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Cologne River Cruises
for over 50s
Cologne River Cruises
Cruise the mighty Rhine River to visit the historic city of Cologne, founded by the Romans. A river cruise to Cologne promises Gothic architecture, medieval churches and traditional markets.
Cologne river cruises
Why cruise to Cologne?
The Rhine flows directly through Cologne, making the city easily accessible during a river cruise. Cologne blends old and new from Gothic cathedrals to contemporary art galleries.
Cologne’s iconic landmarks
From the towering spires of the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral to the Hohenzollern Bridge, a Cologne river cruise offers unrivalled views of the city’s most famous sights. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where colourful buildings line the Rhine and create a postcard-perfect backdrop. From the deck of your river cruise ship, you can also catch a glimpse of the RheinEnergieStadion, a symbol of the city’s vibrant modern identity.
Historical and cultural exploration
Head out from the Cologne river cruise port to explore remnants of the Roman Empire, such as the Roman-Germanic Museum, and immerse yourself in medieval architecture at Great St Martin Church. Beyond history, Cologne’s thriving cultural scene offers highlights from opera to contemporary art exhibitions, ensuring your Rhine cruise to Cologne is rich with discovery.
Cologne’s famous breweries and beer culture
No visit to Cologne is complete without sampling its renowned Kölsch beer. Unique to the city, this light and refreshing beer is served in small, cylindrical glasses – ensuring it is always fresh. Visit traditional beer halls like Früh am Dom or Päffgen, and pair your Kölsch with hearty local dishes such as Himmel un Ääd (black pudding with mashed potatoes and apple sauce).
Top Cologne Cruise Excursions
Cologne Cathedral Tour
Step inside one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks, Cologne Cathedral. Known for its soaring Gothic architecture and intricate details, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. During your tour, you will discover the rich history, stunning stained glass and other crafted features that make this cathedral a true wonder.
Cologne City Walk
Dive into the most interesting facets of Cologne's past and present on this guided tour through history. Begin with a visit to see the grand exterior of Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed site since 1996. Later during free time, you can choose to go inside to glimpse the ornate and intricate architecture. Then, venture into the medieval Old Town, home to churches, guilds and merchant’s houses. Stroll past the town hall and the Romanesque St Martin Church and uncover Cologne’s modernised and urban development. Many parts of the city have undergone a long period of restoration following heavy bombing during World War Two.
Cologne Cruising Tips
Learn more about river cruising
Discover the joys of river cruising and why the Rhine is one of Europe’s most enchanting waterways in more detail with our dedicated blog on cruising the Rhine. You will find the best tips and insights on what the region has to offer.
Read our blogOther European river cruise destinations
