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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

New Year on the Rhine: Mainz, Basel & Rüdesheim

Eight-day New Year Rhine cruise from London to Koblenz on MS Amadeus Amara

Illustration of New Year on the Rhine: Mainz, Basel & Rüdesheim

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day New Year cruise on the Rhine, departing London on Eurostar and returning by the same route. The journey centers on a seven-night stay aboard MS Amadeus Amara, a luxury cruise ship that departs Cologne and sails south through Germany and Switzerland to Koblenz. Days blend guided exploration of riverside towns, the medieval charm of Mainz, the French-German blend of Strasbourg, the castle views of Heidelberg, with leisurely cruising time and onboard festivities. Day 4 culminates in Basel with a New Year's Eve gala dinner and celebration aboard ship. Day 5 is devoted entirely to cruising, with viewing decks, a gym, and activities like gingerbread-making and seasonal afternoon tea. The itinerary includes all meals, nightly drinks with dinner, guided city walks, museum and brewery visits, and a Tour Manager escort. Complimentary luggage service carries one case from your home to the ship and back. This journey suits couples seeking a luxurious New Year escape, history enthusiasts drawn to Rhine Valley castles and historic cities, and travelers who prefer guided comfort with included meals and transport.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 3,099) is significantly higher than half the double price; confirm cabin options when booking
  • Only one departure date is published: December 2026; availability and future years should be confirmed with Great Rail Journeys
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing towards Mainz)

    Travelling to Cologne where we board our luxurious ship

    Your festive holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels. Arriving in the Belgian capital, we change trains and continue to Cologne, where we board our luxurious cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Amara, receiving a welcome cocktail on arrival. With seasonal touches, our ship offers a warm and welcoming retreat for the festive journey ahead. After settling in, we enjoy our first dinner and drinks package onboard the ship as we set sail towards the charming city of Mainz.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Mainz)

    Guided tour of Mainz and afternoon brewery visit

    After breakfast this morning, we discover the beauty and history of Mainz on a guided walking tour, taking in its cobbled streets, striking cathedral and half-timbered houses. We also visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum, home to one of the world's first printed books. Back on board, we enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back out in the afternoon to delve into Mainz's brewing heritage with a tour and tasting at a local brewery. After, there's free time to explore independently, browse boutiques and galleries of the Old Town, visit wine taverns or enjoy a riverside stroll along the Rhine.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Strasbourg)

    A day taking in the sights of Strasbourg

    Today we explore the picturesque city of Strasbourg, where French and German influences blend seamlessly. On a guided tour this morning, we admire the city's highlights, from the striking Gothic cathedral to the elegant Place Kléber. We return to the ship for lunch, before a free afternoon to explore independently, wander the charming Petite France district, take a winter stroll through Parc de l'Orangerie, or visit the 17th-century Barrage Vauban bridge for panoramic views over the city and River Ill.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Basel)

    Morning sightseeing and New Year celebrations in Basel

    This morning we arrive in Basel, Switzerland's cultural capital, where a guided tour introduces us to its fascinating blend of old and new. We wander through the beautifully preserved Old Town, admiring the red sandstone Town Hall, the impressive Basel Minster and scenic views across the Rhine. After lunch onboard, the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. This evening, we enjoy a glass of mulled wine before gathering for our spectacular New Year's Eve gala dinner, with a choice between traditional German or British food, and ring in the new year aboard our luxury ship.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (sailing)

    New Year's cruise along the breathtaking Rhine

    Embrace the new year with a relaxing full day spent cruising along the Rhine, watching the ever-changing views unfold. Head to the viewing deck to soak up the scenery, unwind with a drink in the cosy bar or make use of the onboard gym. After a leisurely lunch, enjoy a range of festive activities onboard including a gingerbread-making session and a traditional afternoon tea featuring seasonal favourites.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Heidelberg)

    The historic cities of Speyer and Heidelberg

    This morning, there is time to explore the cultural city of Speyer at leisure, one of Germany's oldest cities, offering a genuine insight into the heart of the Holy Roman Empire. We return to the ship for a leisurely lunch as we sail onwards to Heidelberg. This afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg, nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest. Stroll the charming Old Town, admire the iconic Heidelberg Castle and take in the picturesque views from the Karl Theodor Bridge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Amara (Koblenz)

    Rüdesheim and sailing the picturesque Rhine Gorge to Koblenz

    We explore the wine-making town of Rüdesheim after breakfast, known for its picturesque setting, wine culture and historic charm. Visit Rüdesheim Castle or stroll down Drösselgasse, a picturesque street lined with cosy wine bars and quaint shops. After returning to the ship for lunch, we sail onward to Koblenz, passing through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval castles, vineyards and the mythical Lorelei Rock. On arrival in Koblenz, there is time at leisure to admire the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Deutsches Eck.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive holiday concludes and you are free to make your own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Eurostar at London St Pancras, travel through Brussels, and embark on MS Amadeus Amara in Cologne with a welcome cocktail
  • Day 2Guided walking tour of Mainz's cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, followed by a visit to the Gutenberg Museum and brewery tasting
  • Day 4Arrive in Basel and celebrate New Year's Eve with a gala dinner and mulled wine onboard the ship
  • Day 5Full day cruising the Rhine with onboard activities including gingerbread-making and seasonal afternoon tea
  • Day 7Sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site lined with medieval castles and vineyards, en route to Koblenz

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Amara
  • 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
  • Spectacular New Year's Eve gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the 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 rail travel included?
Yes. Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, train onward to Cologne, and return Eurostar are included. First or Standard Class on Eurostar is available; First Class includes Eurostar Plus service.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. An experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team accompany the group throughout the eight days.
What accommodation is provided?
Seven nights aboard MS Amadeus Amara, a luxury river cruise ship. The ship is your base for the entire journey.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, plus a New Year's Eve gala dinner. Drinks are complimentary with dinner each night of the cruise.
Which guided tours and excursions are included?
Great Rail Journeys includes guided walking tours in Mainz, Strasbourg, and Heidelberg, plus a brewery visit and tasting in Mainz and access to the Gutenberg Museum. A superb choice of excursions is available; consult the operator for the full list.
When does this trip run?
Only one departure is published: December 2026. Confirm availability and whether additional dates are planned with Great Rail Journeys.

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