market. Take in the city sights and enjoy the shopping on offer. We will transfer to the hostel mid afternoon, time to check-in and freshen up before venturing out for the night. The Christmas Markets are open from 11:00 until 21:00 each day.
SUNDAY
A relaxed start to the day. After breakfast you are free to continue your sightseeing. Maybe take a stroll along the Rhine riverbank to the Chocolate Museum. You will also have time to enjoy some last minute shopping at the Christmas Markets. We start our homeward journey mid afternoon travelling back via Belgium and France to the Port of Calais. From here we take the ferry back to Dover then it's on to London.
INCLUDES
* Return coach travel
* 1 nights accommodation based at the Youth Hostel in Koln
* Breakfast Sunday Morning
* Services of Tracks Driver and Tour Manager.
ACCOMMODATION
We are based at the Koln-Riehl hostel. The rooms have either 4, 5 or 6 beds, all rooms are ensuite. Continental breakfast is included. You will not be able to check-in to the Youth hostel until the afternoon. Please pack an overnight bag with toothbrush, change of clothes etc. so you can freshen up at the motorway services.
DEPARTURE
We depart from Bressenden Place at 22.30 Friday night. We aim to be back in London no later than 22:00.
WHAT TO BRING
Sleeping bag, towel and passport.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The main U Bahn Station in Cologne is called the Dom. This is located next to the Cathedral (Dom) and all the Christmas Markets are within walking distance from here. On arrival in the city you will be dropped off near the Cathedral. Our Youth Hostel is located next to the Boltenstern Str U Bahn Station. Travelling time from the Dom to hostel is approx. 10 minutes. You can purchase tickets on the train or at the station before travel. A 24 hour ticket costs approx £4. Individual tickets approx £1.50. You will need to take public transport into Cologne on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Tracks have policies available.
A non refundable or transferable deposit of £20 per person will hold your seat with the final balance due 14 days prior to departure (Conditions apply)
Trip Dates
Booking Conditions
Please note the following conditions and information does not apply to the London Walks featured on our site. All walks are run by the original London Walks Company and more information can be found on their website www.walks.com.
All our trips* depart from Bressenden Place, which is a few minutes walk from Victoria Underground Station. All day trips depart at 9am unless otherwise stated.
*Times and departure points for London Walks are displayed on the walks pages of this website. They DO NOT depart from Bressenden Place at 9am.
*Weekend departure times vary and it is your responsibility to check the departure time for your trip, which is published on our website. Tracks cannot be held responsible for missed departures due to late arrival.
Online Discounts:
These only apply to tours booked and paid for online, they are not available over the telephone or by any other means of payment. They are for a limited period and limited number of seats. The offer can be withdrawn at any time.
To take up the offer you must always write the discounted price on the booking form. Failure to do so will result in full payment being taken.
Double Booking Special:
Our double booking special offer will save you £2 on the price of your second day trip. To take advantage of the offer, you need only complete one booking form. In the comments box at the bottom of the page you need to provide details of the second day trip you wish to book. Discount only applies when ONE PERSON is travelling on TWO DIFFERENT departures, NOT to two people travelling on the same departure.
General Booking Conditions:
All Day Trips: Once booked and paid for are non refundable nor transferable under any circumstances.
Weekend and Short Breaks: 50% cancellation charges if cancelled before 14 days of travel, if cancelled less than 14 days 100% cancellation charges. Transfers on weekend tours can be made up to 14 days prior to departure, subject to availability. A transfer fee of £20 per person will be charged.
Tracks cannot be held responsible for any costs, incurred due to the late arrival or departure of the coach.
Those booked on our weekend and short break tours are required to have travel insurance to cover them throughout the tour.
We reserve the right to alter the itineraries as required. On the rare occasion when we have insufficient numbers we reserve the right to withdraw the tour. All clients will be notified in advance and offered an alternative tour or full refund.
Those travelling on tours outside the United Kingdom are required to travel with their passports and any necessary visa. The issue of a travel visa is the sole responsibility of the client.
Complaints
Should you have a complaint during the tour, contact your tour manager and they will do their best to rectify your problem. If we cannot resolve your complaint at the time, you should make your complaint in writing and send it to us at Tracks Travel Limited, The Flots, Brookland, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9TG, within 21 days of the end of the tour. We will be unable to deal with any complaints unless we receive details in writing in that time period.
