Hello - We will be travelling to the Cologne to Koblenz area in a few weeks. Flying into Amsterdam and then taking the train to Cologne. We will have 3 nights in cologne, then will rent a car and head to Koblenz for 4 nights before heading home. We have all the 'big stuff' mapped out, but with so many small towns around I'd love to hear from those who have been your hidden gems you have fallen in love with.
Also - any good restaurant recommendations. We tend to have the worst luck in picking eating establishments when we travel.
*I know the train system is effecient and economical. However, we have a random visit planned to a good friend's rather obscure hometown and want to be quick about it, so we needed the car anyway. Hopefully it will help us visit some of the lesser known/hidden gems!