Departure on foot for downtown Köln. You will discover the city in the company of your guide. Crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages, Köln has kept its importance as a vibrant commercial and industrial city as well as a cultural and religious center. You will be able to admire the exterior façades of the huge Gothic Köln Cathedral which took five centuries to complete. Indeed, although construction started in 1247, it was interrupted due to a lack of financing in 1560 and only started again in 1842 upon request of Emperor Frederick Wilhelm IV, who had fallen in love with the building. Construction was finally completed in 1863 and the Gothic Cathedral was the highest building in the world from 1880 to 1884. Around the Cathedral, 12 other Romanesque style churches are set in a circle, representing the 12 holy apostles. We'll then move on to the Old Town and stop to admire the outside of the neo-Gothic building, home of the famous "Eau de Cologne".
Before returning on board, we will have some free time to stroll through the streets of Köln or try the famous local beer, the Kölsch. You will be able to make your way back to the boat on foot at your own pace.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
Departure on foot for downtown Köln. You will discover the city in the company of your guide. Crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages, Köln has kept its importance as a vibrant commercial and industrial city as well as a cultural and religious center. You will be able to admire the exterior façades of the huge Gothic Köln Cathedral which took five centuries to complete. Indeed, although construction started in 1247, it was interrupted due to a lack of financing in 1560 and only started again in 1842 upon request of Emperor Frederick Wilhelm IV, who had fallen in love with the building. Construction was finally completed in 1863 and the Gothic Cathedral was the highest building in the world from 1880 to 1884. Around the Cathedral, 12 other Romanesque style churches are set in a circle, representing the 12 holy apostles. We'll then move on to the Old Town and stop to admire the outside of the neo-Gothic building, home of the famous "Eau de Cologne".
Before returning on board, we will have some free time to stroll through the streets of Köln or try the famous local beer, the Kölsch. You will be able to make your way back to the boat on foot at your own pace.
PLEASE NOTE
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
Rhineland and Dutch Christmas
STRASBOURG - The Romantic Rhine - COLOGNE - AMSTERDAM
Enjoy a unique cruise on the Rhine River from Strasbourg to Amsterdam and immerse yourself in Christmas magic! You will discover the famous Christmas market in Strasbourg with local crafts, mulled wine and much more. Christmas Eve dinner will be followed by a most memorable Christmas Mass in Cologne before continuing to Holland.