Great Rail Journeys
Jungfrau Express & Treasures of the Rhine
10 daysfrom $4,139
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail Holiday
Jungfrau Express & Autumn on the Moselle
Indulge in the Jungfrau Express and Moselle Cruise with Great Rail Journeys. A perfect blend of Alpine beauty and tranquil river exploration.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Interlaken
Arrival in Interlaken
Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras International before joining the Eurostar service to Paris. Continue by rail to Switzerland, travelling via Basel to the pristine mountain resort of Interlaken. This scenic resort town is set between two sparkling lakes - Thun and Brienz - and overlooked by the alpine peaks of the Jungfrau region. Arrive in the late evening and sit down to dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Interlaken
To the 'Top of Europe' on the Jungfrau Express
After an early breakfast, board the iconic Jungfrau Express at Kleine Scheidegg. The train winds up the mountain with breathtaking views of the alpine landscape, pausing at the halfway station. An expert guide describes the geology and history of the remarkable railway. Travel the final section by cogwheel train through a tunnel cutting through the Eiger to Jungfraujoch. The vistas from the Sphinx viewing platform are awe-inspiring, with the stunning Aletsch Glacier stretching as far as the eye can see. Return to Interlaken via the idyllic village of Grindelwald, with time to stroll around before dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Strasbourg)
To Strasbourg to board our luxurious ship
Free morning to explore Interlaken - visit local shops, walk beside one of the shimmering lakes, or enjoy views from a café. Around midday, take a short walk to the station and travel by rail via Basel to Strasbourg, capital of the historic Alsace region. On arrival, step aboard the MS Amadeus Cara, greeted with a refreshing cocktail. Facilities include an open-air river terrace, Panorama lounge bar, and a lower sun deck lounge. Settle in and enjoy the first dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (sailing)
Alsace charm in Colmar and Strasbourg
Choice of excursions: a sightseeing trip to picturesque Colmar with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and landmarks like the Maison Pfister; or a guided tour of Strasbourg taking in the Notre Dame cathedral and La Petite France district. Afternoon free to explore Strasbourg. Set sail toward Rüdesheim and enjoy an informative wine talk and tasting by Master of Wine Conal Gregory, covering wines of the Alsace, Rhine and Moselle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Koblenz)
Rüdesheim and the spectacular Rhine Gorge
Sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its white Riesling wines. Travel through terraced vineyards aboard a land train to the town centre. Choice of excursions: wine tasting of the finest local varieties, or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet housing Europe's largest collection of mechanical instruments. Time to explore the Old Town and famous Drosselgasse Alley. Afternoon sailing toward the romantic Rhine Gorge, hearing about the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz and dock on the Moselle promenade for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cochem)
Cochem, the heart of the Moselle wine region
A gentle morning cruise through beautiful river scenery. Sail into Cochem, surrounded by rolling hills, half-timbered houses and the majestic Reichsburg castle. Guided tour of Cochem's Old Town, viewing preserved sections of ancient walls and visiting a former monastery now housing a cultural centre. After lunch onboard, free time to explore Cochem before returning to the ship for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (sailing)
Colourful Bernkastel-Kues
Continue into the serene Moselle Valley. Reach the charming town of Bernkastel-Kues and moor after lunch for a sightseeing tour. Visit the Old Town with cobbled streets and half-timbered facades. See the St. Michael's Fountain in the colourful Market Square. Enjoy a wine tasting of the famous Bernkasteler Doctor. After an afternoon of exploration, reboard the ship for dinner before starting an overnight cruise downstream.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (sailing)
The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg
Wake to views of historic Trier. Choice of excursions: explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide, including the Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady (all UNESCO World Heritage sites); or board a coach to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a drive through green rolling hills past historic fortresses and medieval castles. Spend the evening onboard enjoying dinner, sailing back downstream along the Moselle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cologne)
The Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne
After a morning of relaxed cruising, arrive in Königswinter where the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway awaits. Rise high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle with wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Continue the cruise toward Cologne for the final evening onboard. Enjoy a Gala dinner as the ship approaches Cologne and moors overnight. Admire the impressive cityscape of magnificent bridges and the city's distinctive twin-spired Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast onboard, disembark and transfer to the station. Travel by train to Brussels where you join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras, where the holiday ends.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 2 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation in Interlaken
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Eurostar Standard class travel
- Standard class rail travel throughout
- 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)
- 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)
