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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

Five-day Rhine river cruise from London to Paris via Christmas markets

Illustration of Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day festive cruise from London to Paris, combining rail journeys with a four-night river voyage along the Rhine. The trip departs London St Pancras by Eurostar, crosses into Germany by rail, and boards the luxury ship Amadeus Riva or Amadeus Cara in Cologne. The cruise sails downstream through the Rhine Gorge, past the legendary Lorelei Rock and medieval castles, with stops at Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, and Strasbourg. Days include guided tours of Heidelberg, where you visit the ruined castle overlooking the city, and a choice of either medieval Obernai or Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral and Petite France canals. Christmas markets and festive lights decorate each port. Onboard, a five-star service includes all meals, a gala dinner on the final evening, complimentary drinks with dinner, and a Tour Manager and Cruise Director throughout. This itinerary suits luxury-seeking couples and history-lovers who prefer guided comfort with time to browse seasonal markets and enjoy cosy moments aboard a decorated ship.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement from the base price is GBP 700 (from GBP 1,999 vs GBP 1,299), a 54 percent premium; confirm cabin type and occupancy before booking
  • Stateroom grades range from Classic Lower Deck to Deluxe Upper Deck; your final cabin depends on which tier you select
  • Day 4 offers a choice of excursions; one will be assigned to your group, though you can request the alternative

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Amadeus Riva or Amadeus Cara in Cologne after Eurostar and rail from London; welcome cocktail and dinner onboard as the ship is bedecked in Christmas finery
  • Day 2Cruise through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape with medieval castles and terraced vineyards
  • Day 3Guided tour of Heidelberg includes the ruined red sandstone castle overlooking the city and the Neckar River; time to explore the Christmas markets and try Glühwein in the Old Town
  • Day 4Choose between a guided tour of medieval Obernai with half-timbered houses and Mont Sainte-Odile, or Strasbourg with its Gothic cathedral and Petite France canals

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

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 (London St Pancras to Brussels outbound; Paris to London St Pancras return) and international rail (Brussels to Cologne outbound; Strasbourg to Paris return) in First or Standard Class. The package also includes all coach transfers.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes, an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team escort the group throughout the five days.
What ship is used?
The cruise is aboard the Amadeus Riva or Amadeus Cara, a four-night luxury river ship with five-star onboard service.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day are included. A drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise is complimentary. A spectacular gala dinner is served on the final evening onboard.
When does this trip run?
Great Rail Journeys offers departures in November and December 2026.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.

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