At the intersection of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany lies the city of Aachen. It is not the oldest city in Germany, which is Trier followed by Cologne. They are both continuously inhabited since a few years before the birth of Christ. However, Aachen has a history that goes back over 5.000 years. which in some ways does make it Germany’s oldest city.
Humans were attracted by the hot sulphur springs in this area that originated from the volcanic system of the Eifel, a region that directly neighbours the Eastern part of the Belgian Ardennes. The city is therefore also known as Bad Aachen, or Aquae Granni in Roman times. In French it is called Aix-la-Chapelle and Aken in Dutch. Nowadays it is home to about 240,000 people and a stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.
Today travel by luxury 4* coach with extra leg space, AC, on-board toilet and DVD system. It’s a relatively short drive compared to our other trips, so we depart only in the early afternoon. Of course we will give you some drinks and snacks, so you can enjoy the ride.
Upon arrival we will be greeted by one or two official Aachen tour guides who will show us the Old Town (depending on our group size). They will tell us all about the city’s extremely long history. In particular they will speak about the roman times and the age of the mighty Charlemagne who reigned over vast parts of the European continent around the turn of the 9th century. They will take us of course along the major sights, such as the Elisenbrunnen (see above), the Theater and the Rathaus (city hall).
Of course they will also take us to The Cathedral. This magnificent building was eracted in 796-798 by orders of Charlemagne and was the largest cathedral North of the Alps. Compared to other cathedrals in this part of Europe, it is much older (e.g. Cologne, Metz, Reims) so the style is also different, namely Carolingian instead of Gothic. It is also smaller, even though it consists of three visually separate parts. Yet, it has played an important role in history as 30 Kings and 12 Queens were crowned here between 936 and 1531. All these aspects make it a very special building that completely impressed our group in 2015!
Inside you can see beautiful mosaic inlays and marble covered walls, as well the exquisite sarcophagus with the remains of Charlemagne and his successor Otto III. There is much to say about this UNESCO protected Cathedral, and even more to see than you would as a regular tourist. Expat Club has therefore arranged a guided tour by an official Dom guide in the later afternoon. This tour IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE because we think you must see this. You see amongst other things the sarcophagus from Charlemagne and his throne from up close. Regular visitors are not allowed to come to this most beautiful part of the nave (see above), neither can they go up to the first floor where you can see the smaller chapel and stand next to the throne. WE HAVE A SPOT FOR THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE ONLY! You can also optionally visit the Dom’s Treasury, with impressive artefacts from over 1.000 years of Dom history. You can indicate whether you would like to pre-order your tickets during checkout for the Treasury.
The famous Aachen Christmas markets are consistently ranked as one of the very best in Germany. The city has actually three markets, all within a few minutes walking from each other. The largest is between and around the Dom and Rathaus. Stroll around searching for the loveliest Christmas ornaments, tasty German delicacies and beautiful handcraft artefacts. Needless to say that it won’t be difficult to find some Glühwein, and rest assured that Expat Club will “take over” one of the stands for some great Christmas socialising.
At the intersection of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany lies the city of Aachen. It is not the oldest city in Germany, which is Trier followed by Cologne. They are both continuously inhabited since a few years before the birth of Christ. However, Aachen has a history that goes back over 5.000 years. which in some ways does make it Germany’s oldest city.
Humans were attracted by the hot sulphur springs in this area that originated from the volcanic system of the Eifel, a region that directly neighbours the Eastern part of the Belgian Ardennes. The city is therefore also known as Bad Aachen, or Aquae Granni in Roman times. In French it is called Aix-la-Chapelle and Aken in Dutch. Nowadays it is home to about 240,000 people and a stunningly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral.
Today travel by luxury 4* coach with extra leg space, AC, on-board toilet and DVD system. It’s a relatively short drive compared to our other trips, so we depart only in the early afternoon. Of course we will give you some drinks and snacks, so you can enjoy the ride.
Upon arrival we will be greeted by one or two official Aachen tour guides who will show us the Old Town (depending on our group size). They will tell us all about the city’s extremely long history. In particular they will speak about the roman times and the age of the mighty Charlemagne who reigned over vast parts of the European continent around the turn of the 9th century. They will take us of course along the major sights, such as the Elisenbrunnen (see above), the Theater and the Rathaus (city hall).
Of course they will also take us to The Cathedral. This magnificent building was eracted in 796-798 by orders of Charlemagne and was the largest cathedral North of the Alps. Compared to other cathedrals in this part of Europe, it is much older (e.g. Cologne, Metz, Reims) so the style is also different, namely Carolingian instead of Gothic. It is also smaller, even though it consists of three visually separate parts. Yet, it has played an important role in history as 30 Kings and 12 Queens were crowned here between 936 and 1531. All these aspects make it a very special building that completely impressed our group in 2015!
Inside you can see beautiful mosaic inlays and marble covered walls, as well the exquisite sarcophagus with the remains of Charlemagne and his successor Otto III. There is much to say about this UNESCO protected Cathedral, and even more to see than you would as a regular tourist. Expat Club has therefore arranged a guided tour by an official Dom guide in the later afternoon. This tour IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE because we think you must see this. You see amongst other things the sarcophagus from Charlemagne and his throne from up close. Regular visitors are not allowed to come to this most beautiful part of the nave (see above), neither can they go up to the first floor where you can see the smaller chapel and stand next to the throne. WE HAVE A SPOT FOR THE FIRST 50 PEOPLE ONLY! You can also optionally visit the Dom’s Treasury, with impressive artefacts from over 1.000 years of Dom history. You can indicate whether you would like to pre-order your tickets during checkout for the Treasury.
The famous Aachen Christmas markets are consistently ranked as one of the very best in Germany. The city has actually three markets, all within a few minutes walking from each other. The largest is between and around the Dom and Rathaus. Stroll around searching for the loveliest Christmas ornaments, tasty German delicacies and beautiful handcraft artefacts. Needless to say that it won’t be difficult to find some Glühwein, and rest assured that Expat Club will “take over” one of the stands for some great Christmas socialising.
