Great Rail Journeys
Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine
8 daysfrom $2,536
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle
Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury 7-night river cruise, from Strasbourg to Cologne.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
