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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine

Eight-day Eurostar and river cruise through Moselle and Rhine valleys in autumn

Illustration of Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted river cruise combining rail travel with seven nights aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Cara. Your journey begins with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then continues by TGV to Strasbourg, where the ship awaits. From there, you cruise the Moselle and Rhine valleys during autumn, stopping at wine-producing towns including Rüdesheim, Cochem, and Bernkastel-Kues, as well as historic sites like Trier, a UNESCO World Heritage city, and the picturesque Alsatian town of Colmar. The itinerary is designed around included guided excursions with wine tastings, visits to castles and Renaissance fountains, and a memorable ride on the Drachenfels Cog Railway. All meals, drinks with dinner, and a Master of Wine presentation are included. An experienced Tour Manager escorts the group throughout. This tour appeals to couples and repeat rail travellers seeking luxury, history, and wine experiences in one seamless package.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (from GBP 3,099) is considerably higher than half the double-occupancy price (GBP 1,899), roughly 1.6 times.
  • Many excursions offer a choice between two options on the same day, so you cannot experience both; confirm which appeal to you before booking.
  • Luggage service covers one case per cabin from home to ship and return; oversized luggage or additional bags may incur extra charges.

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then TGV to Strasbourg, where you board MS Amadeus Cara and are greeted by crew with a welcome cocktail.
  • Day 2Choice of excursion to Colmar with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, or guided tour of Strasbourg's historic sites.
  • Day 3Sail into Rüdesheim through vineyards, travel by land train to the town centre, and choose between a local Riesling wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
  • Day 4Guided tour of Cochem in the Moselle Valley, passing the Reichsburg castle perched on a hilltop above the town.
  • Day 7Ride the Drachenfels Cog Railway through forests to the summit, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle with panoramic views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.

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)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, TGV from Paris to Strasbourg, and the Drachenfels Cog Railway ride. The return train from Cologne to London on Day 8 is also included.
Is this an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout, and includes guided excursions in most towns.
What are the accommodation and meals like?
You stay aboard MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise ship, for seven nights. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, plus a drinks package with dinner each night and a Gala Dinner on the final evening.
Which excursions are included?
Great Rail Journeys includes guided or unguided excursions at each port: a choice between Colmar or Strasbourg on Day 2, wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rüdesheim on Day 3, a guided tour in Cochem on Day 4, a sightseeing tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues on Day 5, a guided tour of Trier or coach trip to Luxembourg on Day 6, and the Drachenfels Cog Railway on Day 7.
When do departures run?
Great Rail Journeys operates four departures: October 2026, August 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.
How much walking is involved?
Guided walking tours through town centres feature cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. The Drachenfels Cog Railway eliminates the need to hike the mountain; most other excursions combine guided tours with free time to explore at your own pace.

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