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Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany River Cruise

Discover the delights of Cologne and other historic German cities and sail the spectacular Rhine Gorge, one of Europe’s most breathtaking vistas, on a cruise that combines history, architectural landmarks, and captivating scenery.

Explore some of Europe’s exceptional medieval treasures hidden off the beaten track along the Main Danube Canal. This cruise also travels Germany’s most famous Winelands, with a glass of something special to accompany the views provided by Riviera Travel.

Savour a voyage of discovery for lovers of history and heritage, landmark architecture, and fine wines aboard a luxury cruise ship that combines the very best of classic style and modern convenience.

4.5
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from 407 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Riviera Travel
  • Ship: MS George Eliot
  • Duration: 10 Nights
  • Departure: Jun - Sep
FROM
£3,199 pp
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Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany Cruise Prices

Price per person
Jun 08, 2026
£3,499 pp
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Jul 16, 2026
£3,299 pp
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Aug 09, 2026
£3,199 pp
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Sep 30, 2026
£3,499 pp
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More Dates

Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany Cruise Itinerary

Discover old Germany, the country of folklore and fairytales, on a mystical 10-night cruise that takes in famous cities and some hidden gems away from the regular tourist trail. Centuries of fascinating architecture in pretty villages, historic towns, and cities are interspersed with breathtaking river scenery, including the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Enjoy the height of luxury on board a ship with five-star cuisine, award-winning international and regional wines, and plenty of space to relax and savour the views.

Day 1

Cologne

Step on board your five-star cruise ship moored on the banks of the Rhine in historic Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Day 2

Cologne

After your first night on board, disembark for a guided walking tour around a maze of quaint cobbled streets in the beautifully restored old town. Visit Cologne Cathedral, a survivor of World War II and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

Day 3

Andernach & Boppard

Enjoy a guided walking tour around Andernach, one of Germany’s oldest towns with well-preserved remains and buildings that date back centuries. Discover the hidden gem that is Boppard, set against steep slopes covered with trees and vineyards.

Day 4

Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

Sail the world-famous Rhine Gorge, an unforgettable experience with fairytale ruined castles and picturesque villages. The rest of the day is spent in Rüdesheim, a pretty town with a famous wine-making heritage and traditional timbered houses.

Day 5

Mainz

Discover Mainz, the wine capital of Germany, with its impressive Romanesque Martinsdom Cathedral, charming, cobbled streets, and the famous Gutenberg printing press. Explore this quaint city with a long history on a guided walking tour.

Day 6

Miltenberg & Wertheim

Miltenberg is a beautifully preserved medieval village with a local guide to explore its charms and offer fascinating insights. Sail the Main to Wertheim, a hidden gem off the tourist trail with fairytale pastel-coloured houses and a 12th-century castle.

Day 7

Würzburg

Beautiful Bavaria, and your cruise arrives in Würzburg, the centre of the 10th-century kingdom of Franconia. Visit the magnificent Residenz, a Baroque palace, a bygone relic of a more romantic age with exquisite sculptures, tapestries, and paintings.

Day 8

Rothenburg & Oschsenfurt

Today, enjoy a journey along the Romantic Road through some of Europe’s most spellbinding scenery, a landscape of folklore and medieval castles. Explore the town of Rothenburg, the jewel in the crown with spectacular views over the river.

Day 9

Bamberg

Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site; it mirrors Rome in design and is a historic and architectural treasure chest. Guests enjoy an evening performance of traditional Bavarian folk music after the captain’s dinner on board.

Day 10

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a must for 20th-century history buffs, famous for its pre-war Nazi rallies as well as the war crimes trials. Discover different centuries of historic architecture and an elegant town square on a guided city tour with free time to explore.

Day 11

Nuremberg

Disembark the ship and transfer to Cologne, Munich, or Dusseldorf airports or train stations to return to the UK or extend your holiday.

Day 1

Nuremberg

Step on board your five-star cruise ship.

Day 2

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a must for 20th-century history buffs, famous for its pre-war Nazi rallies as well as the war crimes trials. Discover different centuries of historic architecture and an elegant town square on a guided city tour with free time to explore.

Day 3

Bamberg

Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site; it mirrors Rome in design and is a historic and architectural treasure chest. Guests enjoy an evening performance of traditional Bavarian folk music after the captain’s dinner on board.

Day 4

Rothenburg & Oschsenfurt

Today, enjoy a journey along the Romantic Road through some of Europe’s most spellbinding scenery, a landscape of folklore and medieval castles. Explore the town of Rothenburg, the jewel in the crown with spectacular views over the river.

Day 5

Würzburg

Beautiful Bavaria, and your cruise arrives in Würzburg, the centre of the 10th-century kingdom of Franconia. Visit the magnificent Residenz, a Baroque palace, a bygone relic of a more romantic age with exquisite sculptures, tapestries, and paintings.

Day 6

Miltenberg & Wertheim

Miltenberg is a beautifully preserved medieval village with a local guide to explore its charms and offer fascinating insights. Sail the Main to Wertheim, a hidden gem off the tourist trail with fairytale pastel-coloured houses and a 12th-century castle.

Day 7

Mainz

Discover Mainz, the wine capital of Germany, with its impressive Romanesque Martinsdom Cathedral, charming, cobbled streets, and the famous Gutenberg printing press. Explore this quaint city with a long history on a guided walking tour.

Day 8

Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

Sail the world-famous Rhine Gorge, an unforgettable experience with fairytale ruined castles and picturesque villages. The rest of the day is spent in Rüdesheim, a pretty town with a famous wine-making heritage and traditional timbered houses.

Day 9

Andernach & Boppard

Enjoy a guided walking tour around Andernach, one of Germany’s oldest towns with well-preserved remains and buildings that date back centuries. Discover the hidden gem that is Boppard, set against steep slopes covered with trees and vineyards.

Day 10

Cologne

After your night on board, disembark for a guided walking tour around a maze of quaint cobbled streets in the beautifully restored old town. Visit Cologne Cathedral, a survivor of World War II and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

Day 11

Cologne

Disembark the ship and transfer to airports or train stations to return to the UK or extend your holiday.

COLOGNE, THE RHINE GORGE & MEDIEVAL GERMANY CRUISE SHIPS

Live Ship Tracking & Recent Routes

This shows the ship’s current location and recent routes. Actual sailing itineraries may vary by departure date.

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European Rivers Speciality Cruise Deals

Explore the Folklore and Culture of Old Germany and the Rhine with Crui.se

Riviera Travel
Departure: Jun to Sep
VISITING: Cologne Andernach & Boppard Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim Mainz Miltenberg & Wertheim Würzburg Rothenburg & Oschsenfurt Bamberg Nuremberg
BENEFITS: Free FlightsExcursions IncludedDrinks & Wi-Fi Included
FROM £ 3,199 pp
Riviera Travel
Departure: January
VISITING: Mainz Miltenberg & Wertheim Würzburg Rothenburg & Oschsenfurt Bamberg Nuremberg
BENEFITS: Free FlightsExcursions IncludedDrinks & Wi-Fi Included
FROM Price on Request
Riviera Travel
Departure: Mar to Apr
VISITING: Amsterdam Amsterdam & Hoorn Nijmegen Antwerp Bruges Ghent & Ypres Keukenhof & Amsterdam
BENEFITS: Free FlightsExcursions IncludedDrinks & Wi-Fi Included
FROM £ 2,049 pp
Riviera Travel
Departure: September
VISITING: Basel Lucerne / Bernese Oberland Breisach / The Black Forest & Titisee Strasbourg Speyer Rudesheim / Rhine Gorge / Koblenz Cologne Andernach & Boppard Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim Mainz Miltenberg / Wertheim Würzburg Rothenburg / Ochsenfurt Bamberg Nuremberg Return Home
BENEFITS: Free FlightsExcursions IncludedDrinks & Wi-Fi Included
FROM £ 6,299 pp

Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany Cruise Review

“We’ve cruised the Rhine before, but this cruise had a real twist as it also travelled the Rhine-Main Canal, so we went to places a bit more off the regular tourist trail. This cruise offers a fascinating insight into old Germany with some truly picturesque port stops and the spectacular Rhine Gorge, which never fails to amaze even if you’ve seen it before. The ship is the height of luxury with a fabulous Swiss-designed interior and amazing cuisine and service. This is definitely a voyage we’ll repeat.”

Jon and Hester, Salisbury

Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany FAQ

Is there access to all areas of the ship 24/7?

Some stretches of the river between Mainz and Nuremberg have low bridges and locks, so the rear main part of the sun deck is closed on this section. The other outside areas, including the lido bar, the space in front of the lounge, and the lower part of the sun deck in front of the wheelhouse, remain open to guests.

What is the Travel Concierge service?

Our Travel Concierge service allows guests to add extras, including up to two nights in the destination your cruise starts from or two nights in the final port location. Guests can also change their departure airport and book a door-to-door transfer service from their home to their departure airport.

I am on a restricted diet for medical reasons. Will the ship’s chefs be able to adjust meals to suit my requirements?

Guests enjoy exceptional cuisine on board the MS George Eliot with fresh daily menus that reflect local areas, regional dishes, and vegan and vegetarian options. The ship’s chefs can tailor meals to accommodate limited or restricted diets; just discuss your requirements with our friendly reservation team when you book.

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