CroisiEurope Rhine: 6 nights from Amsterdam with MS Gérard Schmitter
May 25, 2026

Nijmegen

Koln

Cologne, Köln in German, is a large city in western Germany, located on the Rhine River. It is the fourth largest city in Germany and is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage and lively art scene. The city was founded by the Romans in 38 BC and became an important military and commercial center known as Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium. The Roman heritage is still visible in various archaeological sites and artifacts.

Because of its rich history, Cologne is the ideal destination for history lovers. Its cultural heritage is visible in its beautiful churches scattered throughout the city. The city's symbol, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Its two twin spiers dominate the city skyline and house the Shrine of the Three Kings, an important religious relic. The city boasts numerous museums, including the Museum Ludwig, which houses an impressive collection of modern art, and the Romano-Germanic Museum, which exhibits artifacts from the city's Roman past.

If you like beer, Cologne is the best destination for you! Cologne is famous for its local beer, Kölsch, a light and refreshing beer served in small glasses. The city has numerous traditional pubs, called Brauhäuser, where you can enjoy this beer. If you love the Christmas atmosphere, you must visit the Christmas markets of Cologne. They are among the most popular in Germany and attract millions of visitors every year with their festive atmosphere, crafts, and culinary delights.

Rudesheim

Heidelberg

With an annual influx of around three million tourists a day, Heidelberg is at the top of all statistics in Germany, Europe, and probably the world. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Heidelberg is the city of love stories and classic international urban tourism. It brings out the strengths, including the romanticism of the Old Bridge and the majestic castle, with cultural events offering high-level gastronomy, rather tasty and welcoming. It will take at least a day to visit the city and its castle. From the historic center, you will reach the picturesque ruins of the castle north of the Königstuhl in a few minutes on foot or by rail, for those who wish to enjoy a breathtaking view, you can go up the Philosophers' Way (Philosophenweg). You will understand the turbulent history of this imposing building during its 700 years of existence. It houses the largest barrel in the world, built from 130 oak trunks, along more than eight meters wide, can contain a volume of 221,726 liters. The castle hosts, every summer, one of the most beautiful open-air theater festivals in southern Germany, the first edition of which dates back to 1926. From the fortress you take the path that descends into the Burgweg, a magnificent territory that has a great historical place: the Cultural Documentation Center of Rom and Sinti Germans. A permanent exhibition presenting the life and destiny of this community, remembering the Nazi genocide of which they were victims. In the heart of the old city there is the Marktplatz ("market square") where you will find elegant patrician houses, numerous bars, and a lot of nice shops, decorated by a beautiful fountain that adorns Heidelberg.

Mannheim

Strasbourg

Prosperous and cosmopolitan Strasbourg is a large metropolis in north-eastern France and is the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace. Located a few kilometers west of the Rhine, the city is rightly entitled “city of roads”, its vital transport arteries that have linked Northern Europe with the Mediterranean since the Celtic era.

Strasbourg continues to serve as an important European crossroads thanks to the presence of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Eurocorps, and a student population of approximately 48,000. Strasbourg is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Europe. In the lively old city you will find restaurants, Winstub (traditional Alsatian restaurants), and the oldest pubs, a splendid area to explore on foot is the cathedral, a medieval wonder in pink sandstone. Nearby you will find one of the most beautiful ensembles of French museums.