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Cologne, Germany

Cologne Rhine River Cruises

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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!
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10 Best Rhine River Cruises to Cologne for 2025-2026

All Germany Tours

10 Best Luxury Rhine River Cruises to Cologne for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales $7,459 18 Jun 30, 2025 Join the MS Amaprima on this unique adventure starting with an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich, followed by three magical nights in Zurich. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours and in many cases, choose between excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, and hikes.
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Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only $4,939 11 Jul 13, 2025 Begin this exclusive 11-day cruise in Basel and conclude in charming Amsterdam. This voyage includes a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore the wondrous delights of the Rhine and Moselle River regions.
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Castles along the Rhine $4,699 8 May 16, 2025 During this 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the S.S. Victoria, cruise along the impressive Rhine River —Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine $6,729 14 Nov 27, 2025 Sail the Rhine on a 14-day holiday cruise with stays in Amsterdam, Lucerne, and Zurich aboard the MS Amastella. Stroll Europe’s most enchanting Christmas Markets, from Cologne’s Gothic backdrop to Strasbourg’s festive charm and Gengenbach’s giant Advent calendar.
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Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only $5,379 12 Jul 02, 2025 Board the MS Amaprima for an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours and in many cases, choose between excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes, and wine & beer tastings. Visit historic medieval towns of Germany, France, and the Netherlands, highlighted by castles & other landmarks.
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Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only $5,139 11 Jun 15, 2025 Embark on an 11-day cruise along the Rhine and Moselle, exploring Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Discover charming villages, UNESCO treasures, and enjoy hikes, bike rides, and scenic gondola views.
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Rhine Highlights $8,790 8 Jun 23, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Opal, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only $3,939 8 Nov 26, 2025 Enjoy a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS Amaprima. As you sail the Rhine River, visit classic Christmas markets, bike along Rüdesheim, boat down canals, and visit historic castles that highlight this region of central Europe, including stops in Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Breisach.
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Magnificent Europe - Cruise Only $7,479 15 May 17, 2025 Embark on a 15-day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam aboard the MS Amastella, sailing the Danube, Main, and the Rhine through five captivating countries. Explore UNESCO treasures, savor Rieslings, enjoy European cuisine, and adventure through scenic landscapes.
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Rhine Highlights $9,390 8 May 21, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Pearl, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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Top 10 Deals on Rhine River Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Rhine & Moselle Delights $7,219 15 Sep 03, 2025 This 15-day Rhine & Moselle River cruise aboard MS Amaprima takes you from Zurich to Basel to Amsterdam, passing through Germany and France along the way. Hike and bike in the lush Rhine Valley, stroll the "Crossroads of Europe" in Strasbourg, and savor the best wines and beers that have made this region famous.
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Christmas on the Rhine $2,799 8 Nov 26, 2025 Embark on an 8-day Christmas on the Rhine Cruise with Viking Cruises from Amsterdam to Basel. Experience festive charm in picturesque villages, savor holiday treats at vibrant stalls and revel in the Rhine Valley's joyful atmosphere, including Cologne's sparkling lights.
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Enchanting Rhine $5,999 12 Jul 15, 2025 Sail the Rhine on a 12-day cruise with stays in Zurich and Lucerne aboard the MS Amastella. Explore vibrant cities, storybook towns, and a UNESCO-listed landscape of castles, breweries, and timeless traditions.
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Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps $6,419 13 May 17, 2025 Sail aboard the MS Amaserena on a 13-day cruise through Europe, featuring Amsterdam’s canals, Germany’s Rhine Gorge castles, France’s Alsace charm, and Italy’s glamorous Lake Como. Explore five countries and iconic landmarks.
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Captivating Rhine $6,329 14 May 12, 2025 Sail the legendary Rhine on a 14-day cruise with stays in Lucerne and Zurich aboard the MS Amaprima. From Amsterdam’s canals to the Swiss Alps, explore vineyard-clad hills, fairytale towns, and historic cities along this enchanting river.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine $6,629 14 Nov 24, 2025 Embark on a 14-day cruise with 2 nights in Lucerne and Zurich aboard the MS Amaprima. From Amsterdam’s canals to Switzerland’s lakes, explore Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets, sip glühwein, and soak in the holiday magic.
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Splendours of Europe $11,590 15 Jun 03, 2025 Join this 15-day Splendors of Europe cruise on the Emerald Sky from Amsterdam to Budapest. Cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Experience stunning landscapes, medieval towns, and hikes to hilltop fortresses. Explore four capital cities, each providing a distinctive perspective on the region's rich history.
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Splendours of Europe $11,590 15 Aug 23, 2025 Embark on the 15-day Splendours of Europe cruise aboard the Emerald Destiny, traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest. Discover the wonders of the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary while indulging in a glass-top canal boat excursion in Amsterdam. Throughout the visit to four capital cities, immerse in rich history of the region.
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The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) $5,599 11 May 27, 2025 Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard the Avalon Imagery II. Explore the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, starting in Basel. Discover charming cities in Germany, France, and Amsterdam, exploring Breisach, Strasbourg, and the Rhine Gorge while enjoying wine tastings in Bernkastel and a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
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Rhine Highlights $10,590 8 Sep 01, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Jasper, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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Cologne Travel Guide

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.
 
Popular Destinations in Cologne, Germany
Some of the most popular destinations frequently visited on a trip to Cologne, Germany are:
  • Fragrance Museum
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Hohenzollern Bridge
  • The restored Old Town
  • St. Gereon’s Basilica
  • St. Maria im Kapitol Church
  • Belgian Quarter
  • Rheinauhafen District
  • Cologne Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Museums in Cologne, Germany
  • Ludwig Museum (contemporary & avant-garde art)
  • Romano-Germanic Museum
  • Wallraf-Richartz Museum (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist art)
  • Museum für Angewandte Kunst Köln
  • Kolumba Museum
  • Schnütgen Museum (medieval liturgical art)
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