Select from a range of daytime departure times when you book. Then, make your own way to the cruise departure point on the banks of the Rhine River in central Cologne. Step aboard your modern sightseeing boat, and find a spot on the sun deck or in the comfortable cabin. Then, sit back and soak up the views as your boat pulls away from shore and glides along the legendary Rhine. Take snaps of top Cologne attractions such as the magnificent, twin-spires of Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, whose railings are crowded with locked padlocks left by couples as an everlasting symbol of their love. Keep your camera poised as you waft by the medieval Old Town, and watch for Cologne Chocolate Museum — an impressive contemporary building that dominates the newly renovated Rheinauhafen harbor area.

 As you cruise, listen to fascinating facts about Cologne’s 2,000-year history from the informative audio commentary, and perhaps visit the onboard bar to buy a drink (own expense), such as a glass of the much-loved local beer of Koelsch. After around an hour on the water, return to the starting pier, where your tour ends when you step back on land. If you wish, choose to take a 2-hour evening trip rather than a 1-hour daytime cruise, and enjoy magical views of Cologne’s illuminated sights glittering against the night sky.