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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.

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22 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Cologne

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.4 stars(131 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...

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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Zell am SeeZell am SeeZell am SeeZell am SeeZell am See
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
4.1 stars(209 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

Explore the beautiful towns and landscapes of the Austrian Alps based on a GRJ All Inclusive holiday in the charming town of St Johann, with dinner and drinks included each evening. Marvel at views of Austria's tallest mountain on a journey across the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, viewing glaciers and gold-mining towns, before discovering the...

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9 days from
£1,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
4.3 stars(99 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...

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11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Glacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St MoritzGlacier Express & St Moritz
No Single Supplement
First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt & Matterhorn
4.1 stars(165 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

Staggering mountain peaks and serene alpine lakes provide the extraordinary setting for this holiday as we travel in First Class all the way, including on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. The resort towns of St Moritz and Zermatt provide idyllic bases for exploring the Swiss Alps by rail. Look upon the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm...

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No Single Supplement
9 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
4.5 stars(64 reviews)
2025Aug
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...

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9 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
Save £300pp
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
4.8 stars(41 reviews)
2025Aug
2026JunJulAug

Experience the convenience of direct flights to and from Munich with our 8-Day Danube river cruise. This effortless itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the must-see highlights of the Danube. Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Discover the...

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8 days from
£1,799 pp £1,499 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(249 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...

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8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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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...

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8 days from
£1,799 pp
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Grand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine ExplorerGrand Alpine Explorer
First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer
4.4 stars(32 reviews)
2025AugSep
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps. 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 after a tour. Enjoy a cruise in the Austrian Lake District and explore charming Innsbruck...

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14 days from
£4,699 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
BoppardBoppardBoppardBoppardBoppard
GRJ All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
4.1 stars(36 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Enjoy a GRJ All Inclusive 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...

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7 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in WinterInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express in WinterInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express in WinterInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express in WinterInterlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter
Save £100pp
Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express in Winter
4.5 stars(43 reviews)
2026JanFebMar

This idyllic winter holiday is based in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in picturesque Interlaken, one of Switzerland's popular resort towns, nestled between two lakes and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Explore this stunning region on some of Europe's most celebrated railways, with spectacular trips...

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7 days from
£1,799 pp £1,699 pp
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The Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz Mountains
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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,...

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7 days from
£1,499 pp £1,399 pp
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Show all 22 tours
Our customers love our Cologne tours
First-Class Grand Alpine Explorer
31/Jul
Joan Joyce
5 stars
“Exactly as it says on the tin. A lot of walking, but a fantastic holiday with a brilliant tour manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
31/Jul
Old Bob
5 stars
“Excellent trip, well organised with top quality travel by trains and river boat
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
30/Jul
Mrs Sue Ragdale
5 stars
“Excellent staff. Excellent food.
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt & Matterhorn
29/Jul
James How
5 stars
“Travel and accommodation of a high standard and tour well organised by the tour manager. Would suggest warnings about travelling light be emphasised more particularly for older travellers earlier in the bookings.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
28/Jul
A Drysdale
5 stars
“The holiday was excellent . When things didnt go quite to plan the support from the guides, especially Alexis, was brilliant. Had an issue with the smoking policy on board ship in that smokers could smoke anywhere on deck. Managed to get that resolved to some extent....
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
24/Jul
SW
5 stars
“Good hotels, a friendly host and interesting excursions. 30 strangers met at St Pancras on day 1, 30 friends returned after having an eventful holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
23/Jul
Steven Read
5 stars
“Great company, excellent food, beautiful scenery, and very helpful staff.
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
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