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.

Northern Europe: Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

Amsterdam to Strasbourg
7 Days from $1,574

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.

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.

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.

Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley

7 Days from $1,790

On this 7-day river cruise of the romantic Rhine aboard the MS Douce, pass through quaint villages, beautiful gardens, lush vineyards and towering castles. Starting in Amsterdam, explore the historic central European cities of Cologne, Rudesheim, Mannheim, and Heidelberg, en route to Strasbourg, France.

Enjoy a cozy Christmas market in Cologne

Christmastime on the Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam

Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,020

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 $2,999

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.

The Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Begin your 8-day cruise in Basel aboard the MS Amaprima and sail the Rhine River to Amsterdam. Guided city tours and wine tasting are optional as you visit the towns of Germany and France along the way, like Strasbourg, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Breisach. Canal tours are another exciting part of this cruise.

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $2,999

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.

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!

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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.