Vacations By Rail
Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg
7 daysfrom $1,799
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace
Set sail on a magical Christmas river cruise along the Rhine, exploring festive markets, charming towns, and scenic beauty, with festive cheer around every bend
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Onboard ship
Boarding our luxurious ship in Cologne
Your festive break begins by meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, ready for a Eurostar journey to Brussels. In the Belgian capital, we switch rail services and cross into Germany and the riverside city of Cologne. Here, we board our luxurious cruise ship, bedecked in Christmas finery, for a festive four-night cruise along the Rhine to Strasbourg in France. After a welcome cocktail on board ahead of dinner, we set sail through the night towards Koblenz. Please note: for travellers departing on the 17th December, this tour will operate in reverse, beginning in Strasbourg and concluding in Cologne.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Onboard ship
Through the Rhine Gorge from Koblenz to Rüdesheim
Reaching Koblenz this morning, there's time to explore after breakfast. Koblenz is a picturesque city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, with landmarks including the Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The medieval streets and squares of the Old Town are adorned with twinkling festive lights. The cruise continues through the stunning Rhine Gorge and past the famous Lorelei Rock. Later, we arrive in Rüdesheim, renowned for its Riesling wines, with time to wander Christmas stalls, sample a Rüdesheim Coffee, or stroll along Drösselgasse. We continue toward Speyer after dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Onboard ship
Heidelberg and Speyer's Christmas markets
We moor in Speyer and take a trip to Heidelberg for a guided tour of the picturesque town, home of Germany's oldest university. We visit the ruined red sandstone castle that towers over the city, with amazing views of the surrounding forests and Neckar River. Afterwards, there is time to wander the Christmas markets in Heidelberg's Old Town, try Glühwein and gingerbread, or skate on the ice rink in Karlsplatz. This afternoon, there is free time to discover Speyer independently, including its Christmas market and the UNESCO World Heritage Kaiserdom cathedral. We return to the ship for dinner before setting sail for Strasbourg.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Onboard ship
Soaking up the festive charm of Alsace
Arriving at our final port of call, you have the choice between two excursions: a tour of Obernai, a medieval town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile with half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, historic buildings and Christmas markets; or a guided tour of Strasbourg, discovering its imposing Gothic cathedral and the canals of the Petite France district. After the excursion, the rest of the afternoon is free in Strasbourg. The evening is rounded off with a spectacular gala dinner on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to the wonderful crew. We head to Strasbourg station and travel by rail to Paris, from where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 4-night cruise onboard Amadeus Riva or 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 including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to ship and back (one case per cabin)
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
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