Great Rail Journeys
The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle
8 daysfrom $3,070
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine
One of Europe's quieter waterways, our custom-built ship is perfect for cruising the Moselle, taking us past sights we wouldn't see any other way.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara, Strasbourg
To Strasbourg where we board our ship
Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras for our Eurostar journey to Paris, then continue by rail to Strasbourg. As we step aboard our magnificent ship here, we're greeted by our crew with a refreshing cocktail. We stay moored in Strasbourg overnight to take full advantage of daytime sailing and the autumnal riverside views. After settling in, we enjoy a delicious dinner, eagerly anticipating the wonderful experiences ahead. Please note: the sundeck may be closed at times during your cruise due to safety reasons or weather conditions.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Cara, en route
Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg
After breakfast onboard, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is an excursion to Colmar, a picturesque Alsatian town with fairytale charm. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and pretty flowers. Explore the historic Old Town's maze of narrow alleys, discover quaint cafes and local markets, and gaze at architectural landmarks like the Maison Pfister. Alternatively, stay in Strasbourg for a guided tour taking in the blend of French and German culture amidst cobblestone streets and canals, including the iconic Notre Dame cathedral and La Petite France district. After your excursion, the afternoon is free to explore Strasbourg at your own pace. Back on board later, we set sail on our first cruise towards Rüdesheim and are joined by Conal Gregory, Master of Wine, who delivers an informative talk about wines of the Alsace, Rhine and Moselle, with a tasting and food pairing advice.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara, Koblenz
From Rüdesheim through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz
This morning we sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Stepping ashore, we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of the renowned wine town. There's a choice of excursions: a wine tasting savouring the finest local varieties, or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet with Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments. After your excursion, there's time at leisure to explore the town's cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, shops, and wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley. This afternoon, we begin sailing through the Rhine Gorge, winding around bends surrounded by vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque towns, hearing the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arriving in Koblenz later this afternoon, we dock for the evening on the Moselle promenade with time to explore and stroll the Deutsches Eck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara, Cochem
Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade
Our morning is spent cruising through river scenery. Sailing into the port of Cochem, we have a guided tour after lunch. The Moselle Valley surrounds us with rolling hills, wooden houses and the majestic Reichsburg castle perched on top of a hill. The town itself is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings, quaint boutiques and wine cellars. In the old quarter, you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and an arts centre in a former monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara, Bernkastel-Kues
A tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues
We enjoy the scenery of the Moselle Valley this morning as we continue our cruise. The town of Bernkastel-Kues unfolds as we moor here after lunch. A sightseeing tour awaits us with a knowledgeable guide, visiting the Old Town with cobblestone streets lined with traditional German half-timbered buildings, the Market Square, and the St. Michael's Fountain, a Renaissance-style fountain adorned with intricate carvings. We also enjoy an included wine tasting to sample the local Bernkasteler Doctor speciality. Following our afternoon of exploration, enjoy the evening's onboard entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara, en route to Koblenz
The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg
Waking to views of historic Trier, you have a choice between two excursions this morning. The first option is to explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide, visiting the immense Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady – all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Alternatively, you could board the coach to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world. We spend our evening onboard enjoying a spectacular Gala dinner, before we set sail downstream along the meandering Moselle toward Koblenz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara, Cologne
The Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne
After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Königswinter on the Rhine river, and the Drachenfelsbahn awaits. This cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle – whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher. Back onboard later this afternoon, we continue our cruise toward Cologne. As we approach the striking city, admire the cityscape of bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral. You could visit the old town after dinner to sample the local hospitality and the famous Kölsch beer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to the railway station where we catch our train to London, reflecting on the beautiful autumnal landscapes we've experienced.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team throughout
- 7-night cruise onboard MS 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
- 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
- Excursion to Colmar or guided tour of Strasbourg
- Wine tasting or visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rüdesheim
- Guided tour of Cochem
- Sightseeing tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues
- Guided tour of Trier or coach excursion to Luxembourg
- Drachenfels Cog Railway ride
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
