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Cologne, Germany

Cologne 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 Cologne cruise 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 start planning your Cologne cruise!
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Best Cologne Cruises for 2027-2028

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Best Luxury Cruises to Cologne for 2027-2028

Trip Name From Days Summary
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only $6,239 12 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 $5,799 11 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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Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only $5,799 11 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 Christmas Markets $10,790 8 Experience a festive 8-day Rhine River cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam on the Scenic Jasper. Discover historic Christmas markets charming towns, and enjoy special traditions like glühwein and festive shopping.
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Jewels of the Rhine $4,845 8 Join an 8-day cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam on the Emerald Sun, featuring a welcome dinner in Basel, guided tours, and a private concert at Bruchsal Palace. Experience the Rhine Gorge, visit Koblenz and Cologne, and enjoy a canal cruise or cycling tour in Amsterdam.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine $7,259 14 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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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only $4,249 8 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 $8,559 15 Join a 15-day European river cruise on the MS AmaSofia, sailing through five countries along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. Experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites, regional wine tastings, and guided hiking and biking excursions in Passau and Vienna.
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Rhine Highlights $8,790 8 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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Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights $6,200 8 Sail from Basel to Cologne aboard Connect on this 8-day European river cruise, journey through Switzerland, Germany, and France, discovering medieval towns, scenic vineyards, and cultural landmarks.
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Our Favortie Cologne Cruises Deals for 2027-2028

Trip Name From Days Summary
Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only $3,949 8 Embark on an 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the MS Amaviola, where vibrant cities and charming towns reveal rich histories. Sail along the Rhine's UNESCO World Heritage stretch, featuring stunning castles and delightful villages.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only $4,249 8 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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Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only $5,799 11 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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Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only $6,239 12 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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Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only $3,979 8 Sail from Amsterdam to Basel on an 8-day Rhine River cruise aboard the MS Amastella, passing vineyard-clad hills and fairytale castles. Explore charming towns, savor local flavors, and experience the beauty of Alsace, the Black Forest, and beyond.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only $4,979 8 Explore the most beloved Christmas markets along the romantic Rhine River on this 8-day cruise aboard the MS Amastella. As you explore four different countries, have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Limited Edition tours.
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Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only $6,239 12 Enjoy a 12-day voyage on the Rhine River! Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle
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Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only $3,379 8 Enjoy an enchanting 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam along the Rhine to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. You are bound to live timeless traditions on the MS Amasiena as you cruise down the Rhine River.
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Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only $4,249 8 Enjoy timeless traditions handed down through the centuries on your 8-day Christmas Markets adventure aboard the MS Amasiena. From Amsterdam to Basel, delight in all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
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Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps - Cruise Only $3,849 8 Discover fairytale castles, historic vineyards and the stunning remnant of a world frozen over with glaciers, Italy’s Lake Como, as part of this all-encompassing Rhine River cruise and land fantasy. Start by exploring the canal-laden city of Amsterdam, with its neat rows of buildings and rich history.
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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)
All Europe Travel Stories

Rhine River Travel Reviews & Stories

Sandra Fernandez employee profile
Sandra F.
Cologne, Germany
Rhine River

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