Search

Leger Holidays · Escorted river cruise tour

Mighty Rhine to Switzerland by Rail

Eight-day Rhine river cruise from London to Cologne via train and ship

Illustration of Mighty Rhine to Switzerland by Rail

Leger Holidays' eight-day Mighty Rhine to Switzerland by Rail combines the convenience of Eurostar travel from London with a genteel river cruise exploring three countries. After boarding Eurostar at London St. Pancras and connecting via Brussels to Cologne, you step aboard ship for seven nights of full-board cruising down the Rhine. The voyage unfolds through ancient towns and dramatic landscapes: you cruise the mythical Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei, call at the Gothic cathedral city of Speyer, glide through the wine regions of Alsace, and visit Basel, Breisach, Mannheim, and Mainz. Days balance time aboard the ship with optional shore excursions, such as a coach journey to Lucerne or visits to the Black Forest villages near Breisach. A Cruise Director and Manager accompany you throughout. This tour suits couples and repeat rail travellers who appreciate the blend of train travel and river cruising, and history enthusiasts drawn to the Rhine's castles and medieval towns. Meals, drinks, and entertainment on board are included; shore excursions and transport to London station on day one are not.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary requires you to make your own way to London St. Pancras on day one; Leger Holidays provides no pre-cruise transport
  • Single-supplement pricing is not published in the evidence; confirm the cost before booking if you are travelling alone
  • All meals on board are included, but optional shore excursions are priced separately and not part of the tour from-price

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard, cruising to Rüdesheim

    Make your own way to London St. Pancras International and board the Eurostar to Cologne via Brussels. On arrival, our coach picks us up and transfers us to our ship. We set sail tonight for Rüdesheim.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Onboard, cruising to Speyer

    Rüdesheim

    We cruise the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei, arriving at Rüdesheim, with an optional cable car ride for panoramic views. We set sail for Speyer this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Onboard, cruising to Strasbourg

    Speyer to Strasbourg

    We arrive in Speyer, with its Romanesque cathedral and optional visit to the Speyer Technical Museum, then sail overnight to Strasbourg.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard, cruising to Basel

    Strasbourg to Basel

    We arrive in Strasbourg, with an optional waterways cruise, then set sail to Basel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard, cruising to Breisach

    Basel to Lucerne to Breisach

    We arrive in Basel, with an optional full-day coach excursion to Lucerne, visiting the Chapel Bridge. We sail to Breisach tonight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard, cruising to Mannheim

    Breisach to Alsace to Mannheim

    We arrive in Breisach, where the Black Forest meets the Alsace, with an optional excursion to the village of Riquewihr, then set sail for Mannheim.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard, cruising to Cologne

    Mannheim to Heidelberg to Mainz

    We arrive at Mannheim, with an optional excursion to Heidelberg, then cruise to Mainz, arriving in the afternoon, and set sail for Cologne this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    We bid farewell to our captain and crew this morning, transferring by coach to Cologne Railway Station and travelling via Brussels to London St. Pancras International.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Cruise the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei, arriving at Rüdesheim with an optional cable car ride for panoramic views
  • Day 3Explore Speyer and its Romanesque cathedral, with an optional visit to the Speyer Technical Museum
  • Day 5Optional full-day coach excursion to Lucerne to visit the Chapel Bridge
  • Day 6Arrive in Breisach where the Black Forest meets the Alsace, with optional excursion to the village of Riquewihr
  • Day 7Optional excursion to Heidelberg before cruising to Mainz

Included

  • Return Eurostar from London to Brussels
  • Connecting trains outbound and inbound from Brussels to Cologne
  • 7 nights cruising with full board
  • Welcome drink and Captain's Gala Dinner
  • Services of a Cruise Director and Manager on board the ship
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi on board the ship

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Return Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels and connecting trains from Brussels to Cologne are included. You make your own way to the London station on day one.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Leger Holidays provides a Cruise Director and Manager on board the ship throughout the seven nights. Coach transfers at the start and end connect you to the stations.
What is included in the price?
Return Eurostar, connecting trains from Brussels, seven nights full board on the ship, welcome drink, Captain's Gala Dinner, and complimentary tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi on board.
What meals are provided?
Full board is included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily (packed lunch on day five). A welcome drink and Captain's Gala Dinner are also part of the package.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate activity level. You need to be comfortable walking for 30-40 minutes, including stairs and platform changes at train stations, while carrying your own luggage.
What are the optional excursions?
Optional extras include Rüdesheim Highlights (from £47), Speyer Technical Museum (from £33), Strasbourg Canal Cruise (from £44), Alluring Alsace (from £30), and Heidelberg (from £27), priced for 2027 departures.

Similar journeys