Koln, Germany North Rhine-Westphalia Cruise from Cologne — 8 Days

7 nights · Koln, Germany North Rhine-Westphalia · River cruise · Departs Cologne (Germany) · Visiting Koblenz, Boppard, Heidelberg, Kehl-Strasbourg, Rudesheim am Rhein · Aboard Riviera Travel on the MS George Eliot

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This river cruise sails the Rhine, departing Cologne.

Cruise lineRiviera Travel
ShipMS George Eliot
Duration7 nights
Port calls6
Departures5 sailings
From fare$2,099 per person
Year built2019
Guests148
Cabins74
Crew36
Length110 m
Beam12 m
Cruising speed13.0 kn
  1. Day 1

    Cologne, Germany

    Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.

  2. Day 2

    Koblenz, Germany

    Koblenz stands where the Rhine and Moselle meet, beneath the watchful gaze of the Deutsches Eck. From here, river valleys, vineyard slopes and hilltop castles make an easy day’s exploration. Ride the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, whose ramparts command sweeping views. The compact old town is readily explored on foot, with cafés and riverside promenades within easy reach.

  3. Day 3

    Boppard, Germany

    Boppard sits beside the Rhine’s largest loop, with vineyards and wooded slopes framing the water. Its Roman past survives in the remains of a fourth-century fort beside the old town. Follow the riverside promenade to St. Severus, a Romanesque church known for its twin towers. A chairlift climbs to Vierseenblick, where bends in the river create the illusion of four lakes. Local Riesling and the scenery of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley reward a slower stop.

  4. Day 4

    Heidelberg, Germany

    Few German cities make history feel as immediate as Heidelberg. Set beside the Neckar, its old town gathers around the market square and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Cross the Old Bridge for views of the red sandstone castle, rising above the rooftops. Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University gives the city an enduring scholarly spirit. Walk the Philosopher’s Way for a wider view, then linger over the cafés and lanes below.

  5. Day 5

    Kehl-Strasbourg, Germany

    Strasbourg rewards visitors with a rare blend of French elegance and German character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, threaded with canals and half-timbered houses. At its heart, Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the old streets, its pink sandstone façade a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Take time for a table of Alsatian cooking, where French technique meets hearty regional tradition. Then follow the riverfront lanes and discover a city shaped by centuries on Europe’s border.

  6. Day 6

    Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany

    Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.

  7. Days 7–8

    Cologne, Germany

    Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.

MS George Eliot Cruises

Published August 8, 2026
Last updated October 25, 2026
Author: J. Richard


Cruise Disclosure

Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.

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