How much does it cost?

From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes, Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel from London St Pancras to Dusseldorf and back is included, though most of the tour is spent cruising the Rhine rather than on a train.

Is it escorted or independent?

It is an escorted tour with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager included throughout.

One night bed, breakfast and evening meal in Dusseldorf, six nights aboard the MS VIVA ONE with full board gourmet meals and all-inclusive premium drinks, and Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel.

What cabin options are there?

Three tiers are offered: Emerald Cabin (Lower Deck, from GBP 2,999, no supplement), Ruby Cabin (Middle Deck with French balcony, GBP 220 supplement), and Diamond Cabin (Upper Deck with French balcony, GBP 400 supplement).

The only departure currently listed is in December 2026, spending Christmas Day cruising into Strasbourg.

Railtrail Tours · Rail & Cruise tour

Alsace Christmas Spirit 2026

8-day Christmas Rhine river cruise from Dusseldorf, linked by Eurostar

Alsace Christmas Spirit is an 8-day Christmas tour from Railtrail Tours built around a six-night river cruise along the Rhine aboard the MS VIVA ONE, bookended by Eurostar Plus rail travel from London St Pancras and one night in Dusseldorf. After a first night in Dusseldorf with its festive Old Town, the group boards the ship and spends the following days visiting Koblenz, Speyer, and Strasbourg, arriving in Strasbourg on Christmas Day itself for a themed lunch and Christmas programme on board, before continuing to Rudesheim for a vineyard walk to St. Hildegard Abbey. Full board gourmet meals and all-inclusive premium drinks are provided throughout the cruise, and a Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group. This suits travellers who want a guided, food-and-wine-focused Christmas holiday on the water, with rail travel as the connection rather than the main event.

What to know before you look closer

This is primarily a river cruise: only the outbound and return legs, on days 1 and 8, are by rail aboard the Eurostar Plus service, while the other six nights are spent cruising the Rhine aboard the MS VIVA ONE.
The Dusseldorf hotel is listed as 'TBC, minimum 4-star', so the specific property has not yet been confirmed.
Railtrail Tours currently lists only one departure for this tour, in December 2026.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Hotel in Düsseldorf (TBC, min. 4-star)
Düsseldorf
Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards in First Class to Dusseldorf for our overnight stay where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.
Day 2overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Düsseldorf & board MS VIVA ONE
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy free time to explore this lively city of Dusseldorf including the historic Old Town which radiates a festive charm, perfect for discovering the cobbled stone streets, strolling the local Christmas Markets, and admiring the beautiful architecture. This afternoon, we transfer to board the MS VIVA ONE, our home for six nights, where we settle in and enjoy our evening meal together.
Day 3overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Koblenz
This morning, we have the opportunity to explore one of Germany's oldest and most scenic cities, Koblenz, on a unique walking tour to discover the rich history of this Rhine city. We will wander the charming streets and squares, discover the historical treasures and impressive landmarks, and walk the picturesque banks of the Rhine accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. This afternoon, we return to the MS VIVA ONE and enjoy all that river cruising has to offer as we continue sailing and enjoy our evening meal together.
Day 4overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Speyer
Today, we wake in the historic city of Speyer and, after breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable imperial city. We will discover impressive facades, charming half-timbered houses, and romantic squares beautifully adorned for the festive season plus we will enjoy a local delicacy - a freshly baked Speyer-style pretzel! The afternoon is at leisure to explore further, visit the magnificent Cathedral, or browse the local shops before returning to the MS VIVA ONE for our evening meal together.
Day 5overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Strasbourg (Christmas Day)
Merry Christmas! Today, we cruise into France where the enchanting city of Strasbourg awaits, renowned as the Christmas capital of the world, with its idyllic half-timbered houses and picturesque landmarks. Along the way, we will enjoy a Christmas programme plus a delicious, locally themed Christmas lunch to celebrate the special day.
Day 6overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Strasbourg
This morning, we will discover Strasbourg and its unique blend of tradition and modernity on a panoramic coach tour combined with a guided city walk. Our scenic journey will take us past iconic sights and striking architecture with plenty of photo opportunities along the way before we continue by foot through the historic city centre, where we can immerse ourselves in the enchanting festive lights, admire the famous Cathedral, and explore independently before returning by coach to the MS VIVA ONE.
Day 7overnight: MS VIVA ONE
Rüdesheim
After breakfast this morning, we watch the beautiful Rhine slip by as we continue to our next destination of Rüdesheim, a town celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and magnificent river vistas. This afternoon, we will embark on an inspiring walking tour through picturesque vineyards to St. Hildegard Abbey, a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty, before returning to the MS VIVA ONE to complete the final leg of this wonderful cruise and enjoy our final evening meal together.
Day 8rail
Homeward journey
We bid farewell to Dusseldorf and to Germany as we disembark and return by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The group boards the MS VIVA ONE in Dusseldorf after exploring the Old Town and its Christmas markets.
Day 3A guided walking tour of Koblenz along the banks of the Rhine.
Day 5Christmas Day is spent cruising into Strasbourg, with a locally themed Christmas lunch and a Christmas programme on board.
Day 7A walking tour through vineyards near Rudesheim to St. Hildegard Abbey.

Included

1 night bed, breakfast & evening meal in Düsseldorf
6 nights cruise aboard the luxurious MS VIVA ONE
Full Board Gourmet Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
All Inclusive Premium Drinks (Wine, Beers, Cocktails, Spirits, Liqueurs, Soft Drinks, Juices, Water, Tea/Coffee)
Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel in Europe, where available
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $4,051 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes, Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel from London St Pancras to Dusseldorf and back is included, though most of the tour is spent cruising the Rhine rather than on a train.
Is it escorted or independent?: It is an escorted tour with an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager included throughout.
What is included?: One night bed, breakfast and evening meal in Dusseldorf, six nights aboard the MS VIVA ONE with full board gourmet meals and all-inclusive premium drinks, and Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel.
What cabin options are there?: Three tiers are offered: Emerald Cabin (Lower Deck, from GBP 2,999, no supplement), Ruby Cabin (Middle Deck with French balcony, GBP 220 supplement), and Diamond Cabin (Upper Deck with French balcony, GBP 400 supplement).
When does it run?: The only departure currently listed is in December 2026, spending Christmas Day cruising into Strasbourg.