Monschau, The Eifel Hills & The Ahr Valley
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Ref: D2TLEGGME
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
_day itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach, then to our hotel in Einruhr, Germany, for a four-night stay.
Day 2 - Free Time or Aachen
Morning at leisure to explore the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps take a boat cruise, stroll by the lake or enjoy a coffee on the hotel terrace as you watch the lake cruisers moor by the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy an optional excursion to the imperial frontier town of Aachen, which boasts some fine examples of medieval architecture, including the superb cathedral and town hall. See the Elisenbrunnen Fountain, a famous symbol of the town's heritage as a spa town, or to learn about the history of Aachen, see the Centre Charlemagne. Delicacies to be found in local bakeries include the spiced gingerbread known as 'Aachener Printen, or the 'Rice Cake' a light yeast dough filled with sweet and creamy rice and oven baked for a golden yellow appearance.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Eifel Hills, Ahr Valley & Ahrweiler
Join our included excursion as we combine two scenic regions: the forested Eifel Hills and the pretty Ahr Valley, with its sleepy wine-growing villages. The Eifel region was once a volcanic area, though the only remaining evidence is the small crater lakes dotted around. The Ahr Valley has a very mild climate and low rainfall, combined with very fertile soils, and is one of Germany's smallest wine-growing regions, at only 525 hectares. The vineyards dotted on the slopes of the Ahr provide the grapes for some of the best red wine in Germany. You can taste the dark red wine for yourself on our visit to a local wine cellar (extra cost). We also visit the old town of Ahrweiler, which still retains its medieval gates and fortifications. Known as the 'Metropolis of red wine', Ahrweiler has many wine taverns and boutiques set in pretty half-timbered houses, plus the local AhrWeinForum a small museum dedicated to all aspects of viticulture.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Monschau & Valkenburg
We travel first to the enchanting town of Valkenburg on our included excursion. Admire the beautiful buildings and quaint cobbled streets of this fortified town. Later, we travel to Monschau – a photographer’s paradise! Half-timbered façades overlook twisting streets, cobbled walkways and quaint market squares. A local speciality is Monschau Mustard: try it if you dare!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Return home.
Meals - Breakfast