Search

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise Tour

Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise

Bavaria and river cruise through Germany on Eurostar, rail, and ship

Illustration of Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise

Great Rail Journeys' Fairytale Bavaria and Three Rivers Cruise combines a four-night Bavarian stay with a seven-night river cruise, departing London via Eurostar and arriving in Cologne over 12 days. The tour opens with one night in Stuttgart, the cradle of the automobile, followed by three nights in the Bavarian town of Füssen on the banks of the Lech River. Day 3 includes entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fortress commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and Day 4 features the Zugspitze Railway journey to the summit of Germany's highest mountain, with a cable car completing the ascent. From Day 5, passengers board MS Amadeus Cara at Passau for a luxury seven-night cruise along the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. The cruise visits nine medieval cities, each explored through guided tours and free time in historic squares, abbeys, and museums. Great Rail Journeys includes all rail and coach travel, accommodation, most meals, a drinks package with dinner, and selected excursions such as the wine-tasting at Würzburg Residenz and entry to Weltenburg Abbey. The tour suits history lovers, couples seeking guided comfort with luxury amenities, and those interested in German medieval architecture, baroque churches, and river scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 3,099 per person applies to the tour package; single supplement is GBP 5,999, more than double the per-person rate
  • Only two departures are scheduled (August 2026 and August 2027); confirm dates well in advance with Great Rail Journeys

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Stuttgart

    Arrival in Stuttgart

    Meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, the holiday starts as we board the Eurostar to Paris. After a coach transfer to change trains, we continue by rail to the city of Stuttgart, where we spend our first night. The majestic spires of the historic Old Palace and the soaring TV Tower are two of the city's architectural landmarks while its nickname 'cradle of the automobile' comes from the famous car museums such as the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums. Arriving in the city this evening, we check in to our hotel before dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Füssen

    Traditional Füssen

    This morning we journey to the traditional town of Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking into our hotel, you are free to explore this classic Bavarian town at leisure. Sitting on the banks of the glistening Lech River, characterful Füssen offers a snapshot of Bavarian life, with pretty squares and cobbled streets. Famed for its iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the town is also known for its violin and lute-making industry which dates back to the 16th century. After taking time to get to know the town independently we regroup for dinner at our hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Füssen

    The Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle

    One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. After a coach journey to Schwangau village we reach this magnificent castle where entrance is included and we can admire spectacular views across the valley. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, featuring soaring towers, turrets, and battlements set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. After free time to savour the views, we are at leisure in Schwangau village before returning by coach to our hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Füssen

    A Scenic Journey Aboard the Zugspitze Mountain Railway

    Today's excursion starts with a transfer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station where we board the iconic Zugspitze Railway to ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. After a rail journey through beautiful landscapes we reach the Zugspitze Platt where we complete the final leg of our journey by cable car. Climbing high above the clouds to the summit, there is free time at the top to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee where there is time to soak up the views before driving back to our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Danube)

    To Passau Where We Board Our Luxury Ship

    After breakfast, our coach takes us to the spa town of Prien am Chiemsee, a tranquil location next to the vast Chiemsee lake, also known as 'the sea of Bavaria'. After free time in this peaceful town we continue by coach to the port of Passau where our luxurious ship, the Amadeus Cara, awaits. We are welcomed on board with a refreshing cocktail. After settling into our cabins, we set sail into the serene Danube before the first dinner of our cruise.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Danube)

    Regensburg and Captivating Weltenburg Abbey

    Regensburg is our first port of call, which we discover on a guided city walk. We view the Dom St Peter cathedral, admired especially for its beautiful stained-glass windows. After lunch, we visit the lovely Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria, sitting on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge. The Abbey is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with stunning frescoes, intricate stucco work, and a grand façade. Weltenburg is also famous for its brewery, which produces some of the finest beer in the world.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Bamberg)

    Fascinating Nuremberg

    After a morning of gentle cruising, our ship moors in the historic city of Nuremberg. After lunch on board, we disembark for a tour of this magnificent walled city which was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Travelling into the city by coach for an afternoon guided tour, we view the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace. We return to our ship with time to unwind before a relaxing dinner onboard. During our meal this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route)

    Historic Bamberg

    Early this morning we arrive in the beautiful 9th-century Bamberg, a World Heritage site. After disembarking for an early morning walking tour, we explore this enchanting medieval town. Among the impressive buildings we are shown are the exquisite Bamberg Cathedral and the frescoed townhall built on a bridge over the Regnitz river. We also walk through the district of 'Little Venice', where quaint half-timbered houses line the picturesque riverside. After our walking tour we return to our ship for lunch before continuing to sail into the afternoon and through the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route)

    Rothenburg and Wine-Tasting in Würzburg

    Mooring in the port of Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's beloved Romantic Road to the historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany'. During a sightseeing tour, we stroll along atmospheric cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful squares. After our tour, we rejoin the ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing to the Würzburg Residenz, a grand palace, where we indulge in a wine-tasting experience savouring the rich flavours of the region.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Mainz)

    Discovering Wertheim and Miltenberg

    This morning we arrive into the town of Wertheim where we start a guided walking tour taking in the town's ancient castle overlooking its medieval centre and marketplace, before visiting the Glass Museum. Next, we head by coach to Miltenberg, a town surrounded by dense green forests and gentle hills, with an impeccably preserved medieval centre. One of the most notable landmarks is the 12th-century hilltop castle which now serves as a museum. After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our overnight cruise towards Mainz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cologne)

    Touring Historic Mainz

    Mainz is set on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Germany's winelands. After an early breakfast we embark on a guided tour of the city, discovering its fascinating and complex history. We view the striking 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, and walk among the city's preserved half-timbered buildings and red-stone buildings of its Old Town. Returning to our ship for lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring the city independently. We enjoy our last dinner onboard before our ship sails to Cologne where we moor overnight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12rail

    Homeward Bound

    After breakfast onboard this morning, we disembark in Cologne, where we head to the station to board the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. On arrival late afternoon, our holiday comes to an end and you are free to continue your journey home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Coach journey to Schwangau village and entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle, where views span across the valley from the Romanesque Revival fortress built for King Ludwig II
  • Day 4Zugspitze Railway ascent through beautiful landscapes to Germany's highest mountain, then cable car completion to the summit with free time at the top
  • Day 5Embark on MS Amadeus Cara at Passau port after time in the spa town of Prien am Chiemsee; welcomed aboard with a cocktail before setting sail on the Danube
  • Day 8Early morning walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Bamberg includes the exquisite Cathedral and frescoed townhall on the Regnitz River, plus the 'Little Venice' half-timbered district
  • Day 9Drive along Bavaria's Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber's atmospheric cobbled lanes and brightly painted houses, then wine-tasting at Würzburg Residenz before lunch aboard ship

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Eurostar Standard class travel
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 6 lunches
  • 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
  • Entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Zugspitze Railway journey
  • Wine-tasting at Würzburg Residenz

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Standard class from London St Pancras to Paris and Cologne back to London St Pancras, standard class rail from Stuttgart to Füssen, the Zugspitze Railway to the summit, and the Zugspitzbahn cable car descent.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, throughout. An experienced Tour Manager escorts the group from London St Pancras. A Cruise Director team leads activities aboard MS Amadeus Cara. Guided city tours are provided in Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Miltenberg, and Mainz.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner daily for all 12 days, plus six lunches during the cruise. A drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise is included.
What is the accommodation?
Four nights in 4-star hotels: one in Stuttgart and three in the Best Western Hotel Füssen. Seven nights aboard MS Amadeus Cara, described as a luxury ship with five-star service.
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys has scheduled departures in August 2026 and August 2027.
Is there free time to explore on my own?
Yes. Day 2 in Füssen is free to explore at leisure. Day 11 in Mainz includes afternoon free time after the guided tour. Other days mix guided activities with included excursions or coach travel.

Similar journeys