Great Rail Journeys
Simply Bavaria (Bavaria's Romantic Road All Inclusive)
8 daysfrom $1,601
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Rhine Valley in Flames
Discover the magical Rhine on a spectacular cruise and witness the Rhine in Flames celebration.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Cologne (onboard ship)
To Cologne where we board our luxurious ship
Your holiday begins this morning as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group, ready to board the Eurostar towards Brussels. Arriving in the Belgian capital, we switch trains and continue our journey to Cologne. The elegant spires of Cologne's UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral welcome us to this city on the Rhine. A coach transfer takes us to the waterfront, where we board our luxurious Amadeus ship and settle into our home on the river. Our friendly crew warmly greet us with a welcome cocktail. We gather for our first five-course dinner onboard.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Königswinter (onboard ship)
Exploring Cologne and riding the Drachenfelsbahn
After breakfast onboard, we join a leisurely tour of Cologne, wandering through its historic streets and squares. We admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the Gothic cathedral. Our tour wraps up with a tasting of Cologne's local beer. Later this morning, we set sail upstream past Bonn. We arrive in the enchanting town of Königswinter this afternoon and journey on the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway, rising high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle. Back onboard this evening, we enjoy dinner with a drinks package and an overnight sailing to Königswinter.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Boppard (onboard ship)
Historic Koblenz and the Rhine in Flames
Setting sail early this morning, we continue towards Koblenz, where we arrive after breakfast with some free time to explore – discover its Roman past or stroll to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We begin sailing again after lunch, pausing in the picturesque town of Boppard. From here, we continue cruising to Oberwesel, where we drop anchor and enjoy dinner before this evening's Rhine in Flames event. Locals and visitors celebrate summer with illuminated boats, fireworks and music along the Rhine river. As the Rhine in Flames comes to an end, we return to Boppard, where we dock for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Rüdesheim (onboard ship)
The enchanting Rhine Gorge and the wine town of Rüdesheim
A leisurely start with breakfast and lunch onboard as we sail through the romantic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We hear the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock. Later this afternoon, we dock in Rüdesheim, where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train. Choice of excursions: a winery tour and wine-tasting experience, or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Free time to explore the town's cobbled streets before returning to the ship for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Speyer (onboard ship)
Heidelberg and its red sandstone castle and the city of Speyer
A relaxed morning sailing along the Rhine with breakfast and lunch on the ship. Early this afternoon, we arrive in Mannheim and continue by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour including the ruined red sandstone castle. Alternatively, stay onboard and sail to Speyer. Those who visited Heidelberg transfer by coach to Speyer later this afternoon. In Speyer, take in the sights of the historic city and its cathedral at leisure before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Strasbourg (onboard ship)
A scenic day sailing to Strasbourg
A full day on the Rhine, cruising to the French city of Strasbourg. Relax onboard in the lounge or on the Sun Deck as we pass diverse landscapes, small riverside towns and deep natural beauty. Breakfast and lunch are served on the ship. We arrive in Strasbourg early this evening, and after dinner, you can experience the city's unique character at leisure – the old town with its timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and iconic Cathedral create a fairytale atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Strasbourg (onboard ship)
The enchanting Black Forest or touring Strasbourg
On the final full day, you have a choice of two excursions: a trip into the Black Forest – Germany's largest nature park – filled with rolling hills, picturesque villages, dense forests and meadows; or a city tour of Strasbourg, visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Following your excursion, lunch is served back on the ship. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover more of Strasbourg before tonight's special gala dinner onboard.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
Having sailed to some of the Rhine's most impressive destinations and witnessed the spectacular Rhine in Flames event, our cruise draws to a close this morning with an early breakfast on the ship. We say goodbye to our wonderful crew and disembark in Strasbourg. A coach transfer takes us to Strasbourg's railway station, where we catch our train to Paris. Here, we switch trains, continuing to London, where our magnificent Rhine holiday concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise on board the Amadeus Cara
- Five-star service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- First & Standard Class rail options available
- Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise including a 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)
- A superb choice of excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
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