Cologne, 5 days

Cologne, a centre for industry and transportation since ancient Roman times, has an extremely rich cultural tradition. During WWII 95% of the city was demolished, but the city miraculously recovered and many of its old churches and monuments have been meticulously restored. Cologne is now an attractive and lively centre of European art. It’s worth visiting this city, if only for the famous cathedral, though there’s much more to see. Situated on the Rhine River, the skyline of Cologne is dominated by the cathedral. This breathtaking cathedral, with its brilliant stained-glass windows, is justly famous as one of the world’s purest expressions of High-Gothic architecture. Cologne has one of the most extensive old town centres in the country, and the cathedral is its heart and soul. Across the square from the cathedral is the Römisch-Germanisches Museum, which displays artefacts from the original Roman colony. The Wallrof-Richartz museum and Museum Ludwig is a must for art enthusiasts. It is one of the country’s finest art galleries and makes brilliant use of natural light. A host of 12th and 13th century churches and several more of an ultra-modern post-war style also dot the streets of the old town. Cosmopolitan, open-minded, friendly are characteristics describing people from Cologne. Evenings and weekends in the city are like miniature carnivals, with bustling crowds and lots of things to do. Beer is the beverage of choice and there are lots of places to enjoy it.