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Cologne River Cruises

About Cologne

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.

Exploring Cologne

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 tips

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.

Cologne Itineraries

Basel

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

3 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
11 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4159pp
Heidelberg

Jewels of the Rhine & Copenhagen

6 sailing dates April 2023 to September 2023
10 Nights From Copenhagen, to Switzerland , Basel

Flash Sale | Receive a FREE Premium drinks package PLUS NEW reduced prices - save up to £2,200 per couple. Book and pay in full to receive these price

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2649pp
Zurich

Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine

26 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2759pp
Koln

Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Würzburg

Christmas Markets Prague - Paris

1 sailing date November 2023
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Amsterdam

Jewels of Europe - Prague - Paris

14 sailing dates April 2023 to August 2024
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6849pp
Koln

Jewels of Europe with Prague - Prague - Amsterdam

18 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2023
17 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £5699pp
Amsterdam

Jewels of Europe - Paris - Prague

17 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
20 Nights From Paris, to Prague
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6759pp
Dürnstein

Jewels of Europe - Paris to Budapest

21 sailing dates May 2023 to October 2024
17 Nights From Paris, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6099pp
Budapest

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

3 sailing dates April 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4759pp
Bamberg

Amsterdam & Splendours of Europe

2 sailing dates July 2023 to August 2023
16 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4159pp
Regensburg

Amsterdam to Prague & Splendours of Europe

1 sailing date July 2023
19 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Basel

Jewels of the Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

4 sailing dates June 2023 to October 2024
9 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2699pp
Breisach

Jewels of the Rhine - Zurich to Amsterdam

21 sailing dates April 2023 to October 2024
12 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3249pp
Lucerne

Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine - Amsterdam

3 sailing dates June 2023 to August 2024
12 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3459pp
Koln

See Andre Rieu in Maastricht

1 sailing date July 2023
7 Nights From Cologne, Germany to Holland , Maastricht
Saga River Cruises logo CALL
Breisach

Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets from Basel

1 sailing date December 2023
7 Nights From Basel, Switzerland to , Amsterdam, Netherlands

Spring Sale Away | Book now and save up to 50% on selected 2023 European Cruises

APT Cruising logo FROM £1739pp
Hoorn

Grand Rhine & Moselle - Amsterdam To Basel

1 sailing date April 2023
17 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Crystal Cruises logo CALL
Basel

Captivating Europe (Southbound)

1 sailing date April 2023
14 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Switzerland , Basel
Crystal Cruises logo CALL
Dürnstein

Christmas Markets of Europe-Amsterdam to Budapest

1 sailing date November 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3969pp

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