Rhine Tours: Cologne

Our tours of the Rhine are always capped with a stop at the famous Cathedral of Cologne.

General Information

Cologne is one of Germany's oldest cities. Founded by the Romans in 30 BC, the city marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire and was therefore of great strategic and military importance. Cologne has been a leading trading and transportation hub for many centuries due to its location along the lower Rhine River. Cologne University, established in 1388, is the second oldest and the largest university in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral

When the bones of the Three Wise Men were brought to the city in 1164 after being captured from Milan, Cologne quickly became a focal point of Western culture. Cologne Cathedral, one of the most spectacular structures north of the Alps, was built to house these relics, although construction wasn't completed until 600 years later. The landmark was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Other Sites & Attractions

Cologne's numerous historical sites include 12 Romanesque churches. The Rhineland city is also known as the center of the German Mardi Gras celebrations that peak every year during the carnival period.