European Sojourn

Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor. Step into a rich past, following the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with tales of local folklore figures, Tünnes and Schääl, and the city’s flourishing Jewish community. In Old Cologne, pass the elegant silhouette of St. Martin’s church and stop to view Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in stages over the next seven centuries. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows, and survived the Allied bombings that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II.

Head up to the roof of Cologne’s astonishing cathedral and learn about ongoing excavation and restoration efforts. Meet your guide, who will take you to some of the cathedral’s least explored areas. Ascend the outside wall on the elevator utilized by the restoration crew for their ongoing work preserving this impressive structure. Upon arrival, enter the ceiling space to see the vast tower caverns and massive iron structures that support the roof, and visit the restoration workshops. Then, step out onto the roof itself, for an up-close look at the intricate Gothic architecture and an expansive view over the cityscape of Cologne and the waters of the Rhine below. You may also choose to climb a 104-step spiral staircase to the top of a tower, for another look over the city. Afterwards, you will descend by elevator back to street level.

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city. During this fun excursion into the heart of Cologne, you will stroll the Old Town’s cobblestone streets past historic houses. Pause along the way at three Kölsch brewhouses. Kölsch—a light, crisp beer—is brewed only in Cologne. Brauhaus servers, called köbes, will deliver Kölsch straight from the barrel to your table in 7-ounce glasses, small enough for you to finish the beer while it is still refreshingly cold. As you drink in the rich culture of Cologne amid the dark-paneled walls and stained glass windows of its Old Town brewhouses, learn the brewing “secrets” that give Kölsch its distinctive character. Afterward, you will enjoy dinner at a popular, local brauhaus before returning to your ship.

Venture through the historic city of Cologne and see its sights on a bicycle tour. Meet your guide and receive a short safety briefing before donning your helmet and setting off to explore. Follow the Rhine River as you pedal through the city, your guide regaling you with stories of Cologne’s past and reconstruction following the heavy bombings it suffered during World War II. The city’s dominant landmark is its magnificent cathedral, which, despite the war, stood tall amid its flattened surroundings. Its twin spires were said to have been used as an easily recognizable navigational landmark by Allied aircraft. Your path will take you across the river and to a charming village, where you will enjoy a coffee break. En route back to your ship, follow the trail along the Rheinauhafen waterfront and past the Roman Castle, admiring the modern face of Cologne.

Peer into the life of royalty at an estate built for the prince-archbishops of Cologne. You will meet your guide at the dock and drive to Schlosspark, at the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve. Here, Augustusburg Castle sits at the center of beautifully landscaped grounds, a vast and splendid example of Germany’s early rococo architecture. During a tour, admire the grand staircase and some of its many extravagantly decorated rooms and chambers. Take a stroll through the park’s spacious gardens lined with hedgerows and trees before returning to your ship.