Cologne

Cologne, or Köln, is one of Germany’s most vibrant and interesting cities and is an excellent destination for a school trip. Sitting on a key crossing of the river Rhine, the city was founded first by the Romans and has been of key strategic importance to successive empires and kingdoms as a crucial bridge between Germany and western Europe. Modern Cologne is very much the product of this rich and interesting history and effortlessly blends the Gothic grandeur of its mediaeval past with the vibrant cosmopolitanism of twenty-first century Germany.

Dominated by its impressive Cathedral, which is the reputed resting place of the three Magi, Cologne is also home to some of Germany’s most impressive reconstruction architecture, including the restored old town and the famous Hohenzollern Bridge. Only six hours’ drive from Calais, Cologne is the ideal destination for a German language tour and is perhaps most enchanting at Christmas when the city’s seven Christmas Markets fill the air with the sound of carols and the smells of Glühwein, Stollen and Lebkuchen. Please click here to visit our dedicated Christmas Markets Page for more information. The city is also a fascinating destination for history tours, having played a major role in the region’s history for well over a millennium, and as a modern media capital of Germany is furthermore an attractive alternative for those studying international media.

Whatever your learning objectives, we are sure that Cologne’s unique charm will make a lasting impression on your pupils. Why not contact us today to discuss your tour with us at greater length?

Chocolate Museum

Immerse yourself in a world of chocolate at this unique, mouth-watering museum! Operated by Lindt, the visit will take you through the history and production of chocolate, featuring, among other delights, an indoor rainforest and an irresistible chocolate fountain. After the tour is finished, you can indulge yourself in the museum shop, with chocolates to suit any taste and budget. We strongly recommend a guide to make the most of this delicious visit! Please click here to learn more (please note that this will re-direct you to their website).

Sports and Olympic Museum

This museum provides groups with a fascinating insight into the history of sport in Germany and the Olympic Games. This hugely popular visit includes a hands-on experience of a boxing ring, long-jumping, cycling and even an astro-turf football pitch on the roof! Located next to the chocolate museum, these two visits are a perfect combination, and the sports museum is the perfect place to build up an appetite or else burn off some calories! Please click here to visit their website.

Rhine Boat Trip

Cologne’s history has been dominated by the Rhine, so where better to see this magnificent city? At Christmastime the trip takes a festive theme, and each party member will have a warm drink and cake as the Yuletide splendour of Cologne floats magically by.

Phantasialand

This popular theme park is situated in Brühl, near Bonn, and is one of Europe’s largest amusement parks. It has a wide range of rides and attractions, including the famous Colorado Adventure, which has been voted as one of the best Mine Ride rollercoasters anywhere in the world! As well as a plethora of rides, Phantasialand also has a variety of shows, and provides visitors with a uniquely German experience which they are sure to remember. Please click here to visit their website.

Of course, the above excursions are only a sample. We will tailor-make your tour to engage with your exact learning requirements, and our information packs contain details of our extensive excursion package. Why not contact us now to request more information?

We can cater to any requirements which you may have, and we work with a number of hotels in Cologne, including:

Jugendherberge Köln-Deutz

Located just across the river from the Cathedral, in the heart of Cologne, this modern youth centre is perfect for groups. Within easy walking distance from the Domplatz, the Köln-Deutz is ideal for those who wish to spend their evenings exploring the city on foot or, in winter, getting in some late night shopping at the Christmas Markets. This immaculate centre houses 506 beds, and students are roomed in 2-6 bedded rooms, all with en-suite facilities, while staff will be roomed in twin and single rooms. This centre also has rooms which have been specially adapted for those with limited mobility. Meals are served as a buffet and take place in the two large dining rooms. The centre also boasts several seminar rooms, a disco room and a small shop selling drinks and snacks. Please click here to visit their website.

Jugendherberge Köln-Riehl

Situated on the bank of the Rhine in the affluent Riehl district of Cologne, this centre is just a short drive from the city centre and is very popular with our groups. Surrounded by parkland, this friendly and welcoming youth centre can accommodate a maximum of 366 guests in 1-6 bedded rooms, with staff in twins and singles. There is a lift and full-adapted rooms are available for guests with reduced mobility. Meeting rooms equipped with overhead and film projectors are available for study time and group activities, and the centre has a TV room, indoor and outdoor table tennis facilities and a disco room for evening entertainment. Please click here to visit their website.