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
6 Days from $1,786

On this 6-day cruise of the romantic Rhine River, visit quaint villages, beautiful gardens, lush vineyards and towering castles, all from the comfort of the MS Gérard Schmitter as you cruise from Amsterdam to Strasbourg. You will also have chances to dive into history and art at museums and explore some of Holland's most iconic architecture.

Bicycles are a part of everyday life in Europe

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

7 Days from $1,672

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.

Traditional Dutch windmills from the channel Rotterdam. Holland

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

7 Days from $1,672

The MS Beethoven hosts this 7-day river experience through the enchanting waterways of Holland. Sail along the romantic Rhine River making stops in quaint villages, splendid gardens, expansive vineyards, and dazzling cities, including Amsterdam, Koln, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, and Mannheim.

Rhine Holiday Markets

Basel to Cologne
8 Days from $2,999

Switzerland, France and Germany provide the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseur’s Christmas market cruise. Embark the S.S. Antoinette from Basel’s Christmas Market and cruise for 8 days along the Rhine River to Cologne’s holiday markets.

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,899

Enjoy a luxurious 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amaprima as you explore the historic cities and highlights of the Rhine, from Strasbourg's "La Petite France" district to Koblenz & Rüdesheim. You also have chances to hike the hills of Heidelberg, pass the famous Rock of Lorelei, and visit ancient ruins, castles, and canals.

The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam

8 Days from $2,999

Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on this classic 8-day Rhine River cruise aboard the MS Amaprima. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to revel in the old world charm as you stop in cities and towns like Breisach, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Cologne.

View from the harbour of Basel, Switzerland

From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River

9 Days from $3,007

Board the MS Douce France for a 9-day river cruise from Holland to Switzerland. Start your adventure in Amsterdam, the City of Diamonds, and navigate south towards the Rhine River basin. Cross the border into Germany and sail along while viewing numerous castles nestled among famous vineyards.

A Taste of Rhine

(Southbound)
5 Days from $2,113

Get a taste of the beautiful Rhine River and explore the wondrous spots of Germany and Holland. Begin cruising along Amsterdam's canal cruise then visit the city of Cologne, Boppard, and Rüdesheim before disembarking in the beautiful town of Frankfurt.

A Taste of Rhine

Southbound
5 Days from $2,099

Western Church with water canal view in Amsterdam

A Taste of Rhine

Northbound
5 Days from $1,999

Get a taste of the beautiful Rhine River and explore the wondrous spots of Germany and Holland. Begin cruising along Rhine Gorge on your way to Rüdesheim or simply explore the historic city of Cologne and see its grand gothic cathedral with the soaring twin steeples.

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.