How much does it cost?

From £3,825 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,167 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. The London gateway includes Eurostar Plus and First Class rail from London St Pancras to Basel, and the tour includes a chartered panoramic train from Basel into the Swiss Alps and back.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes, an experienced Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout.

What is the accommodation?

Seven nights aboard The Nobleman, a river cruise ship, with Stateroom, Stateroom Plus, or Deluxe Stateroom cabin options.

One departure is listed, in October 2027.

Railtrail Tours · Rail & Cruise Tour

Rhine, Main & Swiss Train Journey 2027

Rhine and Main river cruise with a chartered Alps train excursion

Railtrail Tours operates this 8-day, 7-night rail and river cruise tour that begins in London and ends back in London, with the core of the trip based aboard The Nobleman, a cruise ship on the Rhine and Main. After traveling by Eurostar Plus and First Class rail to Basel, travelers join a chartered panoramic train into the Swiss Alps before boarding the ship for seven nights, visiting Breisach and the Black Forest, Mannheim, a vineyard tour in Mainz, the Old Town of Speyer, and free time in Strasbourg. Days combine guided coach excursions and walking tours with time cruising the rivers, and a Tour Manager travels with the group throughout. The trip suits travelers who want a single unpacking for a week, a mix of guided sightseeing and river scenery, and full board meals and drinks included alongside the rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure is currently listed, for October 2027, so date choices are limited.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: The Nobleman
London to Basel, board The Nobleman
Travelling by Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards in First Class to the vibrant city of Basel, nestled at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Here, our transfer awaits to take us to board The Nobleman, our luxurious cruise ship and home for seven nights, and we enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and our evening meal on board.
Day 2railovernight: The Nobleman
Chartered panoramic train into the Swiss Alps
Today, we experience Switzerland in motion as we step aboard our signature, chartered train and journey through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Departing from Basel, we will relax in our panoramic coach designed to frame the beautiful scenery of every valley, peak, and village that we pass. We enjoy a welcome drink on board, complemented by regional Swiss delicacies, carefully selected wines, and lunch served during our journey. On our return to Basel this evening, we enjoy our evening meal together on board The Nobleman.
Day 3overnight: The Nobleman
Breisach and the Black Forest
This morning, we will have arrived in Breisach and will set out on a scenic coach journey from the banks of the Rhine into the enchanting Black Forest, an area steeped in folklore and natural beauty. Here, in the charming hillside villages, the 17th-century tradition of cuckoo clockmaking still thrives with each piece meticulously crafted and proudly certified. Our journey takes us through pine-covered valleys, past waterfalls, and into the heart of the region's sweetest legend - the Black Forest Cake! Alternatively, you may wish to spend your day in the picturesque town of Breisach, strolling its cobbled streets and discovering its historic charm before we reconvene on board The Nobleman for our evening meal.
Day 4overnight: The Nobleman
Mannheim, City of Inventions, then sail to Mainz
After breakfast this morning, we explore Mannheim on our half-day guided tour through the 'City of Inventions', the birthplace of the bicycle, the automobile, and even the tractor which has shaped global mobility and modern life. A highlight of our tour is Mannheim Palace, an architectural masterpiece and a grand reminder of the city's royal past. This afternoon, we rejoin The Nobleman and set sail towards Mainz enjoying our evening meal together as the river slips by.
Day 5overnight: The Nobleman
Mainz vineyards
Today, we set out on an enriching vineyard experience in Mainz, the 'Great Wine Capital' of Germany, where wine is a way of life flowing through more than 2,000 years of history. The Romans first planted vines along the Rhine's gentle slopes and, today, Mainz shares its prestige with renowned regions such as Bordeaux and Napa Valley with most vineyards still family-owned and embracing organic farming. After exploring this celebrated region and its flavours, we will return to The Nobleman for our evening meal together.
Day 6overnight: The Nobleman
Speyer Old Town
Today, we wake in the historic town of Speyer, one of Germany's oldest towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, we embark on a guided, walking tour of the Old Town discovering impressive facades, charming half-timbered houses, and romantic squares as we uncover layers of history and fascinating treasures. The afternoon is at leisure to explore further, visit the magnificent Cathedral, or browse the local shops before returning to The Nobleman for our evening meal together.
Day 7overnight: The Nobleman
Strasbourg and farewell dinner
This morning, we arrive in the enchanting city of Strasbourg and enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in this picturesque town exploring a maze of half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. The historic city centre holds a special distinction as the first entire city in France to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its extraordinary heritage and beautifully preserved character. This afternoon, we rejoin The Nobleman for a farewell cocktail reception enjoying our final evening meal together on board as we return to Basel.
Day 8rail
Disembark Basel, return to London
We bid farewell to Basel and to Switzerland as we disembark and return by rail to Brussels, where we will join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The chartered panoramic train travels from Basel into the Swiss Alps, with a welcome drink and regional Swiss delicacies served on board.
Day 3A coach journey from Breisach into the Black Forest, where the 17th-century tradition of cuckoo clockmaking still thrives in hillside villages.
Day 5A vineyard experience in Mainz, Germany's 'Great Wine Capital,' where the Romans first planted vines along the Rhine's slopes.
Day 6A guided walking tour of Speyer's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in half-timbered houses and the Cathedral.

Included

7 nights cruise aboard the luxurious Nobleman
Full Board Gourmet Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks)
All Inclusive Premium Drinks (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel to and from Switzerland
All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £3,825 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,167 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. The London gateway includes Eurostar Plus and First Class rail from London St Pancras to Basel, and the tour includes a chartered panoramic train from Basel into the Swiss Alps and back.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes, an experienced Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout.
What is the accommodation?: Seven nights aboard The Nobleman, a river cruise ship, with Stateroom, Stateroom Plus, or Deluxe Stateroom cabin options.
When does it depart?: One departure is listed, in October 2027.