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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!

10 Best Rhine River Small Ship Cruises to Cologne for 2021

Rhine River
Rhine River
Visit charming Passau
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.
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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.
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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.
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Basel at Christmas, Switzerland
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.
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Cologne, Germany
Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only
8 Days from $3,399
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.
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Heidelberg
The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,199
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.
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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.
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Cologne's famous cathedral at dusk
A Taste of Rhine
Southbound
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 Amsterdam's canal cruise then visit the city of Cologne, Boppard, and Rüdesheim before disembarking in the beautiful town of Frankfurt.
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Cologne's famous cathedral at dusk
A Taste of Rhine
Southbound
5 Days from $2,049
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.
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Western Church with water canal view in Amsterdam
A Taste of Rhine
Northbound
5 Days from $2,049
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.
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Luxury Rhine River Small Ship Cruises to Cologne

Basel at Christmas, Switzerland
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.
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Heidelberg
The Enchanting Rhine - From Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $3,199
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.
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Cologne, Germany
Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only
8 Days from $3,399
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.
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Trier
Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only
11 Days from $4,199
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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Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only
12 Days from $4,299
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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Grossmunster Cathedral, Zurich
The Enchanting Rhine - From Zurich to Amsterdam
12 Days from $4,999
After spending two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, Switzerland, board the MS Amaprima on an exclusive 7-day Rhine River cruise through the historic old towns and big cities of Germany, the historic borderlands of Strasbourg, France, and finally to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
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Heidelberg
Rhine & Moselle Delights
15 Days from $5,799
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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Historic Zurich with River Limmat, Switzerland
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
18 Days from $6,649
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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Stop in beautiful Basel, Switzerland
Castles along the Rhine
Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days from $2,999
Cruise along the Rhine for an amazing 8 days with the exquisite S.S. Antoinette. The Rhine River has Germany on one side and France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a wine-making tradition that goes back to the Romans.
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Spring flowers in Mannheim
Rhine Highlights
Amsterdam-Basel
8 Days from $3,795
From Amsterdam to Basel, journey along the Rhine in all-inclusive luxury. Witness Amsterdam's famous canals, explore castles along the river, wander charming old town squares and enjoy a sublime classical concert aboard the Scenic Jasper.
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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.
 
Visit charming Passau
European Cruise: When to Go?
Europe is an incredible destination all year long. However, there may be better months to visit based on your personal interests & preferences. Weather, activity options, & festivals are just a few of the factors that could determine when you travel. Here is some insight into best times for a Europe river cruise.
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MS Fernao de Magalhaes
River Cruising Has Our Attention
While many travelers are familiar with the standard ocean liners and mega-yachts, river cruises offer a different atmosphere and experience that can only be found in certain parts of the world.
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Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market
Cruising Europe Christmas Markets
Explore the enchanting Christmas Markets throughout Germany, Austria and Hungary on your Europe river cruise. Drink hot mulled wine as you meander through these traditional street markets. This is sure to be a charming, festive way to spend the holiday.
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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)
Christmas Market in Prague
European River Cruise - Christmas Markets in Germany!
Europe is full of treasures, and one of the best times to see them is over the Christmas holiday, when the traditional Christmas Markets adorn the squares of many towns throughout central Europe. Hand-crafted souvenirs, delicious sweets, and local delights characterize these age-old markets.
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Christmas on the Rhine
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