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.

Banja Luka is the largest city of the Republika Srpska entity and second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo. The city lies on the River Vrbas and is well known in the countries of the former Yugoslavia for being full of tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks. According to the 2013 census the City of Banja Luka, has 185,042 inhabitants.

Banja Luka has a moderate humid subtropical climate which borders a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 21.3 °C. The coldest month of the year is January, when temperatures average near freezing at 0.8 °C.

Due to its long history, Banja Luka is rich in culture. There are several museums including the Museum of Bosanska Krajina, the Ethnographic Museum established in 1930, and the Museum of Modern Art of Republika Srpska which is also called MSURS the Museum of Contemporary Art. Banja Luka is also the home of the national theatre and library, both dating from the first half of the 20th century, and of numerous other theatres. The headquarters of the Archives of Republika Srpska is situated in the building known as Carska kuća or Imperial House, build around 1880. It has been in continuous public use longer than any other structure in Banja Luka.

The natural beauties of the surrounding area guarantee the city of Banja Luka a good position in tourism. he city and surrounding area boast a number of popular tourist attractions. Among the most famous are the pools, thermal springs, and spas in the region. Due to its parks and over 10 000 trees Banja Luka was once nicknamed the "Green City".