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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

The Rhine Valley in Flames

Eight-day Rhine river cruise from London to Strasbourg with rail connections

Illustration of The Rhine Valley in Flames

Vacations By Rail operates this eight-day escorted journey combining Eurostar and continental rail with a seven-night river cruise on the MS Amadeus Cara. You depart London St Pancras aboard Eurostar, connect through Brussels to Cologne, and board the ship for a leisurely downstream cruise through Germany's Rhine Valley to Strasbourg. The voyage passes UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge scenery, medieval castles, and wine-producing towns including Rudesheim and Heidelberg. Day 3 positions the ship to watch the Rhine in Flames, an annual fireworks and illuminated-boat procession that lights the valley. The itinerary balances structured excursions, such as the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to Drachenfels summit and guided city tours in Cologne and Heidelberg, with unscheduled time in ports to explore independently. Five-course dinners and drinks each evening are served onboard. This cruise suits first-time river travelers, luxury-seekers, and couples seeking European scenery from a relaxed, floating base.

What to know before you look closer

  • This trip is primarily a river cruise; rail comprises roughly one quarter of the journey (Eurostar and connecting trains to and from the ship)
  • Day 5 and Day 7 offer a choice between guided excursions and remaining onboard, which means the experience varies by passenger selection
  • The Rhine in Flames spectacle is an annual event with specific dates; confirm availability for your travel dates with Vacations By Rail

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: ship

    To Cologne, where we board our luxurious ship

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Brussels, then change trains to Cologne. Coach transfer to the ship, welcome cocktail and first five-course dinner onboard.

  2. Day 2railovernight: ship

    Exploring Cologne and riding the Drachenfelsbahn

    A guided tour of Cologne including its Gothic cathedral and a local beer tasting, then sailing past Bonn to Konigswinter for the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to the summit of Drachenfels.

  3. Day 3overnight: ship (Boppard)

    Historic Koblenz and the Rhine in Flames

    Free time in Koblenz including Deutsches Eck, then sailing to Boppard and Oberwesel to watch the Rhine in Flames fireworks and illuminated-boat procession from the ship, before docking overnight in Boppard.

  4. Day 4railovernight: ship

    The enchanting Rhine Gorge and the wine town of Rudesheim

    Sail through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock, then a land train through Rudesheim's vineyards with a choice of a wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.

  5. Day 5overnight: ship

    Heidelberg and its red sandstone castle and the city of Speyer

    Arrive in Mannheim and continue by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour including Heidelberg Castle, or stay onboard as the ship sails to Speyer to explore its historic cathedral.

  6. Day 6overnight: ship

    A scenic day sailing to Strasbourg

    A full day cruising the Rhine to Strasbourg, arriving early evening with free time to explore the old town after dinner.

  7. Day 7overnight: ship

    The enchanting Black Forest or touring Strasbourg

    Choice of a trip into the Black Forest or a guided city tour of Strasbourg including its UNESCO-listed cathedral and La Petite France district. Gala dinner onboard.

  8. Day 8rail

    Tour conclusion

    Disembark in Strasbourg after breakfast, coach transfer to the railway station, then train to Paris, changing trains to continue to London where the vacation concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway from Konigswinter to the summit of Drachenfels for views of the Rhine Valley
  • Day 3Watch the Rhine in Flames annual fireworks and illuminated-boat procession from the ship near Boppard and Oberwesel
  • Day 4Sail through the Rhine Gorge past Lorelei Rock, then choose a wine tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rudesheim
  • Day 5Take a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle and its red sandstone city, or remain on the ship as it sails to Speyer

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Five-star service onboard from our English-speaking crew
  • 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
  • A superb choice of excursions

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 train travel included in the price?
Yes. Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, rail from Brussels to Cologne, and return rail from Strasbourg to Paris and London are all included. First and Standard Class rail options are available.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the eight days.
What ship is used and where do I sleep?
The MS Amadeus Cara is the ship. You sleep onboard all seven nights in a river-cruise cabin.
What meals and drinks are included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day of the cruise are included, plus a drinks package with dinner every night and a gala dinner on Day 7.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this as Mobility Rating 1, indicating minimal walking beyond stations and ship boarding.
What is the Rhine in Flames and when does it happen?
The Rhine in Flames is an annual fireworks and light spectacle with illuminated boats on the Rhine, viewed from the ship near Boppard and Oberwesel on Day 3. It takes place on specific dates each year; confirm with the operator.

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