KD cruise recommendations
 

I have a short visit to Cologne planned in July - would like to take a Rhine cruise. No defined sights in mind, haven't been to this region since the 70's so my memories are a bit dim.

Would prefer not to spend an entire day on this excursion....and it would be OK to take a train (1 way) to maximize the timing.

Any recommendations? Thanks

RRZ

I would take the boat to Linz and from their the train back. The boat leaves Cologne every day at 9:30am and arrives Linz at 2:50pm.

What about....taking the train to Mainz, taking the boat from Mainz up to Boppard (the furthest point north apparently on that particular boat), then train back to Cologne? I've heard that the "Rhine gorge" area is the most scenic part?

Thanks

Also possible but requires a longer train ride.In case the train is running late you might miss the boat. The Rhine gorge is the most beautiful part with a lot of castles along the route but the part between Cologne and Linz is scenic, too.

I would suggest to skip the section between Mainz -> Rüdesheim/Bingen as it is not as interesting as the later stages. Instead, take the train to Bingen and take the boat from there either to Boppard or Koblenz (depending on how long you want to spend on the boat).

This. Bingen preferably because there are semi-fast trains to Bingen from Cologne. You're stuck on the "all stations" train if you want to go to Rudesheim.