Cologne trip header est

German Language Trips to Cologne

For students of German language and culture the capital of the Rhineland has much to offer. The famous cathedral in the centre of the city is a fabulous example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Students can take a panoramic Rhine River Cruise, visit the Chocolate museum, enjoy a world of science and discovery at Odysseum and enjoy thrills at Phantasialand theme park, there is so much that the city has to offer that is both educational and fun.

It is perhaps most enchanting at Christmas when the city is transformed by seven Christmas markets which are some of the best on the continent and offer students a magical backdrop to enjoy this city. Whenever you choose to visit, the charm of this city is sure to delight your students.

Prices start from£299pp

Popular itinerary

Our sample itinerary provides you with an idea of the visits you can cover during your trip. We can tailor-make an itinerary to support your specific learning outcomes.

Morning Afternoon Evening
1 Depart school for Calais Arrive Cologne and check in Guided Walking tour of Cologne
2 Visit to the Chocolate Museum Visit to the Sport & Olympic Museum Evening Activity: Swimming or Bowling
3 Visit to Phantasialand Theme Park Meal in a local restaurant
4 Visit to Cologne Cathedral Depart by coach for Calais Arrive School.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Morning Depart school for Calais
Afternoon Arrive Cologne and check in
Evening Guided Walking tour of Cologne
Morning Visit to the Chocolate Museum
Afternoon Visit to the Sport & Olympic Museum
Evening Evening Activity: Swimming or Bowling
Morning Visit to Phantasialand Theme Park
Afternoon
Evening Meal in a local restaurant
Morning Visit to Cologne Cathedral
Afternoon Depart by coach for Calais
Evening Arrive School.

Price Shown includes

  • Return Coach Travel
  • 3 nights B&B Hostel Accommodation
  • Specialist Group Travel Insurance
  • Bespoke itinerary planning service
  • Free Place Ratios
  • Live Trip Tracking
  • Online trip organiser & Travel App
  • 24/7 support whilst you are away

Reasons to Visit

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne's cathedral is one of the best-known architectural monuments in Germany. The cathedral is under the administration of the Roman Catholic Church and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne as well as housing the remains of the Three Wise Men. The two Bell Towers dominate the city skyline and can be climbed for panoramic views of the city.

Cologne Christmas Market

Every year the centre of Cologne is touched by the magic of Christmas markets, attracting over four million visitors a year. With seven different markets open daily, and well into the evening, the city is a magical place to visit at this time of year. Beneath the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, you can sample sweet delicacies, watch artisans at work or head to the old market to visit the nostalgic childrens roundabout.

Rhine River Cruise

What would Cologne be without the Rhine? The Rhine has been a significant traffic artery for transporting goods to the city as well as a popular route for river cruise tourism. As well as round trip cruises which offer your students a pleasant way to get to know the city, it makes for a more leisurely way to travel to and from your visits.

Cologne Chocolate Museum

Take a guided tour of this unique museum located in front of the old town near Cologne Cathedral. Presenting the entire history to the present day of cocoa and chocolate production, pupils can watch the manufacturing process and learn about the history of chocolate with free samples for pupils and teachers.

German Sports and Olympic Museum

Enjoy a fascinating journey through 2500 years of sport and Olympic history, with unique exhibits from ancient Greek athletics to the professional sport of the 21st century. Pupils can also take a guided tour, in German or English, to gain an insight into sports history and look at memorabilia.

Cologne Cable Car

The cable car offers you the most attractive bird's-eye view of the city. Take a leisurely trip across "Old Father Rhine" and admire the city's fascinating panorama. Enjoy a relaxing view of Cologne as you cross unhurriedly from one bank to the other.

Phantasialand Theme Park

Phantasialand is one of Europe’s top entertainment parks. Situated in Brühl near Cologne in the heart of the Rhineland, seven themed areas promise a fun and educational experience for all your students. Each themed area has its own individual character but they all have one thing in common: the potential for learning through experience.

Bimmelbahn Mini-Train Ride

Bimmelbahn Mini Trains run daily through the Old Town to the Chocolate Museum and German Sports and Olympics Museum, or along the Rhine promenade to the Cologne Zoo, Flora Botanical Gardens, Rhine cable cars and back. During Advent, there are trains going to Cologne’s popular Christmas Markets.

Marksburg Castle

Along the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a castle on average every 2.5 kilometres. The Marksburg Castle is one of the few castles that have survived the centuries without destruction and parts of it date back to medieval times. A guided tour will show students around the castle providing them with a true glance back into previous centuries.


We Make Trip Planning Easy

  • Day to day support and advice from our team of travel experts
  • Easy-to-view online tour quotation
  • Market-leading trip organiser portal, My Tour Manager
  • Free Resources and templates to help launch your trip
  • Email reminders to keep you on track
  • Free and completely personalised Travel App to access your information on the go
  • Locate My Trip designed to provide reassurance to parents and teachers
  • Risk Assessment advice so you can make an informed decision on every tour component
  • Teacher Inspection Visits

Places to Stay

Speak to one of our knowledgeable Tour Consultants today for expert advice on the most suitable accommodation for your specific requirements and budget.


What You Say

It was an excellent learning experience for the students and they were very positive and enthusiastic about the trip. The Marksburg Castle trip was absolutely wonderful and everybody commented that they had learnt a lot and enjoyed the visit. The Chocolate Museum was very informative and interesting.  Iveshead School

The information pack was very helpful and much better organised than other study group organisers. The team was most helpful in all aspects especially when we had decided to fly instead of going by coach.  Thomas Kensington Day School

We had a great trip overall and the students got to practice their language skills which was the main objective. Phantasialand was great!  St Edwards School

I feel that EST did everything possible, especially in the planning stages, to make sure the trip ran smoothly. Fernhill School

Having used EST before, I know that you are professional, work swiftly on itineraries, are easily available and I like your style of working. Good balance of itinerary with Xmas markets, ice skating, interesting & exciting places to visit, cultural activities to engage the teenagers, as well as opportunities to practise German language.  Beechwood Sacred Heart School