Tour suggestion
Day 1: Arrival Bad Koestritz
The Koestritzer black beer brewery, steeped in the beer tradition going back more than 460 years, is one of Germany's oldest breweries and one of the few that has managed to produce dark beer consistently over such a long period of time. Taking a guided tour, which includes beer tasting, a light snack and a modest gift, you become acquainted with the brewery and the production of black beer. Dinner and overnight stay in the area o Gera/Weimar.
Day 2: Weimar & Einbeck
In Weimar on foot, you experience the classical and modern periods in a guided tour of the city. You become knowledgeable about the important personalities of Weimar, like Goethe, Schiller, Bach, Liszt, etc. Next stop is Einbeck near Göttingen, where a special programme has been prepared for you: a reception in the old guildhall by the "Historical Master Brewer" is on the program, followed by a guided tour of the lovely old town, reminiscent of medieval urban design and architecture. A typical cold meat buffet of freshly made Wurst-specialties from the surrounding country-side will also be sampled and, last but not least, tasting the Einbecker beer specialties forms a highlight to your visit. Dinner and overnight stay in the area of Göttingen.
Day 3: Cologne
Discover Cologne today on a boat trip on the Rhine. This magnificent perspective from the Rhine allows you to see Cologne from its most beautiful side. You have a wonderful panoramic view of the city! Afterwards, you have the chance to discover the city on your own, to be overawed by the cathedral, or simply to meander through the narrow passages of the old town. In the evening you may enjoy typical Rhine specialties in a Cologne brewery tavern and, of course, also one or more glasses of Koelsch beer. Overnight stay in the area of Cologne.
Day 4: Cologne
Koelsch has many sides to it: one can drink Koelsch; one can speak Kölsch and even think ... This you will experience very intimately during a relaxed and thrilling tour of the old town area of Cologne. You will discover breweries, you will taste and test a variety of Kölsch brands, discover how one distinguishes between "Koebes" and "Zappes", and how the "Fooderkaat" of Cologne happened to become one of its specialties. Meanwhile, during the city tour you will catch glimpses of the old town; you will hear stories about the people of Cologne, their way of thinking and, of course, their beer. The rest of the day you have Cologne at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in the area of Cologne.
Day 5: Wuppertal
To conclude the trip, we have another special highlight, namely the "Zapf Certificate" of the Wuppertaler brewery. You are taken on a guided tour of the brewery. After that, you are taught the art of effectively punching and correctly fitting a cask tap in the workshop, as it is traditionally done. Next, you have the opportunity to taste and test a variety of their beers while enjoying regional meal. In addition, you receive an original Zapf Certificate. Dinner and overnight stay in the area of Cologne.
Day 6: Departure
Copyright program and pictures: © APPINA TRAVEL GmbH
Best travel season: May - September
Closest airport for arrival: Leipzig
Airport Closest airport for departure: Cologne Airport