Cologne reveals its Roman heritage in its city layout and the ancient ruins that lie scattered through the town. Cologne’s modern plazas and Hohe Strasse host welcoming shops, enticing restaurants and cologne boutiques. Of note is the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic artistry and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having survived Allied bombs during World War II, the cathedral’s imposing twin spires are visible for miles and its stained glass windows fill the interior with brilliant colored light. Its steps lead to a platform with astounding views.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Cologne Walking Tour
Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor.
Top of Cologne
Head up to the roof of Cologne’s astonishing cathedral and learn about ongoing excavation and restoration efforts.
Cologne’s Beer Culture & Dinner
Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city.
Cologne by Bicycle
Venture through the historic city of Cologne and see its sights on a bicycle tour.
Brühl UNESCO Palaces
Peer into the life of royalty at an estate built for the prince-archbishops of Cologne.
Zeppelin Flight Over the Ruhr Valley
Board a zeppelin airship to view the picturesque Ruhr Valley from a new perspective.
Zeppelin Flight Over Cologne
Take flight on a Zeppelin airship and enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of Cologne’s striking monuments.
Videos
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season in Amsterdam and Cologne
Join our Ambassador-at-Large Jean Newman Glock, as she visits two festive ports on our 8-day Christmas on the Rhine journey. First, in Amsterdam, Jean takes a glass-topped boat for a leisurely ride along the city’s charming canals and savors some traditional Dutch cuisine at De Blauwe Hollander, a beloved restaurant located on the lively Southern Canal Ring. Next, Jean boards the Viking Eir to sail on to Düsseldorf, where she will toast to the yuletide season with a hot cup of mulled wine known as glühwein. Lastly, watch Jean make her way to Cologne, where the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. Jean also browses the colorful market stalls for handmade gifts and special keepsakes.
Discovering Cologne
Arriving in the German city of Cologne, today Alastair meets with local guide Angela to embark on an enlightening tour. Follow along as they view the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, shop for German mustard, visit the famed Hohenzollern Bridge and spend reflective moments at the Gestapo’s former headquarters. Alastair also learns the story behind “stumbling stones,” a series of small bronze plaques embedded in the streets to commemorate people who were persecuted by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. In the evening, join Alastair as he visits one of Cologne’s oldest brewhouses, where he enjoys a glass of local Kölsch beer.
Cooking with Karine: Bratwurst
Taste a variety of German delicacies with Karine in Nuremberg’s medieval district, and learn some of the best side dishes to go with them, perhaps paired with a local brew.
Romantic Middle Rhine
Experience the majestic stretch of the Rhine River known affectionately as the “Romantic Middle Rhine.” Winding past quaint villages and medieval castles, this idyllic waterway offers a window into the past and unmatched vistas.
Gothic Cologne Cathedral
Explore the history of this ornate architectural masterpiece. Towering over the Rhine, the majestic Cologne cathedral has been a beacon for pilgrims from around the world for centuries.
Gothic Cathedrals
Marvel at the ingenuity and ethereal quality of Gothic architecture, a style inspired by a period when religion governed life and epitomized by Europe’s soaring cathedrals from the 12th to 16th centuries.
German Language Lesson
Learn a few useful German words and phrases with Rebecca, your Viking tutor. Prost!
