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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine

Nine-day river cruise from London through Germany on the Danube, Main and Rhine

Illustration of A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine

Great Rail Journeys operates a nine-day escorted river cruise that departs London St Pancras and travels via Eurostar and rail to Frankfurt, where guests spend their first night in a four-star hotel. On Day 2, the journey continues by rail to Passau where the luxurious Amadeus Cara awaits, beginning a seven-night cruise down the Danube and through the Main and Rhine rivers. Each day offers guided walks through medieval cities and visits to historic sites: Day 3 includes a tour of Regensburg and the Weltenburg Abbey, a Baroque monastery set in the Danube Gorge; Day 4 showcases Nuremberg's imperial Kaiserburg castle; Day 5 explores Bamberg's half-timbered riverside district; Day 6 features a drive along Bavaria's Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber followed by wine-tasting at the grand Würzburg Residence; Days 7 and 8 visit Wertheim, Miltenberg and Mainz. All meals, drinks with dinner, excursions and transfers are included. The cruise returns to London on Day 9 via Eurostar from Cologne. This package suits luxury-seekers, history enthusiasts, food-and-wine travellers and couples who prefer guided comfort with premium accommodation.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 3,399) is significantly higher than half the double-occupancy price (GBP 1,099.50 per person); confirm this surcharge with Great Rail Journeys before booking
  • Optional London hotel stays before or after the tour are available but not included in the base price
  • The river cruise vessel is shared with other guests; cabin type and final location depend on your chosen tier

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Frankfurt

    A night in Frankfurt

    Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras to begin our journey. We ride the Eurostar to Brussels, then continue by rail to Frankfurt, the financial capital of Germany, where we spend our first night. This city is renowned for its Romerplatz, an old trading square where merchants used to sell their goods. During our first dinner together at the hotel, we look forward to the upcoming experiences ahead on our cruise.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Danube)

    To Passau where we board our luxurious ship

    Today, we journey by rail to Passau where our luxurious ship awaits us. We're welcomed on board with a refreshing cocktail in the lounge. After settling into your cabin and familiarising yourself with our ship, we sit down to our first dinner on board. Setting sail into the serene Danube, we begin to see its verdant banks, filled with dense forests and scattered villages. Please note: the sundeck may be closed at times during your cruise due to safety reasons or weather conditions.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    Visiting Regensburg and Weltenburg Abbey

    Regensburg is our first port of call this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk. Exploring the historic streets, we see the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building with beautiful stained-glass windows. After lunch, we visit the lovely Weltenburg Abbey. The oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria, it sits on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge. The Abbey is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with stunning frescoes, intricate stucco work, and grand façade. The Abbey is also famous for its brewery, which produces some of the finest beer in the world.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Bamberg)

    A guided tour of Nuremberg

    At lunchtime, our ship moors into the historic city of Nuremberg - once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. On a guided tour, we see the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the Altstadt marketplace. There's a unique charm here, from the figurines to the stone sculptures and murals that vividly depict the city's rich medieval history. During dinner this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (River Main)

    The highlights of Bamberg

    We moor in 9th-century Bamberg this morning. Exploring this medieval town on a guided tour, we see the stunning Bamberg Cathedral built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and the district of 'Little Venice' where quaint half-timbered houses line the riverside. During lunch onboard, we begin an overnight cruise on the River Main.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    Rothenburg ob der Tauber and wine-tasting in Würzburg

    Mooring in Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's Romantic Road to the historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This small and picturesque city, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany', is filled with medieval marvels and was even featured in the classic film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. During a sightseeing tour, we stroll along cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful squares. After the tour, we rejoin our ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing to the Würzburg Residenz, a grand Baroque palace, for a wine-tasting experience.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    The history of Wertheim and Miltenberg

    This morning we arrive into the town of Wertheim for a guided tour. We see the town's ancient castle which overlooks its medieval centre and marketplace before visiting the Glass Museum. Next, we head to Miltenberg, a town surrounded by dense green forests and gentle hills. Its medieval centre has been impeccably preserved, and we tour it with a guide. One of its most notable landmarks is the 12th-century castle on a hilltop, overlooking the town. After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our next overnight cruise.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    A morning in Mainz

    In the heart of Germany's winelands, Mainz has an ancient history. We explore it today on a guided tour, seeing its 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, admiring the Marienbrunnen fountain, and walking among the city's half-timbered buildings and medieval market squares. Returning to our ship, we watch our final riverside views pass by as we set sail for our last night onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    After arriving into Cologne, we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and head to the railway station. Boarding the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, our holiday comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Boarding the luxurious Amadeus Cara in Passau to begin seven nights sailing on the Danube, Main and Rhine with a welcome cocktail in the lounge
  • Day 3Guided walk through Regensburg's historic streets and visit to Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest Benedictine monastery set on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge
  • Day 4Guided tour of Nuremberg including the Kaiserburg castle overlooking the Altstadt marketplace, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire
  • Day 5Exploring Bamberg's 'Little Venice' district on the River Main where half-timbered houses line the riverside
  • Day 6Coach drive along Bavaria's Romantic Road to the walled medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, followed by wine-tasting at the baroque Würzburg Residence

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 1 night 4-star hotel accommodation (Frankfurt)
  • 7-night cruise on board the Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First & Standard Class rail options available
  • Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner each day of the cruise including a spectacular Gala Dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • A superb choice of excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, rail from Brussels to Frankfurt, rail from Frankfurt to Passau, and return Eurostar from Cologne to London St Pancras. First and Standard Class rail options are available.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the nine days.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day of the cruise, plus a drinks package with dinner every evening including a Captain's Gala Dinner. Dinner is included on Day 1 at the Frankfurt hotel.
Are the excursions and guided tours included?
Yes. All excursions, including guided city walks in Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wertheim, Miltenberg and Mainz, plus the visit to Weltenburg Abbey and wine-tasting at Würzburg Residence are included.
What ship is used?
The Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise vessel offering all-inclusive service, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back.
When does this trip run?
Great Rail Journeys has scheduled departures in August 2027 and September 2026.

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