Rhine New Year's City Experience

Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.

We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.

Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

The port city of Antwerp is an absolute must-see. Rich in art and culture, it is also known as the ‘Diamond City’ due to its important role in the diamond trade. Antwerp is particularly enjoyable for foodies, thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialities on offer there – including waffles, chocolates and chips.

Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

The port city of Antwerp is an absolute must-see. Rich in art and culture, it is also known as the ‘Diamond City’ due to its important role in the diamond trade. Antwerp is particularly enjoyable for foodies, thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialities on offer there – including waffles, chocolates and chips.

Explore Antwerp, Belgium's second city. Known for its diamond cutting industry, fashion and the many great artists that lived in its vicinity, Antwerp is a city focused on art and culture.

The port city of Antwerp is an absolute must-see. Rich in art and culture, it is also known as the ‘Diamond City’ due to its important role in the diamond trade. Antwerp is particularly enjoyable for foodies, thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialities on offer there – including waffles, chocolates and chips.

The Romans astutely identified the ideal location along the Rhine River nearly 2,000 years ago, laying the foundation for the oldest city in the Netherlands. Today, this Hanseatic city captivates visitors with its rich historical sites and the vibrant energy brought by its thriving student population. Nijmegen's liveliness extends to its city beaches, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of its unique surroundings.

Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.

We will set off on our exciting Rhine cruise from here, heading for the northern or the southern Rhine. But you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this cathedral city, with its wealth of monuments and attractions. The best way is to arrive the day before your cruise departs, so that you can relax – or simply extend your stay in Cologne after the cruise has ended.