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Learn about Cologne’s heritage and view its iconic cathedral, towering over the city in all its Gothic splendor. Step into a rich past, following the city’s preserved historic street patterns and hearing about its Roman and medieval history along the way. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with tales of local folklore figures, Tünnes and Schääl, and the city’s flourishing Jewish community. In Old Cologne, pass the elegant silhouette of St. Martin’s church and stop to view Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of this towering structure began in 1248 and continued in stages over the next seven centuries. The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, this magnificent church boasts two soaring spires and beautiful stained-glass windows, and survived the Allied bombings that ravaged the city and the rest of Germany during World War II.

Peer into the life of royalty at an estate built for the prince-archbishops of Cologne. You will meet your guide at the dock and drive to Schlosspark, at the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve. Here, Augustusburg Castle sits at the center of beautifully landscaped grounds, a vast and splendid example of Germany’s early rococo architecture. During a tour, admire the grand staircase and some of its many extravagantly decorated rooms and chambers. Take a stroll through the park’s spacious gardens lined with hedgerows and trees before returning to your ship.

View the ancient Shrine of the Three Kings during a Privileged Access visit to Cologne’s cathedral. Meet your guide and set out to explore the largest Gothic church in northern Europe whose construction took more than 600 years to complete. You will learn about its history, architecture and the treasures it holds within. Follow your guide to the altar for an opportunity to see the Shrine of the Three Kings—the largest reliquary from the Middle Ages in the Western world—and the striking décor of the inner sanctum up close. Delve into more than 2,000 years of history and hear the intriguing story behind how Cologne came into possession of the Relics of the Magi and their journey from Constantinople to Milan, as well as their importance to the church and the city. From outside, admire the two soaring spires of this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in Cologne’s lively brauhaus culture and sample the pride of the city. During this fun excursion into the heart of Cologne, you will stroll the Old Town’s cobblestone streets past historic houses. Pause along the way at three Kölsch brewhouses. Kölsch—a light, crisp beer—is brewed only in Cologne. Brauhaus servers, called köbes, will deliver Kölsch straight from the barrel to your table in 7-ounce glasses, small enough for you to finish the beer while it is still refreshingly cold. As you drink in the rich culture of Cologne amid the dark-paneled walls and stained glass windows of its Old Town brewhouses, learn the brewing “secrets” that give Kölsch its distinctive character. Afterward, you will enjoy dinner at a popular, local brauhaus before returning to your ship.