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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar

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

Illustration of Rhine Valley in Flames: St Goar

Vacations By Rail's Rhine Valley in Flames is an eight-day escorted river cruise from London to Strasbourg, combining train travel from London St Pancras via Eurostar with seven nights aboard the luxury ship MS Amadeus Cara. The journey begins in Cologne, where passengers board the ship and meet their Tour Manager and Cruise Director. Over the following days, travelers cruise the Rhine, experiencing the river's most celebrated sites: the Drachenfels Railway ascent above Königswinter, the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at Koblenz, and the Lorelei Rock in the Rhine Gorge. The tour's centerpiece is Day 3 at St. Goar, where passengers watch the Rhine in Flames fireworks display and boat procession from the ship's deck. Optional excursions include Heidelberg's Old Town and castle, the Black Forest, and Strasbourg's La Petite France district. All meals, drinks, guided tours, and return travel to London are included. This cruise suits couples seeking luxury river travel, history enthusiasts interested in Germany's Rhine Valley heritage, and travelers who prefer guided comfort with organized excursions and onboard dining.

What to know before you look closer

  • On Day 5, passengers are split between a guided tour of Heidelberg or onboard transit to Speyer; the choice depends on your preference and affects which city you see in depth.
  • Day 7 offers a choice of excursion (Black Forest or Strasbourg); only one can be taken.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the quoted price and must be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: aboard ship, Cologne

    To Cologne, where we board our luxurious ship

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, Eurostar to Brussels, train to Cologne, then board the MS Amadeus Cara with a welcome cocktail and first dinner onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: aboard ship, cruising toward Koblenz

    Cologne sightseeing and the Drachenfels Railway

    Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town and Gothic cathedral, plus a beer tasting. Cruise toward Königswinter for the Drachenfels Railway cog railway to the summit, passing Drachenfels Castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: aboard ship, St. Goar

    Picturesque Koblenz and the magical Rhine in Flames

    Free time in Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, near Deutsches Eck and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Sail to Boppard for free time, then on to St. Goar for the evening's Rhine in Flames fireworks and boat procession.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: aboard ship, Rüdesheim

    Through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

    Cruise the Upper Middle Rhine Valley past the Lorelei Rock, dock in Rüdesheim, land train through vineyards into town, with a choice of wine-tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: aboard ship, Speyer

    Discovering Heidelberg or the city of Speyer

    Arrive in Mannheim with a choice of a guided tour of Heidelberg (Old Town and Heidelberg Castle) or staying aboard to Speyer (Speyer Cathedral); both groups reunite onboard in Speyer for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: aboard ship, Strasbourg

    A scenic day sailing to Strasbourg

    Leisurely cruising along the Rhine, arriving in Strasbourg in the afternoon, with dinner onboard and optional time ashore.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: aboard ship, Strasbourg

    Exploring the enchanting Black Forest or Strasbourg

    Choice of a guided excursion into the Black Forest or a guided city tour of Strasbourg (La Petite France district, the cathedral). Afternoon at leisure, then a special gala dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Last breakfast onboard, disembark in Strasbourg, coach to the railway station, train to Paris, then Eurostar to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart London St Pancras on Eurostar, travel by train to Cologne, and board the MS Amadeus Cara with a welcome cocktail and first dinner.
  • Day 2Ride the Drachenfels Railway cog train to the summit, passing Drachenfels Castle on the way.
  • Day 3Watch the Rhine in Flames fireworks display from the ship at St. Goar, accompanied by a boat procession on the river.
  • Day 4Cruise past the Lorelei Rock through the Rhine Gorge, then travel by land train through Rüdesheim's vineyards into town.
  • Day 7Choose a guided excursion into the Black Forest or a guided tour of Strasbourg's La Petite France district and cathedral, followed by a gala dinner onboard.

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 all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, rail travel to Cologne, the Drachenfels Railway cog train, and return rail and Eurostar to London on Day 8.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director throughout the entire eight days.
What is included in the meals and drinks?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily during the seven-night cruise, along with a drinks package at dinner each evening and a special gala dinner. Day 8 includes breakfast only.
What ship is used?
The MS Amadeus Cara, on which passengers spend all seven nights.
When does the Rhine in Flames event occur?
The fireworks spectacle takes place on Day 3 at St. Goar, viewed from the ship with a boat procession on the river.
Are excursions included?
Yes. The package includes guided tours of Cologne, the Drachenfels Railway, optional excursions to Heidelberg or Speyer on Day 5, and a choice of Black Forest or Strasbourg on Day 7. A wine-tasting option is also available in Rüdesheim.

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