Great Rail Journeys
Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise
12 daysfrom $4,139
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg
Celebrate the festive season in style on a scenic Rhine cruise, exploring charming towns, historic cities and the spectacular landscapes of the Rhine Gorge.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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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