01904 521 936
Tour Search



Germany

Cologne

Cologne was raised to a 'colony' (hence the name), with city status by the Romans in 50 AD, and was later absorbed into the Gallic Empire, becoming the capital from 260-271. The city was highly prized by both of these communities, due mainly to its location on the River Rhine, which placed it at the intersection of the major trade routes east and west, and was the basis of Cologne's growth. In addition to this, several saints were martyred in the city and the relics of the Three Magi were acquired from Milan. Cologne then also became a centre of ecclesiastical importance, as well as a pilgrimage centre, meaning the city continued to prosper in the middle ages as a result. Following a slight decline in the city's fortunes, Cologne experienced something of a renaissance in the 18th century with a recipe involving distilling flower blossoms in alcohol. This 'toilet water' achieved worldwide fame as eau de Cologne.

Although Cologne was badly damaged in the Second World War, the Cathedral survived, and extensive restoration work has since taken place throughout the city. In the modern age Cologne has reclaimed its old role as a major trade and business centre - now a radio and television metropolis, and a beer city, with over twenty breweries producing Kölsch, the distinctive local beer. Whilst in Cologne you really ought to visit the vast Cathedral. The foundation stone was laid in 1248, and it was finally completed in 1880. Called "the mother of all German churches", it is one of the largest Gothic structures ever built, and its size reflects its power - it is the seat of the Primate of Germany. The Cathedral was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, and today you can see the relics of the Three Magi, and climb the south tower for a spectacular view of the city and the Rhine.

Sightseeing in Cologne
 Cologne's Old Town, which has been carefully restored to preserve its pre-war appearance, is also a joy to discover. It spreads from just south of the Cathedral to the bank of the Rhine. Here you can admire the tall and narrow pastel-coloured houses, set out along the Old Town's winding streets, as you wander to the Rhine Promenade for a stroll along the river. There are many traditional brewery taverns close to the Old Town, all of which serve Kölsch beer - brewed only in Cologne. You may wish to visit at least one of these to sample the beer for yourself.

If you have the time to explore further, Cologne boasts an assemblage of both Roman and medieval remains that is unsurpassed in Germany. For example Eigelsteintor, one of the three surviving magnificent city gates, is a short distance north. The other gates, Severinstor and Hahnentor, are further afield but also worth a visit.

Excellent5 stars17,174 reviews on

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

24 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
ClassicClassic
Zell am SeeZell am SeeZell am SeeZell am SeeZell am See
Save £100pp
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
4.2 stars(219 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

Explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the Austrian Alps based in an all-inclusive hotel in St Johann, where dinner and drinks are included each evening. Marvel at views of Austria's tallest mountain on a journey across the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and discover Mozart's hometown of Salzburg. Travel through the stunning Ziller Valley...

View map

Save £100pp
9 days from
£2,549 pp £2,449 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.4 stars(135 reviews)
2026MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site...

View map

8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
4.3 stars(109 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep

Uncover the gems of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria on a luxurious Danube river cruise. Explore the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the striking Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley, indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the region's finest wines. Choose to spend a day in historic Salzburg, the birthplace of...

View map

11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save £300pp
Treasures of the Rhine
4.8 stars(16 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026SepOct

This beautifully scenic, easy-paced cruise takes us to the amazing towns and cities of the River Rhine. Sailing by the most enchanting landscapes, discover historic Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg along with the sensational vistas of the glorious Rhine Gorge. From Cologne, we sail south to explore the charming town of Koblenz, enjoy a guided...

View map

Save £300pp
8 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
The Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz Mountains
Save £200pp
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb

Join us on a magical winter journey amongst the scenic valleys and mountain peaks of Germany's Harz Mountains. Travel on two heritage steam trains, including the Brocken Railway, and discover World Heritage towns with medieval architecture and cobbled lanes. Our base is Wernigerode, a town with timber-framed buildings and a fairytale castle,...

View map

Save £200pp
7 days from
£1,499 pp £1,299 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(250 reviews)
2026MayJunJul

Embark on a scenic river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam, uncovering enchanting landscapes on the way, including the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, adorned with stunning castles, lush forests and sprawling vineyards. Sail from Switzerland to the Netherlands, drifting by forested valleys and charming riverside villages while enjoying guided tours...

View map

8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
BoppardBoppardBoppardBoppardBoppard
GRJ All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
4.1 stars(36 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Enjoy a holiday in one of Europe's great regions, Germany's Rhine Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with idyllic towns and verdant landscapes. From a base in the picturesque town of Boppard, huddled beside Germany's Rhine River, set sail for a scenic cruise into the picturesque Rhine Gorge. Discover the area's legends while admiring...

View map

7 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
4.5 stars(64 reviews)
2026JunJulAug

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial Vienna, the captivating Hungarian capital of...

View map

10 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
4.8 stars(41 reviews)
2026JunJulAug

Fly to and from Munich to enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German border town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and commanding Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial...

View map

8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Grand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine Explorer
First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer
4.4 stars(33 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps, uncovering the culture and history of three countries and journeying on iconic trains. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg...

View map

14 days from
£4,899 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New YearInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New YearInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New YearInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New YearInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New Year
Save £200pp
Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New Year
2025Dec

See in the New Year on this idyllic seasonal holiday in the beautiful Bernese Oberland, staying in the picturesque town of Interlaken, surrounded by panoramic views, sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks. Ascend Grindelwald First Mountain on a spectacular New Year's Eve excursion, looking out across the twinkling valley and visiting the...

View map

Save £200pp
7 days from
£2,799 pp £2,599 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
AmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdam
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel - Fly
2026MayJunJul

Fly to Amsterdam to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining this incredible river's picturesque banks before returning by air from Zürich. Marvel at the spectacular scenery...

View map

8 days from
£1,899 pp
per person
View Details
Show all 24 tours
Our customers love our Cologne tours
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
17/Aug
Helen Antrichan
5 stars
“Everything was so well planned and organised. The ship was perfect and staff were wonderful.
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
14/Aug
Peter Wall
5 stars
“Great holiday very enjoyable
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
5/Aug
JD
5 stars
“Very enjoyable, well organised trip
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
8/Jul
Keith
5 stars
“What a fantastic holiday and the 2 ladies in charge, were brilliant and could not ask for anything more. The whole thing from start to finish was so well organised and a big thank you to everyone.
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
23/Jun
Maureen
5 stars
“I was impressed by Boppard where we stayed it was so clean and pretty the tour was well.planned and our tour manager was.wonderful.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Harz Mountains in Winter
8/Mar
Hugh Pead
5 stars
“A very enjoyable trip led by a very knowledgeable guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of the Rhine
02 Jun 2024
Pooler
5 stars
“It was first class. I have already submitted a very detailed review to Great Rail Journeys
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer
8/Aug
Ember
4 stars
“Excellent tour let down initially by customer service not responding to original enquiries. A couple of issues whilst away dealt with by the brilliant tour manager but again the company didn't really respond to our complaints satisfactorily on return. Full on itinerary with spectacular scenery and well organised. We had...
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
6/Aug
Customer
4 stars
“The river cruise was excellent in terms of the ship, the staff, the food and the environment. The Eurostar train journey was fine however the other train journeys were very disappointing. Sometimes reserved seats were not available and on one occasion there was standing room only in amongst bicycles.
Collected by Trustpilot
Latest articles from our journey blog