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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Rhine Valley in Flames: Koblenz & the Moselle

Eight-day escorted river cruise from London through Rhine and Moselle valleys

Illustration of Rhine Valley in Flames: Koblenz & the Moselle

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted river cruise that combines rail travel from London with seven nights aboard the MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star vessel cruising the Rhine and Moselle valleys. You depart London St Pancras on Eurostar, transfer to the TGV toward Strasbourg, and board the ship for an all-inclusive cruise experience. The journey moves downriver through vineyard-lined valleys and half-timbered towns, with the centerpiece on Day 3: the Rhine in Flames festival in Koblenz, where fireworks and illuminated boats surround the ship after dark. Along the way, Great Rail Journeys includes guided excursions to Cochem's Reichsburg Castle, Bernkastel-Kues' cobblestone Old Town with Moselle wine tasting, and a choice between ancient Trier (with three UNESCO World Heritage sites) or Luxembourg's dramatically positioned capital. On Day 7, you ride the Drachenfelsbahn, a cogwheel railway in operation since 1883, to the Drachenfels plateau. All daily meals, evening drinks, and return rail travel to London are included. The pace is unhurried: days blend onboard relaxation with guided shore excursions and wine experiences. This trip suits luxury-seeking couples and repeat rail travellers who appreciate guided comfort, wine, and European river scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure date is published: August 2027.
  • Day 2 and Day 6 offer choice of excursions; your final allocation depends on booking timing and demand.
  • The single supplement (GBP 3,899) exceeds half the double price, adding GBP 1,200 to the base fare.
  • Rail travel uses a mix of Eurostar and French TGV services in Standard or First Class depending on availability; the exact class assigned may vary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Strasbourg)

    To Strasbourg, where we board our luxurious ship

    Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. In the French capital, switch trains and continue by rail to Strasbourg, where you board the MS Amadeus Cara. Enjoy a welcome cocktail on arrival on the sundeck, settle into your cabin, then enjoy your first dinner and drinks package onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    Picturesque Strasbourg or charming Colmar

    A choice of two excursions: a morning city tour of Strasbourg (La Petite France district, Notre Dame Cathedral) or a journey to the fairytale city of Colmar (cobblestone lanes, flower-lined canals, Alsatian wine tasting). Lunch is served onboard; the afternoon is at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Koblenz)

    Rüdesheim and the magical Rhine in Flames

    Dock in Rüdesheim and travel by land train to the town centre. Choose between a wine-tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Free time to explore the Drosselgasse Alley. Return to the ship for lunch, then cruise towards Koblenz. Explore Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. In the evening, experience the spectacular Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated boats from the comfort of the ship.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cochem)

    A storybook day in Cochem

    A leisurely morning cruising through river scenery towards Cochem. Lunch onboard, then a guided tour of Cochem: Reichsburg Castle, half-timbered houses, winding lanes, quaint boutiques, traditional wine cellars, ancient town walls and an arts centre in a former monastery. Wine tasting of the Moselle region's finest wines. Return to the ship for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Bernkastel-Kues)

    A tour and wine-tasting in Bernkastel-Kues

    Continue cruising through the Moselle Valley after breakfast, mooring at Bernkastel-Kues after lunch. Guided sightseeing tour of the Old Town: cobblestone streets, traditional German buildings, the market square, St Michael's Fountain. Finish with a tasting of the renowned Bernkasteler Doctor wine. Return to the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara

    The ancient city of Trier or Luxembourg

    Choice of excursions: a guided tour of Trier (Germany's oldest city) visiting the Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady (all UNESCO World Heritage sites), or a coach trip to Luxembourg's UNESCO-listed Old Town with views over dramatic gorges and the Grand Ducal Palace. Lunch onboard; afternoon and evening at leisure as the ship sails downstream along the Moselle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cologne)

    A historic journey on the Drachenfelsbahn

    Morning of relaxed cruising with breakfast and lunch onboard, arriving in Königswinter. Afternoon scenic journey on the historic Drachenfelsbahn (Germany's oldest cogwheel railway, in operation since 1883), passing Schloss Drachenburg and reaching the Drachenfels plateau for spectacular Rhine Valley views. Continue cruising towards Cologne; admire the cityscape and Cathedral. After dinner, optional stroll through Cologne's Old Town and sample Kölsch beer.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, disembark and say goodbye to the crew. Travel by train to Brussels, then switch trains and continue to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: the Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated boats viewed from the ship in Koblenz, with the MS Amadeus Cara decorated as part of the festival.
  • Day 4Day 4: guided tour of Cochem's Reichsburg Castle, half-timbered houses, and wine cellars, followed by Moselle wine tasting onboard.
  • Day 5Day 5: guided tour of Bernkastel-Kues Old Town and tasting of the renowned Bernkasteler Doctor wine.
  • Day 7Day 7: scenic journey aboard the Drachenfelsbahn, Germany's oldest cogwheel railway operating since 1883, to the Drachenfels plateau.

Included

  • Escort throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First & Standard Class rail travel options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
  • Spectacular 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)
  • Superb excursions included

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. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, TGV rail from Paris to Strasbourg, the Drachenfelsbahn cogwheel railway, and return train travel via Brussels to London St Pancras.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director escort you throughout the eight days, and all excursions in port towns are guided.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily onboard the MS Amadeus Cara, plus a drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise.
What accommodation is provided?
You stay seven nights aboard the MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise ship, in one of four cabin types ranging from Classic Staterooms (16 sqm, lower deck) to Deluxe Suites (26.4 sqm, upper deck with walk-out balcony).
When does this trip depart?
One departure is published: August 2027.
What is the highlight of this trip?
The Rhine in Flames celebration in Koblenz, where you watch fireworks and illuminated boats from the ship on Day 3. The itinerary also includes wine tastings in Bernkastel-Kues and Rüdesheim, and a journey on Germany's oldest cogwheel railway.

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