Germany Rhineland-Palatinate

Nobody can remain indifferent to the spectacular Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This renowned Gothic architectural marvel is also a symbol of the city and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. As well, in Northern Europe it is seen as an important pilgrimage, as well as being one of the oldest. Its setting on the Rhine River adds to its status: a gateway to a unique city, bursting with a diversity of historical buildings, museums, churches, archeological sites, dynamic shopping areas, restaurants and redundant to say bars and beer houses. And of course, the renowned “Eau de Cologne”. 

Trier is most probably the oldest town in Germany, founded in 16 BC during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus. The river Moselle creates borders as it flows through three countries – France in the north-east, Germany in the south-west and Luxembourg in the east. It empties in Belgium – a fourth country! Trier, from Roman times, has always been the seat of a bishop and is one of the oldest dioceses in all of Germany. A tour of the city brings us in touch with marvelous historical monuments. The city is home to one of the oldest universities – yet one of the youngest! How can that be you ask? In 1473 the University was founded but closed in 1798 and in 1970 a new university was founded in its stead. 

Düsseldorf is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The city is renowned for its fashion and trade fairs. Culturally, Düsseldorf is known for its academy of fine arts. As a city by the river Rhine, Düsseldorf is a stronghold for Rhenish Carnival celebrations. Every year in July more than 4.5 million people visit the city's Largest Fair on the Rhine funfair. The Rheinturm. (TV tower) is the city's landmark, the lights on which comprise the world's largest digital clock.

What’s the common denominator between (1) the unforgettable famous Deutsches Eck, (2) Max and (und) Moritz, (3) the little boy that spits erratically at those who walk by, (4) the quote "Mr. Inspector, write a report that the man’s dog urinated twice on my husband." If you said the city of Koblenz – then you are right!  That is Koblenz – fun, interesting and beautiful and also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage site because of the riverfront area between Deutsches Eck and the Rüdesheim/Bingen. Koblenz is home to the playful, impish boys, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the tongue-in cheek statue Schangelbrunnen in front of the Town Hall with the plaque “Mr. Inspector” etc.

The city of Mainz, the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatine, has many crowns and is known by its German name: Rheinland-Pfalz, dating back to the Roman period in 13 BC.

A great way to start your tour when arriving to Wiesbaden is to stop at a local café or pub and enjoy the local currywurst sausages and apfelweine, a unique wine that it is made from apples and not grapes! Tour this capital city of the State of Hesse by visiting renown landmarks, catching “Kodak moments” along the low banks of the Rhine and from the funicular as you ride up to the top of the Neroberg hills. As well you cannot leave this enchanting city without shopping on Wilhemstraße Boulevard, one of Germany’s most popular shopping streets.

Worms is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, on the Rhine River. Established by the Celts, Worms today remains embattled with the cities Trier and Cologne over the title of "Oldest City in Germany." Worms is the only German member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. Main sights include : The reconstructed (1886–1935) new-Romanesque Cathedral, dedicated to St Peter. Reformation Memorial church of the Holy Trinity, the city's largest Protestant church. St Paul’s Church. St Andrew’s Collegiate Church. St Martin’s Church. Luther Monument. Rashi Synagogue.

Kaiserslautern is a city in southwest Germany, located in the Bundesland (State) of Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) at the edge of the Palatinate Forest. The historic center dates to the 9th century. Today, Kaiserslautern is a modern center of information and communications technology and home to a well-known university, a technical college and many international research institutes located throughout the city. The Palatine Gallery dates from 1874 featuring exhibits of painting and sculpture from the 19th century to the present day.

Aachen is a spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne, and later the place of coronation of the German kings. Geographically, Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany. Aachen Cathedral was erected on the orders of Charlemagne in AD 796 and was, on completion, the largest cathedral north of the Alps. It was modelled after the Basilica of San Vitale, in Ravenna, Italy, and was built by Odo of Metz. On his death, Charlemagne's remains were interred in the cathedral and can be seen there to this day. The cathedral was extended several times in later ages, turning it into a curious and unique mixture of building styles.

Bonn is a city on the banks of the Rhine River in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in the first century BC as a Roman settlement, Bonn is one of Germany's oldest cities. Bonn was the de facto capital of West Germany from 1949 to 1990. Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven (born 1770). Beethoven's birthplace is located in Bonngasse near the market place. Next to the market place is the Old Town Hall, built in 1737 in Rococo style. Nearby is the Kurfürstliches Schloss, built as a residence for the prince-elector and now the main building of the University of Bonn.

The picturesque town is surrounded by steep hills of quartz, blue and red slate and luscious vineyards, which makes one wonder how were the vineyards cultivated on these steep slopes. For the more initiated it is understandable that the sun plays an important role here, reaching the roots of the vines and as a result producing top grapes. And so, there are dozens of wineries offering the best quality of wines.

Speyer is a city in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Located beside the river Rhine. Founded by the Romans, it is one of Germany's oldest cities. Speyer is dominated by the Speyer Cathedral, a number of churches and the Altpörtel (old gate). In the cathedral, beneath the high altar, are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings. Another attraction is the Jewish courtyard – with Remnants of medieval Synagogue and intact mikve