With more than two thousand years of history, Cologne is one of Germany's most significant cultural centers, especially for its signature Gothic architecture. Straddling the Rhine River, this city is home to a magnificent twin-spired Gothic cathedral, recognized in 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, no trip to Cologne is complete without a stop in the Fragrance Museum and the birthplace of Eau de Cologne. Cologne is the embarking and departure point for many of our Rhine River cruises, which vary from 4 days all the way to two weeks so that you can either combine this journey with another European cruise or decide to spend more time in the ancient Rhineland of historic Germany. Some of the longer cruises even visit neighboring France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Contact us to get started planning!

10 Best Rhine River Cruises to Cologne

Rhine River

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

Amsterdam to Strasbourg
7 Days from $1,839

On this 7 days cruise on board the MS Symphonie, enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam. Travel from Amsterdam, Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelburg, Mannheim and Strasbourg.

Traditional Dutch windmills from the channel Rotterdam. Holland

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

7 Days from $2,011

Board the MS Beethoven for a 7-day river experience through the enchanting waterways of Holland. Sail along the romantic Rhine River making stops in quaint villages, imposing gardens, lush vineyards, and dazzling cities, including Amsterdam, Koln, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, and Mannheim.

Northern Europe: Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

Amsterdam to Strasbourg
7 Days from $2,261

Join the MS Victor Hugo on this 7-day journey sail the romantic Rhine River, passing through quaint villages, beautiful gardens, lush vineyards and towering castles. Experience the comfort and amenities of the MS Douce France as you cruise from Amsterdam to Strasbourg.

Bicycles are a part of everyday life in Europe

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

7 Days from $2,011

Discover Amsterdam, the Keukenhof gardens, Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Heidelberg, on this 7-day cruise aboard the MS Leonard De Vinci. Fall in love with the authentic charm of the stunning Rhine Valley and admire the culture and heritage of this world famous region.

Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Christmastime on the Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $5,860

During this 8-day cruise aboard the Crystal Debussy along the Rhine River, explore Rüdesheim’s famed Christmas Market of Nations along the city’s iconic Drosselgasse, and the dazzling wonder of Cologne Cathedral’s market, hosted beneath Rhineland’s largest Christmas tree.

View from the harbour of Basel, Switzerland

The Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Begin your 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, aboard the luxurious MS Amakristina. As you tour the historic towns of France, Germany, and the Netherlands, expert guides will lead you to local wineries, on architectural tours of the Gothic style buildings that highlight the region, and on hikes and canal excursions as well.

Treasures of the Main & Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,599

Cruise through the Main-Danube Canal and the beautiful Rhine Gorge, on this 8-day voyage aboard the MS Amaserena, Begin an incredible adventure in Nuremberg and cruise through one of the most romantic regions in the world, making stops to visit medieval villages, towering cathedrals, fortress ruins, wine making towns, and much more!

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Embark the MS Amakristina for an 8-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, exploring the most beloved Christmas markets along the shores of the Rhine. These traditional markets are a treasure trove of culture and authentic souvenirs. You also have the option to hike, tour castles, and participate in wine-tasting excursions.

Treasures of the Main & Rhine

11 Days from $4,569

Enjoy 3 nights in Prague and then an exciting 8-day cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam aboard the MS Amasiena.

Prague City and the Charles Bridge at Sunset

Treasures of the Main & Rhine

Prague to Amsterdam
11 Days from $4,569

Enjoy an 8-day river cruise from the Czech Republic through Germany to the Netherlands aboard the MS Amadante, experiencing the romantic spirit of the Rhine and peaceful Main River along the way. Your tour starts with 3-nights in Prague and then embarks on an exciting weeklong cruise from Nuremberg to Amsterdam.

Cologne Travel Guide

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Cologne, Germany Highlights

From history to architecture, the storybook German city of Cologne seems to come straight out of a fairytale. Whether embarking here or simply passing through, this city is full of delights, including:

The twin-spired Gothic cathedral, immediately recognizable as one of Germany's foremost masterpieces of the Gothic period.
The Fragrance Museum, where you will see how cologne is made and how this city earned a reputation as one of the world's most aromatic destinations.

After getting to know this historic city, your cruise will continue on to other destinations along the Rhine River, from Germany's medieval cities to charming towns in the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and perhaps even France.