Vacations By Rail
Glacier Express and the Timeless Moselle & Rhine
11 daysfrom $4,195
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail
Glacier Express & Autumn on the Moselle
Combine one of the world's most iconic train journeys with the towns of the Moselle. Explore Switzerland's famous Alpine areas and enjoy the Glacier Express.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Chur
Arrival in Chur
Holiday begins at London St Pancras with Eurostar journey to Paris in Eurostar Plus seats with a light meal. Continue by rail to Chur via Zurich, check in to hotel, time to relax before dinner. Chur is Switzerland's oldest town, backed by mountains with a colourful Old Town, Martinsplatz, 800-year-old cathedral and Bishop's Palace.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Zermatt
The iconic Glacier Express to Zermatt
Board the world-renowned Glacier Express after breakfast, travelling in First Class panoramic carriages through mountain ranges, crossing viaducts, tunnels and rising above the clouds. Arrive in the car-free resort town of Zermatt, base for two nights, set beneath the Matterhorn with traditional wooden chalets. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Zermatt
The beautiful Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Board the Gornergrat Mountain Railway after breakfast, crossing the Findelbach River and climbing steeply through curved tunnels. Stop at Riffelalp station then continue to the summit of Gornergrat with views over 29 Alps peaks including the Matterhorn. Back in Zermatt, an expert guide reveals the town's connections to the UK including the story of Edward Whymper. Dine independently this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Strasbourg (onboard)
To Strasbourg where we board our ship
Farewell to Zermatt. Journey by First Class rail via Visp and Basel to Strasbourg, then transfer by coach to the harbour. Board the privately chartered MS Amadeus Cara, greeted with a welcome cocktail. Moor overnight in Strasbourg. First dinner onboard with drinks package included.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Rüdesheim (onboard)
Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg
Choice of excursions: visit Colmar with its fairytale half-timbered houses and historic Old Town, or a guided tour of Strasbourg taking in Notre Dame cathedral and La Petite France district. Afternoon free in Strasbourg. Set sail toward Rüdesheim; Master of Wine Conal Gregory delivers a talk and tasting on wines of the Alsace, Rhine and Moselle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Koblenz (onboard)
From Rüdesheim through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz
Sail into Rüdesheim, famous for white wine. Travel through vineyards aboard a land train. Choice of excursions: wine tasting or visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Leisure time in the Drosselgasse alley. Afternoon sailing through the Rhine Gorge past vineyards, castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive and dock in Koblenz on the Moselle promenade.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Cochem/Bernkastel-Kues (onboard)
Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade
Morning cruising along the Rhine with views from the sun deck. After lunch onboard, sail into Cochem with its rolling hills, wooden houses and Reichsburg castle perched on a hill. Guided tour of the charming town with its slender alleys and pastel-coloured buildings. Free time to explore boutiques and wine cellars. Return to ship for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: Trier (onboard)
A tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues
Continue cruising the Moselle Valley. Moor at Bernkastel-Kues after lunch. Sightseeing tour of the Old Town with cobblestone streets, traditional half-timbered buildings, Market Square and St. Michael's Fountain. Included wine tasting of the local Bernkasteler Doctor speciality. Evening onboard entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: Koblenz/Königswinter (onboard)
The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg
Choice of excursions: guided tour of Germany's oldest city Trier (UNESCO World Heritage sites including Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral and Church of Our Lady), or coach trip to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Spectacular Gala dinner onboard in the evening. Set sail downstream along the Moselle toward Koblenz.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10railovernight: Cologne (onboard)
The Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne
Morning of relaxed cruising, then arrive in Königswinter. Ride the Drachenfels Cog Railway through forests past the fairytale Drachenburg castle with views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Continue cruise toward Cologne, admiring the Gothic cathedral and bridges. After dinner, optional wander into the Old Town to sample Kölsch beer.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, disembark and say farewell to the crew. Make way to the railway station and catch the train to London. Tour Manager says goodbye and guests make their own way home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 3 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Eurostar Plus seats
- First & Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar Light Meals
- Breakfast each day
- 7 lunches
- 9 dinners
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- Swiss Half Fare Card permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
