The Roman Empire stretched far and wide at its peak, and many of its proudest and most northerly settlements now sit in modern-day Germany. It’s thought that much of the Rhineland’s culinary heritage comes directly from Roman rule; Julius Caesar reportedly first introduced one of the region’s most famous and best-loved dishes, Sauerbraten.
This Roman influence is felt most keenly in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest, largest and most recognisable cities. A river cruise on the Rhine is incomplete without stopping here, exploring the enchanting Old Town and how it was shaped by the Romans – not least visiting the esteemed Twelve Romanesque Churches of Cologne.
One of the highlights of any river cruise on the Rhine is approaching Cologne for the first time, when you catch your first glimpse of Kölner Dom, the mighty gothic cathedral whose twin spires dominate the skyline – truly magical from the top deck or your personal balcony.