GERMANY

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

COLOGNE/BONN (CGN)

Cologne and Bonn, twin gems of the Rhine, offer a blend of Gothic grandeur and Enlightenment culture. Cologne remains defined by its massive, UNESCO-listed Cathedral and vibrant Karneval spirit (starting February 12). Visitors flock to the Museum Ludwig for Picasso masterpieces and the Chocolate Museum for riverside treats. Just 20 minutes away, Bonn, the former West German capital, enchants as the birthplace of Beethoven. From the blooming cherry blossoms of the Altstadt to the “Museum Mile,” this region seamlessly marries Roman history with contemporary high-speed living and crisp Kölsch beer.

Aachen Cathedral (alternative to Duesseldorf).

DUESSELDORF (DUS)

Düsseldorf, the sophisticated capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a global hub for fashion and avant-garde architecture. The city’s heart remains the Altstadt, famously called “the longest bar in the world” for its 300+ pubs serving copper-colored Altbier. Travelers marvel at the futuristic MedienHafen, home to Frank Gehry’s tilted buildings, and shop the luxury boutiques of Königsallee. As “Little Tokyo on the Rhine,” the city offers Europe’s most authentic Japanese culture. From the panoramic Rhine Tower to the serene Schloss Benrath, Düsseldorf elegantly fuses industrial prosperity with a relaxed, high-end lifestyle.