Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar

Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury 7-night river cruise, from Strasbourg to Cologne.

Day by day

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

    To Cologne, where we board our luxurious ship

    Your cruise holiday along the Rhine begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels. Switching trains in Brussels, continue by rail to Cologne. A coach transfer takes you from the railway station to the waterfront where the cruise ship awaits. The crew greets guests with a cocktail; time to settle into cabins and get acquainted with the ship's amenities before the first dinner onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Koblenz)

    Cologne sightseeing and the Drachenfels Railway

    After breakfast, a guided sightseeing tour of Cologne explores the colourful Old Town and the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the largest in northern Europe, followed by a beer tasting. Relaxed lunch onboard as the ship cruises toward Königswinter, where the Drachenfels Cog Railway rises through forests past the fairytale Drachenfels Castle with spectacular views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Return to the ship for dinner, cruising overnight toward Koblenz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (St Goar)

    Picturesque Koblenz and the magical Rhine in Flames

    Free time after breakfast to explore Koblenz, set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stroll to Deutsches Eck where the two rivers meet, with views to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. After lunch onboard, sail to Boppard for free time to wander its cobblestone streets. In the evening, set sail for St Goar for the spectacular Rhine in Flames, an illuminated boat procession, fireworks and music engulfing the Rhine River, watched from the ship.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Mannheim)

    Through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

    A leisurely morning onboard cruising through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, passing vineyards, ancient castles and picturesque riverside towns. Hear the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock. After lunch, dock in Rüdesheim and travel through vineyards aboard a land train to the town centre. Explore the Drosselgasse Alley, then choose between a wine-tasting excursion or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Reboard the ship to relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Speyer/en route)

    Discovering Heidelberg or the city of Speyer

    A leisurely morning of cruising with breakfast and lunch onboard before arriving in Mannheim. Choice of two excursions: a guided tour of Heidelberg's Old Town and romantic castle ruins dramatically perched above the river, or continuing by ship to Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, to visit the magnificent Speyer Cathedral. Those visiting Heidelberg rejoin the ship in Speyer in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Strasbourg)

    A scenic day sailing to Strasbourg

    A day of leisurely cruising along the Rhine, gliding past vineyard-covered hillsides, charming riverside towns and stretches of countryside. Arrive in Strasbourg later in the afternoon, a captivating city where French and German influences blend, renowned for its half-timbered houses, picturesque canals and striking Gothic cathedral. After dinner onboard, step ashore to experience the city's charm.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Strasbourg)

    Exploring the enchanting Black Forest or Strasbourg

    After breakfast, choice of two excursions: a trip into the Black Forest to experience Germany's largest nature park with its spruce trees, picturesque villages and sparkling lakes on a guided tour; or a guided city tour of Strasbourg exploring the UNESCO-listed cathedral and the charming La Petite France district. Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Strasbourg independently before a special gala dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Travelling home

    Last breakfast onboard before disembarking in Strasbourg. A coach transfer takes guests to Strasbourg's railway station, where a train departs to Paris. In Paris, switch trains and continue to London, where the Rhine holiday comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
  • First & Standard Class rail options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
  • Spectacular gala dinner on final evening
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • All excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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