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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

Rhine and Moselle river cruise from Strasbourg to Cologne with wine tastings

Illustration of The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

Great Rail Journeys' Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle is an eight-day escorted river cruise combining rail and waterborne travel from London to Cologne. The journey begins with an Eurostar crossing to Paris, then rail to Strasbourg, where guests board the five-star MS Amadeus Cara for a seven-night cruise. The centrepiece is the Rhine in Flames festival on day three, when illuminated boats and fireworks light the valley and its castles near St Goar. The itinerary then sails the Moselle, visiting the wine regions of Rüdesheim, Cochem, and Bernkastel-Kues (with included tastings), the historic city of Trier, and optionally Luxembourg. Day seven includes a ride on the Drachenfels cog railway with views over the Rhine-Westphalia region. All meals, drinks, guided excursions, and transfers are included. The cruise suits couples, wine enthusiasts, and travellers who prefer guided escorted travel without independent navigation.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed: September 2026. Confirm availability and book early.
  • The single supplement is GBP 3,499, compared to GBP 2,299 for a shared cabin, a difference of over 50 percent.
  • Cabin upgrades to Deluxe Suites or Staterooms are available but charged separately.

Day by day

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

    To Strasbourg where we board our ship

    Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras for our Eurostar journey to Paris. From here, we continue by rail to the elegant city of Strasbourg, known for its unique blend of French and German culture. As we step aboard our cruise ship here, we're greeted by our wonderful crew with a cocktail, setting the tone for the incredible experiences to come. We settle into our cabins before enjoying our first dinner onboard.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Rüdesheim)

    Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg

    After breakfast onboard, there is a choice of excursions. The first is a sightseeing trip to Colmar, with its fairytale charm, cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, historic Old Town, quaint cafes, local markets, and the Maison Pfister. Alternatively, opt for a tour of Strasbourg, taking in the blend of French and German culture, the Cathedral Notre Dame and the La Petite France district. There is free time in Strasbourg in the afternoon before setting sail toward Rüdesheim.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Koblenz)

    Experiencing Rüdesheim and the Rhine in Flames

    We sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine and dry Riesling. Stepping ashore, we travel through vineyards aboard a land train to the centre of the wine town. Choice of excursions: a wine tasting or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Free time to explore the Drosselgasse alley. Later we sail to St Goar for the spectacular Rhine in Flames display – a stunning procession of illuminated boats, fireworks and music. We celebrate from our ship before sailing to Koblenz for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cochem)

    Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

    The morning is spent cruising through the beautiful scenery of the Moselle river. Sailing into Cochem this afternoon, we are surrounded by rolling hills, traditional wooden houses and the majestic Reichsburg Castle. On a guided tour after lunch, we explore the Old Town, seeing well-preserved ancient walls and a former monastery. Free time to explore Cochem at your own pace before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Trier)

    A taste of Bernkastel-Kues

    We enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Moselle Valley as we continue our cruise. Mooring at Bernkastel-Kues after lunch, a sightseeing tour takes us through the Old Town's cobblestone streets, the Market Square, and the St. Michael's Fountain. An included wine tasting of the local Bernkasteler Doctor speciality is also enjoyed. We reboard for dinner and an evening cruise towards Trier.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Cara (en route to Koblenz)

    The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg

    Waking to views of historic Trier, there is a choice of excursions: explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide, visiting the Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady (all UNESCO World Heritage sites); or board the coach for an excursion to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour. The evening is spent on board, sailing back downstream along the Moselle toward Koblenz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: MS Amadeus Cara (Cologne)

    The Drachenfels and Cologne

    After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Königswinter where the Drachenfels cog railway awaits. This railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle, with wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region. Back on board later this afternoon, we continue toward Cologne. We celebrate the final evening with a Gala dinner before approaching the striking city, admiring its magnificent bridges and imposing cathedral from the deck.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to the railway station where we catch our train to London, with memories of our cruise along the Rhine and Moselle.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: the Rhine in Flames spectacle unfolds with illuminated boats and fireworks lighting the Rhine Valley and its castles.
  • Day 4Day 4: a guided tour of Cochem reveals the medieval Old Town, ancient walls, and Reichsburg Castle perched above the Moselle.
  • Day 5Day 5: wine tasting of Bernkasteler Doctor, the local speciality, following a sightseeing tour through cobblestone streets and the Market Square.
  • Day 7Day 7: the Drachenfels cog railway rises through forests past a fairytale castle with panoramic views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.

Included

  • Experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team throughout
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
  • 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
  • Spectacular gala dinner on final evening
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to ship and back (one case per cabin)
  • A superb choice of excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris in Standard or First Class, rail onward to Strasbourg, all coach transfers, and the Drachenfels cog railway. Return rail to London from Cologne is included on day eight.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the eight days.
What is included in the price?
The cruise fare includes seven nights aboard MS Amadeus Cara, all meals and drinks with dinner, guided shore excursions, rail and coach travel, Wi-Fi onboard, and complimentary home-to-ship luggage service for one case per cabin.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served each day of the cruise, including a gala dinner on the final evening. A drinks package is included with dinner each night.
When does this cruise depart?
Great Rail Journeys lists one departure in September 2026 for this itinerary.
What are the shore excursions?
Day 2 offers a choice between a sightseeing trip to Colmar or a tour of Strasbourg. Day 3 includes travel through Rüdesheim vineyards and a choice of wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. Guided tours are included in Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, and either Trier or Luxembourg. Day 7 features the Drachenfels cog railway.

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