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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Rhine Valley in Flames: Oberwesel & the Moselle

Eight-day river cruise from Strasbourg to Cologne with Rhine in Flames fireworks

Illustration of Rhine Valley in Flames: Oberwesel & the Moselle

Vacations By Rail's eight-day cruise showcases the Rhine and Moselle rivers from Strasbourg to Cologne, with the showstopper being the annual Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated boat procession at Oberwesel on Day 3. Travelers embark from London via Eurostar, arriving in Strasbourg to board the five-star MS Amadeus Cara. The itinerary blends river sailing with guided exploration: a vintage train ride through Rüdesheim's wine country, wine tastings in the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues, a cog railway to the Drachenfels summit, and Old Town walking tours in Cochem, Trier, and Cologne. All meals, a drinks package, and superb included excursions come aboard the ship. This tour suits couples and luxury-seekers drawn to European wine regions and cultural heritage, with an escorted team managing every detail.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; most guests arrive via Eurostar from London St Pancras.
  • Day 2 and Day 6 offer a choice of excursions; your inclusion depends on which tour is booked.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: aboard ship, Strasbourg

    To Strasbourg, where we board our luxurious ship

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, Eurostar to Paris, train to Strasbourg, then board the ship with a welcome cocktail and first five-course dinner onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: aboard ship, sailing to Rüdesheim

    Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg

    Choice of an excursion to Colmar or a guided tour of Strasbourg. Lunch onboard, afternoon free in Strasbourg, then sail toward Rüdesheim.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: aboard ship, Koblenz

    Exploring Rüdesheim & Rhine in Flames event at Oberwesel

    The Winzerexpress land train through vineyards into Rüdesheim, with a choice of a winery tour and tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Cruise to Oberwesel for the evening's Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated boat procession, then continue overnight to Koblenz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: aboard ship, Cochem

    Sailing along the Moselle and exploring Cochem

    Morning cruising the Moselle, then a guided tour of Cochem's Old Town beneath Reichsburg Castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: aboard ship, Bernkastel-Kues

    A tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues

    Guided sightseeing tour of Bernkastel-Kues' Old Town, Market Square and St. Michael's Fountain, with a Bernkasteler Doctor wine tasting.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: aboard ship, sailing toward Koblenz

    The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg

    Choice of a guided tour of Trier (Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral, Church of Our Lady) or an excursion to Luxembourg. Gala dinner onboard, then sail downstream along the Moselle toward Koblenz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: aboard ship, Cologne

    The Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne

    Arrive in Königswinter for the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to the Drachenfels summit. Continue cruising to Cologne, with time in the Old Town for Kölsch beer after dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Early breakfast, disembark in Cologne, coach to the railway station, train to Brussels, then on to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Winzerexpress land train climbs through Rüdesheim vineyards, then the ship cruises to Oberwesel for the Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated boat procession.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Bernkastel-Kues includes tasting of Bernkasteler Doctor wine at the Market Square and St. Michael's Fountain.
  • Day 7The cog railway Drachenfelsbahn carries passengers to the Drachenfels summit above Königswinter before the ship reaches Cologne.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First and Standard Class rail options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise, including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

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 train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, a train to Strasbourg, the Winzerexpress through Rüdesheim vineyards, the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to Drachenfels, and the return train to London. All rail and coach travel is included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout.
What ship is used?
The MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise ship.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day are included, as well as a drinks package with dinner every night, including a gala dinner.
When does the Rhine in Flames event occur?
It takes place on Day 3 at Oberwesel during the evening cruise.
What is the activity level?
Mobility Rating 1, meaning minimal walking beyond ship boarding and guided city tours.

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