As one of Germany’s largest and most historic cities, Cologne is also one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations, not least with river cruisers. Cologne sits on both banks of the iconic Rhine River and it should come as no surprise that there’s a huge choice of Rhine river cruise itineraries which visit the city. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD as a province capital, the city enjoyed being a centre for trade in the Middle Ages but is still perhaps best remembered for being one of Germany’s most heavily bombed cities during the allied air raids of the Second World War. Only five percent of the city’s population survived and very few of its original buildings remain, though the subsequent rebuilding over the years has left visitors with one of Germany's most compelling cities to explore.
Hohenzollern Bridge is an altogether more modern Cologne landmark. It’s famous for being the place where thousands of couples have affixed padlocks as a sign of their commitment to each other; a trend which has since been replicated on numerous bridges worldwide. It’s the ideal way to cross the Rhine as foot passengers are welcome and it also offers some great views of the river. On the subject of views, for the very best aerial one, don’t miss the chance to take a trip up the Koeln Triangle. It’s a skyscraper with an observatory, viewing platform and restaurant and offers the ultimate panoramic vista of Cologne.
Nature-lovers will be pleased to know the city’s not without its green space too. The beautiful Botanical Gardens dating back to the 19th century, are situated close to the Rhine and open daily, while Melaten-Friedhof is a peaceful, leafy cemetery popular with both visitors and locals because of the fascinating history and tranquil atmosphere that it offers.
Cologne really comes into its own at Christmas, when the Dom becomes an unforgettable backdrop to the city’s enchanting Christmas Market. Book a river cruise during this time and you’ll experience the city at its most magical and memorable.
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Danube, Rhine
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
15 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Danube, Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Rhine, Moselle
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 15 Oct 2025
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 16 Oct 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 17 Oct 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 18 Oct 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 18 Oct 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 18 Oct 2025
Rhine
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 18 Oct 2025
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 19 Oct 2025
Rhine
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 20 Oct 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 20 Oct 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Oct 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Oct 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Oct 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Oct 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Oct 2025
Rhine, Moselle
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Oct 2025
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Oct 2025
Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Oct 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Oct 2025
Rhine, Moselle
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
