{"id":59,"date":"2023-09-18T11:47:39","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T01:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.amsterdamtobudapest.com\/?p=59"},"modified":"2023-09-18T12:25:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T02:25:36","slug":"cologne-koblenz-23-june","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.netmagellan.com\/river-cruise\/cologne-koblenz-23-june\/","title":{"rendered":"A day in Cologne"},"content":{"rendered":"

23 June<\/h2>\n

We had some free time on board before arriving in Cologne<\/a>. Founded by the Romans and one of Germany\u2019s oldest cities, Cologne is famous for its magnificent World\u2013Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Hohenzollern
Hohenzollern Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our guide helped us to explore the city, including the Old Town, with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Before returning to the ship, there was free time to shop for handicrafts or visit a local market. The Emerald Waterways package includes entry to the Cathedral (K\u00f6lner Dom).<\/p>\n

That’s the official description, but entry to the Dom is free.<\/p>\n

10:00 – Cruise director Daniela gave us a presentation on Germany and the Germans, which covered many interesting facts. It was followed by a short lesson on common German phrases we might need – but nearly all young Germans speak excellent English.<\/p>\n

12:30 – We docked in Cologne.<\/p>\n

\"Emerald
Emerald Sky at Cologne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13:30 – We were split into six groups for a walking tour, as a guide cannot have more than 30 people. We used portable receivers with an earpiece to listen to the guide. After walking past some old and interesting houses, the first interesting stop was an excavation of some old Jewish homes.<\/p>\n

\"Excavation\"
Excavation of old Jewish homes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n