Rhine City Break in Winter

Like Dortmund and Bochum, Duisburg became well known as a major location for the iron and steel industries. Nowadays, this city in the Ruhr region is a scientific hub and home to high-tech companies. Situated right on the Rhine, Duisburg is also one of the world’s most important inland ports.

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.

Welcome to Cologne! The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple of glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. 

In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. If you want to sample the local wines, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. 

Mainz is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. With 2,000 years of history, Mainz is not just one of the oldest cities in Germany – it is also a place where you can see history come alive wherever you turn.

Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. As a seat of government, it is where many important policies were made. Make the most of the excursions on your Rhine cruise to experience the best of this 2,000-year-old city with a very eventful past. Highlights include the house where Beethoven was born and the magnificent buildings that date back to the prince-electors’ era.

Like Dortmund and Bochum, Duisburg became well known as a major location for the iron and steel industries. Nowadays, this city in the Ruhr region is a scientific hub and home to high-tech companies. Situated right on the Rhine, Duisburg is also one of the world’s most important inland ports.