Ross Phillip

Cultural Heritage Guide Cologne

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  • I live in Cologne
  • I speak English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 7 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Ross Phillip

Hello everyone, I'm thrilled to introduce myself as a passionate and dynamic tour guide with a diverse background and a deep love for exploring cultures and sharing stories. My name is Ross Gerard, and I have a unique blend of experiences that make me stand out as a host.

First and foremost, I am an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and in 2023, I proudly became the champion fighter in my division in the Netherlands. This martial art has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of continuous growth – qualities that I incorporate into my tour guiding approach. Moreover, it helps me stay fit, which is essential in a city filled with constant festivals, close to the wine region, and the heart of the Kölsch beer brewing area – making it a perfect hobby to balance my lifestyle.

Before becoming a tour guide, I served in the Marines, where I developed a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork. Later, I pursued my academic interests, earning a Bachelor's degree in Sciences from both the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State. My academic background enriches my ability to deliver informative and engaging tours, particularly when discussing architecture, art, and historical contexts. However, I won't bore you with excessive details or lengthy stories that consume all our time together.

For over six years, I have been offering tours, working with museums, churches, and prestigious companies like Viking River cruises. My expertise lies in the cultural heritage of the cities I guide, and my primary goal is to foster a deep connection between visitors and the places they explore.

What sets me apart as a host is my ability to infuse my tours with exciting anecdotes, local insights, and personal experiences. As a former Marine and a martial arts champion, I instill an adventurous spirit into my tours, making them engaging and memorable for all participants.

Moreover, I hold relevant certifications in tour guiding, ensuring a professional and well-organized experience for my guests. I constantly seek new knowledge and skills, continuously striving to improve my craft.

In addition to the well-known tourist attractions, I love revealing hidden gems and local secrets that only insiders know. Whether it's a tucked-away unforgettable view, an authentic local eatery and kneipe, or an off-the-beaten-path historical site, my tours offer a unique perspective that surprises and delights.

Ultimately, my motivation for being a host is to connect people with the heart and soul of each place I guide, offering them an unforgettable experience that fully captures the essence of Cologne. I believe that through storytelling and genuine interactions, we can create unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.

So, join me on a journey of discovery, where we'll explore the rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden treasures of our destinations together. I can't wait to welcome you on one of my tours and share unforgettable moments as we embrace the beauty of travel and exploration.

  • I live in Cologne
  • I speak English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 7 hours

Book one of my offers in Cologne

Let's explore Cologne together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Cologne on a private & personalized tour for you.

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All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

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Reviews

Valentine
14 October 2024
We hebben een leuke tour gehad met Ross, hij was heel enthousiast, wist veel over Keulen te vertellen en liet leuke plekjes zien. Wel vonden we de prijs voor deze tour (bijna €80,- pp) niet helemaal in verhouding. We hadden voor deze prijs wel meer tastings of grotere porties verwacht. Enthousiaste gids, wel redelijk prijzig
Caroline
17 September 2024
We could not have been happier with our private tour of Cologne with Ross. We were delayed on our arrival in the City, and Ross came over to our arrival location to meet us to get the tour started. He brought a very yummy pastry! He provided a great mix of the biggest hits and local flavor, and we very much enjoyed the off the beaten path locations that he showed us. Ross is a great photographer with your smartphones--it is so nice to have the non-selfie pictures at all the right angles. He really understands the beauty of Cologne. At the end of of the tour we were starving and he listened to what we wanted, got us situated in a restaurant and placed our order for us--so efficient. Thanks again, Ross!Terrific Private Tour!
Donna
24 August 2024
Ross did a wonderful job of customizing our tour to things that would be interesting for us. The food was delicious and the company was great. I would recommend Ross the next time you are in Cologne.Good personalized tour!
Missy
5 July 2024
Ross was a fabulous tour guide. I had told him before we came that I had some physical limitations and he made our plans accordingly. He took us to places of historical importance and several food places. The potato pancakes were the best!! I would recommend Ross for his knowledge and great personality! Amazing!!!
Rajdeep
14 June 2024
Brant
30 April 2024
Rod was very knowledgeable about cologne and shared delicious food! It was so much fun! Ross is amazing!
James
27 March 2024
Ross was a great guide. He’s very friendly and knowledgeable of the area, and he gave us great suggestions to try for the next couple of days. He was very flexible and accommodated our schedule as we had a problem at the laundromat before the tour. I definitely recommend Ross for anyone doing tours in Cologne. Fun and tasty tour
Cory
26 November 2023
Ross was a fantastic host. He was accommodating of our late arrival. Always making sure each member of our group had tastings to their liking. His knowledge of the local area was excellent. Highly recommended! Excellent time in Cologne
Pedro
13 November 2023
Really enjoyed Ross” knowledge of Cologne.Excellent tour
Pierre
15 October 2023
We spent 3 hours with Ross on our discovery tour of Cologne, walked the old city and especially liked the few narrow streets of Cologne. Ross is constantly attentive to our wish trying to steer the way to what we like to see or to do. My son being a student photographer, Ross brought us to picturesque parts of the town. We highly recommend Ross for your future trip to Cologne.Discovery Afternoon with Ross

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