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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

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

Trip Name From Days Summary
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales $7,459 18 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 $7,499 15 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 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 6 Deals on Rhine River Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only $3,649 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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Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only $4,139 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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Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only $3,149 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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Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only $2,949 8 Enjoy two days in Amsterdam, then embark on the MS Amalucia for an 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, exploring the fascinating towns of Cologne, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, and Breisach along the Rhine River.
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Holland and the Romantic Rhine Valley $2,314 7 On this 7-day cruise of Holland and the romantic Rhine Valley aboard MS Gérard Schmitter, tour Amsterdam’s historic center or bike the city. Cruise the Romantic Rhine, explore vineyards, and enjoy guided or active excursions.
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The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) $5,599 11 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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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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