Twenty-seven of Ms. Tansey’s 2nd and 3rd year German students have just recently returned from their four-day tour of Germany. This tour is organised every two years giving each German student an opportunity to visit the country and really use the language they have learned in class. During the jam-packed trip in and around Cologne students enjoyed a huge variety of activities. Day 1 got off to a thrilling start as our flight from Knock landed, with a visit to Movie Park, Germany’s answer to universal studios, to enjoy live stunt shows, 4D cinema experiences and terrifying rollercoasters. Accommodation was at a top-class city hotel for the duration of the tour with breakfasts and evening meals provided.

Day 2 began with a visit to the Rhein Energie Stadium, home of Köln FC. The students got to stroll through the player’s tunnel, visit the changing rooms and take a seat on the players’ bench. Then it was off to the city centre, travelling by private coach into the Altstadt of Cologne where we visited the spectacular gothic cathedral, dominating the skyline of this beautiful city which is steeped in culture and history. We climbed the cathedral’s tower ascending the 157 metres to the viewing platform for a panoramic view over the city and the river Rhine. Students were given some time for souvenir shopping, sightseeing along the Rhine and lunch. The next activity was a treat for the history enthusiasts at Time Ride Cologne where we began an exciting virtual reality walking tour of the city equipped with VR headsets, transporting us back to the Köln of the past. After that it was time to transfer to the unique indoor minigolf black light world of the Glowing Rooms Cologne to enjoy a game of mini golf like no other in a sensory filled 3D experience.

Day 3 began with a train ride up the Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) for our visit to Drachenburg Castle, built from 1882 to 1884 and now regarded as one of the most significant castle buildings of the late 19th century in Germany. After many years of restoration, the castle and its grounds glisten in their original splendour. Students toured the castle at their own pace; taking in its history and the stunning landscape at their leisure and also devoured some delicious classic German dishes at the castle café. We continued on to the Haribo factory outlet in Bonn to stock up on some much-needed gummy bears to sustain us through the hectic days ahead. Naturally the best thing to do after all that was to tog out for a few hours in Aqualand, one of Germany’s biggest water parks, for the thrill-seekers it was water slides galore finishing in an epic water polo war! After dinner back at the hotel it was time for Laser tag Köln where the students and teachers loaded their weapons and battled it out to see who the final victors would be!

The final day had to be a full day excursion to Phantasialand, one of Europe’s finest theme parks. We enjoyed many attractions such as the Black Mamba Rollercoaster and the River Quest adventure. Each region is so distinctive, old Berlin being a favourite rest break from all the adrenaline junkie rides, best enjoyed with a frothy hot chocolate and sugar dusted fresh hot waffle with the old-style carousel spinning nearby. The live music, stunts and ice-skating shows are spectacular and the reconstruction of a street in Old Berlin is quite fascinating as it provides an authentic impression of life in the city in the early 1900s. Finally, we had a short stopover at the Arcaden shopping centre to squeeze any last souvenirs into our cases and pack some extra sugar for the flight. The students returned home tired but bursting with lots of newly acquired German phrases and unforgettable cultural experiences. A huge thank you to the teachers who made the trip possible, Ms Tansey, Mr Henry and Mr. Geraghty. Planning is already underway for our 2027 German Tour which will be open to all 2nd and 3rd German students.