Europe Tours from Cologne
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10 best Europe tour packages from Cologne
Compiled by
MelissaEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- 10 Days of Canals, Castles & Culture by Train: Cologne, Brussels & Amsterdam Adventure
- Romantic Rhine & Alsace Region – VISTARIO Standard
- Treasures of the Rhine – VISTARIO Superior
- Rhine Holiday Markets (2025) (Cologne to Basel, 2025)
- New Year's Eve Cruise on the Rhine (Cologne - Cologne)
- New Year's Eve Cruise on the Rhine - AMADEUS Riva (Cologne - Cologne)
- Rhine Holiday Markets (2026) (Cologne to Basel, 2026)
- Cruising the Rhine & Moselle
- NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM. Cologne - Utrecht - Cologne, MS Vista Gracia
- Northern Rhine Experience 2026
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Belgium, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator STM Tours LLC From $4,575
25% Off- NZ$3,432You save $1,144
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From $3,492
15% Off- NZ$2,968You save $524
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From $4,332
15% Off- NZ$3,682You save $650
This festive 8-day Rhine cruise from Cologne's historic center connects 14 cities across 3 countries. The route passes through the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, featuring Christmas markets in medieval towns like Koblenz and Rüdesheim, before concluding in Basel's festive wonderland.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
15% Off- NZ$10,399
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
15% Off- NZ$3,869
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,152
15% Off- NZ$2,679You save $473
The 8-day Rhine cruise from Cologne to Basel winds through the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The route features stops in charming Koblenz at the Rhine-Moselle confluence, medieval Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse, and Strasbourg's cobbled lanes. Guests sail aboard the luxurious S.S. Antoinette, visiting 13 cities across 3 countries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,799
22% Off- NZ$5,299You save $1,500
This 8-day, 480km Rhine adventure aboard Nicko Cruises' Rhein Symphonie features historic Andernach's 60-meter geyser, UNESCO-listed Strasbourg, and medieval Koblenz. Scenic highlights include Loreley Rock and the Middle Rhine Valley.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cologne, Andernach, Mainz, Germersheim, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Rudesheim am Rhein, Koblenz Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Just You From $7,072
11% Off- NZ$6,260You save $812
NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM. Cologne - Utrecht - Cologne, MS Vista Gracia
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food was excellent with great presentation. The time on our own gives you freedom to visit what interest you the most.”
Yvette, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From
11% Off- NZ$4,127+$154 upfront costs
The 8-day Rhine cruise covers 7 cities across 3 countries from Cologne's historic center. Setting sail at 18:00, guests visit Willemstad's fortress harbor, Ghent's Saint Bavo's Cathedral, and Antwerp's diamond district before returning via Amsterdam and Emmerich's iconic red suspension bridge.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From $2,044
10% Off- NZ$1,840You save $204
What people love about Europe Tours from Cologne
- UNDISCOVERED NETHERLANDS, Cologne - Amsterdam - Cologne, MS Vista Rio
Disappointed not having a balcony, sauna & gym as mentioned on the booking site.
- NETHERLANDS & BELGIUM. Cologne - Utrecht - Cologne, MS Vista Gracia
This was my first canal tour so was not really sure what to expect. I enjoyed the experience although I was not anticipating only 4 English as a first language speaking people on the tour.
- Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2026
The trip was sold as bilingual but much more information was disseminated in German.
What our customers ask about Europe Tours from Cologne
What are the common boarding locations for tours starting in Cologne?
Rhine river cruises depart from three main locations in Cologne: the Konrad Adenauer Ufer dock near Hohenzollern Bridge the Deutzer Bridge pier in the city center and the Cologne Cathedral port area. A-ROSA cruise ships provide a shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes from Cologne's main train station to the dock starting at 2:30 PM. Most departures take place between 5:00-6:00 PM. "The boarding process was very smooth with helpful staff getting us settled in our cabins at the Deutzer Bridge location" reported a TourRadar traveler.
What are the popular destinations visited on Rhine cruises from Cologne?
Rhine cruises from Cologne stop at several historic cities along the river. Travelers visit Strasbourg to see its Notre-Dame Cathedral Rüdesheim to explore the well-known Drosselgasse wine street and Speyer a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Koblenz passengers can take a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for views of the Rhine Valley. "Visiting Strasbourg's picturesque Petite France district and the impressive European Parliament building was a highlight of our journey starting from Cologne" according to a TourRadar traveler.
What is the typical duration of river cruises starting in Cologne?
Most Rhine river cruises from Cologne last between 5-8 days with many travelers choosing 7-8 day itineraries. The 5-night Rhine Legends cruise includes stops in Rüdesheim and Strasbourg while longer 7-night Southern Rhine Experience journeys travel to Basel and several German towns. A TourRadar traveler shared that "the 8-day itinerary was perfect for experiencing both the Rhine and its cities" on their A-ROSA cruise.
What type of accommodations can I expect on Rhine cruises departing from Cologne?
River ships departing from Cologne provide standard cabins measuring 14.5m² equipped with individual air conditioning satellite TV and private bathrooms. Ships like the A-ROSA SILVA and S.S. Antoinette offer upgraded cabins on higher decks with French balconies or panoramic windows. For pre-cruise stays the Excelsior Hotel Ernst near Cologne Cathedral and Maritim Hotel Königswinter are popular choices. A TourRadar traveler noted "our cabin on the middle deck had floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for scenic Rhine viewing."
What's the best time of year for Rhine cruises starting in Cologne?
The prime season for Rhine cruises runs from May through September when mild temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor activities. November and December feature special Christmas Market cruises with stops at holiday markets in Strasbourg and Basel. Spring brings flowering landscapes along the Rhine while summer offers extended daylight hours. A TourRadar traveler shared "we loved our June cruise with perfect weather for exploring the deck and shore excursions."
How much free time do I have to explore Cologne before departure?
Travelers typically have 4-6 hours to explore Cologne before afternoon departures which usually occur between 16:00-19:00. Many guests opt to arrive one day early to see the Cologne Cathedral Hohenzollern Bridge and Old Town without rushing. The Maritim Hotel Cologne and Hilton Cologne serve as convenient pre-cruise bases. One TourRadar traveler mentioned "arriving the day before gave us plenty of time to explore Cologne's highlights before embarking."