Bus from Cologne to Subotica

This extremely old cathedral city on the river Rhine is one of the most important commercial and cultural centers in western Germany. Cologne (Köln in German) is famous over the world for its 12 great Romanesque churches - especially the magnificent Cologne Cathedral - all an easy walk from the historic Old Town, and its university is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Today, the city remains one of Germany's most important cultural centers, home to numerous arts and entertainment facilities, along with more than 100 galleries and some 36 museums.

 Cologne Cathedral: Near the left bank of the Rhine, Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, is a masterpiece of high gothic architecture. One of the largest cathedrals in Europe, it was started in 1248 and is considered the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages. As impressive as its 157-meter tall twin towers is the cathedral's incredible interior. Covering an area of 6,166 square meters and boasting 56 pillars, highlights include the 12th-century Reliquary of the Three Kings created by local goldsmiths; the Treasure Chamber with its many precious objects, including ancient reliquaries and manuscripts; and the panoramic views from the south tower, reached by more than 500 steps that pass the cathedral's famous bells.

Cologne's Old Town: As you explore Cologne's numerous historic churches and museums, you'll crisscross the city's lovely Old Town quarters with its many unique charms. In addition to old churches such as Great St. Martin, you'll find yourself traversing countless quaint alleys lined with traditional old houses, many now home to boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. And with its many pleasant paths along the Rhine, you'll find ample opportunity to enjoy great views as you plan your route through this ancient city. You'll also find yourself in awe of the countless monuments and fountains that adorn the area, along with its Archeological Zone with its many ancient ruins and artifacts.

The Wallraf-Richartz and Ludwig Museums: Art lovers will want to visit both the Wallraf-Richartz Museum and the Ludwig Museum when in Cologne. Housed in one of the city's newer architectural structures, these two excellent galleries cover a wide range of European painting, with works by Rembrandt, Manet, Renoir, Leibl, Liebermann, and Slevogt.

St. Gereon's Church : Romanesque St. Gereon's is perhaps Cologne's most unusual church. It was built on the site of a former 7th-century church, which was itself constructed on a ten-sided domed structure dating from Roman times (and still visible) beginning in 1151. Dedicated to Saint Gereon, this visually appealing structure includes highlights such as its unusually long choir as well as its numerous medieval murals, mosaics, and ancient relics.

The Old Town Hall: Cologne's Old Town Hall, the Kölner Rathaus, is the oldest public building in Germany. With a rich history dating back more than 900 years as the focal point of the ruling classes during medieval times, the building you see today reflects a number of different architectural influences, including the 14th-century main building, the 15th-century tower, and a Renaissance-style loggia and cloister.

Cologne is known for all these things, but especially Kölsch beer.  A straw-coloured beer with a biscuit flavour and fleeting freshness, it is served in small .21L glasses called stange.  No need to hail the bartender at any bar in this city, beer will continue coming until you place your coaster over your glass.

The city of Subotica lies on the north of the Republic of Serbia, in the Vojvodina region, along the main European transit routes and between two rivers: the Danube and the Tisa. Abundant cultural heritage with astoundingly decorated buildings, multicultural spirit of Serbian and Hungarian origin, as well as overall European charm – these are all the features that make this city worth visiting. Subotica has made its name thanks for its relaxed atmosphere, spendid food and wines of the highest quality. Festivals, events, concerts, vibrant cultural life all year long are nothing short of and are an additional reason to visit this city.

Palić, the lake and the settlement by the same name that are 8 kilometres east of Subotica offer something new, unrepeatable and unforgettable at any season for its visitors. Outstanding facilities from the beginning of the 20th century: the Water Tower, the Grand Terrace, the Women’s Lido and the Music Pavilion, the splendid park, the well-known lake, peace and silence make Palić an ideal space for rest and relaxation. At the moment Palić provides high category hotels, renowned luxury and comfortable villas in the so called “Palić style”, as well as numerous lodgings and private boarding houses.

The City Hall, the very centre and the landmark of Subotica, was built between 1908 and 1912. It is 76m high and covers an area of 5838 m². The design of the Hall was done by Komor and Jakab, the famous Budapest architects. The decorative features of Art Nouveau are combined with the pecularities of the Hungarian folklore, embelished by floral elements made of ceramics and wrought ironwork forging. The Council Hall and its splendid stained glass windows are the heart of the building. It is being used for Assembly sessions, concerts, weddings and important gatherings. Likewise in the past, the City Hall hosts city administration, the Historical archives, boutiques and banks. City Hall's 45 m high observatory attracts visitors with the unforgettable panoramic overview of Subotica and itssurroundings.

Raichle Palace: It was built in 1904 by the architect Ferenc Raichle with the intention to make his home and his design studio. Expensive materials combined with the unusual combination of colours, the variety of forms and the breath-taking interior and the backyard make this sumptuous house an exceptional example of the Art Nouveau architecture. At present, it hosts the Modern Art Gallery “Likovni susret”.

The Water Tower: The architects of the building envisaged entering the Grand Park and resort through abundantly decorated entrance – The Water Tower. It was designed in Hungarian Art Nouveau style, inspired by folk elements: handicrafts, laces and embroidery. This symbol of Palić was formally open in 1912.

The Cathedral was built in late baroque style and is dedicated to the patron saint of Subotica, St. Theresa of Avila, whose figure appears in the city’s coat-of-arms as well. It was built in 1779 and has been renovated several times since then. In 1974, the Pope awarded the church with the title of a smaller basilica.

Franciscan Church: This Church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel was erected in 1736, on the ruins of the medieval fortress dating from the 15th century. Attached to it is a friary with a chapel dedicated to the votive painting, the Black Madonna. The church, known as a neo-Romanticism building, is part of the Franciscan monastery.

Main Square: Unlike many European towns, in Subotica the City Hall dominates the Main Square instead of a church or a cathedral. The City Hall is a masterpiece of Hungarian version of Art Nouveau built in 1912. It is next to the park with a fountain and a vast square where many concerts and bazaars are held throughout the year. It is surrounded by the building of People's Theatre that is undergoing a major reconstruction. Originally it was a classic style building characterized by six Corinthian columns. On the Eastern side of the square there is a neo-baroque building of The Public Library. The two Atlases carrying one of the nicest balconies in the city make this building charming. The Emperor Jovan Nenad Monument in the middle of the square represents a controversial historical figure. He styled himself emperor and pronounced Subotica his capital in 1527, but all lasted for a very short period of time. Not far from the monument there are two fountains. The Green Fountain (1985) and the Blue Fountain (2001) are the pearls of the city centre. Both were made of Zsolnay tiles, likewise all decorative ceramics and roof tiles of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings.

Serbian Subotica-Horgoš wine region is a part of the great Pannonian sands between the rivers Danube and Tisa. Here, vineyards cover belt north of Subotica and Palić. The experience of grape growers and winemakers have resulted in the natural selection of grape varieties that proved to possess the best qualities of adaptation to the local climate and dominantly sandy terrain while at the same time capable of producing wines of the highest quality. There are quite some number of wineries, from small family wineries and cozy wine cellars to a world-class estate recognized beyond the borders of the country.