A Fast-Paced Day Trip through Koln, Hamburg, Bonn, Nuenburg, Munich, Salzburg, Brussels, Paris, Bordeaux, Alsace, Matherhorn, and Luzern

  • 8:00AM: Cologne Cathedral
    1 hour (0.6 mi) from Cologne Central Station

    This towering Gothic cathedral took over 600 years to build and is Germany’s most visited landmark with stunning stained glass windows and intricate masonry.

  • 10:30AM: Miniatur Wunderland
    3 hours (4 hours train ride) from Cathedral

    The world’s largest railway exhibit is home to 930 trains and thousands of miniature structures that represent locations from around the world. Marvel at the impressive intricate details of scaled-down architecture and working models.

  • 2:30PM: Beethovenhaus Bonn
    3 hours (3 hours train ride) from Miniatur Wunderland

    Get acquainted with Beethoven's personal history at his birthplace, the Beethoven House museum. It houses Beethoven's musical instruments, sheets of music, furnishings and personal items.

  • 5:00PM: Nuremberg Castle
    2.5 hours (2.5 hours train ride) from Beethovenhaus Bonn

    Perched high above the city, this imposing fortress offers stunning views of Nuremberg. Its unique history makes it one of the most visited medieval castles in all of Europe.

  • 7:00PM: Marienplatz
    1.5 hours (1.5 hours train ride) from Nuremberg Castle

    The central square of Munich, home to the famous Glockenspiel, stunning architecture, and surrounded by gorgeous shops and restaurants.

  • 9:00PM: Hofbräuhaus München
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Marienplatz.

    The most famous of Munich breweries, try a classic Bavarian beer and feast on some delicious traditional German fare in Hofbräuhaus, a historic beer hall with live musical entertainment.

  • 1:00AM: Amelie Chocolat
    2 hours (2.5 hours train ride) from Hofbräuhaus München

    If you have a sweet tooth, this one is for you. A family-owned French pastry and chocolate shop Amelie Chocolat is located in Brussels known for its fresh, hand-made chocolates and array of quality confections with tasty Belgian beer.

  • 3:30AM: Montmartre
    2 hours (2.5 hours train ride) from Amelie Chocolat

    A bohemian neighbourhood in the height of Paris, famous for its cobbled streets and home to the celebrated Moulin Rouge cabaret, known for its frequent appearances in popular French cinema. Also a great spot for artsy Parisian souvenirs and quaint bistros.

  • 6:00AM: Bordeaux Wine Tasting
    3 hours (3.25 hours train ride) from Montmartre

    The Château La Louvière in Bordeaux region has excellent wines available for tasting. It offers an exclusive wine tasting experience with a guided tour of the castles vineyards, the barrel cellars.

  • 9:30AM: Strasbourg Cathedral
    4.5 hours (5 hours train ride) from Bordeaux Wine Tasting

    The Gothic masterpiece, Strasbourg Cathedral, with its characteristic pink hue, is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe with the intricate astronomical clock.

  • 11:30AM: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
    5 hours (5.5 hours train ride) from Strasbourg Cathedral

    The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in Zermatt is the highest sightseeing point in Europe, located at 3,883 meters above sea level amongst some of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps, a true delight for ski lovers with its year-round glacier skiing.

  • 3:30PM: Chapel Bridge
    2.5 hours (2.5 hours train ride) from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

    The iconic covered wooden Chapel Bridge and its medieval tower right in the center of Luzern, Switzerland’s most charming city, featuring exquisite murals inside.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Cologne Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Miniatur Wunderland (3 hours, 15.90 €)
  • Beethovenhaus Bonn (2.5 hours, 8 €)
  • Nuremberg Castle (2 hours, 8 €)
  • Marienplatz (1.5 hours, free)
  • Hofbräuhaus München (2 hours, 17.50 €)
  • Amelie Chocolat (2 hours, 12€)
  • Montmartre (2.5 hours, free)
  • Bordeaux Wine Tasting (3.5 hours, 52 €)
  • Strasbourg Cathedral (1.5 hours, free)
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (4 hours, 100 CHF)
  • Chapel Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 213.40 €

Transportation

Visitors should consider taking the train for all these locations as most of them are accessible by train. Trains are highly efficient and reliable, equipped with all modern amenities like Wi-Fi, charging points, and beyond. The prices may vary depending on the distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider including more locations in this trip. The time estimates for each point of interest are based on ideal scenarios, so be aware of time allotted for meals, poor weather, or closed attractions. You may also prioritize based on individual interests and preferences, and add or subtract the art or winery tour.

Airports

The airports for this trip include Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), located 15km southeast of Cologne; Hamburg Airport (HAM), located 10km north of Hamburg; Brussels Airport (BRU) located 12km northeast of Brussels and Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) located 12km west of Bordeaux.

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