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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg

Seven-day Christmas river cruise from London through Rhine cities and gorge

Illustration of Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg

Great Rail Journeys operates this seven-day Christmas river cruise that begins with Eurostar from London St Pancras through Brussels to Cologne, then continues aboard the MS Amadeus Amara for six nights. The ship sails through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting Koblenz, Mainz, Heidelberg or Speyer, Strasbourg, and Rüdesheim before returning to Cologne for the journey home. The pace is relaxed, with full board and all meals included. Days combine guided tours of historic cities with free time to explore picturesque towns. A Christmas gala dinner with choice of menu, seasonal afternoon tea, mulled wine, and festive carols create a celebratory atmosphere throughout. The tour suits couples and luxury-seekers who want escorted comfort, history-rich destinations, and the romance of a Rhine cruise during the festive season.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement (from GBP 3,199) is significantly higher than half the base double price; confirm cabin tier options before booking
  • The itinerary offers a choice between Heidelberg or Speyer on Day 3; your final excursion depends on the ship's routing that day

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (Cologne/en route)

    To Cologne, where we board our luxurious ship ahead of our Christmas cruise

    Your festive holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels. On arrival in the Belgian capital, we continue by train to Cologne, where we are greeted with a welcome cocktail as we board our luxurious cruise ship. Brimming with Christmas cheer, our brand-new ship, the MS Amadeus Amara, offers a warm and welcoming retreat as we begin our festive journey. With seasonal touches adding to the atmosphere, we settle in and enjoy our first dinner onboard. Tonight, we set sail upstream along the lower Rhine, bound for the historic city of Koblenz.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (en route)

    To Koblenz and through the scenic Rhine Gorge

    After breakfast this morning, we arrive in Koblenz. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history and relaxed charm. Enjoy free time to soak up the seasonal atmosphere or admire landmarks such as the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Take in views of the Deutsches Eck, the striking headland where the two rivers meet, or simply enjoy a warming drink as you explore this riverside town. Later, we return to our ship for lunch onboard. This afternoon we begin our cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its steep valleys, vineyards and medieval castles perched high above the river.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (en route)

    The historic cities of Heidelberg and Speyer

    This morning, you have the choice between exploring two remarkable cities: Heidelberg or Speyer. Heidelberg is famed for its romantic charm and rich history, wander the picturesque streets, admire Heidelberg Castle or explore the Old Town's market square and take in the stunning panoramic views from the iconic Karl Theodor Bridge. Alternatively, discover Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, where you can visit the impressive Romanesque cathedral and stroll through atmospheric streets steeped in history. As we continue sailing this afternoon, enjoy seasonal activities onboard including mulled wine and a gingerbread-making session. This evening, relax and unwind before dinner is served onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Strasbourg)

    Exploring beautiful Strasbourg and celebrating Christmas

    After a relaxed Christmas morning onboard, enjoying a leisurely breakfast and lunch as we sail, we arrive in the enchanting city of Strasbourg this afternoon. A short coach transfer takes us into the heart of the city, where French and German influences blend seamlessly. Admire the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll through the fairytale-like Petit France district and soak up the charm of the city's elegant squares and historic streets. This evening, enjoy a Christmas-themed gala dinner onboard with a choice of two menus: traditional German food (duck consommé, braised goose leg, pear and marzipan strudel) or traditional British food (roast turkey, pigs in blankets, Christmas pudding with brandy butter).

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Rüdesheim/en route)

    Guided tour of Mainz and free time in Rüdesheim

    Boxing Day begins with a guided walking tour of Mainz, soaking up the city's old-world charm and rich heritage, before visiting the Gutenberg Museum, celebrating the birthplace of the printing press. After returning to the ship for lunch, we sail onward to Rüdesheim, a charming town renowned for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Here, you'll have free time to explore at your own pace, wander through the town's shops, sample a traditional Rüdesheim coffee made with local Asbach Uralt brandy and topped with whipped cream, or take a leisurely stroll along Drösselgasse.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Cologne)

    Exploring the cultural city of Cologne

    After sailing back to Cologne overnight, we head out on a morning walking tour of the city after breakfast. Marvel at iconic sights such as the stunning Cologne Cathedral, the charming Old Town with its colourful houses and the historic Hohenzollern Bridge, known for its countless love locks. Lunch is served back onboard before you enjoy a free afternoon to explore Cologne at leisure. You may choose to wander the Belgian Quarter, known for its boutique shops, art galleries and cosy cafés, where you can sample Cologne's famous Kölsch beer. The Heinzels Winter Fairytale market continues into January, giving you a last opportunity to enjoy a traditional German Christmas market. After exploring Cologne, return to the ship for our final dinner together onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive holiday concludes and you are free to make your own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Eurostar from London St Pancras and travel via Brussels to Cologne, where you board the MS Amadeus Amara with a welcome cocktail
  • Day 2Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, viewing the Deutsches Eck where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet near Koblenz
  • Day 4Celebrate Christmas Day in Strasbourg with a leisurely morning onboard, then explore the cathedral and Petit France district; a gala dinner with a choice of traditional German or British menu follows
  • Day 5Join a guided walking tour of Mainz on Boxing Day and visit the Gutenberg Museum, then have free time in Rüdesheim to sample local Riesling wine

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 6-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara
  • 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 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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels and international rail from Brussels to Cologne (outbound) and return are included, with First and Standard Class options. Rail is also included for the return journey via Brussels to London on Day 7.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the seven days.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day. A drinks package is provided with dinner every night of the cruise, and a Christmas gala dinner with a choice of traditional German or British menu is served on Christmas Day.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be booked separately.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys has one confirmed departure in December 2026.
Are optional excursions available?
Yes. The cruise includes a choice of excursions to Heidelberg or Speyer on Day 3, and optional pre or post-tour London hotel stays and UK rail connections can be added.

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