Eau de Cologne: walking tour about the fragrance of Cologne

Discover Eau de Cologne, the city's most famous product. We will learn about its history and origins. We will also visit two different perfumeries, one of which is the oldest in the world.
Welcome to the city of Eau de Cologne! This product, now known throughout the world, has its origins here in Cologne, just over three centuries ago. Who invented it? How did it become so famous? Who bought it? These questions will be answered in this 1.5-hour walking tour.
We begin at the Alter Markt (Old Market Square) with an introduction to the history of the creation of Eau de Cologne. There we will see the historic town hall tower where we will discover a statue commemorating the inventor of this fragrance, Johann Maria Farina. We will talk about this family, so important and admired in the city, and how through their business we can take a journey through the last three centuries of local history.
Then we will walk to their shop, which has been in the same original location since 1709. Once there, we will learn all the secrets of Eau de Cologne, how it is made, and its rise to fame until it became a commonly used concept in perfumery. We will learn about the store's other fragrances and their importance to the brand, discover old advertisements, and learn about the famous customers of the family business over the years.
We will, of course, have a few minutes of free time to buy perfumes before setting off again on foot to the second perfumery we will visit, 4711. There we will talk about the origin of this brand as a copy, the conflicts over the years with the Farina family, and the brand's official version of these entanglements. We will have the opportunity to see the world's only fountain of Eau de Cologne in the store, as well as the famous Napoleon tapestry and the clock alluding to this historical figure.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.