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Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey

The Rhineland by Rail

Seven-day Rhine Valley rail journey from Cologne to Heidelberg with private transfers

Illustration of The Rhineland by Rail

Cox & Kings' seven-day Rhineland by Rail traces the Rhine through Germany's historic heartland. Beginning with Eurostar from London St Pancras, you arrive in Cologne to spend three days exploring one of Germany's largest cities and its surroundings. The journey continues south with a day-trip train to Aachen, once the medieval capital of Charlemagne's empire. Private transfers then escort you to two of the region's finest castles, Schloss Sayn and Schloss Stolzenfels, before you settle for three nights in Frankfurt. From there, a morning train carries you to Mainz, and onward days take you to the university town of Heidelberg and the UNESCO cathedral at Speyer. The pace is relaxed, with ample leisure time to wander historic town centres, and you return to London by Eurostar from Frankfurt. Ideal for first-time rail travellers, couples, and those drawn to medieval history and castle scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price of £2,495 covers accommodation, breakfast, and internal rail; you must book your own Eurostar tickets from London to Cologne and Frankfurt back to London (the itinerary names these as included but no Eurostar fare is in the base price)

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Arrive Cologne, Germany.

    Travel to Cologne by Eurostar from London St Pancras (via Brussels). Arrive and check in for 3 nights at Wassertum Hotel, a converted 19th-century water tower.

  2. Day 2overnight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Cologne

    Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cologne – one of Germany’s largest cities and bisected by the wide Lower Rhine. Highlights include Cologne Cathedral, whose soaring twin spires make it the tallest cathedral in the world; the Flora Botanical Garden, with its attractive formal landscaping; and the 12 Romanesque churches that sprinkle the Altstadt (Old Town).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Aachen

    Travel by train from Cologne to visit the city of Aachen, once the capital of Charlemagne’s medieval empire and well restored after the second world war. Your day is at leisure to explore. Worthy landmarks include the impressive Palatine Chapel, one of the finest examples of Carolingian architecture; and the large, gothic Town Hall. Return to Cologne for the night.

  4. Day 4overnight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Koblenz & Frankfurt

    Together with a private driver, travel south and visit two of the Rhineland’s finest castles, Schloss Sayn and Schloss Stolzenfels, followed by time at leisure for lunch in Koblenz. Proceed to Frankfurt and check in at LUME Boutique Hotel for 3 nights.

  5. Day 5railovernight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Frankfurt

    This morning, visit Mainz, just a short distance from Frankfurt by local train. Founded by the Romans, this historic city boasts both an impressive cathedral and picturesque old town. Return to Frankfurt and spend the afternoon exploring its highlights, which include the Historical Museum, the New Old Town, and the Cathedral of St Bartholomew, where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned for many centuries.

  6. Day 6overnight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Heidelburg

    Travel south with a private driver to the historic university town of Heidelberg. Explore the historic centre and medieval castle, parts of which date to the 13th century. Continue to Speyer and visit the city’s 11th-century cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – before returning to Frankfurt.

  7. Day 7rail

    Return to the UK.

    Depart Frankfurt by train for London St Pancras (via Paris).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Cologne by Eurostar from London St Pancras via Brussels and check into the Wasserturm Hotel, a converted 19th-century water tower
  • Day 3Day trip by train to Aachen, the medieval capital of Charlemagne's empire, to visit the Palatine Chapel and gothic Town Hall
  • Day 4Travel south with a private driver to see Schloss Sayn and Schloss Stolzenfels, two of the Rhineland's finest castles, and stop for lunch in Koblenz before heading to Frankfurt
  • Day 5Morning train to Mainz to explore its Roman-founded old town and cathedral, then return to Frankfurt to visit the Historical Museum and Cathedral of St Bartholomew
  • Day 6Drive to the historic university town of Heidelberg to explore its medieval castle and town centre, then visit Speyer's 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage cathedral

Included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation, including breakfast
  • Private transfers / drivers where stated
  • International and local rail travel as required

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes international Eurostar travel from London St Pancras to Cologne and return from Frankfurt, plus local rail journeys such as the day trip from Cologne to Aachen and the morning train to Mainz. Private transfers by driver are also included between other destinations.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is a tailor-made journey. You have full days at leisure in Cologne and Frankfurt to explore on your own, though private transfers and selected sightseeing (such as the castle visits) are arranged for you.
What is included in the price?
Six nights' accommodation with breakfast, all rail travel as required, and private transfers or drivers where stated in the itinerary.
Which hotels are used?
The Wasserturm Hotel in Cologne (a converted 19th-century water tower) for 3 nights, and the LUME Boutique Hotel in Frankfurt for 3 nights.
When does this trip run?
Cox & Kings offers departures in June and October, with prices ranging from £2,495 to £2,695.
How much walking is involved?
The trip has a moderate activity level. You will walk through city centres and explore castles, but private transfers handle travel between major destinations, and you set your own pace on leisure days.

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