Through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to Cologne, Brühl, Aachen and Essen

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site features fantastic river countrysides with an extraordinary cultural richness. From the well-known wine-producing towns of Bingen and Rüdesheim you follow the River Rhine via Koblenz to Cologne, into the cultural heart of the region which offers not only a world famous cathedral, but also an outstanding choice of museums of international importance and a lively cultural ambience.

Right outside Cologne, two palaces in rococo style, Augustusburg and Falkenlust, with their wonderful baroque gardens, are situated in the little town of Brühl. In this wellpreserved comprehensive work of art the architecture and the luxury of 18th century life can be experienced.

The next town of the tour is Aachen, where the 1,200-year old cathedral can be visited. At this point, it is well worth making a short detour to the area where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. The final part of the trip cuts across the Ruhr Mining Area to Essen, where a visit to the overground facilities of the former Zollverein Mine, preserved as when they were still in operation, provide an impressive experience of industrial history.