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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar

Seven-night Rhine river cruise from London to Paris with Rhine in Flames spectacle

Illustration of Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar

Great Rail Journeys offers this eight-day escorted journey combining rail travel and a seven-night luxury cruise aboard the five-star MS Amadeus Cara. Departing from London via Eurostar and Brussels, travellers board the ship in Cologne and cruise the Rhine through four countries to Strasbourg, then return to London by train. The trip culminates at St Goar with a front-row view of the Rhine in Flames, an illuminated boat procession and fireworks display. Days include guided exploration of Cologne's Gothic cathedral and Old Town, a cog railway ascent to Drachenfels Castle, free time in the medieval towns of Koblenz and Boppard, and a choice of excursions to Heidelberg Castle, Speyer Cathedral, or the Black Forest. All meals, drinks, excursions and rail fares are included. This suits repeat rail travellers seeking luxury escorted comfort, couples, and history lovers drawn to Rhine Valley castles and cathedrals.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single-supplement price (GBP 4,499) is significantly higher than half the double-cabin price; confirm cabin sharing policies or expect premium surcharge.
  • Day 8 involves early departure from Strasbourg and full-day train travel back to London; confirm TGV and rail connections before booking.
  • Only one confirmed departure listed for September 2027; check Great Rail Journeys website for additional dates.

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Drachenfels Cog Railway from Königswinter through forests past Drachenfels Castle with views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.
  • Day 3Watch the Rhine in Flames illuminated boat procession and fireworks display from St Goar aboard the MS Amadeus Cara.
  • Day 4Cruise through the Rhine Gorge past vineyards, ancient castles and riverside towns; hear the legend of Lorelei Rock.
  • Day 5Choose between a guided tour of Heidelberg's Old Town and castle ruins or a visit to Speyer Cathedral in Germany's oldest city.
  • Day 7Choose a guided tour of the Black Forest's nature park or explore Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed cathedral and La Petite France district.

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

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 in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, all rail connections to and from the cruise, and the Drachenfels Cog Railway. First and Standard Class rail options are available.
What is the ship and what are the cabin arrangements?
The cruise operates aboard MS Amadeus Cara, a five-star river cruise ship. Cabins are included for seven nights. A complimentary luggage service transports one case per cabin from home to the ship and back.
What meals are included?
All breakfast, lunch and dinner are included each day of the cruise. A complimentary drinks package is included with dinner every night, and a spectacular gala dinner is served on the final evening.
Are the excursions guided or independent?
All excursions are included. Cologne receives a guided sightseeing tour and beer tasting. Day 5 offers a choice between guided tours of Heidelberg or Speyer. Day 7 offers a guided Black Forest tour or a guided Strasbourg city tour. Other stops allow free time to explore independently.
Who is the operator and is this escorted?
Great Rail Journeys operates this tour. It is escorted throughout by an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team.
When does this trip depart?
One departure is confirmed for September 2027. Optional London hotel stays before or after the tour are available, and flexible UK rail connections from local stations to join the tour can be arranged.

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