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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

Strasbourg

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

3 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
11 Nights From Amsterdam, to Zurich
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4649pp
Amsterdam

Jewels Of The Rhine & Copenhagen

1 sailing date September 2023
10 Nights From Copenhagen, Denmark, to Switzerland , Basel
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Breisach

Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels Of The Rhine

13 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
10 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3019pp
Basel

Christmas Markets on the Rhine from Amsterdam

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

Christmas Markets Prague - Paris

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

Jewels of Europe - Prague - Paris

4 sailing dates April 2024 to August 2024
20 Nights From Prague, to Paris (Honfleur)
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Melk

Jewels of Europe with Prague - Prague - Amsterdam

1 sailing date October 2023
17 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Regensburg

Jewels of Europe - Paris - Prague

9 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
20 Nights From Paris (Honfleur), to Prague
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6929pp
Koln

Jewels of Europe - Paris to Budapest

12 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
17 Nights From Paris (Honfleur), to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £6269pp
Amsterdam

Jewels Of The Rhine - Amsterdam to Basel

2 sailing dates August 2024 to October 2024
9 Nights From Amsterdam, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £2589pp
Zurich

Jewels Of The Rhine - Zurich to Amsterdam

9 sailing dates October 2023 to October 2024
12 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3559pp
Basel

Amsterdam & Jewels Of The Rhine - Amsterdam

1 sailing date August 2024
12 Nights From Amsterdam, to Zurich
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3999pp
Strasbourg

Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets from Basel

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

Best Available Balcony upgrade! | Includes flights and overseas transfers

APT Cruising logo FROM £1539pp
Passau

Christmas Markets of Europe-Amsterdam to Budapest

1 sailing date November 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3999pp
Bamberg

Christmas Markets of Europe -Budapest to Amsterdam

1 sailing date December 2023
14 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Amsterdam

Includes HUGE savings - book now to avoid disappointment

Emerald Cruises logo FROM £3669pp
Bonn

Rolling On The Rhine - Frankfurt to Amsterdam

1 sailing date October 2023
7 Nights From Frankfurt, to Amsterdam
U by Uniworld logo CALL
Würzburg

Prague with Christmas Markets of Europe

1 sailing date November 2021
17 Nights From Prague, to Amsterdam
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Vienna

Christmas Markets - Budapest to Amsterdam

3 sailing dates November 2023 to November 2024
14 Nights From Budapest, Hungary, Hungary to , Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4689pp
Vienna

Jewels of Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest

22 sailing dates October 2023 to November 2024
14 Nights From Amsterdam, to Hungary , Budapest, Hungary
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £2969pp
Basel

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland

3 sailing dates December 2023 to December 2024
11 Nights From Zurich, to Amsterdam
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £4649pp

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