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HRG destination photo
CGN destination photo

HRGCGN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a stunning contrast between the lush Nile Delta and the arid desert, followed by superior views of the High Alps and the scenic Rhine River approach into Cologne.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌿

Nile Delta

The stark transition from the golden Eastern Desert to the deep green agricultural heartland of Egypt.

🏝️

Crete South Coast

Dramatic cliffs and hidden coves along the rugged southern shoreline of the largest Greek island.

🛶

Venice and the Lagoon

On clear days, the distinctive shape of the Venetian islands and the surrounding turquoise lagoon are visible.

🏔️

Swiss & French Alps

A breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks including views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc if the path is westerly.

🏰

Rhine Valley

The final descent follows the winding Rhine River, featuring historic castles and dense vineyards.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the eastern sun. The highlight is the Alpine crossing roughly 3.5 to 4 hours into the flight. Watch for the 'V' shape of the Nile Delta shortly after takeoff from Hurghada as the plane turns north-northwest.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏜️

Sinai Peninsula

Vivid views of the Gulf of Suez and the jagged mountains of the southern Sinai.

🇬🇷

Cyclades Islands

A bird's-eye view of the scattering of white-and-blue islands in the Aegean Sea, including Santorini.

🌊

Dalmatian Coast

The intricate mosaic of over a thousand islands along the crystal-clear Croatian coastline.

🏔️

Eastern Alps

Views of the Austrian peaks, including the Grossglockner massif, depending on the specific airway used.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

As the flight nears Cologne, you can often see the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers of Frankfurt to the east.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to capture the warm light hitting the Greek islands and the Croatian coast. During winter, this side offers great views of the sun setting over the Mediterranean during the latter half of the journey.

Top Activities in Cologne
Route Information

Distance: 3,461 km (2,151 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 4 min

Departure: HRG (27.178300857543945, 33.799400329589844)

Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Route Type: International

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