Private tour in Cologne Olga S
5.0
(4) reviews
4 hours
1
4 hours
1
Olga S.
5.0
Guide rating
38
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Tours delivered
13 hrs
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When I first travelled to Cologne many years ago, I was as new to the city as you are now. Many friends though told me, that the best city to dwell in in Germany is Cologne. I wondered WHY? Now I know!!! AND I can SHARE it with YOU!!! My name is Olga. I am an art historian. I defended my Ph. D on decorative glass at the Academy of Fine Arts in year 2000. Since then I have been living in Germany and in Thailand. Ten years ago I settled in Germany for good: here in Cologne. Since then I work as a freelance guide, as a museum guide and a lecturer in the whole province of the North-Rhein-Westfalia. There is a saying: if you make a profession of your passion- you don't have to work anymore: thus guiding is my hobby, my leisure and my pleasure, but apart from that, I am a painter and I dance tango argentino. My way to tell the history -is to tell it through jokes and anecdotes. And Cologne has a lot of it!!! More than that: it is inhabited by humourous and easy-going crowd! And I appreciate it a lot. So will you, . Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, was founded by Romans more than 2000 years ago. During middle ages in belonged to the trade confederation of Hansa union and counted to the weathiest cities of Europe. As an indication of those noteworthy economical and political archivements, the cathdral of Cologne was built. Cathedral became a long-lasting project, that was completed only 632 years later. Thus, it is the masterpiece of both gothic and neogothic styles. Whether you are a history buff or an urban adventurer Cologne has a lot to offer: it is famous for it's life style, pubs and Kölsch beer, Carneval and, of course, fashion: it has many multi brand stores and designer boutiques. All those fascinating things I am happy to bring over to my guests: to show the city from it's most attractive side. M.A. in Art History, Ph.D in Art History, Guiding licences for Cologne Cathedral, Drachenburg Castle, Schloss Burg Castle 1.For a tour inside the Cathedral it is required to make a reservation ahead. I shall be happy to check it for you. 2. I don´t have a permit to drive tourists. I shall be happy to accompany you either on foot or by public transport.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Olga S.
The castle Drachenburg is located in the Seven HIlls region in a picturesque surrounding, facing the river Rhine. It was built at the very end of the 19th century to serve as a representation house for a wealthy local banker, Mr. Sarter. Great zoned gardens, inspired by english gardening style, terraces and parks do not leave the visitor unimpressed. The turbulent 20 century left many traces in the castle- once a stilish mansion became a Nazi school and later a residence of a nouveau-riche. The castle was recently restored and offers an excellent insight in the lifestyle of the german bourgeoisie, but not only. I love to sit there on a terrace in a shadow with a glas of wine, looking at the slow flow of the Rhine river. The views are fantasic there indeed!! I 'll be happy to accompany you in this discovery trip to the 19th century castle with it's moving history
My tour of the Bonn area, including Drachenburg Castle was so fantastic. Olga's suggestion to combine the castle with Bonn was absolutely perfect and such a gift to me. Her stories about the castle were so interesting and colorful, and the tour of Bonn was just excellent. A wonderful day with the highly knowledgeable and delightful Olga!
Drachenburg Castle is in a word AMAZING and Olga made it come alive for us. She arranged for a driver to meet us near the Cologne train station for the 45 minute drive to the Castle. Once there, Olga produced her "special key" to gain private access to all the most special places inside and out. She got the castle attendant to allow us to use the elevator between floors. She is just a very special person and a wonderful guide.
Very satisfied with the tour and personal attention provided by Frau Olga Sonntag. She helped us customize a tour that included the cathedral at Cologne, Drachenberg castle, then travel to Bonn to visit the botanical gardens and Beethoven's house. Frau Sonntag was knowledgeable about all the sites, conveying information in a pleasant, easy, and professional manner. It would have been difficult to have such a great experience without her flexibility and attention to detail. Highly recommended.
Olga was very knowledgeable of Cologne, the Cathedral in particular where she is licensed to be a guide. She did a wonderful job describing sights on the inside. We also asked to see the Drachenburg Castle, another site that she is licensed to be a guide; then we went to the Bruhl Palace. She is very friendly and made our tour very interesting.
We start at the tourist cog train in Konigswinter, the oldest in Germany, it will just take us a couple of minutes and then we are there - in the exotic and pretty park of the castle. I' offer you a tour around the mansion, we'may climb the tower and we'll definitely go inside the house- of bit of imagination and we are already in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Some special wishes? Please, let me know- shall be happy to tailor the tour to your expectation!!!
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There are two options to climb up the hill: on foot and by a cog train: the oldest of it's kind in Germany. The train tickets are to be paid in cash there or online. The price is 12,00 Euro per person (a round trip) Private transfer from Cologne is to be paid separately The price for the transfer is apr. 250 Euros in total
Königswinter, North Rhine-Westphalia, 53639, Germany
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: train station in Konigswinter or I can collect you in Cologne/Bonn for an extra fee.
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