Cologne - German Language School Trip

Day 1 - Arrive in Cologne, Cologne Old Town

Arrive in Cologne via ferry from Dover, the Eurotunnel (Le Shuttle), or the Eurostar from St Pancras. After checking into your accommodation, head straight into the heart of Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt).

Here you can explore medieval Cologne, with its historic cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. You can explore the historic Town Hall (Rathaus) to learn about the city's history while engaging with information in German, the Romanesque Great St. Martin Church, and Alter Markt (Old Market Square). Here you can sit in a café, order in German, and enjoy the lively atmosphere while practising conversational skills. Stroll across to the Hohenzollern Bridge. This iconic railway bridge is known for the thousands of love locks attached to its railings. The bridge offers fantastic views of the Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral, especially at sunset. It provides a great vantage point for photographing the city’s skyline and will set the scene for the trip’s adventures.

Finish the day with the Cologne Cable Car. This is a unique way to see the city from above. It crosses the Rhine River, providing spectacular views of the Cologne skyline, including the cathedral, the Old Town, and the Rhine park. It’s a great way to relax after a busy day!

Day 2 - Deutsche Sprachschule, Guided Walking Tour

Begin your day with a visit to our selected German language school. Classes are tailored to each student's level and focus, allowing for targeted language practice. Focus on conversation and vocabulary that you’ll use during your stay. Classes are interactive, encouraging students to practise speaking, listening, and understanding in real-life scenarios. From here, head into the city for lunch, and put your new vocabulary into practice by ordering food and interacting with restaurant staff.

This afternoon, meet your TCBC guide for a guided walking tour of Cologne. Meet at Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) and learn about one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks with a guided tour in German. Visit inside to practise listening skills and ask questions to deepen your understanding. You can get a great view of the city from the top.

Crossing the Hohenzollern Bridge, you can walk along the scenic Rhine promenade, describing the natural beauty and architecture using newly learned vocabulary. At Fischmarkt, explore this historic area, interacting with market vendors and using descriptive language skills. End at Rudolfplatz, where you can practise conversation skills in one of Cologne’s vibrant squares.

Day 3 - Deutsche Sprachschule, BayArena, Chocolate Museum

Continue your language immersion with a second session at the German language school, focusing on advanced topics like grammar, idiomatic expressions, and conversational fluency. Engage in interactive sessions that emphasise speaking, listening, and vocabulary building, preparing students for the afternoon’s activities.

From here, you’ll visit Bayer Leverkusen’s home stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour. Explore the pitch, players' tunnel, and VIP areas while learning sports-related vocabulary and practising listening and speaking by interacting with the tour guide and staff.

Follow up with another sweet treat—the Chocolate Museum. Discover the history and production of chocolate, learning new vocabulary related to food, manufacturing, and history. Engage in hands-on activities that make learning fun and memorable.

Finish this fun day with glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Use this informal setting to practise conversational German in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 4 - Phantasialand

Spend the day at Phantasialand, one of the world’s best theme parks, where you can practise German in a recreational setting. Use German to read park maps, understand ride instructions, and communicate with park staff. This immersive experience allows students to practise everyday language skills in a dynamic and enjoyable environment.

After a fun-filled day, take the cable car for a scenic ride over the Rhine River, practising descriptive language to talk about the city’s skyline and landmarks.

Day 5 - Rhine River Cruise

Finish your trip with a relaxing Rhine River cruise, offering a chance to review and practise the German language while enjoying the scenic views. Use this opportunity to practise listening skills by understanding the tour commentary in German.

From here, board the coach to return to the UK after an immersive Cologne language trip.