Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Willkommen in Deutschland. Arrive in Frankfurt am Main.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Frankfurt International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

Glinting with glass, steel and concrete skyscrapers, Frankfurt-on-the-Main (pronounced ‘mine’) is unlike any other German city. A bustling metropolis & Germany’s commercial heart on the shores of the Main River, founded in the Roman era, it is home to major banks including the headquarters of the European Central Bank in the gleaming colossal 338 metres Europe Tower, the 259 metres Commerzbank Tower and one of the world’s largest stock exchanges. It also famously hosts some of the world's most important trade fairs, attracting thousands of business travellers.

The city on the shores of the Main River also boasts a fabulous cultural life. With its towering, futuristic skyline and beautifully preserved historic quarter, it is certainly one of Germany's most heterogeneous cities, not to mention one of its most populous with over 5.5 million inhabitants.

The birthplace of the man considered by many German's the greatest ever writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Frankfurt is still an artistic & cultural beacon for Germans and many others.

Yet at its heart, Frankfurt is an unexpectedly traditional & charming city, with half-timbered buildings huddled in its quaint medieval Altstadt (old town, reconstructed after the War, is the site of Romerberg, a square that hosts an annual Christmas market), cosy apple-wine taverns serving hearty regional food, village-like neighbourhoods filled with outdoor cafes, boutiques& street art, and beautiful parks, gardens & riverside paths. Its nightlife & entertainment scenes are bolstered by a spirited student population.

Most people associate Frankfurt with brokers, banks, stocks & shares - & they wouldn't be wrong, but there is much more to the city than just big business. Frankfurt does, after all, have an unrivalled museum scene. Its collection of galleries & museums, second in Germany only to Berlin’s,  is considered one of the world's finest, with contents which reflect this high standing.

Goethe’s former home is now the Goethe House Museum. You can retrace the footsteps of Frankfurt's most famous son for a glimpse of 18^th century Frankfurt. For example, at Goethe's House or in the slightly less poetic setting of the Gerbermuhle, a quaint beer garden on the banks of the river Main, where the great poet indulged in an occasional glass of cider in his day.

The museum embankment on the southern bank of the Main is a wonder to behold, in particular the magnificent Stadel Institute of Art with the Municipal Gallery. Situated in the heart of Frankfurt's museum mile, this is of one Germany's pre-eminent art galleries & features masterpieces spanning nine centuries of European art. The underground extension houses a collection of works from 1945 onwards, including such famous names as Joseph Beuys & Gerhard Richter.

To the east of the gallery you will find the Film Museum & the Architecture Museum, which in itself is an innovative & unconventional example of building design. And just a stone's throw from there stands the Museum of Applied Art (MAK). A thousand years of arts & crafts are represented in this striking building designed by American architect Richard Meier.

There are also a number of smaller galleries around the Cathedral, some of which are less mainstream but feature exceptional displays of art nonetheless. You can even admire art in the metro system. The Grenzland (borderland) project at the Dom / Romer station, for example, showcases works that blur the lines between art, architecture & design.

It might be more serious, but the financial district is well worth a visit too, for a true taste of Frankfurt. The towering banks & office blocks form Europe's most impressive skyline, and Frankfurt's ultimate landmark. But rest assured, the art found in this part of the city is also of international standing. Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank & DZ Bank own art collections any museum would be proud of, and these are opened to the public at certain times. Skyscrapers as art galleries ? Only in Frankfurt.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & embark on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing of Frankfurt’s most impressive landmarks & sites in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.

From the comfort of your air-conditioned vehicle, soak up impressive views of Frankfurt’s top attractions as you journey through the one-time coronation city of the German emperors.

Make your first stop at the medieval & beautifully restored Romerberg in Frankfurt’s Old Town. The Romer is a medieval building that has served as the city hall for over six centuries. Walk across the charming Square with the Tour-guide & pose for a few photographs as you marvel at the distinctive, pastel facades.

Look out for St Paul’s Church, which served as the seat of the very first freely elected German parliament & Frankfurt Cathedral before continuing to Old Sachsenhausen. As you wander through the district's narrow cobblestone lanes that are lined with quaint, lively cafes, bars & restaurants where locals enjoy coffee in buzzing cafes and be transported back in time to the days of old-world Germany.

Next, cross the Main River on the Alte Brucke (Old Bridge), toward the quaint “Fressgass” alley, Old Opera House & Hauptwache.

As you catch sight of the Old Opera House, Hauptwache (main guardhouse) & Goethe House on the elegant Goethestrasse street - birthplace of the 18^th century poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - & listen to the Tour-your guide sharing interesting facts about Goethe.

Finally, pass by the impressive skyscrapers & the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the bustling banking quarter before returning to your hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Today, you depart for Cologne.

Morning, meet the Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof for the train to Cologne.

On arrival at Koln Hauptbahnhof - an important local, national & international hub - you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & transferred to the hotel.

Cologne (Koln) a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub.

Germany’s fourth largest city was founded by the Romans & given the lofty name Colonia Claudia Ara Aggripinensium. It grew into a major trading centre, a tradition solidified in the Middle Ages & upheld today.

It suffered during Second World War bombings - hence there is a fair bit of concrete around - but the modern, urban side of the city is every bit as interesting as the twee, time warp that is the old town.

Cologne is like a living textbook on history & architecture: drifting about town you will stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches galore, nondescript postwar buildings, avant-garde structures &d a new postmodern quarter right on the Rhine.

It offers a mother lode of attractions, led by the famous towering filigreed twin-spired Gothic Cologne Cathedral, dominating the skyline, known for its gilded medieval reliquary & sweeping river views.

The city’s museum landscape is especially strong when it comes to art but also has something in store for fans of chocolate, sports and even Roman history. The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20^th century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso & the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.

With plenty of contemporary art & a well-regarded food scene, there is plenty to keep visitors busy. Cologne's people are known for their liberalism & joie de vivre; it is easy to have a good time with them in the beer halls of the Altstadt or during the Carnival.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Late in the afternoon at 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide in the lobby & proceed to the center of the city for an exciting 2 hour ‘walking’ tour of Cologne's picturesque Old Town.

The first stop is a landmark masterpiece, the incredible Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s most-visited site & one of its most striking Gothic monuments. This UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Catholic Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. One of Europe’s most awe-inspiring, thrusting up from the ground like a gothic stalagmite, encrusted with gargoyles & needling the sky with its twin spires. Like Sauron’s Eye, it always seems to be watching you. Be sure to look out for Gerhard Richter’s multi-coloured, graphic glass window in the southern transept &, at the end of the nave, the golden shrine of the Three Wise Men, whose relics arrived in 1164. May be, you want to come back at a quiet time to attempt the 533 steps up to the cathedral’s south tower, as the rather narrow enclosed spiral staircase is used by both those going up & down but the view is well worth the climb though (for those who dare).  

After exploring this magnificent place of worship, continue on to Cologne’s Old Town. Walk by the busy breweries, pubs & restaurants and admire the Renaissance architecture & rustic, narrow alleyways lined with traditional old houses.

Aside from the cathedral, Cologne City Hall (Germany’s oldest) famous for its loggia, is also a thing of beauty, with a 15^th century gothic tower, studded with 130 statues. Look closely & you will notice that one is baring his bottom & privates (no one knows why). An example of one of the most typical buildings of the Renaissance era.

Pose for photos outside the Romanesque Catholic Great St. Martin Church & see the intriguing Dionysus mosaic on a brief visit to the Romano-Germanic Museum, an archaeological museum with a large collection of Roman artifacts. Statues, mosaics & jewellery spanning prehistoric, Roman & medieval times fill the halls of the Museum.

Along the way, learn about Cologne’s history & culture, including its Jewish heritage with a stop at the historical mikvah, (Jewish ritual bath). It is considered one of the most important Jewish sites in Cologne.

Soak up the hustle & bustle of squares such as Roncalliplatz, the historic Alter Markt, Heumarkt & much more.

You will be transferred back to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to visit family friendly Chocolate Museum, overlooking the river Rhine. It has interactive exhibits on cocoa farming plus some colourful ceramics from Central & South America. The best part, however, is watching vast mixers churn Lindt chocolate & seeing individual pieces whizz past on a conveyor belt. There is an enormous chocolate fountain too.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, get ready to leave Germany & cross over to Holland.

Meet the Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Koln Hauptbahnhof for the scenic train journey to Amsterdam.

On arrival at Amsterdam Centraal Station in the real heart of the city serving not only visitors to Amsterdam, but also locals as over 250,000 people pass through, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep & transferred to the hotel.

Welcome to Amsterdam.

Golden Age canals lined by tilting gabled buildings are the backdrop for Amsterdam's treasure-packed museums, vintage-filled shops & hyper-creative design, drinking & dining scenes.

Amsterdam is Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system & narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17^th century Golden Age.

Amsterdam's canal-woven core is laced by atmospheric narrow lanes. You never know what you will find: a tiny hidden garden; a boutique selling witty, stylised Dutch-designed homewares & fashion; a jewel-box-like jenever (Dutch gin) distillery; a flower stall filled with tulips in a rainbow of hues; an old monastery-turned-classical-music-venue; an ultra-niche restaurant such as an avocado or strawberry specialist or one reinventing age-old Dutch classics.

Fringing the centre, post-industrial buildings in up-and-coming neighbourhoods now house creative enterprises, from art galleries to craft breweries & cutting-edge tech start-ups, as well as some of Europe's hottest clubs.

Amsterdam is famously gezellig, a Dutch quality that translates roughly as 'convivial' or 'cosy'. It is more easily experienced than defined. There is a sense of time stopping, an intimacy of the here & now that leaves your troubles behind, at least until tomorrow. The easiest place to encounter this feeling is a bruin cafe (brown cafe; traditional drinking establishment). Named for their wood panelling & walls once stained by smoke, brown cafes have gezelligheid (cosiness) on tap, along with good beer. You can also feel gezellig lingering after dinner in snug restaurants while the candles burn low.

You can't walk a kilometre in the Museum District without bumping into a masterpiece in the city. The Van Gogh Museum hangs the world's largest collection by tortured native son Vincent. A few blocks away, Vermeers, Rembrandts & other Golden Age treasures fill the glorious Rijksmuseum.

The Museum het Rembrandthuis offers more of Rembrandt via his etching-packed studio, while the Stedelijk Museum counts Matisses & Mondrians among its modern stock. And for blockbuster displays, the Hermitage Amsterdam delivers: the outpost of Russia's State Hermitage Museum sifts through its three-million-piece home trove to mount mega exhibitions.

Two-wheeling is a way of life here - the city’s character & there are numerous bike paths. It is how Amsterdammers commute to work, go to the shop & meet a date for dinner. Abundant bike-rental shops make it easy to gear up & take a spin.

If locals aren't on a bike, they may well be on the water. With its canals & massive harbour, this city reclaimed from the sea offers countless opportunities to drift. Hop aboard a canal boat (preferably an open-air one) or one of the free ferries behind Centraal Station, or rent your own for a wind-in-your-hair ride.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure or explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, start early & walk to the Meeting Point at Central Station (unguided - on your own) to board the open-top, double-decker bus discover the city at your own pace.  

Hop on / Hop off bus ticket is valid for full day, giving you the opportunity to either stay on the bus for the entire 2-hour loop or choose to hop on & off at any of the 11 stops that you find interesting around the city and get on the next bus (every 15 - 25 minutes).

Listen to an introductory overview (audio-commentary via headphones) as you see all that Amsterdam has to offer, including top-notch art galleries & eclectic neighborhoods like Jordaan & the historical infamous Red Light District.

Sit back & enjoy the sights as you travel past the iconic bridges, magnificent 17^th century houses, old churches & museums. Drive by the main attractions like the thought-provoking Anne Frank House, National Maritime Museum, Rembrandt House, Hermitage Museum, the lovely Vondelpark & some of the city’s lesser-known gems such as Gassan Diamond Factory & more.

You may want to disembark at the Van Gogh Museum or the Heineken Experience, two top-selling Amsterdam attractions.   

Finish the tour whenever you want to & return to the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure or explore independently or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Finally, it is time to say good-bye.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? –Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, for your onward journey.  B

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