Maddy here! I have lived in 5 countries including India, New Zealand, Australia, UK and Germany (Berlin) presently. I have also been travelling to just under 40 countries and organized numerous trips for friends & family. WHY GO? Fire, water, air and earth. Almost no other region in Germany is dominated by the elements as much as the Eifel uplands. The landscape reflects the geological development of millions of years in fast motion: valleys crossed by rivers, the cones of extinct volcanoes, dry maars which have become moorland, bizarre rock formations and layers of different hill ranges. The Eifel region was settled by Celts, Romans and Franconians and the products of their cultures are still there to be admired: romantic towns such as Monschau also known as the "Pearl of the Eifel", with half-timbered houses dating from the Middle Ages, the fascinating remains of Roman structures and imposing castles such as “Burg Eltz”. The town is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a great base for hiking and outdoor activities. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS? Exploring Monschau "Pearl of the Eifel": Charming and picturesque village with preserved half-timber houses in the Eifel mountains on the Rur River Valley. Monschau exudes with history, architecture,& romance. Hiking in the Eifel Region: This region was shaped by volcanic activity and although the last volcano erupted about 10,000 years ago, evidence of the Eifel’s turbulent past can be seen in the crater lakes, called maars, that pepper the Vulkaneifel landscape. The region also boasts some of the loveliest fairy tale towns and medieval castles in the country. Hiking in Brackvenn Moor: Brackvenn is a fairly contrasting territory (fagnes, peat bogs, wooded areas) covering a large area that was formed around 10,000 to 11,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. This area is characterized by a high nature conservation value, with very rare animal and plant species. Exploring Aachen (time permitting): Aachen is known for its history and culture, as well as its thermal springs and spa. The city was the preferred residence of Charlemagne, and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned Kings of the Germans. It's also famous for Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built in the 8th century and is considered one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture. Fun Facts: In the Eifel region, you have about 200 dormant volcanoes and even a few active ones! It is designated as Germany’s first dark sky park. The air in the Eifel national park is so clear and unclouded that you can observe the stars very well. Trip Price includes - Community Guide & TripLeader for the entire trip - Shared accommodation for 2 nights (mix of twin, triple & quadruple share) - Breakfast on both days - All public transportation from the meeting location in Aachen to the finishing location - Guided hike for 2 days - Access to a WhatsApp group dedicated to the hike See you in Germany!